“ the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” Matthew 4:16

Dear Friends:

We’re four days away from Advent. Advent means, “arrival”. Advent is the time of the year when we prepare, get ready, keep awake and watch for Christ coming into our midst. Advent is a season of hope for all that comes from God. Our Advent theme this year is: Watching for the Light. Think of a time you’ve been enclosed in such darkness you wondered if your eyes were opened or closed. Perhaps it was a time of fear, sorrow or dismay. Perhaps it is now. Then, a light appears and the darkness is gone. The darkness isn’t lessened, the darkness is gone! When light enters, darkness departs. Christ our Lord, enters our world as the brilliant glory of God. Now, we keep watch and prepare ourselves, not idle, but purposefully, prayerfully, actively engaging in those people, practices, places and things that draw us out of the darkness and into the glorious light of God in Christ. Take time to journey through Advent.

Personally, to keep a balance from between the shopping, and festivities and hurriedness, I’ve picked up an anthology entitled, Watch for the Light with readings for Advent and Christmas from some of our favorite authors, including, Madeleine L’Engle, Brennan Manning, Dietrich Bonhoeffer and C.S. Lewis along with others. Let me know if you’re reading it too. We’ll share some thoughts together. As well, look below at the many offerings Epiphany is suggesting for Advent this year.

Blessings,

Hillary

Watching for the Light – Advent 2017

During the season of Advent we’re invited to seek the light of Christ, especially in the midst of darkness. We watch for the light as the prophets remind us the darkness will not overcome us. Throughout this Advent journey look for God’s light dispelling the darkness. These next weeks use these Advent suggestions to be attentive that we may truly see God’s loving presence within us and among as once again we await the coming of Christ to be born among us as we are watching for the Light…

Advent Family Weekend
Friday December 1st – Sunday December 3rd
Learn more: EpiphanyEC.org/advent

Celtic Worship
Sunday December 3rd at 5:30 p.m.
Sacred music; prayerful, quiet reflection

Advent Prayer Stations
Journey through Advent with interactive hands-on-learning at each of nine stations in the worship space. Make roads straight. Prepare a place in the desert. Respond to: what are you excited about this Christmas? More and more…

Advent Calendars
Pick up a calendar in the worship space.
Slow down. Quiet. It’s Advent! Twenty-two Days to Make Room in your life for Jesus.

Advent Daily Devotionals
Beginning Sunday December 3, read, pray and inwardly digest the daily devotionals as posted on Facebook and in a daily emessage from Epiphany. “Your Word, O God, is a light for my path.” 

Newcomer Hot Chocolate Bar
Friday December 8 – 6:30-8:00
All Newcomers from 2017 are welcome to attend! Meet others and craft an ornament.

Master Singers and a Visit from St. Nicholas
Sunday, December 10th, Advent II – 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Members of the church receive a 50 percent discount on individual tickets (use promotional code: EE when ordering online) which are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+) and $15 for students (6-17) at www.msva.org. To order tickets in advance, visit www.msva.org or email manager@msva.org.

Sharing Holiday Traditions at Parent Support Group
December 17 – 5:00 p.m.

Carols and Cocoa
Friday December 22 – 4:00 p.m.

Christmas Pageant
December 24th at 10:00 a.m.
Rehearsals Dec. 10, 17 and 22
Learn more: family@epiphanyec.org

Serve
Hypothermia Shelter December 24-31
EpiphanyEC.org/shelter

Pray
God, open our hearts to the mystery of your love and the invitation of your grace. Turn oppression to justice and transform conflict to peaceful accord. Be our light that shines in the darkness. Amen.

Christmas Worship Schedule
December 24
8:30 a.m. Rite I – Advent IV
10:00 a.m. Christmas Pageant with Holy Eucharist
9:00 p.m. Candlelit Holy Eucharist

Christmas Day Worship
December 25
10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist