Sunday, December 8, 2019 | 9:00 a.m. Advent at Transfiguration Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. The readings and prayers not only direct us toward the joy of Christ’s birth, they also challenge us to consider the day we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Therefore, this holy season is marked by both hope and repentance, as we await the day when all things will be brought to their fulfillment by the same one through whom all things came into being, who also came into the world as a babe in Bethlehem. Ushers can guide you to the most convenient restrooms. A unisex restroom is available in the Gathering Space. Our professionally staffed nursery is open for Saturday and Sunday services. An Usher can help direct you. Hearing assistance devices are available. Ask an Usher if you would like one. For more information on the life of Transfiguration and how to get involved, stop by the Visitors Center outside the doors to the church.
Transcript
Sunday, December 8, 2019 | 9:00 a.m.
Advent at Transfiguration Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. The readings and prayers not only direct us toward the joy of Christ’s birth, they also challenge us to consider the day we will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Therefore, this holy season is marked by both hope and repentance, as we await the day when all things will be brought to their fulfillment by the same one through whom all things came into being, who also came into the world
as a babe in Bethlehem.
Ushers can guide you to the most convenient restrooms. A unisex restroom is available in the Gathering Space.
Our professionally staffed nursery is open for Saturday and Sunday services. An Usher can help direct you.
Hearing assistance devices are available. Ask an Usher if you would like one.
For more information on the life of Transfiguration and how to get involved, stop by the Visitors Center outside the doors to the church.
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The Holy EucharistRite II with Expansive Language
Second Sunday of Advent
Voluntary Two Settings of “Sleepers, Wake!” J.G. Walther & Paul Manz
Welcome
Opening Acclamation Presider Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.People And blessed be God’s reign, now and for ever. Amen.
Song of Praise On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry The Hymnal 76 Collect of the Day
Presider The Lord be with you.People And also with you.Presider Let us pray.
Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
First Lesson Be seated. Isaiah 11:1-10
A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
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Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins. The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den. They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.
The Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.
Gradual Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Simplified Anglican chant by J. W. Meachen
That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *
and the little hills bring righteousness.
He shall defend the needy among the people; *
he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.
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He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *
from one generation to another.
He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *
like showers that water the earth.
In his time shall the righteous flourish; *
there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall be no more.
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, *
who alone does wondrous deeds!
(last half of tone)
And blessed be his glorious Name for ever! *
and may all the earth be filled with his glory. Amen. Amen.
Second Lesson Romans 15:4-13
Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name”; and again he says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people”; and again, “Praise the Lord, all you
Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him”; and again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him the Gentiles shall hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia - Chant, Mode VI Joel Martinson Please sing this refrain after the choir’s intonation and following the verse:
Verse: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight; and all flesh shall see the salvation of our God.
Gospel Matthew 3:1-12
The Holy Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ according to Matthew.People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good
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fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
The Gospel of our Savior.Praise to you, Lord Christ.
Be seated.
Sermon The Rev. R. Casey Shobe, D.Min.
Stand.
The Nicene Creed Spoken BCP 358
We believe in one God,the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead , and the life of the world to come. Amen.
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Prayers of the PeopleThe Intercessor invites the prayers of the congregation and offers
on the altar, the prayers printed in the Parish Intercession Book.
Each petition concludes:
The Presider prays a concluding collect:God of our salvation, you straighten the winding ways of our hearts and smooth the paths made rough by sin: fill us with all joy and peace as we prepare for the one whose coming is certain, your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen.
Confession of Sin Please kneel.
Presider Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor.
Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
The Presider pronounces an absolution:Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through the grace of Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. Amen.
The PeacePresider The peace of Christ be always with you.People And also with you.
The Offertory SentenceThe congregation is seated after the ushers present the oblations at the altar.
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The Offertory
Anthem Prepare the Way, O Zion! Swedish Folktune Transfiguration Choir arr. Ander Öhrwall
The Great Thanksgiving Eucharistic Prayer 2 Enriching Our Worship
This form comes from Enriching Our Worship, a supplemental resource to The Book of Common Prayer.
Copies of the prayer are on the bulletin table in the Gathering Space.
The Lord be with you.And also with you. Lift up your hearts.We lift them to the Lord.Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Sanctus New Plainsong David Hurd
& ## œ ˙Ho-ly,
œ ˙ho-ly,
œ œ ˙ho - ly Lord,
œ œ œ œ œ ˙God of pow-er and might,
œ œheav-en
& ## œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙and earth are full of your glo-ry.
œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙Ho-san-na in the high - est.
& ## œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œBlest is the one who comes in the
œ œ œ ˙name of the Lord.
& ## œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ˙Ho - san - na in the high - est.
In the midst of the prayer, the Presider says: Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:
Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.
The Lord’s Prayer Sung The Hymnal S 119
The Breaking of the Bread Silence is kept.
Fraction Anthem Lamb of God – New Plainsong The Hymnal S 161 David Hurd
Communion of the PeopleAll who are baptized by water and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, regardless of denomination, are invited to receive Communion. Those who are not baptized, or who choose not to receive for any reason, are invited forward to the altar rail to receive a blessing, indicated by crossing your arms over your chest. To receive by intinction, continue holding the host out and the Eucharistic Minister will dip it into the chalice and place it on your tongue. Indicate your desire to receive a gluten-free host by holding out your hands together palms-down.
Anthem An Advent Song Michael Bedford Holy Family Choir
Voluntary O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Gerald Near
Hymn O Come, O Come, Emmanuel The Hymnal 56 Stanzas 1, 2, 3 & 4
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Stand.
Postcommunion Prayer Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
Sending Forth of Eucharistic Visitors
In the name of this congregation, I send you forth bearing these holy gifts, that those to whom you go may share with us in the communion of Christ’s Body and Blood.
We who are many are one body, for we all share one bread, one cup.
Blessing
Dismissal Deacon Let us go forth in the name of Christ.People Thanks be to God.
Processional Hymn Blest Be the King Whose Coming The Hymnal 74 Stanzas 1, 2 & 3
Voluntary Blest Be the King Whose Coming BWV 736 J. S. Bach
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Christmas at Transfiguration 3:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
8:00 p.m.
10:30 p.m.
Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
A Eucharist that is especially family friendly. This service includes our annual Christmas Pageant. A musical prelude begins at 2:40. Childcare is provided.
A Eucharist featuring the Canticle & Youth choirs with a musical prelude beginning at 4:30. Childcare is provided.
A Eucharist featuring the Transfiguration choir with a musical prelude beginning at 7:30. Childcare is provided.
The traditional “Midnight Mass” with incense, featuring the Transfiguration Choir. A musical prelude begins at 10. Childcare is not provided.
A Eucharist with music. Childcare is not provided.
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CHRISTMAS EVE MEMORIALSMemorial and thanksgiving gifts are invited to help provide beautiful flowers and glorious music for our Christmas services. Please submit your memorials in offering plate or to the Church Office no later than Monday, December 16 by 12 p.m. You can find envelopes in the pew boxes. This will ensure that your dedication will be included in our Christmas Eve bulletins.
SAINT NICHOLAS VISITThe real-life Saint Nicholas lived during the 4th century in ancient Turkey. He used all his money to help children in need and people who were sick or poor. Children are invited to leave their shoes outside their formation class door today to receive a sweet treat from this beloved saint and families are invited to take pictures with Saint Nicholas in the Gathering Space between services.
HISTORIES OF ADVENT, CHRISTMAS, AND EPIPHANY SERIESJoin us on December 8, 15 & 22 as The Reverend Dr. Paul Bradshaw guides an exploration of, among other things, why December 25 is so much more than “Jesus’ birthday” and why there is more to Epiphany than the visit of the (three?) wise men. Advent, too, has a deeper history and meaning than just preparing for Christmas. Come and explore with us at 10:15 in Roper Hall!
CHRISTMAS MOVIE SERIESDuring December in both youth Sunday school (10:15 a.m.) and Wednesday Crossover (6:30 p.m.), we’ll explore a series on Biblical lessons in Christmas movies. On Sundays we’ll watch “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Arthur Christmas,” and “A Christmas Carol,” and at Crossover, we’ll watch “Elf,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and “Home Alone.” Encourage your kids to invite their friends to join us for these fun lessons in the Youth Center!
ADVENT PROCESSION OF LESSONS & CAROLSJoin us for a celebration of Advent through Scripture and song tonight at 5 p.m. The Transfiguration Choir will process throughout the church as it sings carols and anthems, and the congregation will join in singing hymns, chants, and carols accompanied by the handbells and the two organs. Childcare is provided and a reception follows this perennial favorite in Roper Hall.
TODAY
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ADVENT TAIZE SERVICEExperience a contemplative evening of prayer and song and encounter the beauty of Transfiguration’s Labyrinth by candlelight at 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 15.
YOUNG ADULTS HOLIDAY PARTYJoin us for a casual lunch to wind down the year after the 11:15 service on December 15 at the home of Kathryn and Austin Cope. Please RSVP to the event on Facebook and contact (972) 955-0273 for the address.
