The Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Our Vision
    • Find a Church
    • Deaneries
    • The Bishop >
      • Messages from Bishop Woodliff-Stanley
    • Clergy & Staff >
      • Clergy in Good Standing
      • Clergy and Transition Ministries
    • Governance >
      • Constitution & Canons
      • Convention
      • Boards and Committees >
        • Standing Committee
        • Diocesan Council
        • Trustees of the Diocese
        • Deputies to General Convention
        • Commission on Ministry
        • Liturgical Commission
        • Visioning Committee
        • University of the South Trustees
        • Other Boards and Committees
    • Historical Timeline
    • FAQ
  • Ministry
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Diocesan Meditations
    • Outreach
    • Grants for Congregations
    • Administrative Resources
    • Clergy Resources
    • Liturgy & Worship >
      • Liturgical Commission >
        • Bishop Guerry
      • Marriage
      • The Lectionary
      • The Book of Common Prayer
      • Brother, Give Us A Word (SSJE)
      • Daily Prayer: Forward Movement
    • Education & Formation >
      • Adults
      • College Ministry
      • Youth
      • Children
    • Church Connections >
      • The Episcopal Church >
        • Province IV
      • The Anglican Communion
      • Anglicans Online >
        • The Society of Archbishop Justus
      • Daughters of the King
      • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
      • Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross
      • Order of St. Helena
    • Ecumenical & Interfaith >
      • Racial Justice & Reconciliation
      • Fellowship of SC Bishops/Public Education Initiative
      • Charleston Area Justice Ministry
      • Christian Jewish Council
      • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Communication and Evangelism >
      • Carolina Grace
      • Social Media Sunday
      • Mission Matters Videos
  • News
    • News Blog
    • 80th General Convention 2022 >
      • 80th General Convention Blog
    • Events Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Lent 2023
    • Sacred Ground 2022
    • Responding to COVID-19
    • Email Newsletter
    • Episcopal News Service
    • Anglican Communion News
  • Giving
  • Convention
    • 232nd Diocesan Convention
  • Contact Us
    • Get in touch
    • Make a donation
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • News Submission

Advent and Christmas 2018: Events, resources & services

A Christmas Message
from Bishop Skip Adams

Watch the message on the video above, or read the text here.
Picture

An Invitation

Be sure to see our ad in Sunday newspapers around our diocese on December 23, with an invitation to everyone to 'Join us to worship the King.'

We welcome you and invite you to share the joy of the Nativity of our Lord.



Picture

Christmas Services

Christmas Eve, December 24

All Saints, Hilton Head Island 
5:00 pm Family Eucharist 
7:30pm Organ Prelude
8:00 pm Candlelight Eucharist


Calvary, Charleston
6:00 pm Christmas Eve Service

The East Cooper Episcopal Church
4:00 pm Christmas Eve Eucharist


The Episcopal Church on Edisto
4:45 pm Carols
5:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship

Epiphany, Summerville

6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service with Holy Eucharist                 

Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
3:30 Manger animals in the garden
4:00 Family Eucharist
6:00 Choral Eucharist with Organ, Brass & Timpani
8:00 Choral Eucharist 
with Organ, Brass & Timpani
11:00 Choral Eucharist with Organ, Brass & Timpani
Livestreaming video of some services will be available at Grace's YouTube channel.

Holy Communion, Allendale
4:00 pm Christmas Eve Service


Holy Communion, Charleston
5:00 pm Family Mass
10:00 pm Music
10:30 pm Solemn High Mass of the Nativity


Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawley's Island
4:00 pm Holy Eucharist and Christmas Pageant
8:00 pm Candlelight Holy Eucharist with Musical Prelude

Messiah, Myrtle Beach
6:00 pm Christmas Eve service

The Episcopal Church in Okatie
6:00 pm Christmas Eve Service


St. Anne's, Conway
5:00 pm Christmas Eve Service, at Lackey Chapel

St. Catherine's, Florence
2:00 pm Christmas Eve Service

St. Francis, Charleston
5:00 pm Christmas Eve Service with music from the Charleston Flute Quartet and singers.


