In this first week of Advent we have been focusing on Hope as a decision in our Living Compass readings. Scott Stoner writes:

"A common misunderstanding of hope is that it is primarily a feeling. And, as with feelings, in this thinking we either have hope, or we do not. A more evolved and mature understanding is that Hope is much more than a feeling, its a decision. Note the difference between I am not feeling very hopeful today that we can can overcome this challenge. I choose to remain hopeful that we can overcome this challenge. We can decide to act with hope even when we do not feel hopeful, just as we can choose to act with love even when we do not feel love in a present moment."

Practicing Hope as a decision does not negate the hard realities of our times. But, what would happen if this Advent season all of us at Incarnation welcomed everyday as an opportunity to practice Hope as a decision. Would we reverberate hope out into our community like the ripple of a pebble in water? Could we inspire Hope in each other and ourselves? Try it out and let me know what happens.

There are so many great offerings happening out in the world, we could give them a try. Every week, I will send more items to enrich your Advent experience.

Advent Word is a global international daily Advent Prayers.

Arts and Faith Advent A weekly reflection with prayer and art.

National Cathedral Evening Advent Service every Sunday

Here's more on how to use Zoom.

We are also live streaming each Zoom service on our Facebook page, so you can also watch the service on Facebook, and it will be archived there for viewing later in case you're not able to join in live. You don't need to be a Facebook member to see the live stream on the Facebook page by clicking the link above.

Our next outdoor in-person services are scheduled for Sunday, December 6, the Second Sunday of Advent, conditions permitting, at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Please register in advance, as space is limited.

To register to attend in person or receive Communion at home, click here.

If you can volunteer to help make the outdoor services happen, click here.

Grace Episcopal Church, St. Helena, is creating a virtual Spanish-language Christmas pageant (pastorela), and would love to include our neighbors from around the Diocese of Northern California! It will be a very simple lessons and carols format, with costumed children enacting the different moments of the nativity as it is read (usually but not always by children). 

For questions, email the Rev. Amy Denney Zuniga, revamy@grace-episcopal.org.

Each regular Vestry term is 3 years. We meet at least once each month and members are also expected to attend one or possibly two retreats each year. Occasionally there may be an additional monthly meeting. You can read a fuller description of Vestry roles and responsibilities here.

 ...do you find yourself alone this Christmas due to Covid-19? The good news is, you aren’t! Bells will be ringing, and angels preparing, so order your Christmas dinner now. All subscriptions must be phoned to

Julie, 707-755-3515, no later than 6:00 pm, Monday, the 20th of December. Dinners will be ready for pick-up in the church parking lot December 24th, 2:30-3:00. Roast Beef and all the trimming will be on the menu!

Do you feel helpless to effect change in our pandemic hobbled world? Add your voice to assist in the healing of a divided nation. A group of Incarnation parishioners is praying together every Monday at 3:00 pm on Zoom. The meeting is short (about 15 minutes) and centers on prayers from the Book of Common Prayer. Our nation needs your help. Please join us!

For Zoom link, please email Brad, bradsmith51@yahoo.com.

Consider starting your Christmas shopping at the Book/Gift Shop this year! You’ll find beautiful jewelry, scarves from Provence, Journals, Picture Frames, Jigsaw puzzles and many other choices.

A few copies of Book Club books are still available: Pastrix, Help, Thanks, Wow: the Three Essential Prayers, How To Be An Antiracist, and The Underground Church.

For appt: Email Linda Sevier, sevierlinda@gmail.com, or text 949-280-9797. Mask required, social distancing respected, and gift wrap available.

..Dan, Mai-Wah, Amy C., Alyce, Leslie, Chris S., Mark, Don, Nancy B., Ziya, Chris, Richard & Patty, Darrell, Francoise, Gene & Elizabeth, Kristin, Doug & Karin, Rob M., Hugh & Angela, Mary, Robyn, Bruce, Monique & Kirk, Amanda, and Nancy H.

...for those who have died: Harry Dingwall, Athy, Bill Whidden, Marjorie Thoreson, Maureen Green, Alberta Jacobson, Ellen Meuse, Geoff Wright, Carole Jean Martino, Susan Hedges, Jerry Angel, Alphonsine Lhermitte, Raimundo Castro, Wallace Look, Marilyn Payne, Gary Lindsey, David Ratner, Frank Gavaller.

click here for the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer.

click here for the Anglican Cycle of Prayer.

Monday, December 7

Tuesday, December 8

Could you use a prayer or a listening ear? Do you have ideas you'd like to share? Although our offices are closed, Pastor Stephen is available to talk by phone or via Zoom. If you'd like to find a time to talk with Stephen, you can call Alison at 707-579-2604 or email Stephen directly at sshaver@incarnationsantarosa.org.

If you know of anyone, including yourself, who could use a communion visit or a prayer, please call the church office (707-579-2604) or email alison@incarnationsantarosa.org