Good morning St. John's Community,
We have arrived at the third Sunday in Advent! This Sunday has been given the name Gaudete Sunday, which means "Rejoice!" You'll notice this reflected in today's readings and the music in a special way.
Today we also hear an opening prayer that begins with the words, "Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us." In England, traditionally, a similar prayer appears on the last Sunday before Advent, exactly when households begin to prepare the Christmas pudding by stirring it. The nickname for the day is therefore "Stir-up Sunday," which takes on a double meaning.
Truly, we are being stirred up this Advent. It may be less comfortable and less familiar than in typical years, but it calls us to be more awake and aware. That is truly in the spirit of the season.
Today's service will be available to watch live at 9:00am on
Facebook, or at any time on our
YouTube, or
on our website. We are taking a pause from outdoor worship at this time, but we have brought back Zoom Coffee Hour at 10:00am. (Click
here to participate.)
I pray that we will be stirred up in holy ways today and throughout this rich season!
Faithfully,
Rob+
Special note for those attending the service in person this morning. Because the area around the church will be mostly closed to foot traffic this morning, those attending worship need to enter the area at the intersection of 15th and I St. NW on foot. Street parking nearby should be available, and there are also many garages from which to choose.
