Welcome to the Season of Advent
Advent is a season of joyful expectation, as we await the first Coming of Jesus as a baby in Bethlehem, and prepare for his second Coming as Lord of the Universe. You will notice signs of the season around the church: Mary and Joseph are beginning their journey to Bethlehem here at the back of the church, and will approach the creche as Advent continues. The tree behind the creche will grow in festivity all month long. We will light more candles and add more banners each week as our hope, peace, joy, and love grow as Christmas gets nearer. We hope you will join us each Sunday to celebrate the fullness of the season.
Immediately below is our service calendar, be sure to scroll on for information about each service and our Advent fellowship events.
Advent Activities
There's Something for Everyone!
The First Sunday of Advent
November 30 at 10:30 AM
We kick off the New Church Year with a Festival of Lessons & Carols. We'll tell the story of anticipation, both of Christ's First Advent as a baby in Bethlehem, and His Second Advent when He comes to be our Judge, pray, and celebrate the Holy Eucharist. Come and sing in the new year with us!
The Second Sunday of Advent
December 7 at 10:30 AM
Celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas, also known as Santa Claus! Join us for a *new* script for our Christmas pageant. All kids are strongly encouraged to join us as we tell the adults the story of St. Nick, there are plenty of acting parts for children and teens. As usual our Green Growing Sunday pageants are unrehearsed and all parts are first come, first serve. We are very excited to have St. Nicholas himself coming to church to narrate the stories of his adventures that our children will be acting out.
Our Advent pageant is full of music, stories and is photo friendly, parents and grown ups are invited to join in the fun throughout the service. This is our first year using the St. Nicholas script, so we'll be practicing patience, grace, and playfulness together.
Following the service, we'll be celebrating our monthly Luncheon Sunday! You are invited to bring a potluck item to share.
This is an all ages party with Christmas music, snacks and hot chocolate for everyone.
As a special treat Natalie is baking the cookies fresh for us to decorate and take home, so please RSVP by December 11, you can email Natalie at family@goodshepanglican.org so she can bake enough for everyone.
The Third Sunday of Advent
December 14 at 10:30 AM
Return your Reverse Advent Calendar to the church as we continue to in every heart prepare Him room!
Enjoy a sneak peak of the Helen's Week 3 Devotional intro:
The third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete, is the “pink candle” Sunday. I read recently that this is supposed to represent a “brightening” of the ordinary penitential violet—a reminder to rejoice in the Lord’s imminent coming in the midst of our repentance and preparation and anticipatory things.
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21 at 10:30 AM
Join us for a short and simple morning worship as we, like Mary, say yes to God and open our hearts to the coming of Jesus very soon.
The Longest Night
A Blue Christmas Service for People who are Grieving December 21 at 7:00 PM
When we have suffered the loss of a loved one, it can be hard to find the joy of Christmas. You are warmly invited to join us for a quiet service that recognizes and honours your grief, while reminding us that Jesus is coming to wipe every tear from our eyes.
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Good Shepherd Anglican Church