Sunday, November 20, our Advent Fair will be happening in Valentine Hall at 10:15 a.m. between the 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. services. This is a morning of Advent craft making, fellowship, and fun for children and adults, and it will take the place of Sunday School. Prepare for the coming of the Messiah with this great way to get ready for Advent - don't miss it! If you would like to help with this fun event, please contact Becky Page, Director of Children's Ministries.

Microcosm & Macrocosm: Sacramental Theology of the World
F.J.A. Hort, one of the three greatest Anglican theologians of the nineteenth century, wrote, "All Christian life is sacramental. Not alone in our highest act of Communion are we partaking of heavenly powers through earthly signs and vehicles. This neglected faith may be revived through increased sympathy with the earth derived from fuller knowledge, through the fearless love of all things." As you prepare this Advent season for Jesus' arrival, join the Rev. Dr. John Kerr in an exploration of our relationship to God in the Incarnate Christ and the Created Universe as portrayed in the prologue to the Gospel according to John: Christ the sacrament of God and creation also a sacrament of God. This profound sacramental way of looking at how we relate to God in Christ and the world is an important teaching in the Orthodox and Anglican traditions we would do well to remember this season. Michaux House, Room 304.

The holiday season can remind us of losses both old and new--activating grief that can feel profound and overwhelming. Parishioner Catherine Ferguson, LCSW, will lead a small group Wednesday nights, 11/30, 12/7 and 12/14 for a supportive space to discuss the impacts loss and grief are having in your life and the lives of others you love. We meet in the Michaux House, Room 205 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:15, when at least four are registered. Please register online or call Gina at 355-1779, ext. 315 by Monday prior to the group.

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., in Gibson Hall and the Chapel. The theme of this year's retreat will be gifts. Gifts have been a part of the story of Christmas from the very beginning, as Jesus himself received gifts on the occasion of his birth. As one of the five principle love languages, gift-giving is a time-honored way to show our love and care for others, but may seem fraught with stress, and even at odds with our efforts to prepare for the ultimate gift: God in the flesh. This Advent, come to our retreat and give yourself the gift of time, space, prayer, silence, exploration, and wonder. Register by November 30 online or call Gina at 355-1779, ext. 315. For information, contact: T he Rev. Carmen Germino, 355-1779, ext. 319.

The Messiah: The Bible and Handel's Masterpiece
Sundays, December 4 & 11, Michaux House Basement. The music of Handel's Messiah is very familiar to many of us. Come to hear selections of this Advent and Christmas favorite, and to study the passages of the Bible those selections quote with the Reverend Hilary Streever.

December 4, 5:00 p.m. In the season of Advent we sing, "O come, o come Emmanuel" and we wait joyfully, if not impatiently, to hear the story of the birth of the Messiah. And yet, even more eagerly, we, as God's children, await the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. In candlelight and quietness, ponder anew God's loving pursuit of us and his plan to restore Creation at the annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols.

Parishioner and chorister Richard Rumble and his many friends from the Guitar Ensemble and beyond gather to offer us a seasonal concert. Some songs will be familiar to you, others new, but all will lead your heart and spirit to a deeper engagement with the journey to Bethlehem and Christ's birth. In Valentine Hall.

The Christmas Pageant is Sunday, December 18, at 5:00 p.m. All children ages 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to participate in the pageant as angels, shepherds and sheep. Look for sign-ups and more information in your Sunday school classrooms in the coming weeks. The Youth of St. James's, 6th grade and up, are invited to participate as well, through a variety of opportunities including speaking parts and set, costume, lighting and/or stage management. Please contact Pageant Director Kate Gareau or Director of Children's Ministries Becky Page, if you are interested.

REASSURANCE AND HEALING December 19, 7:00 p.m. In the midst of the preparations and festivities, some find the holidays to be long, dark nights of the soul, full of struggle with life challenges, grief and loss of years past and present. You are invited to our special candlelit service of hymns and prayers for healing on this darkest night of the year to remember that God dwells where we dwell, in our joys and in our sorrows...and brings light, hope and the rich possibility of life.