Christmas is coming.
Dear members and friends of St. Matt's,
As we continue to make our way through the season of Advent, it is indeed beginning to look a lot like Christmas. As I write this, it's Wednesday afternoon and there is a sweet, fine snow coming down outside the church. We have some gentle Christmas music on in the office (no Advent police here!). And we're working away on Christmas bulletins, worship, party plans for this Sunday, pageant rehearsals, and music for Christmas Eve. While I don't want us to get too far ahead of ourselves - the season of Advent is important! - I do want to share with you a few important details about Christmas so that you can plan to worship and celebrate with us.
On Christmas Eve, we'll have two services: a family and child oriented service at 4pm and a more traditional, contemplative candlelit service at 9pm. The family oriented service will include a few special new things to engage children in worship. And as is our custom, both services will be preceded by a wonderful half hour musical prelude that you will not want to miss (so beginning at 3:30pm and 8:30pm). We can't quite predict yet what attendance will look like this year, or how the pandemic will continue to evolve, so we are preparing for several scenarios and keeping an eye on rates as they continue to climb. Should we need to make any changes, I'll be in touch to let you know. Please be mindful that masking and social distancing will be necessary at both services. Please plan to join us for one of these celebrations - they will be beautiful and inspiring. You might also consider inviting some other folks to join you, friends, family, or new neighbors come to mind. How wonderful it would be for them to experience the welcome of St. Matthew's on Christmas Eve.
This Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent, we'll share a special Christmas party with WPC. And some folks will be in our sanctuary to begin "greening" the space so that we're ready for the Pageant that will take place on the Fourth Sunday of Advent (December 19th). And then, of course, the 26th of December is a Sunday, so as has been our custom on the Sunday after Christmas, we will have our Pajama Lessons and Carols at the 10:00am service. If you're new to the place or haven't been to one of these, we do encourage you to wear your (appropriate and festive) PJs (but you don't have to) to church! We'll have hot chocolate and cookies afterwards and the day is sweet and festive, especially for our kids.
If you have any questions or if you need anything, please don't hesitate to be in touch. You are very much in my heart and in my prayers. And I'm looking forward to these next two weeks of Advent with you as we all prepare for the coming of the Lord. God loves you, and so do I.
Faithfully,
--Marissa +