“Let every heart prepare him room,

 and heaven and nature sing.”

After the time change, I continued to wake up in the dark, not yet adjusted to the new time. One morning, as I was willing myself to go back to sleep, I heard a bird singing outside my window. That bird song was a reminder that I wasn’t the only one awake in those dark hours before dawn. Scientists refer to this song birds sing awaiting the sunrise as the ‘dawn chorus.’

As we enter the season of Advent, we join with Christians throughout the centuries, who waited in the darkness, lighting candles, and singing songs, longing for the season of light to return. Advent is a time of anticipation, but also a time of quiet rest and reflection. Like the earth around us, we are called to release certain things so that we can make space for the birth of Christ.

There is so much beauty in the metaphors and rituals of this season. We have many ways to prepare as a community. This Sunday during our Advent Party we will gather to decorate our church, make Advent crafts and wreaths, and send cards to invite people to join us for this holy season. We have a beautiful devotional and other ways to pray and our hearts. We also have many festive events – pageants, and parties, and concerts. I hope you will join us in song and preparation, as we await the coming of Christ, the light of the world.

Blessings,

Jane

Worship with Us

December 18

Lessons & Carols 4 p.m.

(childcare provided)

December 24

Family Service & Pageant: 4 p.m.

Carol Sing: 8:30 p.m.

Candlelight Service: 9 p.m.

December 25

Christmas Day Eucharist: 10 a.m.

Worship, Concerts, Outreach and More...

We have so many ways for you to connect with each other at St. Barnabas and throughout our community this season.

With special worship services, outreach opportunities, plus concerts and parties, we hope you will join us in the joy of this season.

Click here to learn more.

HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATION

During the 10 a.m. service, come celebrate with us as we welcome the ten children in our Holy Communion class.

As part of the time honored tradition at St. Barnabas, the class will present their banner and engage in lively conversation with Rev. Jane during the sermon. In addition, the service will be filled with our children and youth, the next generation of St. Barnabas, as Lectors, Acolytes, Crucifer, as well as offering special music at the Prelude, Offertory and Postlude. A cake reception will follow in the Great Hall.

ADVENT PARTY AND GREENING OF THE CHURCH

Everyone is invited to join us after the 10 a.m. service for this annual event. We will decorate the Sanctuary, Narthex and Great Hall and offer DIY Advent Wreath Kits, our Advent Dawn Chorus Devotional Booklets, take home Bird feeder kits, Stars of St. Barnabas Ornaments and invite a friend postcards will all be available.

Lunch will be served in the undercroft so bring the whole family and begin your Advent Season with us.

ST. NICHOLAS PAGEANT

We honor the life of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, as our children retell his beloved story and celebrate with treats and a visit from St. Nick himself. Rehearsal takes place during Sunday school and is open to all children through 5th grade.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

Place your order today for a Christmas Poinsettia in memory of a loved one, thanksgiving, or another occasion. Flowers will fill our altar for our Christmas Eve Services and your tribute will be listed in the bulletin. Click here to order.