Expanded Advent 2024 at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church

Advent, the first season of our church year when we prepare and wait for the coming of Christ, begins Sunday, November 10! We are once again practicing a seven-week Advent, as we did last year. Why? The reason is twofold:

  • An expanded Advent theologically aligns the season with the lectionary that we already use; beginning in early November, the readings we hear on Sundays reflect the eschatological nature of the season.

  • An expanded Advent allows us more time to practice the season's true meaning, rather than packing it into what often feels like an extended on-ramp to Christmas.

Here are some ways to help enrich your experience of Advent this year at St. A’s: 

Seven-week Advent Candle Holder Making

Sunday, November 10 (following the worship service)

If you and your family would like to make a candle holder (i.e., a non-circular Advent "wreath") to use during the Advent season, please join us in the parish hall as we assemble them together on November 10 (the first Sunday of Advent!). We will have candles, greens and decorating accessories for you to construct a new display of candles to add light to your Advent. There will be a free will offering to help cover the cost of supplies.

Wednesday Bible Discussion Group Gatherings

Throughout Advent we will meet to study and discuss the Gospel stories preparing us for the once-and-future coming of Christ. On Wednesdays (Nov. 13, 20, and Dec. 4, 11 & 18), a noon small group gathering will meet in the parish lounge to spend time with the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel. Frank Senn, our resident Expanded Advent expert, will start us off as we share a time of learning, reflection, and holy conversation around these Gospel lessons. Sessions will be led by both clergy and lay people. Feel free to join us for one–or for all.

Sunday Sermon Discussion Group Gatherings

Have you ever left church on a Sunday morning wishing you had someone to talk with about the sermon? Now you can! Please join members of the Adult Formation Team for an informal sermon discussion series during Advent (Nov. 17, 24, and Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22). Discussions will take place from 10:45 to 11:30 in the Lounge. So grab some coffee and drop in on any or all of these dates.

Advent Mini-Retreat

November 30, from 9:00-12:00 at St. Luke’s (939 Hinman Ave, Evanston)

Mary, Elizabeth, and Life's Interruptions. There’s what we expect from life--and then there’s what happens! Join us for an Advent Retreat morning as we look to the stories of Mary and Elizabeth for resources we can draw upon for life’s unexpected interruptions and surprises--both welcome and unwelcome. This retreat will use insights from scripture, theology, and psychology and tools of narrative spirituality. Take this opportunity for some time outside of regular time to reflect, share, and build connections. Mary LaMont, author of Story Work/Story Play: The Four-Door Method of Narrative Spirituality will be the retreat facilitator. Please register here.

St. Nick Celebration and Coffee Hour

December 8, following the worship service

Experience the joy of Saint Nick during this festive coffee hour which will include special treats, ornament making and a visit from St. Nick!!