And just like that! We begin another church year. Christ the King Sunday, or Reign of Christ Sunday (Nov. 24, 2024) marks the final day of the liturgical year and we begin the new year in ready expectation of Christ’s coming-his radical breaking into our world. Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation. We are encouraged through our tradition to pause for a moment and really consider what the coming of hope might mean for us in our world today.
Here are a few liturgical changes to look forward to. During Advent, we will begin our services with the lighting of the Advent wreath. The Advent wreath marks the passage of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During each lighting, a family from our congregation will lead us in the Advent theme for the day and the special prayers associated with that theme. Musically, there are plenty of popular and familiar Advent hymns that will be in circulation over the four weeks. Liturgically, our readings will both emphasize the coming of Jesus and the eschatological hope of Jesus’ ultimate coming again. Both should inspire us to hope and anticipation of God establishing his kingdom on earth which is full of love and justice. Mary’s Magnificat, which is our last gospel reading in Advent, represents this great hope we all share in Christ.
In the life of our congregation, our committees, ministries, and Vestry will be hard at work preparing to meet Christ in the world by planning for ministry in the new calendar year. Your thoughts and ideas are welcome! Please see any member of the Vestry or our Requiem or Renaissance Team to communicate any new ministry directions you would like to see in the new year as we faithfully discern where Christ calls us to meet him. On Dec. 15, we will celebrate our name day, the Feast of St. Stephen the Martyr, and celebrate all of our ministry in the past year. We will again be giving out our Jane Nishiwaki Award for Excellence in Service and our Jackie Kavanaugh Award for Excellence in Lay Leadership as well as marking the transition of our parish administrator Carol and honoring her years of service.
Thank you for all your faithfulness. Blessings to you as we prepare the way! Hope is eager to meet us.
Advent Blessings,
Fr. Aaron Rogers+