Advent, Christmas & Epiphany at Saint Mark’s
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Advent
Advent from the Latin word adventus means coming or arrival. The focus of the season of Advent is the anticipation of and preparation for Jesus’ return at his second coming. In this season we affirm that Christ has come, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again.
Advent begins this year on Sunday December 1 and runs through Christmas Eve.
On Sunday December 1 we will be making Advent wreathes in the parish hall between the two services and after the 10:30 a.m. service.
Beginning on Sunday November 24 there will be materials for keeping Advent in your home in the arched bookcase in the parish hall. You can also download these.
Advent Prayers at Home.
The Incarnation Seasons at Saint Mark’s
The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Church Year and we will be reading the Gospel of Luke until next November.
40 Stories from Luke Every Christian should know will help you explore the Gospel.
On Sunday December 8 at 4 p.m. will be the service of Lessons and Carols
Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday December 8 at 4 p.m.
Music by Saint Mark’s Choir and the Canterbury Choir
A beloved parish favorite, the service includes music by both the Saint Mark’s Choir and the Canterbury Choir. Music will include choral works by Francisco Guerrero, Herbert Howells, Judy Hunnicutt, Ian Kellam, Robert Lehman, Paul Manz, Bruce Saylor, and Charles Wood.
The service will be followed by a reception. You can sign up to help with the reception here.
Family Worship for Christmas Eve
December 24
5:00 p.m.
Music by the Canterbury Choir
All children are invited to participate in the pageant.
There are roles for everyone and most roles have no lines to learn.
Sign up your children for the pageant here.
More details about the pageant can be found here.
Solemn Worship for Christmas Eve
preceded by
Carols for Choir and Congregation
Music by Saint Mark’s Choir
December 24, 2024
11:00 p.m.
Blessing of Homes on Epiphany
There is an old practice of blessing homes at Epiphany and chalking the top of the door to remind us that everyone who comes in brings the light of Christ with them and that as we go out into the world, we carry the light of Christ with us.
The writing over the door is traditionally the year and the initials C, M & B in memory of the traditional names of the three Magi who visited Jesus. As a reminder for us to seek the presence of Christ when we go out of the door.
Use these prayers to bless your home:
Blessing in Homes at Epiphany.
If you would like Pastor Vicki to come and bless your home, sign up here.
.Taize Service
Taizé services feature simple song and chant, scripture readings, silence, and meditation, enriched by a contemplative atmosphere that includes iconography, candles, and an intimate setting.
January 5, 2024
5:00 p.m.