Happy & Blessed Advent & Christmas Celebrations Everyone

As there is so much going on this December, let me offer a review of the

regular events that happen at or near the church. I will add the extra festivities for the month to the end of each day where appropriate. Please know this may not be a complete list of activities so check out the calendar at the end of the Steeple.

Mondays:

~ Chair Yoga Class at 9:30AM in the Fellowship Hall.

~ At 11am everyone is invited to gather at the Rise Café for fun and fellowship.

~ Often on Mondays, I try and make an afternoon visit (other days and times are also available).    However, if you would like a pastoral visit, you need to let me know so we can schedule something.

~ In the evening on Mondays, there is a Women’s Health & Fitness Class that will resume in January.

Tuesdays: I generally work from home on the bulletin and sermon development, writing articles, bible and grief prep work, document reviews and/or development, along with study and research. At times, I attend seminars or meetings. On the 1st Tuesday of the month, I attend the Old Colony Association Board Meeting. On the 4th Tuesday each month I attend a Community of Practice Group with other UCC Clergy.

~ I am available most anytime if needed.

~ Also, on Tuesdays and Thursdays Zumba is held in Fellowship Hall in the evening!

Wednesdays:

~ We hold a community Grief Group at 11am.

~ Bible Study is at 1pm. The Advent Study will explore the birth narrative of Jesus through a different lens this year. We will explore the Gospels as homes or houses. We will be using the book “Christmas in the Four

Gospel Homes” by Cynthia M. Campbell. This resource will also overflow into our Advent worship on Sunday mornings.

~ December 24th also known as Christmas Eve, we will not be having Grief Group or Bible Study.

We will be holding a Family Focused Service at 4pm.

A Luminary Memorial Service along with the reading of the names at 5:15pm.

At 6pm Communion & Carols Service.

All three services will be held in the Sanctuary.

Thursdays and Fridays:are generally the days that I try to hold as my sacred days of rest. This does not mean we don’t do anything at the church as it seems we always have something happening. Of course, as I mentioned earlier, I am available most anytime for emergency situations.

~ Again, we have Zumba Tuesday and Thursday evening!

~ Thursday, December 25th is Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Saturdays: are sort of the flex day of the week when other activities take place. For example:

~ On the third Saturday of each month, we once again have a 10am Prayer Group. Everyone is welcome to attend this group, but you will be held to strict confidentiality.

Saturdays can also hold some magnificent events such as the wonderful Christmas Bazaar of November! Overflowing prayers of Thanksgiving for such an amazing event.

Saturdays in December:

~ Dec 13th at 12pm is “Wreaths Across America” at Slades Ferry.

~ Dec 20th at 10am is Prayer Group

~ Dec 20th at 1pm we will hold a Holiday Memorial Service and candle lighting in the Sanctuary with light refreshments to follow.

Sundays: Our communal time of worship is at 10am along with Time for our Children with Stories and Crafts. Then at 11ish we join for fellowship.

~ Dec 7th is the 2nd Sunday of Advent (PEACE) and Advent Sunday Workshop during fellowship and Ugly Sweater Party.

~ Dec 14th is the 3rd Sunday of Advent (JOY) and Standing Meeting

~ Dec 21st is the 4th Sunday of Advent (LOVE) and Children’s Sunday

(If you are wondering what happened to the 1st Sunday of Advent (HOPE), it was Nov. 30th.

I hope and pray that your Advent activities and festivities remember that the point is all about the Good News of Jesus Among Us. Praise be to the Lord. Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Amen.

Peace,    Pastor Cheryl Rieder