Christmas is coming to CLA – mark your calendars, sign up online, invite a friend to join you!
At the Langley Campus our pastors and congregations are busy planning Advent and the added Christmas events. What a wonderful opportunity for you to seize the day with curious friends and co-workers inviting them to join in the activities. Last Sunday a sold-out Leeland concert illustrated that people are open to special events and an invitation. Besides the special events for Rev Youth, Thrive Seniors, Women’s Ministry and Recovery Church, these are for all to enjoy. They have been planned with you and your guests in mind.
- Sunday Mornings During Advent – November 30 we begin our spiritual countdown to Christmas Eve. The church will be decorated, the theme set and a special new Advent Wreath / Candles will be on display for the countdown. Embracing our 9 and 11 am services we will celebrate “Included”. In Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus we see those who are included, some who are surprising, four women who speak to us of God’s love, compassion and inclusivity. Each Sunday we will unpack God’s bold invitation. On the third Sunday of Advent our kids will show us the way with a presentation on HOPE. Each Sunday will include follow up for guests that include a next steps table that incorporates the story of Jesus as seen through the eyes of the disciple John.
- The King Has Come – the CLA Choir starts us off on November 30 at 3:30 and 7 pm. Pastor Avri had an idea to “bring back the choir” and you will want to see this 55-voice choir and participate in their songs of celebration. There is no better way to bring in the season than to join with others in the rejoicing of Christ’s birth. Tickets are only $6 (last week’s Leeland tickets were $70 and it sold out!). A small ticket price does three things; first it ensures more people follow through on their commitment, second it helps Pastor Avri cover her expenses without taking an offering, third it sends people automatic reminders of the event. Go here to get your tickets! For those unable to afford tickets, please contact the church office.
- Wrapped in Wonder – Our Nativity Outreach – last Sunday, I encouraged you to get involved in our December 5, 6, 7 event as we host hundreds from our community for Christmas treats, hospitality and outreach. This is our story! We must keep it alive. You and your friends can depart on “tours” every half hour starting at 5 pm on Friday and 3 pm on Saturday & Sunday. Your one hour tour will take your group through our gallery, into our courtyard to hear the nativity story and then into the theatre to hear a heartwarming story from Sara-Lee’s upbringing in the Subarctic mission hospital. I am playing her dad, Ken Gaetz! That alone should bring the crowds! Then you will end the evening in the East Hall where kids will make crafts, and you can pick up popcorn and a hot chocolate. This is a free event, you simply must let us know here which tour you would like to come on.
Christmas Eve – on December 24 our candlelight services at Langley Campus will celebrate the final name in Matthew’s genealogy of Christ, Mary. Our one-hour services are at 4 pm & 6 pm. Please note the time adjustments this year. This is my favourite service of the year. Bring your family to hear “good news of great joy for all people”.
