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For December 3, 2023
This Sunday marks the start of Advent. Advent is recognized in the Western tradition of the Christian Church as the start of the liturgical year. In the three year cycle of the lectionary, we begin Year B.
Advent is a season observed in most Christian denominations as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for both the celebration of the Nativity of Christ at Christmas and the return of Christ at the Second Coming.
Advent is often observed with prayers, candle lighting, sometimes fasting and in general with an air of anticipation for what is to come: the Incarnation of God in the Christ Child – Emmanuel – God with us.
The season of Advent in the Christian calendar anticipates the "coming of Christ" from three different perspectives: the physical nativity in Bethlehem, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and the anticipation of the Second Coming.
So how is it that each of us prepares for this momentous event? Take away the tinsel and the lights, the presents and the cookies; what is it that we do to mark the occasion of Emmanuel?
Rev. Deborah
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CARD RECREATORS TAKING A BREAK: The Card Recreators have their last meeting on Thurs. Nov. 30 and will take some well-deserved time off. They will get back to work Thursday, Jan 4, 2024. Cards will still be available for purchase in the meantime.
VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED FOR DEC 7 DINNER: We still need 3 or 4 people to help with our Catering function on Thurs. Dec between 4 and 8 pm. If you are interested in helping or just want to get out of the house, all are welcome (and you get a turkey dinner!). Please contact the office.
ENDINGS AND BEGINNINGS JAN 28, 2024: Please note that the time has been changed to 3:30 pm. More information will be provided closer to the date of the service.
REMINDERS
SUN DEC 3 MEWASSIN CHRISTMAS BRUNCH: Our annual Christmas Brunch will take place on Sun. Dec. 3 immediately following the Communion Service. Rev. Deborah will be staying with us for the morning. Please contribute by bringing a pot-luck food item.
NOW UNTIL DEC 10: MEWASSIN – CHRISTMAS FOOD HAMPER: Please bring good quality non-perishable food items. An envelope will be provided for gift cards. The hamper will be donated to the Wabamun Christmas Hamper Program. Please have all items in by December 10.
WHITE GIFT SUNDAYS DEC 3 & 10 AT BOTH CHURCHES:
STONY PLAIN: We are collecting Warm Clothing – socks, mitts, toques, etc. to give to FCSS (Family & Community Support Services).
MEWASSIN: Our clothesline will be hanging up for collection of socks for Parenting for the Future. Socks of any kind are needed – kids’, women’s and men’s.
UCW CHRISTMAS LUNCH WED. DEC. 6 AT 11:30 AM: Attention Ladies! The UCW will meet at K C's Restaurant Wed. Dec. 6 at 11:30 am for lunch. All ladies are welcome. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
MEWASSIN CHRISTMAS CONCERT THURS. DEC 21: Mewassin will be holding its annual Christmas concert on Thursday, December 21 at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome!
INFORMATION ABOUT THE CONGREGATIONAL CARE COMMITTEE: The Congregational Care Committee is facilitating the services at Westview Continuing Care (WCC) and Whispering Waters (WW) in Stony Plain. Our Committee is small and cannot support these services on our own. We are looking for volunteers to help - otherwise, we will not be able to continue.
What will you do? Hand out the song books; sit with the residents; assist with Communion; smile and pass your joy to residents!
What time do you need to be there? 6:15pm at WCC and 7:15pm at WW – done by 8:00pm.
When? December 6, 2023; January 3, 2024; February 7, 2024; March 6, 2024. We will look at other dates later.
Who does what? Rev. Deborah leads the service and the Choir supports the music at WW.
How do I volunteer? Contact the church office.
WED. DEC 6 CARE HOME SERVICES: The Choir will present selections from the Cantata at Whispering Waters. Cantata choir members are asked to be at Whispering Waters at 7:00 PM (don’t come to the church first).
DEC 10 MEWASSIN SUNDAY SCHOOL ACTIVITY: On Sunday, Dec 10, our Sunday School will be making Kids’ Christmas bags for Parenting for the Future.
CANTATA PERFORMANCE AT DEVON DEC 10: We will be presenting the Cantata (no dinner!) at Devon United Church on Sunday Dec 10 at 2:00 PM. If you are unable to attend in Stony on the 17th, you can see us in Devon!
SUNDAY, DEC 17 MEWASSIN: We will be having coffee after the service.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA AND ADVENT SUPPER SUN DEC 17 AT 5 PM: We are having our annual Advent Dinner and Cantata on Sun. Dec 17. Dinner, featuring Ham and Scalloped Potatoes, will start at 5:00 pm. Caroling begins at 6:15, followed by some Special Music. The Cantata, “Joy! – A Choral Gospel Celebration” by Joel Raney, will start at 7:00 pm and we will have dessert, coffee and cookies afterward. Tickets are $25.00 for Adults, and $10 for Children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under eat free! Tickets are available in advance at the office.
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
MEETINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
AT OTHER UNITED CHURCHES IN OUR REGION
Mc Dougall United: Book Study on Tuesdays, Nov 28 to Dec 19 by Zoom: “Advent Dialogues – The Gift of Being Present” a 4 week discussion series on the book “Right Here, Right Now; The Practice of Christian Mindfulness”. Please register and receive the Zoom Link by calling the church office 780-428-1818 or email
Mill Woods United: Christmas Craft Market Dec. 2, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Over 50 Vendors + Children’s Activities. 15 Grand Meadow Crescent, Edmonton.
Spirit West United: Choir Concert Fri. Dec. 8 at 7:00 PM: “Morning Star, A Message of Hope” by Lloyd Larson will be presented by the choir, and will feature voice, piano, flute, harp, and percussion. 7003 - 199st.NW Edmonton. Phone: (780) 481-1406. Email:
Robertson Wesley United: Blue Christmas Sun Dec 17 at 7:00 PM: 10209 123 St. Edmonton. Phone: (780) 482-1587.