St. George's, Summerville
6:00 pm Contemporary Children's and Family Service and Christmas Pageant
10:00 pm. "Midnight Service" with special Christmas Choir Music and Strings. The Christmas Eve Traditional Festival Eucharist begins at 10:30 p.m.

St. James-Santee, McClellanville
6:30 pm Christmas Eve Service

St. Mark's, Charleston
5:30 pm Pre-Service Music
6:00 pm Holy Eucharist

St. Mark's, Port Royal
3:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service
5:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service 


St. Stephen's, Charleston
3:00 pm Christmas Eve Children’s Service
8:00 pm Christmas Eve Service


St. Stephen's, North Myrtle Beach
​6:00 pm Festive Holy Eucharist Family Worship Service
9:00 pm Musical Prelude & Holy Eucharist Candle Service 


St. Stephen's, St. Stephen
6:30 pm Christmas Eve Service followed by Reception

St. Thomas, North Charleston
5:00 pm Holy Eucharist and Children's Christmas Pageant



Christmas Day, December 25

All Saints, Hilton Head Island 
9:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite I

The Episcopal Church on Edisto
​
10:00 am Christmas Day Worship

Epiphany, Summerville
9:00 a.m.  Christmas Day Worship in the Church
1:00 p.m.  Christmas Day Worship in the Parish Hall. All are welcome. 


Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
10:00 am Holy Eucharist

Holy Communion, Charleston
10:00 am Low Mass  

Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawley's Island
10:00 am Holy Eucharist

St. George's, Summerville
10:00 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II

St. Stephen's, Charleston
10:00 am Christmas Day Service

St. Stephen's, North Myrtle Beach
​10:00 am Christmas Day Holy Eucharist


Christmastide

Wednesday, December 26: 
Feast of St. Stephen 

St. Stephen's, Charleston
10:00 am Holy Eucharist

Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
5:30 pm Holy Eucharist

Good Shepherd, Summerville
6:00 pm Holy Eucharist

Holy Communion, Charleston
8:00 am Low Mass  


Thursday, December 27:
Feast of St. John

Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist


Holy Communion, Charleston
8:00 am Low Mass  

Friday, December 28:
Feast of The Holy Innocents

Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
12:00 pm Holy Eucharist


Sunday, December 30:
First Sunday after Christmas Day
​

Calvary, Charleston
10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist


The East Cooper Episcopal Church
10:00 am Holy Eucharist
​

Good Shepherd, Summerville
Sunday, December 30 – First Sunday of Christmas
10:30 am Holy Eucharist, Rite II


Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
Services at 8:00, 9:00 & 11:00 am  and 5:30 pm

Holy Communion, Charleston
8:00 am Low Mass  
9:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II
​10:30 am Solemn High Mass


St. Stephen's, North Myrtle Beach
Holy Eucharist Service at 10:00 am with Pot Luck Lunch to follow


Tuesday, January 1: 
Feast of the Holy Name


Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
Holy Eucharist at 12:00 pm

St. Stephen's, North Myrtle Beach
Holy Eucharist at 10:00 am




Christmas Lessons & Carols

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

At Bishop Gadsden: The St. Gregory Choir of Grace Church Cathedral sings a traditional service of Lessons & Carols in the Chapel at Bishop Gadsden at 4:00 pm.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16

St. Stephen's, Charleston: The annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, 5:00 pm. Featuring traditional carols and spirituals by Gardner, Warlock, Manz, and more. A festive reception will follow.

Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston: Christmas Lessons and Carols, 7:00 pm. In the tradition of King's College, Cambridge, with hymns, carols and anthems sung by the St. Gregory Choir and St. Nicholas Choristers. 

​SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23
​

St. Mark's, Port Royal: Community carol sing in the church, 4:00 pm
​

Presiding Bishop's Christmas Message

“Love came down at Christmas, because God so loved the world, that he gave,” Presiding Bishop Michael Curry says in his 2018 Christmas message, shared today. You can watch it at the link above, and in a Facebook video that you can share with your friends. Find the text of the message here. ​

Christmas Eve services online

The Episcopal Church is offering two digital Christmas Eve services on its website and Facebook page. Find links and details here. 