ART MUSIC MONDAY The second concert of the 2019-2020 Art Music series will be held on Monday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m. Phillip Paglialonga, clarinet, Gayane Manasjan Fullford, cello, and Edward Newman, piano, will perform works by Beethoven and Bruch. Presented in the intimate environment of Transfiguration’s Performance Hall, this program is free and includes coffee and light desserts.
SOCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREEYouth 6th-12th grade, fill a pair of holiday socks with an assortment of candy or other small treats and bring them to exchange at the Youth Christmas party at 6:30 on December 21. We’ll have a fake snow ball fight, decorate some ornaments and more. Parents are invited to provide a dish for our feast. Email [email protected] to find out how you can help.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REGISTRATIONChildren and youth ages three years old through high school are invited to help act out the story of Christ’s birth at the 3 p.m. Eucharist on Christmas Eve. To participate or volunteer to help please register in Realm. More information on audition times and ways to help is available on the Realm registration page.
ADVENT BLANKET DRIVEDuring Advent, Children’s Ministries is collecting blankets for Vogel Alcove, a childcare center that provides developmental, social, and health services to children from families experiencing homelessness. Please bring donations in December to the designated baskets in the Tower Cloister by Christmas Day.
AMAZON SMILE FOR THE FIGThis holiday season as you shop on Amazon for gifts, shop through Amazon Smile so a portion of your payment will be donated to Transfiguration. Visit smile.amazon.com, log into your Amazon account, search “Church of the Transfiguration Dallas” in the Charity Name or Location box, and press the yellow “Select” button to the right of the church’s name. Then shop your heart out! Note that you will need to type smile.amazon.com instead of the normal amazon.com to continue benefiting Transfiguration.
COMING UP ANNOUNCEMENTS
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IMPACTKIDS THANK YOUThanks to your generosity, ImpactKids was able to stuff and decorate 20 Christmas stockings for the young women at Our Friends Place and stuff 48 red drawstring bags for people at Austin Street Center. Thank you for your donations, your help in stuffing these stockings and bags and the cards you made for our home-centered parishioners.
ANGEL TREE THANK YOUFor the 10th year, Transfiguration’s response to the Salvation Army Angel Tree has grown in size, enthusiasm and generosity. This year, 175 Fig households provided the wishes and needs for angels by purchasing 1,516 personally selected gifts for a monetary value of over $26,250. Gifts were blessed in worship last Sunday and delivered to the Salvation Army on Monday. Many thanks to Fig Angels, volunteers and staff who make this possible. May the Spirit of Christmas remain with each of us throughout the year!
UPDATING RECURRING GIVINGPlease remember to update your recurring scheduled giving in Realm for 2020 pledges. Call or email Sophie Lowrance at 972-233-1898 or [email protected] if you need help or have any questions!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
IRA DONATION REMINDERAn IRA owner who has reached the age of 70½ or older can make a direct transfer of up to $100,000 to an eligible charity, tax free. This means that amounts directly transferred to the church from an IRA are counted in determining whether you have met the IRA’s required minimum distribution (RMD) but will not be considered a taxable withdrawal. All donations must be received in the church office or postmarked by December 31 to be booked to your 2019 giving record.
JESUS AT THE FIGOur Jesus at the Fig would like to spend a holiday week with you and your family. To sign up to take Jesus for a week, visit the Pastoral Care table in the Gathering Space.
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THE TABLEThe Table (Saturday Eucharist at 5:30 p.m.) is in need of volunteers to strengthen our hospitality. Volunteers are needed as ushers, sound techs, and to help with refreshments. You can sign up to help at www.transfiguration.net/table-help.
WORSHIP SOUND TECHNICIANSThere is an urgent need for volunteers to operate the sound booth on Saturday evenings at The Table and at Sunday Eucharists. Volunteers will join an experienced team of church members and substantial training will be provided. For more information and to volunteer, contact coordinator Shaun Manning at (972) 248-7833 or [email protected].
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WORSHIP WITH US
Wednesdays 6 p.m.Thursdays 12 p.m.
Saturdays 5:30 p.m.* Sundays 9* and 11:15 a.m.*
*Childcare available for children 6 weeks to age 5.
FLOWERS
Each month, Transfiguration makes a donation to the National Forest Foundation to offset our
paper usage.
The altar arrangements are given to the glory of God and
- in loving memory of their son Sean J. Snyder by Fran and Jeff Snyder
- in loving memory of Larry Wilson, whose funeral was held at Transfiguration yesterday.
