It’s no secret that the world needs a bit of cheer right now.
And while they may not be able to change the world, the people at St. Clement’s Anglican Church are hoping to brighten up their local community.
The church is inviting its North Vancouver neighbours to join them in marking the season of Advent, which begins four Sundays before Christmas Eve.
While most people are familiar with Advent calendars – whether filled with chocolate, beer, or any number of other modern add-ons – there are many Advent traditions that tap into the underlying meaning of the season.
“You don’t have to be Christian to appreciate the themes that are celebrated during Advent, beginning with “Hope” on November 29, the first Sunday in Advent. Successive weeks focus on Peace, Joy and Love,” said Rev. Peggy Trendell-Jensen, a church deacon.
Many people make simple Advent wreaths at home; each Sunday a new candle on the wreath is lit, until a final one is lit on Christmas Eve, she said.
The church is offering delivery of a free “Advent in a Bag” to anyone in North Vancouver, which includes makings for an advent wreath and other all-ages activities and photo challenges to help celebrate the reflective Advent season.
Households are invited to request a kit by emailing peggy@stclementschurch.ca.
Given the public health restrictions on gathering for worship and socializing, St. Clement’s is doing what it can to turn its Advent celebration inside out, so it can be enjoyed outdoors by passersby in the community.
This includes an Advent tree in Lynn Valley Village, with new decorations added each week, and a giant outdoor Advent wreath at 3400 Institute Road in Lynn Valley.
A special section on their website will be added each week, full of crafts, stories, music, poetry and prayer on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.
“We can’t celebrate in the same fashion as usual, but there is still plenty to celebrate,” said the Rev. Peggy Trendell-Jensen, deacon at St. Clement’s. “We hope people of all faiths or none join us at this time in looking at the world through the lenses of hope, peace, joy and love.”
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