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Mid-November has always struck me as the calm before the storm. Thanksgiving is still a couple weeks away, Advent is coming, and the joy of Christmas is peeking over the horizon. This year it feels especially like a moment of calm before a whirlwind because once Christmas is over, we have only a few short weeks of Epiphany. Ash Wednesday comes early this year on February 10th as we set our eyes on the cross and await the resurrection joy of Easter.
This short moment before the big “holy day” (that is the origin of the word holiday, after all) seasons, offers us an opportunity to prepare. Advent itself is a season of preparation, and we are all invited to think about how we will observe this season. Advent begins on November 29th, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and it has a tendency to sneak up on us.
Like the season of Lent, Christians throughout time and around the world have used the season of Advent as a time to reflect and refocus on their faith amid the social pressure to rush, buy, spend, and have a picture perfect Christmas even before Christmas has arrived. Many folks will give something up or take something on for Advent, much like Lenten practices. In years past, I have decided to take on additional prayer time, journaling practices, or scripture reading for Advent. Some years, I’ve even taken on the practice of affirming other people’s gifts for Advent and spent the whole season making sure to tell at least one person a day something I admired or appreciated about them.
The month of December is a busy time. There will be gifts to buy, meals to plan and prepare, early Christmas parties, travel plans, hosting plans, and more. We’ll have lots of events at St. Barnabas too to worship God, serve others, and love one another in community. Things are about to get busy, and it can be hard to keep Advent without a plan. My best and most spiritually meaningful Advents have always been in years where I planned a spiritual practice before I was eating any leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches.
While we still have two weeks to prepare, think about how you might mark the season of Advent.
What practice might you take on for Advent? How might you pray, love and serve others, or find slow, spiritual space in your life during the hustle and bustle of December?
-Greg+
| | This Week at St. Barnabas | | |
Thursday, November 12
Depolarizing Ourselves: Braver Angels Workshop | 7 p.m. | Great Hall
Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 p.m. | Choir Room
Saturday, November 14
Holy Communion Workshop | 10 a.m.
Sunday, November 15
Holy Communion Sunday
Reflection Group: Developing a Prophetic Imagination | 9 a.m. | Great Hall
Monday, November 16
Life of Prayer: Your Light Has Come Book Study | 11 a.m. | Chapel of the Rose
Tuesday, November 17
Tuesday Morning Bible Study | 10 a.m. | Great Hall
Stephen Minister Supervision Meeting | 6 p.m. | Great Hall
Faithful Families and Advent & Christmas Gathering | 7 p.m. | Library
Wednesday, November 18
Wednesday Morning Prayer | 8 a.m. | Chapel of the Rose
Thursday, November 19
Ladies Bridge | 12:15 p.m. | Great Hall
Holiday Shopping Kick-off at Village Junction Event | 6 p.m. | Village Junction
Choir Rehearsal | 7:30 p.m. | Choir Room
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We Will, With God's Help
Stewardship 2027
We are so thankful for the incredible generosity and faithfulness of our St. Barnabas family. Every gift reflects God’s love at work in our community.
We have received 129 pledges totaling $636,551, bringing us to 94% of our $675,000 goal for 2027.
It’s not too late to make your pledge. Give online, mail your pledge card, or drop it off at the church office.
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Adopt a Family:
Christmas Giving
October 29 thru November 15th
Sign-up Here
Give the gift of joy to a family this Christmas! St. Barnabas has a long standing tradition of supporting both Operation Give Back in our immediate community and Findlay Street/Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses in the inner city. We will be providing both gifts and food to these families.
Our goal is to adopt 50 families to share Christmas spirit and light during economically challenging times.
You have the choice to purchase gifts yourself or make a monetary donation towards groceries or gifts, and we'll do the shopping for you! You can also sign up to be a shopper on Wednesday, November 18. We will be in the Library following the 10 a.m. service to help anyone who would like help signing up.
Contact Jada Hill with any questions. Learn more about OGB and 7HNH.
