Advent begins Sunday, November 29th. In addition to our regular offerings of Sunday Worship, Children's Sunday School and Wednesday Morning Meditation, we invite you to journey with St. Pauls through this season with the following offerings below.
Sunday Morning Meditation | Sundays in Advent @ 9:15 a.m.
This is an online offering where we will gather together, read a brief reflection, and enter into 20 minutes of silent meditation. There will be an optional time of reflection after the meditation. We will conclude in time for the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Learn more: stpaulsrva.org/events/sundaymeditation.
Compline and Evening Prayer on Facebook Live
Introducing Compline to our daily prayer services for Advent! Beginning on Monday, November 30th through Christmas Day, we will offer the following daily prayer services on weeknights on Facebook Live:
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Evening Prayer with Rev. Charlie on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 p.m.
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Compline with Rev. Gwynn on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.
Compline is the last of the Book of Common Prayer’s four services in the Daily Office that includes Morning and Evening Prayer. It is an intimate and peaceful prayer service for turning our bodies, hearts and minds toward Christ as we prepare to rest as we wait and watch in hope for the Light of the World. Please note that we will not offer the Morning Prayer Podcast during Advent.
Musical Recital | Wednesdays in Advent @ Noon
In partnership with All Saints Episcopal Church, St. Paul’s will be offering musical recitals on Wednesdays at noon during Advent. These recitals will be a mix of organ and instrumentals and will be streamed on Facebook Live. We will also post to our website for later viewing.
Advent Prayer Walk @ Capitol Square* | December 5th @ 10:00 a.m.
Please join us, Saturday, December 5th at 10:00 a.m., as we walk, watch and wait, witness and pray to God for Christ to be born anew into our hearts, our community, and all creation this Advent season. We will meet in St. Paul’s Memorial Garden, and we will walk quietly together to and around Capitol Square, stopping at designated prayer stations to read poems and prayers, concluding on the front steps of St. Paul’s. The walk will be easy with some hills and about 1.25 miles in length and weather permitting.
Limit 15 people and reservation required. You can reserve your spot HERE.
*Note change of location from the location named in Advent Calendar.
December Book Club | Monday, December 14th @ 7:00 p.m.
We will be reading and reflecting on The Irrational Season by Madeline L’Engle. “The Irrational Season follows the liturgical year from one Advent to the next, with L’Engle reflecting on the changing seasons in her own life as a writer, wife, mother, and global citizen.” Learn more: stpaulsrva.org/events/fallbookclub
Liturgy of the Longest Night | Monday, December 21st @ 7 p.m.
The Liturgy of the Longest Night, also known as “Blue Christmas,” is symbolically held on the Winter Solstice (December 21st or thereabouts), coinciding with the Feast Day for St. Thomas the Apostle (“Doubting Thomas”). This service is designed to create a sacred space to lift up our grief and lament intermingled as well as our hope and longing for healing as Christ is born anew into our hearts and world. Service will be live-streamed on Facebook and You Tube, as well as posted on our website. Stay tune for details.
Advent Pause | Weekdays During Advent
Brief, daily reflections to deepen our connection to God, self, planet, and neighbor.
The season of Advent invites us to be more awake to the ways that God is present in each day and moment. Each weekday in Advent, you’re invited to participate in a quick moment of reflection with the staff of St. Paul’s. Based on the prayers, images, or readings from each Sunday in Advent, these very quick “pauses” will help you ground your day in God and God’s love for you. You may use them for private prayer time, or use them as conversation starters with family or friends.
We will post the daily reflection on our Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also sign up to receive the daily reflection by e-mail.
