Evenings in Advent
The season of Advent is a time of preparation; watching and waiting expectantly, as we look to celebrate the light of Christ entering our world. As part of our Advent journey this year, Fr. Edward Thornley and Dr. Devon Abts will be offering a series of opportunities to gather, pray, and share in fellowship during the season.
On Sunday evenings, youth group students will have the opportunity to learn about preparing for confirmation classes amidst their usual activities. Then, students and their families, with all parishioners are invited to experience compline: an ancient, candlelit service of evening prayer. Compline is a beautiful service; sometimes chanted, but mostly simply spoken, and only 15 minutes long. It is one of the oldest services in the church and offered at the end or completion (compline) of the day. Compline will be gently offered in the parish church each Sunday evening, led by Fr. Ed, and then followed by a time for silent prayer and meditation by candlelight until 9 p.m.—a peaceful way to begin one’s week in a busy yet prayerful season. The service is open to all.
Then, on Wednesday evenings during Advent, Fr. Ed and Dr. Abts will be hosting an Advent meditation and discussion at the Rectory, accompanied by a simple meal and compline. When you come to church on the Sundays in Advent, you will notice that we light the Advent Wreath at the beginning of the service. Each candle lit represents a different aspect of the Biblical narrative which prepares for Jesus’s birth. Each Wednesday evening, we will read a poem, a passage of scripture, and then engage in a short discussion around the Advent Wreath and the theme for the week, during which food and drinks will be served, and then a short, spoken compline service will conclude the evening. If you wish to attend, please email Fr. Ed directly at ethornley@stjohns-hingham.org to RSVP. Participants will be sent the readings and poems in advance of the gatherings for discussion. Printed copies will also be provided on the evening.
Below you will find a full list of our Advent gatherings, as well as our Christmas services. We look forward to welcoming you to St. John’s in this joyful season!
Advent
The First Sunday of Advent—December 1
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
11 a.m. – Advent Wreath Making
6 p.m. – Middle School and High School Youth Group, with Confirmation Class FAQ
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation
Wednesday Evening in Advent I—December 4
6:30 p.m. – Advent Meditation and Discussion with Compline at the Rectory
The Second Sunday of Advent—December 8
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
11 a.m. – St. Nicholas visits Coffee Hour
5 p.m. – Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols, followed by reception
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation (until 9 p.m.)
Wednesday Evening in Advent II—December 11
6:30 p.m. – Advent Meditation and Discussion with Compline at the Rectory
The Third Sunday of Advent—December 15
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
6 p.m. – Middle School and High School Youth Group, with Confirmation Class FAQ
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation (until 9 p.m.)
Wednesday Evening in Advent III—December 18
6:30 p.m. – Advent Meditation and Discussion with Compline at the Rectory
The Fourth Sunday of Advent—December 22
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II
7:30 p.m. – Compline
7:45 p.m. – Silent Meditation (until 9 p.m.)
Christmas at St. John’s
Christmas Eve—Tuesday, December 24
2 p.m. – Tots and Toddlers Eucharist, Rite II
4 p.m. – Christmas Pageant and Eucharist, Rite II
9:30 p.m. – Midnight Mass
Choral prelude begins at 9:30 p.m.
Eucharist, Rite II, begins at 10 p.m.
Christmas Day—Wednesday, December 25
10 a.m. – Christmas Day Eucharist, Rite II
The First Sunday after Christmas—December 29
8 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite I
10 a.m. – Holy Eucharist, Rite II, with Baptism
