ADVENT AT ST. MATTHEW'S

What is Advent?

Advent is the first season of the church year. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and continues through the day before Christmas. The name is derived from a Latin word for “coming.” The season is a time of preparation and expectation for the coming celebration of our Lord's nativity, and for the final coming of Christ “in power and glory.”

ADVENT SERMON SERIES

MAKE ROOM
ADVENT SERMON SERIES

Join us every Sunday during Advent as we prepare our hearts for the most wonderful time of the year. This series prepares us to Make Room for Jesus this Christmas.

Advent I - Hope & Grace

Sun., Dec. 3rd - Rev. Rob Merola

Advent II - Finding Peace when Overthinking

Sun., Dec. 10th - Rev. Rob Merola

Advent III - Joy

Sun., Dec. 17th - Rev. Rob Merola,

Advent IV - Love

Sun., Dec. 24th at 8 AM - Rev. Rob Merola 'Making Room'

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

SermonSeries

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL

PREPARE HIM ROOM : ADVENT REFLECTIONS ON WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GOD SHOWS UP

by Amy Julia Becker

Christmas can be about stress and parties and consumption, but it can also be about love and peace. It can be about waiting with longing for all to be well. It can be about waiting with eager expectation for joy.

We invite you to walk through the season of Advent with this devotional “Prepare Him Room” by Award-winning author, Amy Julia Becker.

Printed copies can be picked up by the front doors of the sanctuary beginning Sunday, Nov. 26th.

If you prefer, a digital copy can be downloaded here:

DOWNLOAD

Devotional

DECEMBER EVENTS

ADVENT WREATH MAKING

Sunday, December 3rd

All are invited to the Parish Hall on Sunday, December 3rd following our 9:30 service to make Advent wreaths to take home. Prayer cards are also available to use for candle lighting each week.

LEARN MORE

DOWNLOAD ADVENT PRAYERS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

Experience Advent, Wednesdays at 7 PM

This Advent, as we prepare ourselves for the birth of Jesus, let us remember the importance of the Advent wreath.

Each Wednesday in Advent, we invite you to join us at 7 PM. Together we will explore the meaning behind each of the four Advent candles: hope, peace, joy, and love.

BREAD OF LIFE CO-ED BOOK GROUP

Mondays at 7 PM

Our Bread of Life group will be reading a new book during Advent. It is THE ANGELS OF CHRISTMAS, by Susan Robb. The book studies the four visits by angels that are associated with the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. All are welcome.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AT ST. MATT'S

Beginning December 1st

Add St. Matthew's to your annual Holiday Light sight-seeing list. Beginning December 1st, drive-by to see the beautiful tree of lights and Nativity lovingly displayed by our Men's Group.

CHRISTMAS CARD MAKING WORKSHOP

Sunday, December 10th

Join us in the Parish Hall between the 9:30 & 11 AM services to learn how to create some hand-made cards. Supplies provided.

PARISH WORK DAY

Saturday, December 16th | 9AM - 12 PMThis Help prepare the church for Christmas! We have inside jobs and outside jobs - options for all ability levels. Please join us for any amount of time you can! Donuts and coffee will be served!

CHRISTMAS SCAVENGER HUNT/ ROAD RALLEY

Saturday, December 16th | 3 - 5:30 PM

Grab your family, or a team of friends and hop in the car! Together you will race to find Christmas sights and sounds in the Sterling area and meet back at St. Matt’s at 5 PM for holiday treats and see who the winning team is!