Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year ends, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.
This Advent series is filled with stories of blessing, reminders we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. These reminders root us in the fundamental truths of our faith. Many of them are life lessons we teach to children—lessons that adults continue to learn and relearn. They may resemble the blessings we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies like weddings, graduations, or baptisms.
The BUC community is invited to move through this Advent season as if we are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to the reminders that will bolster us for the journey ahead. May this season offer words for belovedness and hope, words for beginning again. For no matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, love is your beginning.
Dec 1
10:00 | Advent 1 worship service –
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot
6:00 | Live Nativity & Hot Chocolate
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot
7:00 | Lights of Hope tree lighting
Location: The Crossing, down the hill from the church
Morning worship includes communion and children’s programs. For any seeking ritual beyond word and song, we offer a healing blessing to any who wish, as part of the communion ritual
The evening events are appropriate for all ages, are casual and community focuses.
The evening begins with what can only be described as an adorable live nativity – picture wide eyed children with tea towels and angel wings. After the nativity, we gather for hot chocolate and homemade treats. The evening culminates as we gather round the outdoor tree to read the names of all who are being remembered and honoured by its light. Christmas carolling will ensue. This is a community event; all are truly welcome!
Dec 7
Time | Bakesale
TIME | Lunch
Location: The Hall, enter from the door on Sullivan’s Hill
Reduce your holiday stress by having us do your Christmas baking for you!
The United Church Women hosting, $15 for the lunch.
Dec 8
10:00 | Advent 2 service
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot
Continue marking the season of Advent on this Sunday of peace.
Dec 12
2:00 | Christmas Church in the Afternoon
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot
A service loaded with Christmas carols, featuring organist Ian Bent. This worship service is a big draw for seniors and others who prefer to be out and about in the daylight and home in front of the TV in the evenings! Expect to sing many of your favourite carols, hear the organ played in all its glory AND linger afterwards for a warm drink and sweets.
Dec 15
10:30 | Christmas Chorale
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot
A celebration of Christmas music, featuring our own Chorale Choir.
This annual tradition will have your feet tapping and hands clapping. It’s like a worship service where we replace the sermon with more music – what’s not to love!!!
Dec 19
6:30 | Contemplative Labyrinth Walk
Location: The Hall, enter from the door on Sullivan’s Hill
7:00 | Longest Night Service
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot or down stairs/elevator
A quiet service of light, prayer, and song to hold the less shiny feelings of the season.
To learn more LINK (this link will be to a post just for this service also on the upcoming page, poster to be created entitled Longest Night 2024
Dec 22
10:00 | Advent 4 service
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot
An upbeat celebration of Christmas, featuring our own Generations Band and loads of carols.
Dec 24 – Christmas Eve
5:00 | Angels and Critters
7:00 | Christmas Eve for Everyone
10:00 | Candlelight Communion Christmas
Location: Sanctuary, enter @ lower parking lot
Christmas Eve has something for everyone. Come to one service or all, for beautifully different celebrations of the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas. To learn more, click LINK – see Christmas Eve 2024 document