Welcome to Advent! Today marks the beginning of Advent. Advent is a season observed by many Christians as a time of preparation and expectant waiting for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. The term comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming”.
The keeping of an Advent wreath is a common practice in many homes and churches. For every Sunday of Advent, a candle is lit. Each candle represents a different theme: hope, peace, joy, and love.
For Advent this year, let us reflect and try to be intentional about observing this season. My hope is that these questions would be helpful to you as well, as you prepare for Christmas. 1) What does hope mean to you? 2) Does hope mean that there are good things to come, or better things to come? 3) Does hope always mean that things will have to change?
Advent and Christmas Special Events
Advent 2: December 8, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candles and Holy Communion Services at 8:30 and 10:00am. Lectionary: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12.
Advent 3: December 15, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candles & Holy Eucharist at 8:30am. Lessons and Carols & Holy Communion Service at 10:00am.
Advent 4: December 22, 2019 – Lighting of Advent Candles & Holy Eucharist at 8:30am. Christmas Pageant & Holy Communion Service at 10:00am. Lectionary: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25.
Christmas Eve: December 24, 2019
7:00pm – Carol Singing at 7:00pm.
7:30pm – The Lighting of the Christ Candle
Holy Communion and Candlelight Service
Christmas Day: December 25 – Christmas Eucharist at 10:00am.
We encourage everyone to bring your family and loved ones to our Services
2019 LEN SHEPHERD CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: On Monday, December 16th 2019 at 12 noon, the Tri-Parish Ministry of St. Helen’s, Church of the Epiphany and St. Michael’s will participate in their Christmas Luncheon. We can help with set up, food finishing, serving and cleanup. We will also be donating some money, desserts and gift bags for approximately 35 residents. We will also have caroling like last time. Each parish will provide 2-4 volunteers. Talk to Father Louie for further details.
2019 ADVENT CALENDAR AND RESOURCES: A daily email with meditations from Archbishop Melissa and Spiritual Directors of the Diocese during Advent will be available. Each day will include an Image, Hymn, or Poem that reflects Advent themes as well as a brief reflection. The sign up web link is, 2019 Advent Calendar | Diocesan Resources | Anglican Diocese of New Westminster
ONLINE SAFE CHURCH TRAINING: The new online Safe Church Training has now launched. Parishes received information on Friday, Nov. 1st, detailing how to enroll lay parishioners and employees. The Archbishop’s bulletin to clergy outlined her expectations for clergy to register and complete this new training over the next three months. More information can be found on the Safe Church training page of the diocesan website, Safe Church training | HR / Screening in Faith | Anglican Diocese of New Westminster
Saint Michael's Anglican Church 