Advent and Christmas 2021: Events, resources & services
We are beginning to create a listing of services as we celebrate Advent and Christmas throughout the month of December. If you have an event to add to the list, please email to Molly Hamilton at [email protected]. There are also a number of resources available that can be helpful as you celebrate Advent or Christmas in your church or home. Scroll down this page, or click here to learn more about these resources.
Navigate directly to the events below through the following links:
Navigate directly to the events below through the following links:
Christmas Message from
|
Christmas Message from
|
#AdventWord
For the eighth year in a row, #AdventWord will gather prayers via a global, online Advent calendar. Virginia Theological Seminary is offering meditations and images during this holy season beginning Sunday, November 28. Images and meditations can be experienced via the #AdventWord website, direct daily emails, as well as on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and ASL videos via YouTube. Follow the AdventWord postings offered by our diocese on our website at this link. Special Advent Services and Events
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Advent Procession of Lessons & Carols at Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston at 7 pm. This candlelight service of music and readings may be attended in person, and it will also be available on the church's YouTube page at www.youtube.com/user/GraceChurchChrlstn. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Organ Concert at St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville at 7 pm Ward Moore, the church's Director of Music, will present an organ concert of Advent music. Music by Franck, Rowley, Held, Bach, and others will be performed. Please come and bring a friend to these contemplative music selections as we continue our journey to Christmas. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island at 1 pm The Daughters of the King invite all to a presentation on the Meaning of the Advent Wreath. Members will explain the symbolism behind the wreath and candles. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 St. Stephen's, North Myrtle Beach at 5 pm Winter Solstice Concert by candlelight with flute and organ. Christmas Lessons & Carols and Other Services
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 Christmas Lessons & Carols at Bishop Gadsden (featuring the St. Gregory Choir of Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston) at 4 pm. This may be attended in person at the Bishop Gadsden Chapel. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, at 9 am Family Eucharist and Children's Christmas Pageant A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols with St. Stephen's, Charleston at 5 pm. This annual tradition will continue online this year, featuring traditional Christmas carols. The service will be shared on the St. Stephen's YouTube page at this link. Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston, at 7 pm Christmas Lessons & Carols (nursery provided) with the St. Gregory & St. Nicholas Choir. Service will also be shared live on the church's YouTube page at this link: https://www.youtube.com/user/GraceChurchChrlstn. 
'Blue Christmas' Services
Tuesday, December 14 at 7 pm Blue Christmas Service at Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. At a time when so many continue to experience grief, loss, and hardship, this service of prayer, music, and reflection invites us into hope and healing. The Rev. Canon Jan Naylor Cope delivers the homily. Watch the service at this link. Wednesday, December 15 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 (nursery provided). Thursday, December 21 at 6 p.m. Blue Christmas Service at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Charleston |
Christmas ServicesChristmas Eve, December 24 Find the Episcopal Church closest to you on our website at this page. Most, but not all, services are listed below. All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island 5 pm - Family Service 8 pm - Candlelight Eucharist Calvary Episcopal Church, 106 Line St., Charleston Christmas Eve service at 7 pm with special music, sermon, and children's message, along with the traditional singing of "Silent Night" by candlelight after communion. Service available in person or in Zoom. Email the church office at [email protected] for the Zoom link. Church of the Good Shepherd, Summerville 5 pm - Holy Eucharist Rite II with special music offerings from Good Shepherd's choir and guest singers Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston 6:30 - Pre-service music begins 7 pm - Christmas Mass Church of the Messiah, Myrtle Beach 5 pm - Candlelight Communion in the chapel (in Pink House Square at 4219 North Kings Highway - entrance on the north side) Episcopal Church on Edisto, Edisto Island 5 pm - Holy Eucharist Arrive at church by 4:45 pm to share in carols before the service. The Episcopal Worship Group of Cheraw, Cheraw 12 noon - Community Christmas Eve Service with Carols and Holy Eucharist at the historic Old St. David's Church. Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island 4 pm - Holy Eucharist 8 pm - Holy Eucharist Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston 4 pm - Family Eucharist (nursery provided) 3:15-6 pm - Visit the manger animals in the Garden of Remembrance 6 pm - Choral Eucharist with Choir & Brass (nursery provided) 8 pm - Choral Eucharist with Choir & Brass* 11 pm - Choral Eucharist, Rite I, with Choir & Brass* * Service will also be shared live on the church's YouTube page at this link. Saint Anne's Episcopal Church, Conway 5:30 pm - Christmas Eve Eucharist St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville 5 pm - Contemporary Children's & Family Service 8 pm - "Midnight" service with special Christmas Choir Music & Strings. The traditional Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist will begin at 8:30 pm St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Charleston 5:30 - Christmas carols before the service 6 pm - Christmas Eve Service Additional parking available in Ashley Hall parking lot at corner of Warren & Smith Streets St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Port Royal 4 pm - Family Eucharist (in person and livestreamed on Facebook) 6 pm - Candlelight Service with music and carol singing beginning at 5:30 pm St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Charleston 4 pm - Children's Christmas Eve Service 7 pm - Holy Eucharist 9 pm - Holy Eucharist St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, North Myrtle Beach 6 pm - Christmas Eve festive service St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, St. Stephen 6:30 pm - Christmas Eve Service (come as you are!) St. Thomas Episcopal Church, North Charleston 5 pm - Christmas Eve Service National Advent/Christmas servicesSATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Lessons & Carols with Bethlehem at 10 am This online event will be simulcast live between the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral in the United States and the Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, Palestine, at this link: www.bethlehemsimulcast.org. Learn more at this link. Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C. The Cathedral has a full slate of holiday concerts and worship services. Find out more on their website at this link: cathedral.org/christmas/ FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 In one of the most beautiful services of the year, the Washington National Cathedral will herald the Light made known to us on this holy night. Join as we celebrate Christ’s birth with readings from Holy Scripture, favorite hymns, seasonal choral and instrumental music, and preaching by the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington. Watch live at this link. WATCH LIVE > Christmas Day, December 25
