Advent means “coming” and is a season of preparing for the arrival of the Christ child. It’s also a time when we decorate our church and homes, prepare to welcome guests for holiday celebrations and connect with friends and family. This year, as we prepare for Jesus’ birth, we will reflect on how we practice hospitality in our homes and our hearts, in our relationships with others and our relationship with Jesus. How do we create safe and welcoming spaces where genuine connection can happen? May the ways we prepare, invite and receive one another reflect Jesus’ vulnerable and awe-inspiring love for us.

Resources for the Advent Journey

• “Stay Awhile” Book & Weekly Discussion: If you would like to reflect further on our weekly Scriptures and Advent theme, you’re invited to read “Stay Awhile: Advent Lessons in Divine Hospitality” by Kara Eidson, the book that inspired this series. The Koinonia class will host weekly discussions of the corresponding chapters on Sundays at 10am in the Brown Building. The weekly readings are about 15 pages. There is a suggested donation of $10 per book.

• “Dare to Connect” Daily Advent Devotional: For adults who are interested in a daily devotional to mark the season of Advent, complimentary copies of “Dare to Connect” from Chalice Press are available in St. Paul’s Narthex & Fellowship Hall. Each devotion includes an Advent scripture, reflection and prayer, as well as candle-lighting moments for each Sunday and Christmas.

• “Illustrated Advent Wreath” Family Activity: Our preschool and elementary-aged kids will receive materials to create an Advent Wreath at home. Each week, our families will be invited to color one of the Advent candles and say a prayer as they add a candle to their family wreath. 

• 9:02 Advent & Christmas Soundtrack: Prepare your heart for the birth of Jesus while singing along to the 9:02 Band’s Advent & Christmas playlist. To listen, visit: bit.ly/spccadventplaylist

Sunday Worship & Weekly Gatherings

9:02am Worship: We will worship at 9:02 on November 30, December 7 & 21 , and January 4 in St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall. This service features contemporary music and an informal discussion of the weekly Scripture. The nursery is open; young children also have the option of attending Worship & Wonder.

10:00am Sunday School for All Ages & Languages

• Koinonia Advent Book Discussion: “Stay Awhile: Advent Lessons in Divine Hospitality”

• Regular Classes for ESL Adults, Children & Youth

11:00am Traditional Worship: We will worship every Sunday at 11am during the Advent & Christmas season. This service is more traditional with people of all ages, some dressed in suits and jeans, and others in jeans and t-shirts. The nursery is open; children also have the option of attending Worship & Wonder.

More Opportunities to Worship, Serve & Connect

St. Paul’s Angel Tree Reimagined: This year, we are reimagining the ways we show up for those in our church community and beyond who could use extra support this Christmas season. Below are several options for giving generously this Christmas season:

• A Food Drive to benefit Urban Ministries' Food Pantry: Click here for a full list of the most needed items, which include rice, grits, pasta, peanut butter, powdered milk, quick rolled oats, instant oatmeal, & soup or chili. We will be collecting non-perishable foods through December 14.

• Donations of Gift Cards, so families who need support can purchase their own food, as well as presents for their kids. We are in need of Food Lion and Walmart Gift Cards in $25 increments. You can also make monetary donations designated for the Angel Tree. Gift cards can be placed in the offering plate, or dropped off at church through December 14.

• Gifts of Toys & Clothing for WakeMed Kids: Provide new, unwrapped gifts for children who will spend their Christmas at WakeMed Children's Hospital. Click here for a full list of items. Gifts for WakeMed kids need to be dropped off at St. Paul’s by Friday, December 12.

Caroling & Christmas Party: Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3:30pm & 6:00pm

• On Sunday afternoon, adults and children of all ages are welcome to gather in the Fellowship Hall, where we will divide into groups & go sing to friends of St. Paul's who need extra cheer this holiday season. After caroling, we will return to church for a soup dinner, games & merriment for all ages! Folks are welcome to attend one or both activities.

Breakfast Potluck & Birthday Party for Jesus: Sunday, January 4 at 10:00am

• As we remember the story of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus’ family, a sign of hope and generosity while they were seeking refuge in a foreign land, we celebrate Epiphany Sunday by collecting items for families and children in our community who are in need of extra love, encouragement, and assistance on their journey. This year, we will collect donations for Siembra NC. More details to come!