UPCOMING

Advent Season
A daily devotional guide, Advent calendar, and other resources are available at the church for the Advent season.

Regional Emmaus Gatherings – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, December 8
Regional gatherings are being held in the dioceses of WNY and NWPA, as we envision mission and ministry together. All are invited to participate. The closest one to St. Simon’s is at the diocesan ministry center on December 8. You may register online and learn more on the combined website for the dioceses.

Advent Quiet Time – 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays, December 10 & 14
Come for a mini-retreat, with meditation, prayer, a cup of tea, and creativity. Be gentle to your soul this season. (This is being offered twice – same program, two different time/date options.)

Christmas Traditions – 8:45-9:45 a.m. Sunday, December 15
Join in a festive coffee hour between the morning worship services and learn about the origins of many of our Christmas symbols and traditions. Come and share your favorite traditions of Advent and Christmas.

The Longest Night – 4 p.m. Saturday, December 21
Come into the darkness, come into the light. A contemplative service with beautiful music, healing prayer, and candlelight will be held at the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Persons who face particular struggles at this time of year, whether from loss and grief, depression, addiction, or other conditions that make holidays difficult, are especially welcome into this sacred stillness and sacred space.

Christmas Eve – 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 24
On the eve of the Feast of the Nativity, we begin in vigil, share in the sacrament of Holy Communion, and conclude by greeting the Light of Christ born into the world. 

Christmas Day – 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 25
The Holy Eucharist, with music, followed by an “open house” (below).

Christmas Day Open House – Many of our neighbors don’t have family they’re able to spend time with at Christmas, so this year we’re hosting a simple “open house” at St. Simon’s on Christmas Day. Following the Christmas Day worship service at 10 a.m., we’ll keep the church open until 3 p.m., offering food (soup and snacks), conversation, and games in the parish hall. Our hope is to offer a positive, loving place for people to be together. If you can help by bringing food items, preparing the space, or being present Christmas Day, please contact Mo. Twila.