Advent + Christmas + Epiphany Activities
Advent Festival | November 30 | 11:30 am
Officially welcome the Advent season with us! The annual Advent Festival will take place after worship November 30. A light lunch will be provided. Activities and crafts for all ages include intentional interactive stations (reminiscent of Messy Church!), as well as Christmas crafts and an outreach opportunity. There will be something to engage all ages for a meaningful start to Advent.
Advent Small Group Studies
This Advent, the pastoral staff will lead four different studies. All studies will be adapted by each pastor from the book “Season’s Greetings” by Ruth Boling. Reading the book is optional; you will be able to participate fully either way.
Sundays, 9:15-10:15 am in Room 224: Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 (Rev. John Cook)
Tuesdays, 4-5 pm in the Still Hopes Parlor: Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23 (Heather Woolard-Lawson)
Wednesdays, 7:10-8:15 pm (for Manna) in Room 214: Nov. 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17 (Rev. April Martin)
Thursdays, 10-11 am in Room 209: Dec. 4, 11, 18 (Rev. Jenny McDevitt)
Community Christmas Concert | December 7 | 4 pm
Shandon’s Music Ministry--the Chancel Choir and Shandon Ringers, along with guest musicians-- will present a concert of seasonal music, interspersed with favorite congregational carols. This year’s theme is “Love’s Pure Light.” While the concert is free, a retiring offering will be collected to support Harvest Hope Food Bank. Childcare will begin at 3:45 pm.
Advent Bonfire + Chili Dinner | December 7 | 5 pm
Join your Shandon church family and friends for chili, hot drinks, and singing around the bonfire. If you can, bring your own chairs and blankets (but don’t worry, we’ll have extras available as needed). We’ll provide the hot drinks, but you'll provide the chili. If you plan to bring chili to share, let us know by December 3.
Service of Healing and Hope | December 14 | 5 pm
The carols proclaim this to be the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, for all sorts of reasons, it can be hard to proclaim joy to the world. Sunday, December 14, at 5 pm, we will hold a service of healing and hope for the holiday season. Whether you are grieving the loss of a loved one, lamenting the brokenness of the world, or carrying other burdens, join us for a quiet service that honors the complexities of this season. Rev. Ashley-Anne Masters, a friend of the pastoral staff, will preach.
Christmas Eve Family Service (Pageant) | December 24 | 4 pm
The Christmas Pageant will be presented during the 4 pm service on Christmas Eve. The children of the church will tell the wonder-filled story of Jesus’ birth! We have Pizza & Pageant Practice on Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17. There are roles for all ages (even adults!). Sign up online. Contact Rev. Heather Woolard-Lawson with questions.
Candlelight Christmas Eve | December 24 | 8 pm
Join us as we tell the familiar, holy story of the night the world changed forever. We’ll sing beloved carols, remember the story, and finish the service with candlelight. The Chancel Choir will assist in leading worship. Rev. Jenny McDevitt will preach a sermon titled “What Christmas Means to a Shepherd: Visibility.”
Welcoming Christmas Service | December 24 | 11:30 pm
Meet us on the Sanctuary steps (along Woodrow Street) for a brief service that will welcome Christmas when it first arrives. We’ll sing, pray, tell the Christmas story, and conclude with candlelight at midnight. This service will not include a sermon.
Lessons and Carols | December 28 | 10:30 am
Sing the Christmas Story with us one more time at 10:30 am on Sunday, December 28. Wear your cozy pajamas or your Christmas finery (or anything in between). Christmas cookies and hot chocolate will be available afterward!
Epiphany Sunday | January 4 | 10:30 am
In worship, we will observe Epiphany Sunday. Everyone will receive a “star word” to help guide them through the year ahead. We will also celebrate the sacrament of The Lord’s Supper.