IN DECEMBER
Advent
is a time of mystery and wonder
December
Artful Worship, Joyful Service
Sunday Celebration:
Weekly at 10:30 am
Advent is a time of mystery and wonder
A time when we are reminded of the visitation of angels and a woman named Mary who was overjoyed to receive- the light of Christ in her womb, and through her own enlightened consciousness, became a blessing of hope and love for the world.
But Mary would not have been able to do what she did without all the other courageous women who came before her - the ones who also gave their ‘yes’ to the summons of the Divine when She called. There were also brave men in the story, who chose to listen to their hearts rather than just what society expected of them.
This advent season, in the month of December, we will honor all the ‘yeses’ that created the legacy of courage, sanctuary and welcome that has flowed through the ages from one being to another. They all surrendered to Spirit in ordinary moments that over time had great impact on their communities and eventually led to the birth of the Messiah and his Beloved Companion, who many believe was an embodiment of Sophia.
I believe that hearing these stories can help give us conscious courage for these times we are living in. We may feel as though what we are doing does not make much of a difference, but our small acts of kindness are paving the way for future generations to see the light of love realized in its fullness.
You are invited to join us in the month of December for both the season of Advent and Christmas as we receive the light of Spirit into our hearts in an even deeper way so that we may shine that light with the world.
We will be blessed by the live music of Tom Finch for each Sunday in December. And will also have special music with Joanne Saltzgaber, Hannah Bourke and Caroluna Michaelson through the season. Dec 21, the day of the winter solstice, we will have a special indoor labyrinth walk for our morning service to honor the fertile darkness and the return of the light. That evening on Dec 21 we will host a special sound healing ceremony led by Caroluna Michaelson. Stay tuned for more details.
May we be inspired by our spiritual ancestry and embody the light together.
Pastor Kimberly
Dec 7 - The candles of Hope & Peace. As we begin the advent season together, we will remember the story of Elizabeth’s warm welcome to a young Mother Mary after she learned she was pregnant, and reflect on how we are also invited to follow her example and share the light of true acceptance and welcome with others. The service will also include the baptism of our new member, Prapti Mehta! Tom Finch and Joanne Saltzgaber will provide music. We will decorate the Christmas tree in the sanctuary after worship.
Dec 14 - The advent candle of Joy. We will honor the lineage of courageous women in the genealogy of Jesus, remembering how their bravery paved the way for future generations. We will also look at the prophetic song Mother Mary uttered, known as The Magnificat, reflecting on how God calls us to be ambassadors of peace, justice and hope in our world. Hannah Bourke will share an original song and Tom Finch will be at the piano.
Dec 21st. - Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk. Let your soul rest in the stillness and peace of the winter solstice as we walk the ancient path of our indoor chartres style labyrinth together, accompanied by the live music of Tom Finch. All three advent services will include the ritual lighting of candles on the advent wreath.
December 24th - 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Pageant. We will have lots of sheep, shepherd and angel costumes for kids. No practice needed. Family members are also welcome to join in the merriment. Pastor Kimberly will read a children’s Christmas story to the kids and Tom Finch will be at the piano leading the singing of Christmas carols and Joanne Saltzgaber will provide a special song.
December 24th 7:00 p.m. Contemplative Candlelight Christmas Eve service.
We will celebrate the returning light of the winter solstice and the birth of the Christ Child with candlelight, Christmas carols and the sacred stories of the season. Special music by Caroluna Michaelson.
December 28 - Celebrate the Fourth day of Christmas with this contemplative service of Lectio Divina, soulful singing and playful exploration with art supplies.