Greetings from the Chair
When I was a child, the wait for Christmas seemed interminable. The older I get, the faster it seems to arrive! The Advent wreath with candles for Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, as well as the Christ candle, help count down the weeks until the blessed birth day.
In our congregation the Purdy’s chocolate and the boxed cookie fundraisers also remind us of the time passing. These have been well-supported fundraisers which reveal to us that there are many sweet teeth in our community! A big thank you to all the volunteers who made those events happen.
But what are we waiting for? There is a selection of contemplative studies happening in our church this Advent season to help us ponder that question:
- Reverend Alwin is hosting a weekly Advent bible study from the PWRDF entitled, ‘The Birth of Hope’ on Tuesday evenings at 7:00, in person and via Zoom.
- Catherine Ripley is offering Virtual Advent Potlucks, each Saturday morning at 10:00 in a small group format via Zoom, comprised of folks from KSM as well as participants from other Anglican and United congregations in the East Kootenays.
More information about these study groups is available on our KSM website, through the biweekly emailed newsletter, as well as by phoning the church office (250-427-2428 Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-12:00).
- From further afield, the Anglican Church of Canada is leading a weekly series during Advent entitled, ‘What Are We Waiting For? Mondays feature Advent Meditations with the Leaders of the Anglican, Evangelical Lutheran, Presbyterian, and United Churches. Then, every Thursday during Advent, listeners are invited to join in a live discussion, via Zoom, with one of the leaders on that week’s Advent theme. Registration is required to join the Zoom gatherings. Attendees will be able to ask questions during the online conversation. Visit the Anglican Church of Canada website for more information.
- The United Church of Canada’s offering is entitled, ‘Advent Unwrapped’: ‘Get ready for Christ(mas)! Advent—a holy, four-week countdown to Jesus’ birthday—begins on Sunday, November 27! Get ready to make room for Christ and the radical, countercultural messages that Christ brings.
Throughout the season, videos, prayers, family resources, and reflections will introduce and explore the Christmas story. For more worship resources visit our Advent and Christmas worship pages. Follow our Advent Unwrapped Facebook page (opens in a new tab) and subscribe to our newsletter (opens in a new tab) for regular updates.
As well, there are many Advent worship services offered in our sanctuary. These are listed elsewhere in this newsletter.
Waiting for Christmas is a busy time with many options for study and fellowship. I look forward to seeing many of you at some of these events.
Christmas Blessings,
Kathy Desbiolles
Chair, KSM Council