ADVENT 2024

There are so many ways we welcome you to be involved in celebrating the Advent and Christmas season with us. From Bible Study and Discussion Groups to being an Advent Angel to someone who could use some holiday cheer, to Advent Evensong Worship services, Devotionals, etc. - all this information and more is below.

Information about participating in the many ways we need volunteers for our annual Christmas Eve Community Pageant at the Ag Hall can be found by clicking here.

THE SEASON OF ADVENT

I look forward to exploring the "Words For the Beginning" theme with you during the season of Advent. This theme will carry through Sunday worship service and meditation at home -- even music and art! Below you will find a variety of resources to accompany your spiritual journey through Advent.

-- Rev. Cathlin 

Bonhoeffer Discussion Group

Thursdays, 12/12, 12/19 and 1/2 via Zoom at 5:30 pm
Sundays, 12/22 and 12/29 in person, after church, in Cathlin's office

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the critically important 20th century German theologian who participated in Christian resistance efforts to Nazism, remains a compelling Christian voice today.

A recently released film, called Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Spy, Assassin, has put a spotlight on his life and teachings once again. Despite the critical reviews it has received (click here for recent Christian Century article) from Bonhoeffer's family members and the Bonhoeffer Society, the film represents the importance of Bonhoeffer for today and suggests that now is an especially opportune time to be delving into Bonhoeffer's theology of God coming among us in a lowly manger. 

Join Nancy Ameen, Cathlin Baker and Woody Bowman in a discussion of the Advent devotional book, God is in the Manger: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Reflections on Advent and Christmas. This daily devotional booklet is just 90 pages and offers readings through January 6. The daily readings include excerpts from Bonhoeffer's letters and Christmas sermons and a related Scripture passage. God is in the Manger is available on Kindle.

The proposed reading schedule is: December 12(Introduction and week 1 & 2, pp. 1-31), December 19 (weeks 3 & 4, pp. 34-63), and January 2 (12 days of Christmas and Epiphany).

Zoom info for the Thursday evening sessions is:
Click here for the Link, or enter Meeting ID: 840 9299 9445; Passcode: 262909. By Phone: 1-301-715-8592 (Enter Meeting ID/Passcode as prompted).

Please contact Woody (cwbowman@eathlink.net) or Nancy (oljuam@yahoo.com) with any questions.

Kairos Bible Study for Advent - with Rev. Vicky Hanjian

The Kairos Bible Study will meet again on Wednesday mornings from 10:30 - 11:30 am for three weeks in Advent - December 4, 11 & 18. We'll be looking at Biblical wisdom found in Luke, Isaiah, Ruth and Ecclesiastes. The theme is "Words For The Beginning."
All are welcome. No experience necessary. For more information contact Vicky Hanjian via email at armenvicky@gmail.com or call 508-696-8225.

Words For the Beginning Devotional Booklet

Read, look, and sing your way through the pages of this devotional at your own pace this Advent season. Each week (beginning with Advent and concluding with Epiphany) offers art, reflections, poetry, and hymns to give you strength, courage, and grace. As you journey through this season, may you find words for belovedness and hope. May you find words for beginning again. For no matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, love is your beginning.

Printed copies are available in the black mailbox to the left of the Music Street door as of today. You can also pick one up in the Narthex on Sundays. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office.

If you would like access to an online reader, compatible with digital reading devices such as Kindle, etc., click here. 

ADVENT ANGELS — SHOW LOVE & CARE DURING CHRISTMAS

Looking for angels to help share love during this Advent season. No skills are needed for this annual Care Team outreach - just being kind and ready to spread some holiday cheer to members of our church family. This can be done by making a phone call, mailing a holiday card, visiting or delivering baked goods - whatever you feel comfortable doing.

To become an Angel, pick a numbered card or two off the Angel Tree in the Parish Hall. Contact Jim Boyle at jaboyle3@gmail.com to find out who corresponds to the number you picked, and this will be your chosen recipient of your Angel "gifts." Thank you for your spirit of giving!

Special Activities for CHILDREN AND Families

Advent Calendar

We have printed up some “Words For the Beginning” fun Advent Calendars for kids and families, and they are available on Sundays in our Narthex or Parish Hall for pick-up.

There are also special kids’ bulletins available each week in our Narthex or Sunday School area in the Parish Hll, with fun activities.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Here you can find collected hymns and songs that accompany A Sanctified Art's Words For the Beginning Advent theme. Click here to access the playlist.