Advent
Advent
In the Episcopal Church, Advent is the first season of the church year. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends at midnight the day before Christmas. The name comes from the Latin word for “coming.” The Advent season is a time of preparation for the celebration of our Lord’s birth. The liturgical color of the season is blue. The color blue represents royalty, the coming of the King, Jesus Christ.
Advent Family Festival
Sunday, Nov. 30
4:30-6 p.m.
Student Life Center
Please join us for an Advent celebration and pancake dinner! Supplies will be available to make a family Advent wreath and Christmas ornaments. Don't miss out on the photo booth as well. Come join the fun!
ECW Children's Christmas Party
Saturday, Dec. 6
10 a.m.
Parish Life Center
Hosted by Episcopal Church Women of St. Martin's
Happy Birthday, Jesus!
The season’s joys come to life for children up to 12 years old. Don’t miss this family friendly event that celebrates Jesus’ birthday! Activities include crafts, a reading of the Christmas Story, face painting, festive games and a visit from Santa.
Taizé Prayer Service
Sunday, Dec. 7
5 p.m.
Christ Chapel
Named for the monastic spiritual community in Taizé, France, this unique form of contemplation invites you into an awareness of God’s presence through chantlike songs, Scripture and silent meditation. Set aside time this Advent to get away from the bustle of holiday activities to rest and just be … be with yourself, be with other seekers and be with the Lord. This quiet and prayerful time apart will nourish your soul as you continue preparing for the birth of Christ anew in your heart this Advent season!
Rebekah Maddux El-Hakam
Worship Service Coordinator
relhakam@smec.org
(713) 830-4146 x146
Advent Quiet Day
Sponsored by The Order of the Daughters of the King®
Saturday, Dec. 13
9 a.m.-noon
Bagby Parish Hall
As we prepare for the birth of our Savior at Christmas, come and gather around the manger and hear the stories of those who happen to be in that stable that night. St. Martin’s Clergy will supply meditations on the characters surrounding a baby’s birth when God took on human flesh in the form of a baby. Time is allocated after each presentation for quiet prayer and reflection. The Quiet Day will end with Noonday Prayer.
Houston Boychoir
Winter Concert and Reception
Saturday, Dec. 13
4 p.m.
The Church
Celebrate the holiday season with the Houston Boychoir. Listen to traditional Christmas music from three choirs that make up the group: the precious Preparatory Choir, the delightful Chamber Choir and the amazing Olde Boys. Founded in 1962, the organization has sung with the Houston Bach Society, the Houston Symphony and the Opera in The Heights.
Carole Nelson
Coordinator of Children’s Music Ministries cnelson@smec.org (346)335-8677
Christmas Crash
Sunday, Dec. 14
5-8 p.m.
Student Life Center
Grades 6-12 are invited to kick off the season with an evening of festive fun, laughter and holiday cheer! Bring a friend and join us for an evening of Christmas games, dinner and a White elephant gift exchange. Don’t forget to wear your best tacky Christmas sweater or festive gear — think reindeer antlers, Santa and elf hats and all things merry!
Wayne and Friends
Sunday, Dec. 14
7 p.m.
Parish Life Center
Wayne Watson, St. Martin’s Director of Contemporary Music, opens the Christmas season with a gathering of talented musicians who will perform an unforgettable concert filled with instrumental Christmas classics, carols and modern Christmas compositions.
For the past seven years, Watson has held this concert, which has featured Christian artists. Bring your family and friends for an unforgettable evening of fellowship!
A Festival of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, Dec. 21
9:15 a.m. Family Table, Parish Life Center
11:15 a.m. Traditional, The Church
11:15 a.m. Riverway, Parish Life Center
One of the highlights of our Advent season is Lessons and Carols Sunday. Each of the three services offers a unique perspective on our Christmas preparation. Family Table Lessons and Carols is a more intimate service featuring anthems sung by our Young Singers, led by Carole Nelson. The Young Singers and the Family Table Band will also lead the congregation to sing many of the seasonal carols and hymns we love. As always, Family Table is a safe and welcoming place for every member of the family – from babies to great-grandparents!
The traditional Festival of Nine Lesson and Carols service features our Parish Choir, Youth Choir and the Gloria Dei Organ. Hearing the lessons read and singing the carols in such a majestic and beautiful space is a wonderful experience that many families look forward to all year. It is a great way to prepare for Christmas!
Riverway Lessons and Carols is a distinct Advent tradition that includes nine Scripture lessons, foretelling the coming Messiah. We are reminded that Christ has come once and He has promised to return. Accompanying each of the ancient prophecies will be a musical response put together by our talented Riverway musicians.
All our Lessons and Carols services are wonderful ways to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. We hope to see you at any of them!
Come, thou long-expected Jesus,
born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us,
let us find our rest in thee.
Charles Wesley, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” 1744