Our busy Advent season continues this weekend as we have many opportunities to come together for worship, service, and beautiful music. First is the Women of Grace luncheon tomorrow at 10:30 in Haden Hall. In addition to lunch, those present will be packing treat bags for the children at Crittenton. Later tomorrow, at 4 p.m., come join with professional soloists, members of the Kansas City Baroque Consortium, and a chorus of the rest of us for our Messiah Singalong. Bring your own score (Novello preferred) or purchase one at the Cathedral for $10. Saturday evening, at 5 p.m., will be a College and Young Adult White Elephant gift exchange and Advent Party in the Common Room. Sunday continues with our usual morning services for the Second Sunday of Advent. Our Adult Formation time this Sunday will be the Be SMART presentation from the Peace and Justice Committee of the Diocese. It will meet in the Common Room and have materials available at Coffee Hour. That afternoon at 5 p.m. will be our annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols. Monday rounds out the festivities with the annual William Jewell College offering of The City Come Again at 11:30 a.m. in the Nave. What a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

Next weekend, December 17, we will gather in Haden Hall to pack BackSnack Family Bags following the 8 a.m. service. Fr. James will also lead his first Adult Formation Class starting at 9:15 a.m. in the Common Room—All Times Are Your Seasons: The Church Calendar and the Liturgical Year with a particular focus on Advent. That afternoon, at 2 p.m., the William Baker Singers will present Candlelight, Carols & Cathedral. Again, another great way to get into the holiday spirit as we get closer to Christmas.

Advent is a time when we are supposed to slow down and take a deep breath as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. That is not always easy as this is such a busy time of year with many activities to keep us occupied. My hope is that you do find some time for peace and reflection in this season of hope and expectation. 

As we continue to prepare, let us keep in mind all those in need, and especially those torn apart by violence and war in Israel and Gaza, Ukraine, and in all places where there is unrest. Let us continue to pray for one another, for those on our Cathedral prayer list, for our nation, and the world.

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