St. Peter’s Advent and Christmas, 2014

Advent is a season of preparation for the coming of Jesus as one of us. Jesus brought God’s light into the world during his lifetime and we expect him to return to reign in glory at the end of time.  

1. “Singing Mary’s Song” – Sunday mornings 10am

Sun. Nov 23, Nov 30, Dec. 7, Dec 14

We will be using the book, Singing Mary’s Song to shape our Sunday morning study and discussion. Mary’s Song is known as The Magnificat", which we find in the first chapter of the gospel according to Luke and also in Canticle 15 in The Book of Common Prayer. Mary knew that her son would bring the kingdom of God near during his lifetime on earth, and in her song, she hopes for God’s justice, righteousness and peace to be realized in this world, here and now. We Christians keep this passage before us as a reminder of our own work in the world as we wait for Jesus to return in glory. So come learn more about Mary and how her hopes help us to hope for the world around us in this season of Advent.     

Read the notes from session one, Nov 23  

Read the notes from session two, Nov. 30  

Read the notes from session three, Dec. 7  

2. Coffee Hour and Moravian Candle Tea – Sun., Dec. 7, 12pm –

This year, our December Coffee Hour will be our own version of the Moravian Candle Tea. Moravians frequently hold what they call a Candle Tea near the beginning of Advent, where people gather to celebrate the coming of the Christmas Season with various activities. Come learn about Moravian Christmas customs at this Coffee Hour. The Episcopal Church is in full communion with the Moravian Church, and we have much to learn from our Moravian brothers and sisters. During this coffee hour, we’ll eat some traditional Moravian food and learn about some Moravian customs, including the Moravian Love Feast.   

3. Port Royal Christmas Lighting – Fri., Dec. 12, 5pm, Firehall – at the town Fire Hall. Enjoy a festive gathering of the Port Royal community for a simple soup supper, hot chocolate and cookies, fun and games by Caroline’s Promise, the arrival of Santa, and of course, the tree lighting. St Peter’s will be providing the soup. Let Barbara Wisdom know if you can help.

4. Choir Retreat – Sat Dec 13,10am – The choir will be gathering to rehearse Christmas music followed by lunch. Set aside some time to pray this morning for Brad Volland, our organist, and our dedicated choir. And if you’d like to join the choir, let Brad know.

5. Everett’s Christmas – Sun. Dec. 14, 5pm. Gather round the Everett’s table for a delicious pot luck dinner, over the top Christmas decorations, and Christmas caroling. All are welcome.

6. ECW Christmas Luncheon – Tues, Dec. 16.  Festive Gathering in the Parish House at 10:00AM on Tuesday, December 16th, followed at 12PM by the ECW Christmas Luncheon (all are invited) at The Sandbar Restaurant, Hobbes Hole Golf Course in Tappahannock, VA.  

7. Christmas Pageant on Advent 4 – Sun. Dec. 21,11am.  

8. Christmas Eve – Wed., Dec. 24, 4:30pm – Holy Eucharist Rite II with a Moravian Love Feast

Our traditional Christmas Eve service will also include a Moravian Love Feast this year, complete with glowing candles, Love Feast buns, and a traditional hot drink that we will share together as a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. The tradition of the Love Feast is based on the agape meals of the early church. 

9. Lessons and Carols – Sun. Dec 28th, 11am. This traditional Anglican service, developed in England, gives us the opportunity to hear the story of our salvation in Jesus Christ through scripture and song.  

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