Dear Glen Mar,
If Advent is a season of waiting, then it feels like we are quite good at that by now (waiting for COVID numbers to level off, waiting for a vaccine). But waiting for the Advent of our Lord is not like waiting for something we are unsure of, or waiting for that which we do not know. Our Advent is waiting for Jesus, the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior. And this Jesus we are waiting for has already come (in the bleak midwinter, long, long ago, as the song says), and who will come again (at the end of time, or when we go to meet him in heaven). We are waiting, in a sense for one who is always “God-with-us.” Jesus has said, after all, “Behold I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20.
Now is a great season to embrace new traditions or adapt old ones. Journey to Bethlehem starts this weekend. This week in worship, we’ll offer communion-to-go, and online communion at home as we worship Jesus our Savior.
Have you made your Advent wreath? 4 candles-one for each week – and a Christ Candle for Christmas Eve. Light one candle each week (so this Sunday, two candles) as you read a bit of Scripture and say a prayer with people in your “pod.” Join us online or in person for Christmas Eve. We have many different ways to celebrate the birth of Christ tailored to your safety and your needs.
Christmas Eve Services – Thursday, December 24, 2020
Join us to celebrate the Light of the World on Christmas Eve. There are four opportunities to worship:
- 4 p.m. Family Worship Service
“Do Not Be Afraid,” a Christmas story
Join the watch party from the comfort of your home. Online via Facebook, YouTube, or the Glen Mar website. - 7 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service
Online and in-person – Limited attendance, reservations required (socially distanced, masks required)
Or watch the live-streamed service online from the comfort of your home. - 8:30 p.m. Prayers and Silent Night
Outdoor 20-minute service; in-person only. Reservations required. - 11 p.m. Fireside Vespers, Communion & Prayers
Tune in from home via Zoom (online only). Register to receive the link.
Registration is required to attend the in-person and Zoom services. Sign up below by noon on Dec. 19 and include the names of family members attending (for in-person) so that accurate assignments can be provided.
SIGN UP FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
How to Join Us Online
To access online services at 4, 7, or 8:30 p.m. on December 24, click here or watch via Facebook or YouTube.
For the 11 p.m. Zoom service, please sign up.
What to Expect for In-Person Services
Please be seated in your assigned seats and be ready to worship 15 minutes prior to the service. Childcare will not be provided, but children are welcome to stay with you in worship.
In-person participants are required to wear masks. Please stay home if 1) you are not feeling well or 2) you have had close household contact with someone who has a known or suspected case of COVID-19 or 3) you have tested positive for COVID-19. If you test positive, you can attend worship if you have since tested negative or 10 days have passed and you have been without symptoms for at least 72 ours.
See you for Advent and Christmas,
Pastor Mandy