Find the Episcopal Church closest to you on our website at this page. Most, but not all, services are listed below. All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island 10:15 am - Holy Eucharist Church of the Good Shepherd, Summerville 8 am - Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:30 am - Holy Eucharist Rite II Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston 10 am - Mass Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston 10 am - Holy Eucharist with Choir & Carols Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island 10 am - Holy Eucharist Saint Anne's Episcopal Church, Conway 10 am - Holy Eucharist St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville 10 am - Rite II Holy Eucharist St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, North Myrtle Beach 10 am - The Nativity of our Lord, Christmas Day Christmastide Sunday, December 26: First Sunday after Christmas Day More services may be added to this listing as they are provided to the diocese. Most churches in our diocese will offer a service on this day. Find the Episcopal Church closest to you on our website at this page. Most, but not all, services are listed below. All Saints Episcopal Church, Hilton Head Island 10:15 am - Lessons & Carols Church of the Holy Communion, Charleston 9:15 - Mass for the Feast of St. Stephen Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston 8 am - Holy Eucharist 9 am - Family Eucharist* 11 am - Choral Eucharist* * Service will also be shared live on the church's YouTube page at this link. Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island 8 am - Holy Eucharist 10:30 am - Holy Eucharist St. George's Episcopal Church, Summerville 8 am - Rite I Holy Eucharist 10 am - Lessons & Carols Service St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Port Royal 10 am - Holy Eucharist St. Thomas Episcopal Church, North Charleston 10:30 am - Holy Eucharist Monday, December 27: Feast of St. Stephen Services to be added. Tuesday, December 28: Feast of St. John Services to be added. Wednesday, December 29: Feast of The Holy Innocents Services to be added. Saturday, January 1: Feast of the Holy Name St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, North Myrtle Beach 10 am - Holy Eucharist Sunday, January 2: Second Sunday after Christmas |
Resources for Advent
#AdventWord
For the eighth year in a row, #AdventWord will gather prayers via a global, online Advent calendar. Virginia Theological Seminary is offering meditations and images during this holy season beginning Sunday, November 28. Images and meditations can be experienced via the #AdventWord website, direct daily emails, as well as on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and ASL videos via YouTube.
Churches Beyond Borders' Joint Devotions for 2021
This booklet features reflections on the Magnificat, from writers from The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. It is timed with and inspired by the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10. Read more at iam.ec/cbb16days
'Journeying the Way of Love'
Curriculum and Advent Calendar
Journeying the Way of Love is a 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.
Digital Invitation Kit - The Episcopal Church
Advent is a special time of preparation and anticipation, as well as the beginning of the liturgical year. This combination creates a wonderful opening to invite those who are seeking something greater than themselves – those who are seeking the Good News of the Way of Love. The Episcopal Church offers a Digital Invitation Kit to help you to offer that invitation with great joy and hope.
The kit may be downloaded here.
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.
Making Home: Advent Meditations on Refugee Ministry
On behalf of Episcopal Migration Ministries, The Rev. Canon Maria Tjeltveit, Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Allentown, PA, is sharing Advent meditations that lift up the ministry that Episcopalians do with refugees, as well as with asylum seekers and immigrants, based on her own personal experience and interviews with others. You may click here to subscribe to receive the daily meditations.
Learn more here.
For the eighth year in a row, #AdventWord will gather prayers via a global, online Advent calendar. Virginia Theological Seminary is offering meditations and images during this holy season beginning Sunday, November 28. Images and meditations can be experienced via the #AdventWord website, direct daily emails, as well as on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and ASL videos via YouTube.
Churches Beyond Borders' Joint Devotions for 2021
This booklet features reflections on the Magnificat, from writers from The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada. It is timed with and inspired by the commemoration of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, running from November 25 to December 10. Read more at iam.ec/cbb16days
'Journeying the Way of Love'
Curriculum and Advent Calendar
Journeying the Way of Love is a 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.
Digital Invitation Kit - The Episcopal Church
Advent is a special time of preparation and anticipation, as well as the beginning of the liturgical year. This combination creates a wonderful opening to invite those who are seeking something greater than themselves – those who are seeking the Good News of the Way of Love. The Episcopal Church offers a Digital Invitation Kit to help you to offer that invitation with great joy and hope.
The kit may be downloaded here.
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.
Making Home: Advent Meditations on Refugee Ministry
On behalf of Episcopal Migration Ministries, The Rev. Canon Maria Tjeltveit, Rector of The Episcopal Church of the Mediator, Allentown, PA, is sharing Advent meditations that lift up the ministry that Episcopalians do with refugees, as well as with asylum seekers and immigrants, based on her own personal experience and interviews with others. You may click here to subscribe to receive the daily meditations.
Learn more here.
Living Compass Advent Devotional
Living Compass has launched an Advent Devotional called "Practicing Peace 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.
Living Compass has launched an Advent Devotional called "Practicing Peace 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.
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.