Grace Church Cathedral also plans to livestream some of its Christmas Eve services on its YouTube channel. 
#AdventWord
Read our daily reflections through the Season of Advent and join others across the Anglican Communion in this daily devotion, creating a global Advent calendar.
Picture
'Blue Christmas' Services

Tuesday, December 11 at 5:00 p.m.
Blue Christmas: A Healing Service of Remembrance and Hope
Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawley's Island offers this service at 5 pm for those who struggle with finding joy during the Christmas Season. 

Wednesday, December 12 at 5:30 p.m.
Blue Christmas: A Service of Remembrance and Hope
Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston: Anyone who is coping with grief, a broken relationship, financial difficulties, or any kind of loss or loneliness may find the holidays especially difficult. The Blue Christmas Service is a way to acknowledge sadness and concern amid a world that is focused on celebration. Music from the St. Nicholas Choir along with prayers and readings remind us of God’s loving and healing presence for all who mourn and struggle. Refreshments will be offered afterward in Hanahan Hall. 

Thursday, December 20 at 6:00 pm
Blue Christmas Service
St. Anne's, Conway 
(Service will be at First United Methodist Church, Conway)
As we prepare to celebrate the joy of Christmas, there are many in the Pee Dee-Waccamaw Deanery who are still reeling from the devastating floods that happened in the wake of hurricane Florence. Numerous families who lost their homes will be spending this Christmas in temporary housing, so the message of "holiday cheer" might not ring true for them. Our friends at Trinity United Methodist Church know this reality all too well, as they are still coping with the loss of their building and will not be able to have any Christmas services in their familiar surroundings.         

In acknowledgement that the holiday season is not always merry and bright for everyone, St. Anne’s is partnering with Trinity United Methodist Church, Kingston Presbyterian Church, and First United Methodist Church to offer a Blue Christmas Service. This is a way to make space for and time for acknowledging sadness, and it is a chance to show our concern for all who are having a hard time this year, with prayers, readings, and music.

Friday, December 21 at 7:00 pm
Blue Christmas Service

St. Stephen's, Charleston offers this annual service for those for whom the holidays can be a particularly difficult time. On the longest night of the year, the service is a reminder of the promise of light amid even the darkest places in human life.

Sunday, December 23 at 2:00 pm
Blue Christmas Service

St. Catherine's, Florence, and Cross and Crown Lutheran Church will hold a joint Blue Christmas service. All are welcome. 


Picture
Advent Studies, Quiet Days,
and Special Events


WEEKDAYS: PRAYING LIVE ON FACEBOOK
Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer will be livestreamed on Facebook Live each weekday in Advent. The Rev. Rob Donehue of St. Anne's, Conway plans to offer Morning Prayer at 8:30 am and Evening Prayer at 6 pm. Many will recall that Fr. Donehue live-streamed daily prayers during Hurricane Florence and its aftermath. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

St. Stephen's, Charleston offers an interactive Advent Wreath Making session for children, led the Flower Guild members, at 11 am. Children will learn about Advent and the significance of the candles in the Advent wreath, and have an opportunity to make a wreath to use with their families at home. All are welcome.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4
​

St. Catherine's, Florence will have a special caroling event at Seminar Brewing at 6 pm with members of Cross and Crown Lutheran Church.


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8

Advent Quiet Day on Mary
9:00 am-1:00 pm
St. Stephen's, Charleston invites everyone to come enter deeply into the Advent season by participating in a half-day retreat led the Rector, the Rev. Adam Shoemaker, focusing on the role of Mary in the birth story of Jesus. The day will consist of three short meditations interspersed by lengthy periods of quiet. The church will have books, icons, and other spiritual resources available for personal use. The day will begin and end with prayer and conclude with a simple lunch in Stephen’s Hall. The church doors will open at 8:45 am.

