Advent: The season rich with anticipation

Lessons and Carols, pageants, intergenerational programs, an ecumenical neighborhood walk and a mission trip to the Gulf Coast are among some of the special programs planned by our congregations during this Advent season and beyond. Read on to learn about some of those events. If your congregation has a special event, let us know so we may include it in another installment of E-News Online, the diocese's emailed newsletter.

 Christ Church Cathedral, Louisville:  The cathedral is hosting several special services and music events during the holiday season. Click here to see their schedule.

Calvary, Louisville: an intergenerational program to prepare for Advent will open the season; on Dec. 16, the annual pageant at 11 a.m. service.

Christ Church, Bowling Green: First two Sunday evenings, members will make a Jesse tree. Plans call for a story teller to relate the Old Testament prophesy while families work on ornaments with symbols that represent the figures in Jesus' family tree. On Dec. 16, Lessons and Carols; on Epiphany, Jan. 6, an Epiphany pageant and chili cook-off.

Grace Church, Paducah: Advent begins with a Sunday afternoon ecumenical neighborhood walk with stops at various churches for prayers, songs and scripture, ending with a reception. On Dec. 12, a women's retreat, open to the community, on Sue Monk Kidd's book When the Heart Waits. Grace Church also will host a visit from Saint Nick, give handmade chrismon ornaments to all the children, enjoy a Lessons and Carols service, and host a Christmas Dinner and Angel Tree for people served by the Paducah Cooperative Ministry.

St. Matthew's, Louisville: Plans include time to create personal Advent calendars. On Dec. 2, a festive luncheon is planned to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Rev. Lucinda Laird's ordination. On Dec. 9 , a rite of healing will be held at the 10 a.m. service. Eucharist and a healing service at 5:30 p.m. each Wednesday of the season.

St. Andrew's, Louisville: The church will continue its regular Eucharist service at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays followed by a light supper, an adult discussion group and junior choir practice. On Dec. 16 at 4 p.m., the pageant will take place.

St. Luke's, Anchorage: On the first Sunday, an intergenerational Christian Education program is planned; Advent wreathes will be made and other activities are planned. The second weekend is a "Bring a Friend" weekend. Three Lessons and Carols services are planned, two traditional services at the 11 a.m. services on the Sunday before and the Sunday after Christmas; the third will be a contemporary version of Lessons and Carols with the praise band Reflections, presented on the Saturday before Christmas,
On Dec. 5, the Preschool's annual St. Nicholas service will take place. On Dec. 12 and 19, the Rev. Dr. Joe Smith will teach his "Angels, Angels, and more Angels" course.

St. John's, Murray: Members will be working on bringing the Reign of God to Earth by once again working at Camp Coast Care to help rebuild the Gulf Coast area.