As far as Third Presbyterian Church’s Anti-Racism Task Force was concerned, the already overcrowded, post-Thanksgiving calendar was missing a critically important date for holiday shoppers.
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship launched its initial “Lost and Found Virtual Peace Church” gathering on Sunday. The online offering, which is scheduled for each Sunday during Advent plus Dec. 29, featured Scripture, music, Communion, meditation and a thoughtful homily by the Rev. Dr. Laurie Lyter Bright, PPF’s executive director. Register for upcoming worship services here.
Advent is a season of anticipation and preparation. It is a time to reflect on the stories we tell about the arrival of hope and new life.
In this time of uncertainty as a denomination and a country, several Presbyterian ministries and partnerships have produced new devotionals for the Advent season to proclaim the constancy of God’s love and presence among us.
Advent is a time of prayer and waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Advent liturgy and worship resources published in the annual Lectionary Companion of the Call to Worship journal remind readers and faith leaders of this eternal hope, especially in the midst of wondering what election results and new administrations will hold for our common life together.
As Christians across the globe prepare their hearts, homes and houses of worship to welcome and celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has created a new online landing page that lists a wide variety of devotional and worship resources from across the agencies of the PC(USA) just in time for the Advent season, which begins on Sunday, Dec. 3.
While the world tries to rush us into Christmas, decorating the day after Halloween and packing it all up once the gifts are opened on December 25, Advent is a season of preparation that — like our holiday gatherings themselves — takes time and care.
Breathing is something so taken for granted that we rarely see it full of sacrality. It is breath that allows us to speak, sing, cry and laugh. It is breath that connects us to all of Creation.
“The advent of a new liturgical year offers congregations and church leaders a fresh opportunity to engage the Matthew 25 vision of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” says the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell, associate for worship in the Office of Theology and Worship in the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
Beginning with Advent, preachers, music leaders and the people who hear them each week will enter a year with Matthew’s gospel, thanks to the Revised Common Lectionary, which turns the focus to Year A beginning Nov. 27.