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PASTORAL CARE
CHILDREN & WORSHIP
Clergy, staff, and other ministers work together to provide pastoral care to our church every week. Through prayer, personal visits, anointing, carrying the Sacrament, and many other ways, we seek to serve people in need. If you would like to add someone to those prayed for daily by our Prayer Chain, email [email protected] or call 972-233-1989 (ext. 300). For private pastoral counseling and spiritual direction, contact Pastor Nancy Destefano at [email protected]. If you would like to notify the clergy of a need, please use the Pastoral Care Station in the Gathering Space and submit a card. And if you urgently need to reach a member of the clergy after hours, call 214-296-2748.
Children are always welcome in worship at Transfiguration! Professionally staffed childcare is provided for ages six weeks through five years during Sunday morning services. Children age four years through second grade are invited to Children’s Chapel during the first half of the 9 a.m. Eucharist. This service is designed to introduce children to the traditions of Episcopal worship. Children are invited to follow the wooden cross behind the main procession out the North Transept, and return to the church at the Peace.
BIRTHDAYS
DECEMBER 8Ryan Tatum
DECEMBER 9Bob ButtonDrew FinnEd KeltonWayne OxborrowMichael Silhol
DECEMBER 10Dylan NeylonRyan Spicer
DECEMBER 11Cassie BakerBill KwokaScott RobinsPete SeeleyRobin Yaklin
DECEMBER 12Cassie BledsoeMargy CottinghamMaisie McGrath Pat Reth
DECEMBER 13Ken HartChris Sanabria
DECEMBER 14Etta CavinTrent HaglerMaggie HartChuck HuffmanMarcy MignardiCindy Romick-Smith
DECEMBER 15Eric GormlyLara KorbaCaroline SchmidtCarl Youngberg
Acolytes | Sophia Roper, Sophie Guion, Nathaniel Dick, Helen Teeple, Isabelle Shobe,
Dana Bartholomew
Ushers | George Banitch, Frank DeLizza, David Fisk, Kim Flynn, Richard Grant, Brooke Grona-Robb,
Lindsey Murphy, Bill Rademacher
Sound Technician | Alan Justice
Greeters | Charles Hodge, Darla Hodge, Sheila MacLennan
Canticle Choir Director| Kim Ahrens
Director of Music | Joel Martinson
Altar Guild | Peter Soper, Diane Almquist, Kristin Cutts, Donna Oltman, Minnie Harper
Flower Guild | Carolyn Lewis, Allison Murphy, Kathey Roberts, Jan Waller, Anne Born,
Hannah Born, Dayle Thornal
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8Blood Pressure Screenings Library 8:30 a.m.Children’s Chapel Classroom 3 9:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist Church 9:00 a.m.Holy Family Choir Rehearsal Music Room 9:05 a.m.Formation Classes for All Ages Various Rooms 10:15 a.m.Canticle Choir Rehearsal Music Room 11:00 a.m.Youth Choir Rehearsal Performance Hall 11:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist Church 11:15 a.m. Advent Lessons & Carols Church 5:00 p.m.Lessons & Carols Reception Roper Hall 6:30 p.m.MONDAY, DECEMBER 9BGT Meeting Vestry Room 6:00 p.m. Tai Chi Class Roper Hall 7:00 p.m.TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10Staff Meeting Vestry Room 10:30 a.m. Tuesday Book Club Parlor 1:30 p.m.Bella Musica Rehearsal Music Room 7:00 p.m.WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11Endowment Meeting Vestry Room 6:00 p.m. Holy Eucharist Church 6:00 p.m.Crossover - Youth Meeting Youth Center 6:30 p.m.Transfiguration Choir Reher. Performance Hall 7:15 p.m.THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12Centering Prayer Parlor 11:25 a.m.Holy Eucharist Church 12:00 p.m.St. Elizabeth’s Dinner Roper Hall 6:30 p.m.SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14Holy Eucharist - The Table Church 5:30 p.m.SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15Children’s Chapel Classroom 3 9:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist Church 9:00 a.m.Holy Family Choir Rehearsal Music Room 9:05 a.m.Daughters of the King Conference Room 10:00 a.m.Formation Classes for All Ages Various Rooms 10:15 a.m.Canticle Choir Rehearsal Music Room 11:00 a.m.Youth Choir Rehearsal Performance Hall 11:00 a.m.Holy Eucharist Church 11:15 a.m.Advent Taize Service Labyrinth 6:00 p.m.
