Advent
Advent Wreaths, Candles, and Prayers available November 23-30
In this season of waiting for light in the darkness, bring home weekly prayers for the Advent wreath. An additional candle is lit as each new Sunday is celebrated in Advent. Wreaths and candles for sale. $25 for wreath with candles; $15 for candles only; prayers free to all!
Forum, Advent Sundays at 9:30am
Focus on the baptismal covenant in this series: I Will With God’s Help. Each session takes a deep dive into a piece of the baptismal covenant we proclaim. Join those preparing for baptism, confirmation, and reception as we take this journey! With Laurie+
Advent Explorations with Laurie+, December 1-24 every morning, on Marco Polo
Journey through Advent with a collection of Advent prayers and songs from Music That Makes Community. Two short tunes will be taught by ear each week, using a call-and-response format, and interspersed with days of prayer and reflection. Participants can listen, reflect on a daily question, and then share with the group via short Marco Polo video posts (a closed video sharing app) at a time that works for them. Link to join in the newsletter or contact Laurie+.
Advent Wreath Prayers in Community, Wednesdays, noon and 5:30pm
The Advent wreath, a circle of greenery marked by four candles that represent God’s unending love and light, is a traditional prayer devotion in this season. Join your St. Francis community for this intergenerational prayer and a meal to follow. Sign up online or on the bulletin board.
Noon with Ruby Downs, brown bag lunch to follow
5:30pm with Laurie+, simple supper to follow $8 per person or $20 per family.
Intergenerational Messy Church, Sunday, December 7, 5:00pm
At Messy Church, all generations meet together to learn about Christ through story and responding to that story through art, movement and play. This Messy Church is a Eucharist which includes dinner and explores Advent and finding the light of Christ in the mess of life. (There will be no Godly Play during the 10:30am service on this Sunday.)
Christmas Cookie Exchange, Sunday, December 14, 11:30am
Join us in the Community Room after 10:30am worship to exchange your cookies for a variety of cookies homemade by the members of St. Francis! Sign up here (which determines the number of cookies that each person needs to bring) December 7th
Adopt-a-Family: We support families from Eureka Elementary by shopping for Christmas gifts. Look for the Christmas Tree in the hallways. Ornaments with family members’ names and gift hopes adorn the tree. Watch newsletter and website for dates and details.
Blue Christmas: December 21, Worship 5pm with potluck meal to follow
Blue Christmas service includes reflective music, prayers, readings, and Scripture, acknowledging God’s presence and the hope of the coming Christ. This service speaks to those who need a quiet, reflective space in the midst of holiday chaos and to those who mourn or struggle in this season. Dr. Michael Booker preaching.
Christmas
Christmas Eve Worship + Dinner, December 24, 5pm
Traditional Christmas Eve service with catered community meal following. Suggested price $20 per person. Parishioners are invited to bring a dessert to share. RSVP for dinner to Paul Jokerst or by signing up on the bulletin board.
Christmas Morning Worship, December 25, 10:30am
A quiet, spoken service to celebrate the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Week of Rest, December 29—January 3
The Rule of Life in the Episcopal Church includes REST. During this week of Christmas, the parishioners and staff of St. Francis lean into REST–receiving the gift of God’s grace, peace and restoration. The building is closed and all programming is on pause.
Christmas Flowers and Music
Christmas is a time of year when we think of others and the gifts they have brought to our lives. We accept contributions to help cover the costs of Christmas music and flowers. These contributions are often given as a tribute to loved ones. Forms to donate are available in the back of the sanctuary or through the church office.