Dear Friends,

We return from the Thanksgiving holiday to begin the liturgical year with Advent, a time of joyful anticipation of Christ's coming at Christmas. Look for themes that connect endings with new beginnings, the movement from darkness to light, an inward turn distinct from the frenzy of the secular season. It is a wonderful time to look deep inside ourselves and see where we can make more room for God in our lives with these themes in mind.

Advent is one of the most exciting and hopeful times at Talmadge Hill with plentiful opportunities to deepen your spirit and connect to the season through Mission, Music and Contemplation. Tomorrow we will have one of our Breakfast Runs to New York City, Sunday will find our Angel Tree in all of its glory in the sanctuary, and there is so much more to come. Hearing our fabulous choir fill the sanctuary last week pointed toward the amazing music offerings on the horizon. Next Saturday, December 7, will be our annual Christmas Candlelight Concert, an event that is not to be missed and one that will surely make your spirits bright at this dark time of the year. The Innkeeperwill be on Sunday, December 22 and will open our hearts in new ways to the Christmas Story and what it means to welcome God into our lives and into the world.

Every week there will be many wonderful ways to connect to Advent at Talmadge Hill in a way that is meaningful for you. Listen for the announcements, read Happenings and check your emails for the many exciting things to come each week.

We look forward to embracing this season with you and celebrating Christ’s coming into the world on Christmas Eve.

Love, Cheryl