Family Advent Event on December 1st at 9:15

It's hard to believe that Advent is just a few days away! You don't want to miss out on this opportunity to prepare your hearts for the season at our Family Advent Event on Sunday, December 1st at 9:15 am. There will be no Sunday School for children in 6th Grade and younger this Sunday. Instead families will gather to learn about and make a Jesse Tree. What is a Jesse Tree? The Jesse Tree is an old tradition (dating back to the Middle Ages) that tells the story of the Bible from Creation to the birth of Jesus. Our Jesse Tree Kit is a wonderful way to journey through Advent using handmade ornaments and a daily devotional. Everyone is invited to join us for the event! While a Jesse Tree is ideal for families with children, it is a wonderful way for adults to celebrate the Advent season as well. Grandparents will want to join us so they may introduce their grandchildren to this ancient tradition. Jesse Tree Kits are limited--we have been assembling them by hand for weeks! The kits are a wonderful keepsake item to be used year after year, but we must limit them to one per registration. A digital version will be available on our website as well. Register for the event soon!

REGISTER

Register NOW for St. Philip's Christmas Eve Pageant

Angels and shepherds and sheep, oh my! This is one event your family won't want to miss! Children age 3 years and older are invited to be a part of the Christmas story at our annual Children's Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve at 4:30 pm. There is a part to play for everyone! Come let us adore Him. Register now to get your preferred part, but if you forget, no worries...just come to the Parish Hall at 3:30 pm on Christmas Eve and we will outfit you with a costume. No rehearsals are necessary for angels, shepherds and animals. Major parts (Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, Star, Readers, etc.) will have a rehearsal on Sunday, December 22nd following the 10:30 worship service (12-2 pm, lunch provided). Older elementary, youth and adults are encouraged to register as angel, shepherd and animal leaders as these roles will lead the littlest participants. Readers will be given scripture to practice in advance. PAGEANT REGISTRATION

Kids' Activity Book Available for Lessons & Carols Our annual Service of Nine Lessons & Carols takes place on Sunday, December 15th* at the 10:30 service. This is a delightful and engaging service for the whole family! Be sure to pick up the special activity packet for children to use during the service. It is designed to help kids better understand and participate in the service. It is yours to keep and is a great resoure to use throughout the holidays. *There will be no Children's Church on 12/15/19

Additional Resources for Advent

Pick Up This Family Advent Devotional Advent gives us a natural opportunity to think about the many ways that God shows us the Wonders of His Love. It is a wonder that God sent his only Son, that Jesus humbled himself to be born in a manger and live in poverty. Celebrate those wonders, and many more, as a family! Together, each day of the season, prepare for the coming of the Lord through Scripture, reflection, prayers and activities. Let us look to Jesus in the manger and welcome him into our hearts. Available to pick up in church office, the Narthex and Children's Ministry area. From Our Own, Elizabeth Scott There are three key components to a special event: anticipation, realization, and reflection. This idea is encapsulated in the promise of a savior. These devotionals written about prophecy, Bethlehem, angels, and shepherds are crafted to stir a longing for a more meaningful Advent season. J esus: A Promise Kept is designed to balance a hectic holiday schedule with the desire to delve deeply into preparation for Christmas. Short and impactful, daily readings make way for hearts to receive the ultimate gift of Jesus. Available at amazon.com .

Download a copy of a family Christmas guide here. For other Faith-Filled Holiday Activities, visit the HomePointe site here.

This is a great resource for learning to live out your faith. Articles on parenting and grandparenting, fun faith activities for the family, games, crafts, recipes, etc. Purchase your digital copy here or buy a subscription.

For questions or more information, contact Amy Watson Smith, Director of Ministry to Children + Families at 843-722-7734 or by email.

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