The days are getting shorter, the world sometimes feels like an awfully dark place, and even still, we receive the promise that beautiful things and new life begin to take form in the dark. That’s part of how we practice the holy season of Advent, this time of getting ready for God — who is always with us — to come into the world again as a vulnerable baby. We invite you to join in worship, contemplation, and fellowship at Church of the Resurrection as we prepare for Christmas together.

Adult Formation for Advent:  Sundays at 9am

Join us for Advent formation exploring the poetry of Wendell Berry, an American writer, environmental activist, cultural critic and farmer. In a conversation with fellow writer Anne Lamott, Berry said of Advent, “It gets darker and darker, and then Jesus is born.” Poetry can help us adjust our eyes to the darkness—and thereby notice the light. Sundays at 9 a.m. from December 1 – December 21 we will walk together through the darkness with hope, peace, joy, and love to the light of Christmas morning.

November 30 at 5pm:  Campfire Eucharist

In addition to our regular services in the morning, we will begin Advent outside, around a campfire, on the labyrinth. We will hear the stories and sing the songs as we celebrate Eucharist to begin this special season together. Bring your camp chairs and enjoy a hot drink (hot cocoa and apple cider will be served) and invite a friend! All are welcome.

December 7th at 8 & 10:15am:  St. Nicholas visit

St. Nicholas, the bishop of Myra, will come to visit us right after our 8am and 10:15am services. He will be passing out his delicious St. Nicholas cookies baked by many generous souls this year.

December 7th at 5pm:  Circle Song Eucharist with Bobby McFerrin

Join us for a Circlesong Eucharist in the evening of the second Sunday of Advent. Bobby McFerrin and his a cappella group Motion will be leading and singing among us in a new experience of worship. Look forward to a paperless worship service with Spirit-led music that we create together in the moment, a collective response to our sacred story, an organic gathering of prayers, and a simple, beautiful time of sharing the bread and the cup together. In the long, dark nights of December, we hope this will be a gorgeous chance to be in community together.

December 13th at 10am – 12noon:  Advent Meditation and Art

Give yourself the gift of quiet contemplation this Advent and spend a morning with Carol Held as she leads us through meditations, walking the labyrinth, and creating beautiful art while we rest our ever busy minds.  We will be using several blessings by the poet Jan Richardson to enter this time of darkness and encounter the beauty it holds.  No previous artistic experience or talent is necessary — only an open and wondering heart.  Please RSVP to Carol Held or Rev. Whitney so we can make sure there is enough space and supplies for everyone.

December 16th at 7pm:  Blue Christmas service

If Christmas is a time of loneliness or loss for you, if those you hold dear are going through very hard times and you want to hold space for them, or if you need time to just slow down, consider coming to our Blue Christmas service. It is a simple, contemplative service with music, readings, time for reflection and lighting of candles. Many of our healing team members will be present to offer prayers for healing of body, mind, and spirit… for ourselves, our friends and family, our country, and our world.

December 21st at 11:30am:  Greening the Church

Each year, we transition from the Advent season to the Christmas season by “greening” the church in which we add wreaths and swags to our sanctuary to decorate for Christmas services. All are invited to help decorate our sanctuary after the 10:15am service.

Christmas Worship Services

December 24th at 4pm and 10pm:  Christmas Eve worship services

The 4pm service includes our Christmas pageant, joyful carols, and communion. All children are welcome to come and join in the pageant — just come to the Parish Hall at 3:30 and chose a role — no rehearsals necessary! The 10pm service has gorgeous music, communion, and lots of candles. Please note that incense will be used at the 10pm service.

December 25th at 10:15am: Christmas Day Eucharist

We gather on Christmas morning for a simple and tender service. It is a sweet time of being church family together, whether we’ve met before or not. One of our joyful traditions this morning is that whoever is present gets to help pick the Christmas carols we sing, so be thinking about what your favorite is!