SUNDAYS IN ADVENT 

The Madonna in Art
St. Stephen's, Charleston offers a two-part study (December 9 & 16)  led by parishioner angela Mack, 
Director of the Gibbes Museum, on the origins of the Madonna figure using some of the earliest known images, up through present-day representations. She will provide insights on how these images have influenced our perception of women. Childcare is provided.

The Holy Family at Advent: The Importance of Mary & Joseph in Christian Devotion
Good Shepherd, Summerville
offers a four-week study December 2-23 at 9:00 am on the Holy Family, covering topices such as
the Rosary (December 2), and Mary, Mother of God (December 9).
​
Advent Services

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

Advent Lessons and Carols for the Southern Deanery
5:00 pm

The Episcopal Church in Okatie hosts this annual service of Lessons and Carols for the churches in the Southern Deanery of the diocese. A reception will follow the service.

Advent Lessons and Carols
7:00 p.m. 
Grace Church Cathedral's St. Gregory Choir and St. Nicholas Choristers present this service of readings for the season of Advent paired with anthems and hymns for the season.


SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9

Advent Lessons and Carols
10:00 am

St. Stephen's, North Myrtle Beach, offers Lessons and Carols followed by the ECW Cookie Walk.

Advent Lessons and Carols
4:00 pm

All Saints, Hilton Head Island offers a service of readings and music for Advent.


Ecumenical Service of Lessons and Carols
6:00 pm

Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawley's Island, hosts an Ecumenical Service of Lessons and Carols.

Hammer Dulcimer Concert and Holy Eucharist
9:00 am and 11:30 am

All Saints, Hampton and Church of the Holy Communion, Allendale will 
host renowned hammer dulcimer player Matthew Dickerson for two concerts, each followed by Holy Eucharist. Join All Saints, Hampton at 9:00 am, and Holy Communion Allendale at 11:30 am. 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
​

Messiah, Myrtle Beach offers a service of Advent Lessons and Carols at 10 am in Wingard Hall at St. Philip Lutheran Church, 6200 N. King's Highway.

Wednesdays in Advent  

Calvary, Charleston
Special Wednesday Advent Services December 5, 12 & 19
5:15 pm Holy Eucharist, 6:00 pm Dinner and Fellowship. All are welcome!

St. Anne's, Conway

(Starting November 28) Noonday Prayer at 12 pm each Wednesday in Advent. St. Anne's is partnering with First United Methodist Church in Conway (1001 5th Ave, Conway, SC 29526) for a short prayer service with music and a brief meditation to reflect on the meaning of the season of Advent. 

St. Catherine's, Florence
Evening Prayer December 5, 12 & 19. A simple supper served at 6 pm followed by Holden Evening Prayer with members of Cross and Crown Lutheran.

St. George's, Summerville

Wednesday evening services and programs at 7:00 pm, followed by “Wassail and Toast (cookies) Fellowship” with wassail, coffee, and punch for kids. Nursery is provided.
December 5: Summerville Christian Home School Choir and Orchestra
December 12: 
Harp and Flute Concert
December 19: Advent Taizé Service

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19

Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawley's Island, Advent Taizé Service in the Chapel, 5:00 pm
​

Resources for Advent​

#AdventWord 
Be part of the Anglican Communion’s Global Advent Calendar. It’s an innovative way to engage in the season of Advent with people all over the world. Starting on December 2, the Anglican Communion with the Society of Saint John the Evangelist Brothers and also in partnership with Virginia Theological Seminary invite you to:
  • Sign up
  • Pray through Advent
  • Use your phone camera
  • Help create a Global Advent Calendar.
Learn more and sign up here.

Our diocese is a participating partner in #AdventWord this year. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see daily reflections from people around the diocese!

Advent Toolkit
Episcopal Relief & Development

Episcopal Relief & Development is offering resources for the holiday season, such as prayers, activity guides and an Advent calendar poster from the online Advent Toolkit. 

