Weekly News | 12.12.25
Dear Church,
This Saturday you are invited to a space prepared for you. A space in which you might prepare for and receive God’s presence. Our Parish Quiet Day (9AM-12PM) offers a come-and-go environment of prayer. You are at liberty to choose how you engage. Morning prayer is offered at 9, midday prayer at 11:30. Throughout the sanctuary there will be prompts and stations inviting you to reflect and connect with the Lord around Advent themes.
If you have been hearing God’s gracious invitation to slowness and silence but have a hard time making that a reality, don’t miss this.
This year our two Christmas Eve services will have a few different features. At each we will celebrate with joy the birth of Christ in song, in story, and at the Table.
At our 4PM service, we will enjoy a Christmas pageant featuring over 55 of our COTC children! It will be a feast for the eyes and ears as they narrate and act out the Scriptures. We are delighted to extend hospitality to our friends and family and neighbors, and anticipate there will be more than a few people who will want to cheer on the performers!
Towards the end of the service, we will celebrate that the light has come. Children will have battery powered candles, and those in vestments will represent the community with candles lit by the Christ candle, processing into the world.
Our 6PM service will be a candlelight service. In lieu of a pageant, we will worship together with a few more carols, hear and pray the Scriptures, and have an opportunity to see the light of the Christ candle passed from person to person around the room. It is a beautiful moment. The space at the 6PM will be no less joyful in praise, but will carry with it a more contemplative and intimate tone.
Whichever service you choose, consider inviting a friend and join me in praying that God would meet all who gather. May Jesus draw us afresh into the good news that causes great joy. (And see you Sunday, where we preview that joy in the 3rd week of Advent!)
Peace,
Sarah+