Worship in Advent
A new Church Year begins on December 3, the First Sunday of Advent. The year is Year B in the Revised Common Lectionary, with a focus on Mark’s Gospel. We begin each Sunday in Advent with prayers around an Advent wreath led by new members of St. Thomas.
Our 8:30 Eucharist will be Rite I, the older language of the church, to help us center ourselves in a different way in this season. Our 10:30 Eucharist will continue to be Rite II.
Wednesday Eucharist will continue at 5:30 through December 20 and will resume in 2024 on January 10.
First Sunday of Advent - December 3: Prepare for the Season
Dr. Denny Clark, former Parish Theologian of St. Thomas, joins us at 9:30 am to talk about what he has been doing since he moved away earlier this year. One of his new interests is the Tri-Faith Initiative in Omaha, a joint venture of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian congregations.
Advent devotions and candles for the Advent wreath will be available this morning. Sign up online by November 26 to reserve candles or let us know you're coming. Then, join us on Wednesday, November 29 to make a wreath from greenery. We hope you will decorate wreaths at home and share pictures.
Second Sunday of Advent - December 10: Welcome New Members & Contemplative Worship
At both services on this day, we will welcome and introduce new members of St. Thomas and pray for you in worship that morning. The Very Rev. Matthew Grunfeld, who grew up at St. Thomas is the preacher for the day. Between services we will gather for a Welcome Breakfast in the Parish Hall at 9:30 and hear a panel reminisce about earlier times at St. Thomas. If you have not yet joined St. Thomas but would like to, complete the form here or email the church office.
Also, Diocesan Confirmation services will be offered on this day at the Cathedral of St. Philip (2744 Peachtree Road in Atlanta). Those wishing to be Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church should arrive by 3:15. The service is at 4 pm and will conclude by 6 pm. We will organize a carpool for those who wish to take part.
Join us at 5 pm in the Chapel for the Contemplative Healing Service to listen, listen, listen -- to hear and be a part of Taizé chant, to listen for the Spirit in scripture, to pray and pray, and most of all, to listen to God.
Third Sunday of Advent - December 17: Lessons and Carols & Christmas Pageant at 4:30 pm
The St. Thomas Choir will offer a beautiful service of Lessons and Carols while the Episcokids present a Christmas Nativity Pageant during the Carols. Following the service, join us for a Wassail Party in the Parish Hall and a children’s Christmas Party in the Youth Room. Bring a favorite sweet or savory dish to share at the Wassail Party. Sign up here to participate in the Pageant and/or attend the children’s Christmas Party.
Fourth Sunday of Advent - December 24
Every so often, the fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve fall on the SAME day. We will celebrate both. Both morning services will be in the Chapel at 8:30 (Rite I) and 10:30 (Rite II) so that preparations for Christmas Eve may begin in the Nave earlier in the week. Nursery and Children’s Chapel will be available during the 10:30 service.
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