Beloved people of God,

this week begins our journey through Advent, the beginning of a new year in the liturgical cycle. While much of the world launches immediately into Christmas, the Christian church takes time to reflect and to wait for Jesus to be born in our lives in new ways.  At a time when the world situation is bleak, we are aware that this season is not a joyful one for everyone. As Christians we hold the pain of the world, even as we anticipate the joy of Christmas. We place our hope in God who is actively engaged in the world, in our lives, and yes, in our life as a parish. No matter what we face both individually and collectively, our trust is in the one who holds it all and promises us a bright future. In the words of the mystic Julian of Norwich “All shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well”. I hope you will take time during this busy season to pray and reflect, to enjoy some quiet time and Christmas will find us all celebrating together the birth of our Savior.

With every blessing

Rev. Colleen+

Thursday, December 11th, 7 pm:  Christmas Carols sing along

Join us at St. Matthias on Thursday, December 11th at 7:00pm for the Christmas Carols sing along. Hosted by St. M. Organist Daniel Brown and the Praise Group of St. Philip musicians. With special guest soloists and (rumour has it) cookies to follow. No admission fee, but a donation towards St. John the Divine Food Bank would be appreciated.  May we also invite you to contribute to our collection of clean (preferably new) socks for sharing with Our Place.  

Thursday, December 18th, 7 pm: Blue Christmas

All are welcome to join us for Blue Christmas, a time when we can, with others, acknowledge the “blue” feelings we have at Christmas time, the reasons for them, and offer them to God. This time has been called the “long dark night of the soul” and “the winter of our discontent” in which memories of past experiences and the pain of present experiences can become overwhelming.

For some, Christmas Day is the most difficult. For others, it may be Christmas Eve, or New Year’s Eve, or the beginning of another lonely New Year. We will invite you to reflect on the pain, the loneliness, and the sadness you may feel and offer it to God for healing and transformation.

Whether you join us in person or not, we pray that you will find hope and comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Always remember that God knows your pain and loves you unconditionally.

Sunday, December 21, 10 am.  Fourth Sunday of Advent; Lessons and Carols

All are welcome to this annual service, which weaves together Scriptural readings and carols or Christmas hymns.  It's a way of telling the Christmas story as part of the longer, broader story of God's intention for Creation.  No experience required!  

It's not part of the "traditional" lessons and carols, but we'll invite you to help decorate the tree.  We hope to have paper stars available for you to hang as a remembrance of a dear one ... or you may wish to prepare and bring your own star to hang!  

Thursday, December 24, 7 pm.  Christmas Eve worship

We mark Christmas with our worship on Christmas Eve, at 7 pm.  Traditionally, we open quietly with candle light.  Then the lights go up and we embrace the wonder of being together.  We celebrate this delightful story of God's love for each and every one of us. 

Please remember that we welcome everyone to join us ... whether you are a long-time member, an occasional visitor, a new visitor.  All are welcome ... no exceptions ... come as you are ... all ages ... bring your guests

And ... in case you wonder ... there will be no Christmas Day worship service at St. Matthias.  

Friday, December 25, 2 pm Christmas Lunch

You are invited to Christmas Lunch!  Turkey and all the trimmings!  This is the 4th Christmas Lunch organized by Rev. Colleen and it's a true demonstration of the joy to be found in community -- and lovely food.  Everyone is welcome, but we ask you to phone the office to let us know you're coming:  250.598-2833 (leave a message if it's outside office hours).

Dear friends, you may be "long-timers" or "new to St. M folk,"  but this is an invitation to join in the gentle process of making the church ready to celebrate the Nativity and (sneak preview) the Epiphany.  And, if you're not the decorating "type," please know that we simply make this invitation as an act of welcome!

Not to be too stodgy, but we have traditionally liked to respect the beautiful reflective season of Advent, so our decorations are simple and muted -- no inflated reindeer, for example!  And the lights around the ceilings have already been placed.  

We place the creche up the centre stairs, on the way to the high altar, but take our time with placing the figures.  And, you might be the one who chooses to place the Three Wise Men "elsewhere" in the church, as they are on their journey.  

Saturday, December 6th, about 10 a.m., we will be putting up the festive (but artificial) greenery that adorns the balcony and rail behind the high altar.  If we have a large turnout, we may approach a few other decorating tasks, but nothing too arduous or time-consuming.  

Saturday, December 13th, about 10 a.m.,  we'll form and hang fresh greenery swags.  And, again, we'll approach other decorating tasks.  The tree will arrive, and will remain in its beautiful simple green finery until the last weekend before Christmas.

SUNDAY, December 21 Before and after our 10 am Lessons and Carols service, we invite people to join in decorating the tree.  We often have paper stars, on which you might wish to write the name of loved ones you wish to remember at this time.