Advent, Christmas and Epiphany
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A/V Guild members have a largely invisible but vital role each Sunday: they make sure that all parishioners can hear and see what’s going on during services and forums. If you can navigate a DVR or adjust the volume on your car stereo, you have more than enough technical skill to operate our camera and microphones. Most volunteers serve once a month at the service they regularly attend. We’re especially looking for people who’d like to help with sound and recording at Sunday Forums. Contact Elizabeth Terry (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) for more information.
Advent 2011
Service of Lessons and Carols
Sun., Dec. 4, 5 pm
In the late afternoon as winter darkness descends, we gather in the church to hear the prophecies and rich music of Advent. Based on the traditional service from King's College, Cambridge, St. Columba’s adds its own touches with readers of all ages and music by adult, youth, children’s and handbell choirs. The congregation joins in singing the great carols of Advent. Child care is provided for infants through age 4.
Please note: This service replaces the 5 pm Eucharist.
Blue Christmas Service
Tues., Dec. 20, 7 pm
Are you facing the holiday after the death of a loved one or after a divorce? Maybe you have lost your job or are experiencing an emotional trauma. Or perhaps you feel pressured and overwhelmed by holiday preparations. This service reaches out to all who are burdened, providing a chance to acknowledge the “blue” feelings we may have at this time of year and encouraging us to offer them up to God.
Christmas 2011
Christmas Eve
Sat., Dec. 24
Children’s Christmas Services, 11 am & 4 pm
If you have small children or your own joy is kindled by being with children, this brief (30-minute) service is a good option. We sing a few simple carols, and at 11 am the Primary Choir also sings. In an unrehearsed Christmas pageant, we tell the Christmas story, calling children forward to the Bethlehem that we create in the crossing. Children are invited to come in costume as shepherds, angels or animals.
Festival Eucharist, 6 pm
As evening falls, the first Eucharist of Christmas 2011 draws a large congregation, so plan to come early, and be ready for the music prelude that begins at 5:40 pm.
Festival Eucharist, 8 pm
Join us for the full festival Christmas liturgy, with the St. Columba Singers, handbells and brass—but without the sung responses and incense that we include in the 11 pm Choral Eucharist. We invite you to come early to enjoy the music prelude that begins at 7:30 pm.
Festival Choral Eucharist, 11 pm
This glorious Eucharist with the magnificent music of the St. Columba Singers, Gallery and Alumni Choir, handbells and brass, and the splendor of incense and ceremony, fills the whole church nave with a joyful crowd. Come early and let the music that begins at 10:30 pm help to kindle a spirit of gratitude and adoration, as we celebrate Christ’s birth once again.
Christmas Day
Sun., Dec. 25
Festival Christmas Eucharist, noon
Join us at noon for a full festival liturgy with a choir anthem and carols to make worship the heart of your Christmas Day.
Christmas I
Sun., Jan. 1, 2012
We observe a reduced schedule on this first Sunday after Christmas Day, with two services only: a Great Hall-style Eucharist at 9:15 am and a Eucharist with hymns at 10:30 am. Both services will be held in the church nave, and there is no child care. It’s still Christmas, so there will be plenty of carols to sing, but the forum, Sunday School and classes for youth and adults do not meet. After the 10:30 service, we invite you to help take down the decorations and put them away until next year. With lots of help the work goes quickly.
Please note: There is no 8 am or 5 pm service today.
Epiphany 2012
Children’s Epiphany Service and Party
Thurs., Jan. 5, 4–5 pm
In this annual favorite, we begin in the church nave with a brief service before moving into the Great Hall for a variety of activities and King cake.
Epiphany and The Baptism of Our Lord
Sun., Jan. 8
Our celebration of the Incarnation of Christ is completed as we gather around the manger at Bethlehem and commemorate Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan. The Epiphany season that begins today celebrates Christ as the light and savior of the world, reaching all human lives. At most services today you will see the three kings bringing in their gifts—and we’ll have baptisms at 9 am in the church nave and 9:15 am in the Great Hall. The forum, Sunday School and youth classes meet from 10:15 to 11:05 am. In the evening, all are invited to the 5 pm Live@5 Feast of Lights service, designed with the help of St. Columba’s youth.
Photo: Wayne C. Fowler
