As the cool winds of November blow around us, we begin to step towards the turning of our church year. 

Dec 1st begins a new year in our church calendar with the coming of Advent. For those of us in the church, Advent is a time of contrasts. We are surrounded by Christmas carols in the malls and Christmas lists in our children's hands. We are confronted with dazzling light displays and pre Christmas sales.

Then we step inside.  

Maybe into our house where we have set the empty creche or the simple circle of candles.

Or perhaps we come into the church where the glow of a single flame stands as a symbol of hope in the darkening world around us. 

We pause and wrestle with scriptures that ask us to wake up, to notice, to remember and to prepare and then we go out again, to celebrate and sing but to also hold the hope out to our neighbours and to our world. The light that proclaims that God has come, is here and will come again.

In the womb-like dark of Advent, may you be cradled in the light of Emmanuel, God with us.   

- The Rev. Meagan Crosby-Shearer 

Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness,
send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas.
We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day.
We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us.
We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence.
We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light.
To you we say, “Come Lord Jesus!”

—Henri J.M. Nouwen

This Sunday as we celebrate the beginning of Advent, we will be joined by the congregation of St. Mary Oak Bay. 

Please join us as we kick off the New Year together! A potluck lunch will follow the service. All are welcome!  

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Interested in getting the church ready for the season? We will be polishing the silver at 10 am on Nov 30th and decorating on Dec 7th at 10 am! 

Sheila Prins, one of our wonderful Wardens, has reached the completion of her time in that role.  We are so very grateful for her faithful and gracious leadership and for the prayer and support she has offered over this last year! We look forward to her continued presence with us and continue to pray for both her and John in the amazing ministry they continue to offer in our midst.

Starting in Celtic Advent, St. Matthias and the Emmaus Community invite you to pause, step into the silence and move deeper. We will be exploring a variety of prayer practices in the context of an Advent evening liturgy. 

During the season of Advent, we will celebrate Communion using the liturgy from Iona and Feasting on the Word.  Come enjoy this time of communion and community, where we share bread and wine and reflect on the scriptures for the upcoming week. 

All are welcome to these wonderful lunch-time concerts celebrating the season of Advent. The concerts are at 12:10 pm at St Mary Oak Bay and admission is by donation. On Dec 4th, Zion Crosby-Shearer will be singing with the choristers!

Nine artists in the Zebra Art Collective present works in an Exhibition ‘In Light of Winter’ @thechapelgalleryvictoria Nov 22 – Dec 14. Each artist has created a personal response to the characteristic shift in winter light and invites viewers to reflect on their own memories and what it means to remain hopeful in challenging times.

Saturday, Dec 7th 9 am-2 pm It’s that time of the year! Come join Churchmouse Books and a cast of thousands of quality pre-owned books, available in exchange for donations in support of local charities and community-building organisations.

The St. Matthias Children’s Choir is assembling again! We hope your child(ren) will join us to sing during the 10am Sunday service on December 22. There are 4 rehearsals planned, in the choir room, lower hall. Contact Victoria for more information. Of your child would prefer to be a reader in the Pageant, contact Jen or Meagan.

On Dec 15th at 10 am, join us for the traditional “Nine Lessons Carols”, followed by Christmas treats in the hall. Come and experience the beauty of this service and the hard work and joyful preparation of the choir.  The Festival of Lessons and Carols was introduced in 1918 to bring a more imaginative approach to worship. It was first broadcast in 1928 and is now broadcast to millions of people around the world.

Join us for a Community Carol Sing on Dec 18th. We will sing all of our favourite carols and finish the night with hot chocolate and goodies!

On Dec 22nd St Matthias and The Abbey Church will join together for our yearly Christmas Pageant! All are welcome to come and participate. The service begins at 10 am but feel free to come by at 9:30 am to choose a costume. We encourage children of all ages to come and join as we celebrate the birth of Christ! 

On December 24th at 8 pm, join us for our Christmas Eve Candle Lit Worship. This beautiful service captures all the wonder of Christmas, with beautiful music, candles and both the sacred stillness of anticipation and joy of arrival!