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Parenting and Grandparenting for Faith
Families
Advent 2023 at Trinity
“The Journey”
Advent begins December 3,
as we light the candle of Hope,
and begin the journey to Bethlehem.
Throughout the season, we will reflect on the Christmas story in worship, and what it looks like to give and receive the gifts of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
Celebrate Advent, with these simple actions:
- God’s Big Story in Advent is a collection of weekly Advent devotions and suggested activities for families with children.
- Create a Home Advent Wreath: Some supplies will be available in the church narthex (blue and pink candles, plus Christ Candles for the center), Home Advent Wreath can be ordered here
- Use this Advent Devotional: Download the pdf OR purchase one from church for $10
- On/Before Dec. 3: If you are offering a gift through Kids Above All, please bring it back by Sunday, Dec. 3!
- On/Before Dec 10: Purchase a gift and bring it to Trinity, for families in need at
Salt Creek School (School District 59) in Elk Grove: - Throughout December – bring hats, gloves, mittens, scarves (for adults and children) for our “Warming Tree” in Trinity’s narthex (church lobby)
- Collect food for our local pantries, using this Reverse Advent Calendar
- Go caroling with us to our Trinity homebound — meet at the church at 2 pm on Dec. 17. We’ll go to sing to our homebound and those in nursing homes.
- Purchase a “scrip” gift card through Trinity, for a teacher, neighbor, friend, by Dec. 3 for December delivery. (forms are in the narthex/church lobby)
- Join us on Zoom for “Centering Prayer” Wednesday Mornings at 8 am
Save these special dates! Advent/Christmas @Trinity:
Sunday November 26 at 4 pm – 6pm:
Hanging of the Greens
Join us to “deck the halls” of our sanctuary and church lobby (narthex). We’ll enjoy some pizza, practice our upcoming pageant, and more. All ages are welcome!
Saturday, Dec. 2: Cookie Walk, Craft Fair, Mt. Prospect Community Band Concert
Cookie Walk and Craft Fair begin at 3 pm, Concert begins at 4 pm
Proceeds from both support Outreach and Missions in our Community!
Saturday, Dec. 9: Trinity partners with D59 for the Toys for Tots Giveaway!
Sunday, Dec. 10 in Worship:
Blessing of KAA and Salt Creek Gifts PLUS…
All Ages Christmas Pageant (Los Posadas theme)
Sunday, Dec 17, 2 pm:
Caroling to Trinity’s Homebound, meet at the church!
Sunday, Dec 24: Christmas Eve Worship, Morning and Evening
10:30 am: Traditional Worship with Choirs and Special Music
7 pm: Choirs, Special Music, Messages for All Ages, Candlelight
What is Advent?
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians. During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward to anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming. Although we are accustomed to celebrating Christmas on a single day, in both Christian tradition and on the church calendar, the Christmas season lasts from sundown on Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve) through Epiphany of the Lord (Jan. 6). This is sometimes referred to as “the 12 days of Christmas.” Advent begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. The color for Advent has traditionally been purple, but many churches, including Trinity, have adopted blue. In practice, however, as churches increasingly incorporate the symbols and decorations of Christmas during Advent, more and more red, green and gold are appearing. The United Methodist Book of Worship upholds the traditional color of purple for Advent, signifying penitence and royalty, but also allows blue, the color of hope.
-Adapted from an article by Dean McIntyre @ What is Advent? resourceumc.org
Hanging of the Greens
All ages are welcome to join us to help decorate the sanctuary for the Advent/Christmas Season! We’ll have crafts and activities for the youngest among us, and some seasonal snacks to share!
All Ages Christmas Pageant Practice
Begins November 26th!
10:30 am during Sunday School
4:00 pm during Hanging of the Greens
Wear a costume, try out for a speaking role (new this year!), help build the set, or show up for all three! No experience needed.All ages are welcome to join us to help decorate the sanctuary for the Advent/Christmas Season!
We’ll have crafts and activities for the youngest among us, and some seasonal snacks to share!
Cherub Choir Resumes
Upcoming dates: October 22 and 29, and November 19
Cherub Choir is starting up again on Sundays, outside the playroom. If you are the parent of a child between the ages of 3 and 8 years old (including 3rd grade), Come join us as we learn exciting, fun and appropriate music about the goodness of God and Jesus. Families, send the music conductor Nancy Reed an email if there is an interest in your child or children participating. She can be reached at reed32799@gmail.com.
Click here for more information and to sign up.
