Dear Glen Morris United Church and Friends, 

What a delight it is to welcome you to the season of Advent -  a time of longing and anticipation as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ. It seems every year, the season of “Christmas” announces itself earlier and earlier - the story displays and Christmas music appears the moment Halloween is over. Advent, the start of our Christian calendar, is our invitation to worship, reflect, and rediscover the message of Christmas so that we can carry the hope, peace, love, and joy into the rest of our year. 

This year, we are exploring Advent through the question: “What do you fear?” Just as I had the privilege of witnessing during our All Saint’s worship service on November 16th - this community is a church where we are brave in our grief and bold in our faith. I’m looking forward to honouring the challenges in life that can cause us to be afraid and the God who journeys with us through it all. 

We have a few additional ways of engaging throughout Advent including: 

-A decoration-making crafting event after church this Sunday

-A soup and story-telling gathering December 10th

-A Longest Night Service at St George United Church December 21

-Devotionals including poetry, music, art, and reflections on this season’s theme

-follow us on social media for regular posts

“As you journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient. May you remember: hope that still trembles is hope. This season, let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.” 

-Sanctified Art Creative Team

May the peace of Christ be with you this Advent season, 

Rev Michiko