Saint John’s Advent Services and Events
This Advent season, we will explore the theme of generations, not just within our own families and communities, but also in the biblical account of Jesus’ birth. From the prophecies of Isaiah to the witness of Matthew, we will learn how generations viewed the coming of the Messiah.
Throughout Advent
Churchwide Advent Sunday School – Sunday mornings Dec 3 – 24 at 10:00 a.m. in the Great Hall
Using our Bread for our Journey curriculum, Shelley Walters and Laura Schwarcz will lead us in this conversation-filled hour. Through art and story, we’ll pay attention to each of the characters from the familiar Christmas narratives and ask what we can learn from them.
Advent Reflections via Email
Each day in this Advent season we will send out interviews of folks from our Saint John’s community. They will reflect on generations, faith, wisdom, and hope for the future. To receive these Advent reflections by email, visit bit.ly/adventreflections2023.
First Week of Advent - Hope
First Sunday of Advent - Sunday, November 26 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Marchbanks shares her message, “There’s Room in Every Story,” with scripture from Matthew 1:1-17 and Isaiah 2:1-5. The Chancel Choir will provide music.
Second Week of Advent - Peace
Second Sunday of Advent – Sunday, December 3 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
Communion Sunday
Rev. Hilary Marchbanks shares her message, “We Can Choose a Better Way,” with scripture from Matthew 1:18-25 and Isaiah 35:1-10. The Austin Flute Choir will provide music.
Family Advent Breakfast – Sunday, December 3 at 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.
All children, youth, and parents are invited to join us as we “extend the table” together with a feast of breakfast tacos and donuts. We will also create ornaments to pass out during Caroling on December 17.
Tidings of Joy Concert – Friday, December 8 at 7:00 p.m.
Join us for this longstanding Saint John’s tradition! The evening is filled with favorite songs of the season, featuring every musical group of Saint John’s and some special guests! There is always plenty of audience sing-along. Don’t miss this fun event for the whole family.
Gifts of Hope Gift Card and Bake Sale – Friday, December 8 –
before and after the Tidings Concert
Light up someone’s holiday season and support meaningful mission work at the same time! Saint John’s Risk-Taking Mission and Service Committee hosts this event where you may honor loved ones with a gift donation to one of several worthy organizations, and purchase delicious, homemade baked goods.
Third Week of Advent - Joy
Third Sunday of Advent – Sunday, December 10 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Rev. Marchbanks shares her message, “We See God in Each Other” with scripture from Luke 1:28-38. The Chancel Choir and Trinity Singers will provide music.
Gifts of Hope Gift Card Sale – Sunday, December 10 – after both services
Light up someone’s holiday season and support meaningful mission work at the same time! Saint John’s Risk-Taking Mission and Service Committee hosts this event where you may honor loved ones with a gift donation to one of several worthy organizations.
Youth Christmas Party – Sunday, December 10
Members of Saint John’s Youth will meet and celebrate the season together. Contact
for more details.
Fourth Week of Advent - Love
Fourth Sunday of Advent – Sunday, December 17 at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Lessons and Carols – Genesis 1:1-5; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-4a, 6-9; Luke 1:46-55; Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14. The Chancel Choir will provide music.
Gifts of Hope Gift Card Sale – Sunday, December 17 – after both services
Light up someone’s holiday season and support meaningful mission work at the same time! Saint John’s Risk-Taking Mission and Service Committee hosts this event where you may honor loved ones with a gift donation to one of several worthy organizations.
Annual Christmas Caroling – Sunday, December 17 at 12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.
Join us in caroling for Saint John’s homebound and those living in various senior residential homes. All ages are invited to join in. We will meet in the Great Hall after worship to eat a pizza lunch and practice a few songs together before going out into the community to spread Christmas joy and God’s love. Register by Monday, December 11 at bit.ly/SJCaroling2023.
JOY Christmas Lunch at Chez Zee – Tuesday, December 19
Members of Saint John’s Senior Adult Ministry will meet for a Christmas Lunch Bunch from 11:15 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Chez-Zee. Contact
for more details.
Service of the Longest Night – Thursday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Gather for a grace-filled hour of reflection, prayer, and inspirational readings in a setting of candlelight and quiet music. There is an opportunity for all to be anointed with oil. This hour is designed to be a welcome respite for those seeking hope, healing, and inner peace.
Christmas Eve Sunday
Sunday, December 24 at 11:00 a.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Hilary shares her message, “We Tell This Story” as we celebrate the joy of welcoming the Christ Child in three worship services.
At 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 pm Hilary shares a message from Luke 2:1-20 with candlelight and communion. The Chancel Choir will provide music. Childcare available.
The 5:00 p.m. service is a child-centered worship service with candlelight and the Christmas story. Childcare available.
New Year’s Eve Sunday
Sunday, December 31 at 11:00 a.m only
Join us for a Wesleyan Renewal Service at 11:00 a.m.