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Christmas 2023

The Season of Advent

During Advent, we pause from our usual pace to be renewed by community. Each Sunday at 9:15 am, we gather for intergenerational events that help us watch and wait for the coming of Christ. At 10:30 am, we’ll worship together in a combined service. Early risers are still welcome at 8:30 am. These gatherings lead up to our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

December 8 | Drop off Deadline

Crockett Holiday Gift Drive

Our partnership with Crockett continues with a gift drive serving 86 students. Our elves secured wishes for each child that can be found below. We're also seeking volunteers to help deliver the gifts to Crockett on Dec. 9, and to help host the holiday party the afternoon of Dec. 16. 

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December 1 | 9:15 am

Advent I: Wreath Making

Join us for our annual intergenerational wreath-making event at 9:15 am on the first Sunday of Advent—fun for all ages! We'll gather for a service, enjoy food, and create beautiful wreaths together. Breakfast will be provided.

December 4 | 5:30 pm

Healing Service for Grief During the Holidays

Holiday rituals can be comforting, celebratory reminders of the hope and joy God gives us in our lives, but grief may also arise this time of year—especially when we have experienced loss. This quiet liturgy is meant for those who long for the solace and hope of the Lord without the pressure to be merry. Healing prayer with anointing will be offered during this service. Join us for in Bethlehem Chapel as we recall how the light of Christ shines in the darkness.

December 7 | 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Advent Quiet Day
at Church of Reconciliation

Rev. Matthew Wise and Rev. Reagan Gonzalez will co-lead this day of reflection and contemplation, with worship and teaching. Lunch will be provided. Please register so we have a good count for lunch and snacks. 

December 8 | 9:15 am

Advent II: Las Posadas

Join us for our annual Las Posadas intergenerational event at 9:15 am, open to all ages! Accompanied by Mariachis, we’ll follow in the footsteps of Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay in Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. Breakfast will be provided.

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December 12 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Women of St. Mark's Christmas Luncheon

All women of the parish are invited to enjoy fellowship and conversation at this come-and-go holiday gathering. Meet new friends in the parish and catch up with others you haven't seen in too long. This year’s luncheon is hosted by Stephanie Cavender. Register to let us know you can join the fun, and let us know if you need a ride or can offer one.

December 13 | 7:00 pm

Christmas Pops Concert

Music from St. Mark’s presents its annual Christmas Pops Concert on Friday, December 13, at 7:00 pm with a brass and percussion ensemble conducted by Brett Richardson, and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas narrated by The Rev. Beth Knowlton. 

December 15 | 9:15 am

Advent III:
Christmas Pageant &
Living Nativity

This Sunday, join us for our annual Christmas Pageant— an intergenerational celebration for all ages! Enjoy one of our services, the pageant, a petting zoo, and breakfast as we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent.

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December 22 | 9:15 am

Advent IV: Greening of the Church

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, join us to help green our historic worship space, the Nave! We’ll start with breakfast in Gosnell, then transition to decorating the Nave in preparation for the Festival of Lessons and Carols in the evening, as well as our Christmas Eve and Day services.

December 22 | 4:00 pm

Festival of Nine Lessons
and Carols

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols sung by the St. Mark’s Choirs under the direction of Jon Johnson; David Heller, organist, on Sunday, December 22, at 4:00 pm. 

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December 24 | 3:45, 7:45, 10:00 pm

Christmas Eve Services

3:45 pm Prelude | 4:00 pm Holy Eucharist

Holy Eucharist and Children’s Choirs (Nursery and Children's Chapel)

7:45 pm Brass Prelude | 8:00 pm Holy Eucharist

With Brass and St. Mark’s Choir (Nursery and Children's Chapel)

10:00 pm Choral Prelude | 10:30 pm Holy Eucharist

With Brass, St. Mark’s Choir, and Incense

December 25 | 10:30 am

Christmas Day

Gather at 10:30 am for Christmas Day Eucharist.

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Christmas Flowers

The Christmas floral display will adorn the church on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A $25 donation for a memorial or thanksgiving in a loved one's name contributes to the seasonal beauty of St. Mark’s.

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