AN ADVENT MESSAGE
FROM THE RECTOR
…give us grace, that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light…

Dear Friends,

These are words from the collect for the First Sunday of Advent written by Archbishop Thomas Cranmer for the first Book of Common Prayer (1549). Rooted in Scripture, these words remind us that this season of the Church year calls us to seek out the One who is the Light more than any other season. As a community, I dare say that we are more in need of the message of God’s Light shining the darkness this year more than any most of us can remember.  

The world around us seems dark, at times it even is: a global pandemic, political and civic divisions, unemployment, loneliness – the list goes on. But, the Light of God still does shine in the darkness! We are to embrace the Light and then ourselves be light and love to others. Remember what St. Augustine said: “Without God, we cannot; without us, God will not.”

Since 1662, it has been instructed that this prayer should be read each day during the Advent. (You can find it in our prayer book on pages 159 or 211.) It has long been a part of my Advent discipline. And, I hope you will join me in this devotional practice, and review other ways to make Holy this time, as we look to greet the One who is Light, Joy, Hope, Peace, and Love.

With my best wishes for a holy Advent, I am,

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Rob
ADVENT EPISTLE
The latest edition of The Epistle features news from the Fall and a look at Advent 2020. Thanks to our faithful editor, Judy Wadsworth!
#ADVENTWORD
#AdventWord gathers prayers via a global, online advent calendar. Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) in partnership with Forward Movement is offering 27 daily meditations and images during this holy season beginning this Sunday. During a year of disparate worship and communities of prayer, AdventWord offers a creative way to reflect and pause. 
EVENING PRAYER
A pre-recorded Service of Evening Prayer with lessons, prayers, and new and archived music from the St. Paul's Choir is available on Saturday evenings on our YouTube channel.
MARY THROUGH THE CENTURIES
WEDNESDAYS, DECEMBER 2, 9, & 16
7:00PM

Beginning with Scripture, we will look at how the depiction and veneration of St. Mary has changed through the centuries and in different cultures.

MEETING ID: 585 271 2240
VIRTUAL DESSERT AND DISCUSSION
MARY AT THE BEGINNING:
THE ANNUNCIATION AND
THE MYSTERY OF SALVATION

Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00pm

The Rev. Canon Lloyd (Tony) Lewis, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Theological Seminary, Guest Presenter
ADVENT OUTREACH
More information will be made available shortly about how to assist with our annual collection for families at School #9 through AmazonSmile.
A RESOURCE FOR
ADVENT @ HOME
Advent is a good time to create time and space for prayer in our homes and daily routines. Click HERE for "Watch for the Light: Prayers around the Advent Wreath."
SAVE THE DATE!
The Children's Christmas Pageant will be offered on our YouTube Channel on Sunday, December 20th at 4:00pm. Be sure to tune in!
More info to follow.