ADVENT CALENDAR AND SPECIAL EVENTS

                                                                          

December2.

CRECHE BLESSING

 For a number of years, we and our neighboring parish, Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, have marked the beginning of the Advent season by erecting a crèche on the St. Thomas’ Church lawn. Each week, figures are added to the nativity scene, culminating with the arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas Eve. 

The crèche will be blessed immediately preceding the 10:00 Eucharist on the First Sunday of Advent, December 2.

December 3

ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS 

A popular addition to our liturgical schedule in recent years has been the Advent Service of Lessons and Carols. This year’s service is planned for Sunday, December 2, at the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist. That day, the Liturgy of the Word will include prophecies of our Lord’s coming, anthems by the choir, and favorite Advent hymns.             

PARISH FAMILY NIGHT

 On Sunday, December 2, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. all members of the parish are invited to gather for fellowship, food and service to others. After a spaghetti supper, we will assemble holiday food bags and wrap gifts for families served by the Community Place of Greater Rochester and Grace Urban Ministries. See the Church School News in this APOSTLE for details.  You can be an angel! Just stop by the Church School table at coffee hour to choose from our angel jar to buy a child’s gift, canned ham, or dry milk to be delivered with the Christmas bags. 

DECEMBER 15

ADVENT DINNER

One of the most popular annual events at St. Thomas’ is the Advent Dinner. This year’s celebration will be on Saturday, December 9, with fellowship hour at 6:00 and candlelight dinner at 7:00. Caroling around the tables will follow. This is a great opportunity to get to know other parishioners in a convivial setting.   As always, the main course will be standing rib of beef with Yorkshire pudding. The cost is $12.50 per person. Those attending are also asked to bring an hors d’oeuvre, vegetable, starch casserole, salad or dessert to serve ten. Wine and other beverages are provided.  You may sign up at coffee hour, or make your reservation by calling the church office by Wednesday, December 6.      

December 16

CHURCH SCHOOL CHANCEL DRAMA 

On Sunday, December 19, at 10:00 a.m. the children of the Church School will present their traditional Chancel Drama. Following the children’s play, the grown-ups will join in an informal carol sing.  Because of this special service, there is no Eucharist at 10:00; instead, a brief celebration of the Eucharist will be offered in the chapel at 11:15. 

December 24

CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER 

The traditional Christmas Eve Dinner will follow the 5:00 p.m. Crèche Service and Eucharist on December 24. Please bring a dish to pass: salad, vegetable, starch casserole or cookies/brownies to serve ten, or $5 per person/$12 per family to cover the cost of meat and beverages. Help with set-up and serving would also be most welcome! Please sign up at coffee hour or call the church office (442-3544) by December 22.