Beloved in Christ,

Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving—and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end. The world as we know it spins madly on. This year, Advent begins as another election season in the US comes to a close. What are the reminders we will need in order to move faithfully through this threshold?

This Advent series is filled with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. Imagine what words Mary would speak to her newborn son. What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he grew? And so, our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults. They may sound like the messages or homilies we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies or sacred rituals. You are invited to enter this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead.

In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. And yet, Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. As we also move through new personal and political chapters, may these words for the beginning renew us and remind us of the ways we are called to live out our faith. No matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, let love be your beginning.

As we begin Advent, there are lots of ways to step into this season! Come join us this Sunday for a bunch of fun events happening simultaneously after worship. These include decorating the sanctuary, making Advent wreaths to take home, and helping with the Community Mural! Read below for more information!

There will be no Sunday School or Confirmation on 12/1 or 12/8 (Church Brunch). Beginning 12/15, Sunday School kids will be learning about Advent and the Christmas story! 

Help us decorate the tree and sanctuary! We have lots of decorations and many ornaments! Plus, there will be coffee and snacks in the narthex! 

Advent Wreaths help us mark the weeks of his holy season. By lighting a new candle each week, we slow down to ponder the mystery of Jesus' coming into our broken world to bring hope (week1), peace (week 2), joy (week 3) and love (week 4). Come join us to make an Advent wreath to take home and use this Advent. 

This Advent season we will transform the narthex into a painting studio. Over the next several weeks, you are invited to ponder the mystery of Christ entering our world through painting parts of a large color-by-number canvas mural. This activity is meant to help us slow down and enjoy something creative with others. 

The mural is currently broken down into 3 large canvases. Instructions are posted throughout the painting area in the narthex. Anytime you are in the narthex, please feel free to spend time painting. The mural will be set up throughout the season including after worship each Sunday. There are other painting opportunities listed below.

This is for all ages and all levels of experience. The goal is not perfection but rather creative community engagement! We will unveil the completed mural on Christmas Eve! 

THEMED PAINTING EVENTS:

Friday, December 6th @6pm: Family Painting night @6pm. Hot chocolate & pizza! 

Wednesday, December 11th @10am: Coffee & Painting for those with Vintage Vibes

After Midweek Vespers each week in Advent

We will gather to sing Holden Evening Prayer vespers around the Christmas Tree. We will then have some soup afterwards. Feel free to stay and paint the mural if you'd like as well. This is a great weekly opportunity to pause and take a deep breath from the weekly busyness. 

This Advent season we will transform the narthex into a paint studio. Over the next several weeks, you are invited the mystery of Christ entering our world through painting parts of a large color-by-number canvas mural. 

This Advent season we will transform the narthex into a paint studio. Over the next several weeks, you are invited the mystery of Christ entering our world through painting parts of a large color-by-number canvas mural. 

Come join us for Christmas Eve!

The 5:30pm service is a full service with lots of engagement for kids, including costumes and helping tell the Christmas Story.

The 8pm service is a brief service outside around a campfire with singing. 

Both services will have candlelight and battery-operated candles for kids.

Note: 50% of our offering this night will be split between the In Our Backyard Project and the Boys and Girls Club of Eagle River. 

Come join Pastor Sean for a pancake breakfast and a sing-along beside the Christmas Tree!