Dear Friends,

The season of Advent is rich with opportunities for deepening our relationship to Christ. Some of those opportunities are in places beyond our parish, and meet a variety of needs. Look through what is happening at St. John’s and beyond, and discover ways to pray, worship, learn, and give this Advent. You’ll also find the schedule for Christmas services included here.

Faithfully in Christ,
Tom

ADVENT AT THE MONASTERY: Tuesday evenings in Advent at 5:30 pm
The brothers of the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Cambridge offer a preaching series at their Tuesday evening Community Eucharist, focusing on “radical practices.” All are welcome to join the brothers for these services, and to stay for a simple supper afterward. The first service is tonight. For more information, see: http://ssje.org

ADVENT SERIVE OF REMEMBRANCE AND HOPE: Wednesday, December 7 at 7 pm at Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester
For those who have suffered losses, either recent or long in the past, the holiday season can be a difficult time, when we are surrounded by images of happy families gathered about the tree or enjoying a festive celebration. This service of prayer, scripture, poetry, and music offers an opportunity to express our feelings around our losses while also hearing words of hope. For more information, see: http://www.3crowns.org

ADVENT QUIET DAY: Saturday, December 10th at Parish of the Epiphany, Winchester
The Rev. Martin Smith will lead a Quiet Day from 9 am to noon on Saturday the 10th at the Parish Of the Epiphany in Winchester. To be told one is “a godsend” by someone is a beautiful affirmation, yet this intriguing word is rarely explored for its depth of meaning. In this quiet day led by the Rev. Smith, noted writer and retreat leader, participants will ponder and pray about how each of us uniquely shares in the mission of Christ, as members of his Body, embodying God’s outreaching love in an incarnation that is ongoing. The suggested donation is $20, and childcare is available if requested. You can find out more by going to http://www.3crowns.org ;  registration is requested by emailing the church office at office@3crowns.org

ADVENT EVENSONG: Friday, December 16 at 6:30 pm at St. John’s
Our monthly Evensong service this month takes place on the third Friday of the month. Cherish the quiet contemplative nature of this service in the candlelight of the church.

SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS: Saturday, December 17th, 5 pm
Our choirs are preparing to lead us in scripture and in song as we celebrate with carols and anthems of Advent and Christmas. As always, a reception will follow the service in the Parish House. Please contact the church office if you  are interested in childcare for the service.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: Sunday, December 18th, 10 am
Our children will tell the Christmas story as part of our 10 am worship service on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Come look for a star and listen for an angel!  All children are welcome to participate, and the schedule for rehearsals is here:
Sunday, December 4, after the 10 am service
Sunday, December 11, after the 10 am service
Saturday, December 17, at 11 am, with pizza to follow

CHRISTMAS EVE
Saturday, December 24:
4 pm: Family Service with Choir and Holy Eucharist
10 pm: Holy Eucharist with Candlelight

CHRISTMAS DAY
Sunday, December 25, one service at 10 am

ADVENT GIVING – THE JESSE TREE: Opportunities to give in Advent
When you come to church this Sunday, you will see a bare branched tree with symbols of the Advent season. Known as a “Jesse Tree” it takes its name from one of the scriptures of the season: ” A shoot shall come out from the stock of Jesse,
and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”( Isaiah 11: 1). Jesse was the father of King David, and the gospel writers trace the lineage of Jesus back to this family.

You can place gifts under this tree for families here in Charlestown and far beyond our community in Syria. Here is what you can bring:

Here in Charlestown: Through an arrangement with the Harvard-Kent School, gift cards of $10 or $20 from CVS, Whole Foods, Market Basket, or other local stores will benefit families in particular need here in Charlestown. Just place your cards in an envelope marked “Harvard-Kent.”

Two Options for Syrian Refugee Relief:
St. John’s Church in Beverly Farms has an ongoing ministry with women and children in the Freedom Refugee Camp in Syria. Cash donations are welcome (make checks payable to St. John’s, Beverly Farms). Warm clothing for women and children, blankets, scarves, hats and mittens, and stuffed animals are also on their wish list. Items do not need to be wrapped. Just place them under the tree – the sooner in the season the better. Checks should be in an envelope marked “St. John’s Beverly Farms.” You can find out more about the organization they work with, Nudaysyria, at:  http://www.nudaysyria.net

Marianne Lindahl Allen, a parishioner, works with Refugee Protection International, (RPI), an organization that focuses on refugees in urban settings near conflict zones. You can find out more about their work at their website, and make donations there: https://refugeeprotection.org