(This post is part of the Caronport Advent Synchroblog.) Someday, I would love to spend the season of Advent in a remote monastery. No shopping, no Christmas music, no decorations--just prayer, penitence and Advent worship music. After all, Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for Christ's birth, and yet in our modern society, it feels like we have a whole month of Christmas! In Canada, lights and decorations often go up in early November or even before. I enjoy it, but it seems like Advent and Christmas get blurred together.
And so, I always appreciate the Advent focus of our church, St. Aidan Anglican Church in Moose Jaw. In the children's Sunday school, each week has a different Advent theme For example, last week, we used the Godly Play story set to introduce Isaiah, as well as other prophets who pointed the way to Jesus.
And every year, we have a Saturday Advent brunch. While many of the activities are especially appealing to kids, all ages are welcome! Volunteers come together to plan craft projects, skits, and a delicious brunch. Older kids help the younger ones with crafts that are tricky to do on their own.
The Sunday school church calendar on display. One thing I appreciate about the Anglican church is the attention to the church year. The children are taught early on about seasons like Lent, Pentecost, and Advent. At the brunch this year, we were all taught that Advent is the beginning of a new church year.
Advent boards and candles used in Godly Play
People brought all sorts of tasty food to share
Kate and Will with Father Allen Doerksen
Eric playing the part of John the Baptist, in a skit showing yet another person who pointed the way to Jesus. In honor of his "interesting" diet, the kids decorated and ate grasshopper cookies. In past years, we've had St. Nicholas visit us and explain the real story of how he helped the poor--leaving each child a bag of chocolate coins.
Kate with a Christmas tree craft
Will cutting paper
Nate with a tree craft
Kate's glitter art
Kate and Will making crafts
Each person left with some simple printed prayers that could be used over the Advent Season, and other ideas for observing Advent at home.
4 comments:
We switched churches this last year -- from one "mega" church to another. I was thrilled when our new church included an Advent wreath in our services! It's so sad that it gets lost and that more and more churches are ignoring the season.
I spent a few hours (by chance, not planned!) one New Year's Eve at a monastery at the foot of the Krak des Chevaliers in Syria one year. It was a wonderful way to start the new year.
The Krak des Chevaliers in Syria is gorgeous! How did you end up there?
Yes, I love Advent wreaths--and the singing of "O Come O Come Immanuel."
Great pictures, Erin!
Eric was the best John the Baptist ever!
Also, nice pic of Nate too :)
Dustin
Oh, I'm glad you didn't mind me posting his photo! I have several more of the brunch that I'm sending to Luke Johnson to put on the church website. :)
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