Advent is a season of the church year during which we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming. For Christians, Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. Liturgical is from the word liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship. The dates of Advent vary each year, but it always contains the four Sundays before Christmas Day. At Good Shepherd, we have many opportunities to prepare our hearts – individually and in the community. Throughout the Advent season, we hope you will find a place to bring stillness to your heart for reflection and prayer and to join in one or several of our community services and activities.
Communion Offering This Advent:
This Advent, we will be receiving Communion every Sunday from December 1 through Christmas Eve. All Advent, we will be receiving a Communion offering to go to United Methodist Family Services with a goal of $5,000. To learn more about UMFS, visit here.
Advent Tree:
The Advent Tree will be set up in Wistar Hall on Saturday, November 16 and will be ready the following day for you to take a paper ornament with information for you to purchase an item for the children in our ESL program or family at Longan Elementary School.
A suggested gift amount is $20-25. Please don’t wrap gifts; each child will receive the same type of gift bag. When returning your gift to the Advent tree, please attach the paper ornament to their gift for more efficient sorting.
Gifts are due on Sunday, December 15; they’ll be distributed on December 16. Bring them to church on or prior to this date and place them under the tree. If you need to deliver during the week, contact the church office at 804-270-7613. For questions, contact Valerie Robnolt at valrobnolt@gmail.com.
Advent Programming:
Christmas Eve Worship Services:
Christmas Eve Worship Services are at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., with communion served at both services. The 5 p.m. will have an extended children’s message.
All worship services are available at https://gsumcrva.org/live-worship, on Facebook, and on YouTube.
New Year’s Worship Service:
December 29 – Wear your tacky sweater to 10 a.m. worship as we celebrate with a lessons and carols special service!