Advent Services
During Advent, our worship services focus on the large concerns of the world around us -- we wear "Awareness Ribbons" each week (Red, the week of December 1, which is World AIDS Day; Purple, the week of December 6, when the Montreal Massacre is remembered, when we pray for an end to Violence Against Women; we wear Pink the third week of Advent as we are reminded of how many in our parish have been touched by Breast Cancer; and White during the last week of Advent when we pray for Peace in all the world). On December 7, we will celebrate the spirit of Anticipation that Advent entails, with services of Lessons and Carols -- not the usual Christmas Carols, but Advent music, poetry and readings that will heighten our sense of expectation. Our "White Gifts" to support a family through the Christmas season, and gift-boxes for Seafarers will be received December 14. |
Christmas Services - December 24
We celebrate Christmas as our ancestors in faith have always done, beginning at sunset on Christmas Eve and continuing through 'til midnight. 4:00 - Christmas Crib Service (Christ Church, Lantz) This children's-oriented service uses simple music and conversation to highlight Jesus' birth in the stable in Bethlehem, and to show how the Christmas Creche at the church illustrates for us Luke's Christmas story. 6:00 - Family Communion Service (Christ Church, Lantz) This is the first Eucharist of Christmas Eve, and is intended as a family style service, ending with Silent Night being sung by candle-light. 8:30 - Sung Eucharist (St. George's, Dutch Settlement) An ideal celebration of Christmas for those that celebrate Christmas Eve with traditions that may include stews, chowders, tourtiere, or special breads and cheeses after the liturgy. 10:30 - Traditional "Midnight Mass" (Christ Church, Lantz) For those who prefer the customary late evening service, the mystery of the Incarnation is celebrated in hymns, readings and Holy Communion. |