Christmas Celebrations
CHRISTMAS services
Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Christmas Day 10:00 a.m.
Advent
Special Events in Advent:
Wednesdays at 10 am- The Prophetic Voice in Christmas: As we move into Advent, our scriptures are filled with voices crying out from centuries before Jesus’ birth. The ancient prophets—Isaiah, Micah, Jeremiah, and others—are woven directly into the Christmas story. Their words shape the hopes of Mary and Joseph, echo through the songs of angels, and prepare us for a Messiah who comes not with force, but with justice, mercy, and peace. Join us as we explore how these prophetic voices speak into the heart of Christmas—how they challenge, comfort, and call us to see the world as God intends it to be. Please note: This is a change from our usual Tuesday gathering. Due to scheduling conflicts in December, we will meet on Wednesday mornings instead. All are welcome. Bring your Bible, your questions, and your Advent hope.
Saturday, December 6 from 8:30 am- 12:30 pm- Please join Richard Morgan and Deacon Charlotte Shepic for a Sabbath Mini-Retreat, Saturday, December 6. For this first Saturday of Advent, we will invite you to contemplate various understandings of the Incarnation and consider your period of waiting and preparation for celebrating the "Word made flesh." The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30. There will be a combination of gathering together and time for personal reflection. Feel free to bring a journal and perhaps some art supplies, if you are so inclined. Coffee and tea will be provided.
Saturday, December 20, from 5:30 pm- 7:30 pm- Parents’ Night Out. Email Becky at stmattsyouthgj@gmail.com for more information.
December 21- Join us for an intergenerational Advent activity after the 10 AM service. We will assemble small Blessing Bags to share with Solidarity Not Charity.
Winter Solstice Celebration
Join us on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at the St. Matthew’s pavilion for a sacred interlude of reflection and renewal. You may arrive any time between 4:00 and 4:30 PM. Upon arrival, you’ll receive guidance for an intention-based walk of our labyrinth, which will take you approximately 30 minutes. Individually, and as a community, we’ll welcome the light of the returning sun and invite it to penetrate any darkness we may be carrying. This peaceful celebration offers a chance to embrace hope and renewal during the year’s longest night.
We will use the labyrinth as a contemplative tool to guide our steps and focus our hearts on letting go of the burdens we carry. Take a moment to reflect on the things in your life that need God’s loving care—those worries, fears, or challenges you’re ready to release. You are encouraged to write these down and bring them with you. At the center of the labyrinth, a fire will symbolize God’s transformative power. There, you can place your written concerns into the flames, releasing them into God’s care before retracing the path back into the world with renewed peace and hope.
For questions, contact Mother Jan at therevjan2018@gmail.com. All are welcome!
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 14th at 10 a.m. There is a part for every child to be involved in our annual pageant- those who can make rehearsals and those who can only come for the pageant- all are invited. Costumes will be provided. Email Becky at stmattsyouthgj@gmail.com for more details.
