The season of Advent is a holy time of preparation and expectation. Advent helps us not only prepare ourselves for the joy of Christmas, when we celebrate our Savior’s birth in the humblest of circumstances, but also to prepare ourselves for his ultimate return, when all things will be “brought to their perfection by him through whom all things came into being (The Book of Common Prayer, 285).” Come and walk this holy season with us, and prepare yourself for all the ways God promises to be with us.

Advent Opportunities this Weekend:

The Fig Youth are challenging the whole parish to join them in a day of Outreach which they and Fr. Casey have named Operation Nick-Off (because it is on St. Nicholas’ Day). Contact Colin Hills to sign up for one of five outreach ministries to participate with this Saturday, Dec. 6. All who sign up will gather at the church at 8 a.m. and go out for several hours to participate in these outreach programs. Then return to Transfiguration by mid-afternoon for a time of celebration led by the youth and Fr. Casey. Some of these activities are appropriate for families with children too. The Youth will stay at the Youth Center for a Saturday night Lock-In with midnight Eucharist led by Fr. Casey!

Alternative Christmas Market is this weekend before and after services, Dec. 6 and 7. Buy ethically-made, fair-trade gifts from around the world in Transfiguration’s Tower Cloister. Participating vendors include: Batwa Baskets (unique handmade baskets), Fig Choir (CDs), Honduras Threads (Textiles from Honduras), Threads of Hope (arpilleras) – Textiles from Peru, Paper for Water – Ornaments and Well of the Month program. Please bring check or cash.

St. Nicholas will make his annual visit to Transfiguration this Sunday, Dec. 7. He’ll be in the Gathering Space at 10:15 a.m. for pictures and conversation, before venturing to the classrooms to leave gifts for the children.

Advent Lessons & Carols will be this Sunday, Dec. 7 at 5:00 p.m. Come, join Transfiguration’s traditional celebration of the Advent Season through scripture and song. The Transfiguration Choir will process throughout the church to sing carols and anthems, and the congregation will join in singing some of the favorite hymns, chants and carols of the season. A holiday reception will follow the service in Roper Hall. Childcare is provided.