The Advent Season Is Almost Here!

Advent Begins This Sunday, November 27th

This Sunday marks the beginning of the advent season, and we are excited to have opportunities to celebrate for children, youth, and families.

• Our young children, ages Kindergarten-5th grade, are invited to join us for Children's Chapel on Sunday in celebration of the first Sunday of Advent. Children will process out of the sanctuary after the anthem as usual, but instead of heading to the Godly Play room or playground, they will be led downstairs to our Children's Chapel for a special story, thanksgiving, and communion just for the little ones.
• We welcome all families to join us for our Advent Event, directly after church in the Parish Hall, where we'll make advent wreaths (a $10 donation is suggested but not required), share daily devotionals, and bless Las Posadas as they embark on their annual journey through the homes of our congregation. If you would like to reserve a wreath making kit, please email martha@standrewsgso.org.

Sign Up for Las Posadas and Host the Holy Family this Advent

Each night of Advent, a carved holy family will travel from parish household to parish household recreating Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay as they traveled to Bethlehem. The requirements are simple: be willing to open your home to the holy family, care for them for 48 hours, and deliver them to the next household. This is an opportunity to practice hospitality, to reflect on the meaning of season, and to make space for Jesus to be born anew. Use the button below to sign up!

Lift Every Voice and Sing! - Children's Choir Rehearsals continue on Sunday, December 4th  

Children's Choir rehearsals will take a break for the Advent Event on the 27th and resume for the following three Sundays of Advent: December 4th, 11th, and 18th. Rehearsals take place in the Kids of the Kingdom room (upstairs on the yellow hall), directly after church. The choir will sing at the early Christmas Eve Service, December 24th at 4 pm. Contact Ann Doyle at ann.doyle1313@gmail.com to learn more.

Coffee and Conversation with Mother Ginny and Visit from Saint Nicholas, December 4th

December, with its multiple demands and expectations, can be a particularly tough month for parents. Whether you are feeling jolly or not, join Mother Ginny and other parents for coffee and informal conversation in the Library after worship. Youth can hang out in Herman Hall, while children are welcome to explore the playroom and nursery. Our nursery staff will stay over that day to give parents time to chat.

During our December 4th service we will welcome Saint Nicholas, complete with his traditional gift of chocolate coins, ahead of his traditional feast day on December 6th.

Support Deck The Halls - And Check Grandparent Gifts Off Your List!

We will be offering a supervised Grandparent Gift decorating station during Deck the Halls on Saturday, December 3rd, from 10 am - Noon. We will have wooden birdhouses and painting and decorating supplies available for a $10 donation. These will make a wonderful gift for grandparents, teachers, or any other special adults on your list, and all proceeds will support St Andrews Outreach Commission in their efforts to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and be transformed by God. Birdhouses are first come first served, and no reservation is required.

Birthday Party For Jesus

We invite kids (and adults!) to join us in the parish hall on December 18th, the fourth Sunday of Advent, for a Birthday Party for Jesus, led by our EYC! We'll have cupcakes to decorate, crafts, and other fun opportunities to celebrate. Note that this is a time change from our original event, which was scheduled from 5-6:30, as we want to be sure all of our children from small to tall are able to attend before bedtime.