'Walking in Welcome'
Episcopal Migration Ministries and the Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations are hosting a series of three one-hour webinars, Walking in Welcome: An Advent Series with Episcopal Migration Ministries, on December 5 at 4 pm Eastern, December 13 at 4 pm Eastern, and December 18 at 12 pm Eastern. 
Learn more here.
Living Compass Advent Devotional
Living Compass has launced an nAdvent Devotional called "Practicing Generosity With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind." Designed for use as an individual reflection or for group study, the guide provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Advent, an experience that will help prepare us for the true meaning of Christmas. 
Learn more here.
'Advent In A Box'
Advent in a Box is a resource created by the Christian educators at Family Ministry Tools to help churches equip families to have faith conversations at home. The goal is to send home interactive, fun, and biblically sound activities that engage families and help them grow in their faith. 
  
Learn more here.
'Preparing to Become the Beloved Community'
Advent is a season of preparation; a time to prepare our hearts and communities for the coming of Christ, the Almighty God who came among us poor and homeless, a stranger and a child. There may be no better time to reflect on how we, as the Episcopal Church, embrace the Holy One who continues to draw near in the neighbor, the stranger, the refugee, or the one who seems the most “other” to you. It is the ideal season to commit to becoming the Beloved Community and growing loving, liberating, life-giving relationships across the human family of God.
  
The curriculum may be downloaded here. 
'Journeying the Way of Love'
Curriculum and Advent Calendar

Journeying the Way of Love is a new, four-week Advent curriculum pegged to readings and themes from the Sunday lectionary. Sessions are designed for use during the Christian formation hour offerings at churches and ministries exploring the Way of Love.
 

The curriculum and advent calendar can be downloaded here.
 
MORE FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
​
Visit this page for more Advent and Christmas resources.

Copyright © 2023 The Diocese of South Carolina
P.O. Box 20485, Charleston, SC 29413 - ​843.259.2016 - info@episcopalchurchsc.org
Make A Donation
Sign Up For Our Newsletter
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • Our History
    • Our Vision
    • Find a Church
    • Deaneries
    • The Bishop >
      • Messages from Bishop Woodliff-Stanley
    • Clergy & Staff >
      • Clergy in Good Standing
      • Clergy and Transition Ministries
    • Governance >
      • Constitution & Canons
      • Convention
      • Boards and Committees >
        • Standing Committee
        • Diocesan Council
        • Trustees of the Diocese
        • Deputies to General Convention
        • Commission on Ministry
        • Liturgical Commission
        • Visioning Committee
        • University of the South Trustees
        • Other Boards and Committees
    • Historical Timeline
    • FAQ
  • Ministry
    • Prayer Calendar
    • Diocesan Meditations
    • Outreach
    • Grants for Congregations
    • Administrative Resources
    • Clergy Resources
    • Liturgy & Worship >
      • Liturgical Commission >
        • Bishop Guerry
      • Marriage
      • The Lectionary
      • The Book of Common Prayer
      • Brother, Give Us A Word (SSJE)
      • Daily Prayer: Forward Movement
    • Education & Formation >
      • Adults
      • College Ministry
      • Youth
      • Children
    • Church Connections >
      • The Episcopal Church >
        • Province IV
      • The Anglican Communion
      • Anglicans Online >
        • The Society of Archbishop Justus
      • Daughters of the King
      • Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
      • Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross
      • Order of St. Helena
    • Ecumenical & Interfaith >
      • Racial Justice & Reconciliation
      • Fellowship of SC Bishops/Public Education Initiative
      • Charleston Area Justice Ministry
      • Christian Jewish Council
      • Gun Violence Prevention
    • Communication and Evangelism >
      • Carolina Grace
      • Social Media Sunday
      • Mission Matters Videos
  • News
    • News Blog
    • 80th General Convention 2022 >
      • 80th General Convention Blog
    • Events Calendar
    • Upcoming Events
    • Lent 2023
    • Sacred Ground 2022
    • Responding to COVID-19
    • Email Newsletter
    • Episcopal News Service
    • Anglican Communion News
  • Giving
  • Convention
    • 232nd Diocesan Convention
  • Contact Us
    • Get in touch
    • Make a donation
    • Sign up for the newsletter
    • News Submission