2023 Advent and Christmas Worship and Event Schedule
In the Christian church, we begin our liturgical year with the season of Advent, a four-Sunday season leading up to the celebration of the Nativity of Christ on December 25. At. St. John's, we observe the season of Advent in a variety of ways: we make Advent wreaths together, join in worship for a service of Lessons & Carols with our choir and guest musicians, provide a space of care and healing for those who experience pain or loneliness during this season, and all of this culminates with three celebrations of the birth of Christ on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Our special worship services and events are outlined below. Come and see!
On the first day of Advent each year, we gather together to make wreaths after the 10 a.m. service. This year, our tradition continues on Sunday, December 3rd.
The Advent and Christmas season can be difficult for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one or are suffering from other grief. We host a service of healing each year on a Sunday evening in December, followed by a simple supper. Please join us this year on Sunday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m.
The first service of Advent Lessons and Carols was held at King's College Cambridge in 1918. Since then, it has become a rich Anglican tradition, which we also observe at St. John's. The service is made up of nine lessons and carols. At St. John's, the music is a lovely mixture of choral anthems and hymns. Join us on Sunday, December 17th at 10 a.m.
Join us for MIV’s second concert of the season, Celebrating Beethoven’s Baptism. Tickets are $45 for adults in advance or $50 at the door. Student tickets are $25. All MIV concerts include a gourmet buffet dinner with the artists! All tickets can be purchased online at https://www.stjohnswrp.org/music-events/music-in-the-valley/, by mailing a check to St. John’s with “December Concert Tickets” in the memo line, or by calling the office. For more information on our Music in the Valley Concert Series, click here!
Children's Pageant
Beginning Sunday, December 3rd at Children's Chapel, our children begin preparing for our annual Christmas Eve Pageant, which is held each year on Christmas Eve at 5 p.m. in the Parish Hall. There is a full stage, costumes, music, and more. This is a great way for families to celebrate Christmas, and all children are encouraged to participate, even if they don't come until Christmas Eve!
Christmas Eve Midnight Service
Later, after the Christmas Pageant, we gather at 10:15 p.m. in the church to hear a concert of carols led by our choir and harp. Then, our Christmas Eucharist begins at 11:00 p.m. We finish celebrating this most joyous occasion with a small reception in the Parish Hall.
On Christmas Day, we gather at 10 a.m. with choir to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
