Holiday Events
In this year of so many upheavals and divides, such unrest and concern, we must find ways to become the “better angels” for one another that will help us to discover once again our Beloved Community. To do that St. Francis is offering several opportunities.
No Upcoming Events
Maya Angelou Class
Judy Robinson discovered a wonderful Advent study which uses the poetry of one of our great contemporary poets – Maya Angelou – to help us walk through the “birthing process” of this season. It is called “The Freedom Poetry of Advent.” We ordered enough copies of the workbook for everyone to have one if you would like. You can either pick up one in the office or download it on the St. Francis website. It can be used as a personal devotional, or I have scheduled several hours during the weeks leading up to Christmas where I invite you to be in conversation about the study. Please note that these begin the
week of Thanksgiving.
Decorate the Campus
Due to COVID-19, we can’t quite be together during this season, but we can provide a magical, holy space for all of us to enjoy. I invite you to come to St. Francis in the Foothills and find a space to decorate. We have plenty of trees and bushes and cacti. Come hang a few ornaments, string a few lights or garland a few branches and make the grounds come alive with the Christmas spirit.
Angels in the Celebration Center
During the Advent season we will be celebrating the “angels” that have assisted our journeys. While on campus, please stop by and share your angel with us: draw a picture, write a poem, bring a photo, share in whatever way you can someone who has been an angel for you. We will put your angels on the wall that you see behind me each Sunday, so that we can enjoy together the ones who have carried us thus far.
Advent Vigil
Throughout the season, our Celebration Center will be open on Monday-Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm for you to come and pray, meditate, sing, ponder, and celebrate our moment
in history. Use this as a time for private contemplation or bring your family to sing and enjoy the season together.
Monday Class – Let Us Now Go to Bethlehem
On Mondays from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm throughout Advent Doris Morris and Sue Gemoets will be leading us on a journey to Bethlehem, an Advent devotional study by Todd Outcalt. These classes be on Zoom and will begin on November 30. We are all on a journey, so bring a lunch and join us.
Devotional Services
On Wednesday evenings during December, we will be doing a short meditative service on Zoom to help us prepare for Christmas. I invite you to join me at 7:00 pm on December 2, 9, and 16, to sing and pray together. They will last about 15 minutes.
ps. At the end of the service, I’ll leave the Zoom connection on so that we have some time to visit and socialize with each other. (Bring a treat to share).
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The Longest Night Gathering
The holiday season is not always the merriest of times and this year has been especially difficult. If you are struggling in whatever way, please join us for our Longest Night event which will be held on December 20, 4-6 pm. It will be an Open House type of event where people can come at any time during that period and use a self-guided booklet to a variety of activities. There will be a table in front of the Celebration Center to retrieve the booklet and to ask any questions, before participating in the activities in and around the Celebration Center.