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Developing a
Prophetic Imagination
9 a.m. Reflection Group
Sundays November 1, 8, 15 | 9 a.m.
Great Hall
Join us Sunday mornings as we reflect together on the wisdom of Walter Brueggemann’s book, The Prophetic Imagination. Together, we’ll explore how the biblical prophets challenge the assumptions of their culture, awaken hope, and invite God’s people to imagine a different way of living—rooted in justice, compassion, and faithfulness. No prior reading required; come ready to listen, discuss, and reflect on what prophetic imagination might mean for us today.
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Join Us for Depolarizing Ourselves: Taking Steps Towards Civil Engagement
Thursday, November 12 | 7:00 p.m. | Great Hall
The Becoming Beloved Community invites you to a practical, heart-centered Braver Angels workshop. Grounded in our shared faith, civil engagement begins when we see the image of God in one another. Through guided reflections and practical tools, a trained Braver Angels facilitator will help us lead with curiosity and shared humanity-moving beyond stereotypes to discover the common ground in our core values.
Space is limited to ensure a quality group discussion. Please register in advance to reserve your spot!
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Kick-off Your Holiday
Shopping at Village Junction
Thursday, November 19 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Village Junction Boutique - 10827 Montgomery Road
Please join your St. Barnabas friends at an private holiday kick off shopping event! Village Junction, a unique gift, decor and apparel boutique, has agreed to open its doors from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on November 19 exclusively for St. B members to shop, mingle and enjoy a glass of wine and cookie. And if that is not enough, the entire store will be 20% off! Learn more and register.
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Youth Ice Skating
Sunday, November 22 | 11:30 a.m. | Summit Park
Calling all students in grades 6 through 12 for a fun afternoon! We will meet at St. Barnabas at 11:30 a.m. and carpool to Summit Park in Blue Ash and eat lunch together. No skating skills required. It’s all about getting outside and having fun together.
Register here.
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Advent Party and
Greening of the Church
Sunday, November 29 | following the 10 a.m. service
Join us after the 10 a.m. service for our annual Advent Party and Greening of the Church. Help decorate the Sanctuary, Narthex, and Great Hall and gather Advent Wreath supplies for your home. If you missed it, last year’s popular Peg Doll Nativity craft will be back. Plus seasonal snacks!
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Zig Main's Ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons
Saturday, December 5 | 11 a.m.
Christ Church Cathedral
318 E. 4th Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Join us at Christ Church Cathedral as we celebrate Zig Main’s ordination to the Sacred Order of Deacons. We give thanks for Zig’s call to ministry and invite you to be part of this joyful occasion. A reception will follow the service.
A livestream will be available on the Diocese of Southern Ohio’s Facebook page.
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Women's Christmas Tea
Saturday, December 12 | 11:30 a.m.
Loveland Museum Center
201 Riverside Avenue, Loveland, Ohio
Join us for a festive Christmas Tea filled with fellowship, delicious treats, and holiday cheer! We’ll begin with time to browse unique local gifts, vintage finds, handmade crafts, and seasonal décor in the gift shop before gathering in a beautifully decorated tea room for a special holiday themed tea service. Enjoy mimosas or unlimited Christmas-spiced tea, tea sandwiches, scones with jam, and an assortment of sweet treats served with beautiful china, crystal, and silver. An optional docent-led museum tour will follow.
Tickets are $40 per person, and space is limited. Please register by November 20.
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Outreach Pop-up:
Gift Wrapping Workshop
Sunday, November 22 | following the 10 a.m. service Undercroft
Join us Sunday, November 22 following the 10:00 service to wrap Christmas gifts and make holiday cards for our Outreach partners: Operation Give Back and Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses. We’ll meet in the undercroft to work our holiday magic to bring joy and love to these families.
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St. Nicholas Pageant
Sunday, December 6 | during the 10 a.m. service
Outreach Pop-up: Blessing Bags
Sunday, December 6 | following the 10 a.m. service | Undercroft
Lessons & Carols Service
Sunday, December 13 | 4 p.m. | Sanctuary
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