This Week at Christ Church

Advent 1 and Family First Sunday

Sunday, December 2

We will celebrate the first Sunday in Advent and Family First Sunday on December 2. Sunday school children will meet in the courtyard at 9:30 a.m. for lessons, crafts, and activities. Children will join their families in church at 10:30 a.m.

Because it's Advent 1 we'll be making Advent wreaths in Hinde Hall for Sunday's forum. Pop in from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. and after the 10 o'clock service to create your wreath; all supplies will be provided. If you have extra greens to contribute (i.e., cedar, magnolia leaves, boxwood, etc.) bring them to share. If you happen to have leftover styrofoam rings, candle holders, or pins from previous wreaths bring them as well!

 

Service Sunday

We're wrapping Advent Angel gifts

A number of Sundays each year are set aside for parishioners to participate in a "hands-on" service project. This Sunday, December 2, the Service Ministry is holding a wrapping party for all of the Advent Angel gifts you have donated! Wrapping stations will be setup in Hinde Hall at 9:00 a.m. 'til were done!  Come lend a hand and also spread some Christmas cheer by writing a post card to an incarcerated prisoner.

If you haven't brought in your Advent Angel gift yet, bring it to the parish office this week or on Sunday morning.

 

Christmas Flowers

Remember loved ones

The lovely floral arrangements in the church at Christmas are made possible by generous parishioners. If you wish to make a donation, there's a form to fill out to make sure we get all the spellings correct. Forms are available in the parish office. You may pay by cash, check or credit card. It's a lovely way to remember a loved one, give thanks for family and friends, or celebrate the season. Look for the flower donation table in the courtyard this Sunday OR you may make a donation now by credit card - click here. Please include a note in the memo section for whom the flowers are given.

Please submit your donation to the parish office no later than December 16 to ensure that the information will appear in our Christmas bulletin.

Advent

Below is information on some of the Advent offerings at Christ Church. This time of preparation is important as we await the birth of Jesus. Please join us for any and all that speak to you. You may find out more information on each offering on our website. All of these events are in addition to our regular Sunday services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you soon!

 

Sunday Forums in Advent

The Land of Jesus' Birth

And the WORD became flesh and dwelled among us... A three week series of scripture, prayer and reflection enhanced by photographs and images from our rector's recent pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

December 9 - Wade in the Water: The Sea of Galilee

December 16 - The Silent Years: A Home in Nazareth

December 23 - O Little Town of Bethlehem

For more detailed information click here.

 

Journeying the Way of Love

Advent 1 - Saying "Yes" to the Journey

Over the course of this holy season of Advent, we invite you to respond "yes" to God's call to birth new life into the world.  The call is both powerful and gentle, a call that will grow beyond our imaginations, spilling out of ourselves and into our family, friends, community, and the whole world. 

Respond to the call by using these daily practices this first week in Advent:

• Sunday, December 2  - WORSHIP: Pay attention during worship today. What part of the service fills your heart?
• Monday, December 3 - GO: Take time to listen closely to someone you may not ordinarily take seriously, or who has a different perspective than you.
• Tuesday, December 4 - LEARN: Take time to read Luke 1:26-38. What is God calling you to say "yes" to?
• Wednesday, December 5 - PRAY: Set a timer for five minutes. Silently repeat this prayer: "Come, Lord Jesus."
• Thursday, December 6 - BLESS: In the spirit of St. Nicholas, practice a random act of kindness today.
• Friday, December 7 - TURN: Reflect...Where have I fallen short this week? How can I make amends?
• Saturday, December 8 - REST: Do something today that replenishes your spirit.

Lessons and Carols

Sunday, December 9 - 4:00 p.m.

We will celebrate the Advent season with the Festival of Lessons and Carols, a service of Christian worship celebrating the birth of Jesus inaugurating the Advent/Christmastide season. The story of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, and the birth of Jesus is told in nine short Bible readings from Genesis, the prophetic books and the Gospels, interspersed with the singing of Christmas carols, hymns and choir music in a lovely service reminiscent of the annual King's College, Cambridge England service of Lessons and Carols. A reception follows with wassail and English shortbread. Please join us and bring friends to this lovely service.

 

La Posada

Wednesday, December 12

Come join us as we "journey with the Holy Family" in search of shelter. This evening is designed for (and truly needs) all ages to participate and is a perfect event to bring friends as well. Tamale supper at 6:00 p.m., and then we break into groups, each led by a guide, to search for shelter at the three "inns." 

In this day of on-line reservations, platinum cards and bonus miles, this Advent journey invites us to take a closer look at that most holy night. Please RSVP here or to the evite coming your way this week, so we can make enough food for everyone!

Star of Bethlehem

Following the star...

The Tessmann Planetarium at Santa Ana College presents the Star of Bethlehem show which explores the story of the Magi following a bright star to discover the birthplace of a newborn king. The show uses references found in the New Testament as its starting point. Then using the planetarium's powerful star projector, the show investigates astronomical objects and events that appeared in the Christmas sky 2000 years ago. 

If you would like to attend; tickets are $7 each. We have purchased a block of 20 tickets. If you are interested in purchasing a ticket click here. For those wishing to carpool, plan to leave the church parking lot after the 10:00 a.m. service, and pack a sack lunch for the ride. Contact the parish office (435-4561) if you would like to attend.

 

Outreach

Providing support...

Disaster relief 

If you would like to donate toward California wildfire relief efforts, you can donate to the US Disaster Relief Fund through Episcopal Relief and Development.  

Parish News

 

If you are unsure of your progress with this year's pledge, just contact Christie Tugend and she can give you an update. Remember that you have until Sunday, December 30 to make donations, for this year or next, that may be included in your 2018 charitable deductions. 

Amazon Smile

A Shopping bonus!

REMEMBER! The holidays are upon us, and we all will visit Amazon to shop online. When you log on to shop, make sure you go to smile.amazon.com. It will still be your same account, but you will be donating a percentage of your purchase to your favorite charity...which we hope is Christ Church. Click here to sign up. It costs you NOTHING and benefits so many.

 

Thrift Shop During the Holidays

Shop hours and donations