Dear friends,

Christmas arrives. Not as an idea or a hope deferred, but as God's living Word taking flesh among us. Light breaking into darkness. Love choosing nearness over distance, vulnerability over power, a stable over a throne.

 

This is the mystery we celebrate, and it changes everything.

 

Throughout Advent, we've been "Walking in the Light," anticipating this moment. Now the light is here, and we gather to welcome Emmanuel, God with us.

This past year has been one of listening, learning, and growing together. Through Listening Forward, many of you shared your hopes and wisdom for the future of this parish. That discernment continues to bear fruit, including a recent grant that will strengthen our work with families and allow us to explore new ways of worshipping and serving together in 2026.

 

I'm also deeply grateful for your response to our Christmas Appeal. Your generosity has met our year's financial need, which is an extraordinary testament to the shared commitment and care of this community. Thank you so much!

 

There have been changes, too. Jason Wood will be finishing his ministry with us, and we thank him for the creativity, dedication, and pastoral heart he has brought to our children and youth. We'll take time in the new year to discern what's most needed as we move forward.

 

But beneath all the milestones and transitions, the deeper truth remains: God is still at work among us. In worship and prayer, in acts of kindness and courage, in quiet moments of grace and loud moments of laughter, the light continues to shine.

 

As we celebrate the birth of Christ, may you know God's nearness, whether you find yourself surrounded by loved ones or carrying the weight of absence. Whether this Christmas feels joyful or complicated, peaceful or uncertain, you are held in the love that came down at Christmas and will not let us go.

 

Thank you for all the ways you show up, in faith, in generosity, in care for one another, and in trust for what God is still bringing to birth among us.

With every blessing for a joyful and gentle Christmas, and with hope as we step into the new year together,

 

Philip

 

P.S. If you're looking to invite a friend or neighbour to church this Christmas, our Christingle service on Christmas Eve afternoon (4pm) or our late-night service of carols and communion (9:30pm) would be wonderful places to start. There's always room, and everyone is welcome.

Thanks again,

Philip

 

 

Not everyone finds Christmas easy. If you're carrying grief this season, whether from loss, loneliness, broken relationships, or simply the weight of a difficult year, we're holding a quiet Blue Christmas service on Sunday evening. This is a gentle liturgy with candlelight, honest prayers, and room to breathe. No forced cheer, no pretending. Just space to acknowledge what this season actually feels like and to remember that God's light still shines, even in dark times. You're welcome exactly as you are.

 

 

Join us for a Christmas Eve service for all ages that tells the story of Jesus' birth through light, symbols, and song. Before the service, everyone's invited to make a Christingle, a beautiful symbol made from an orange and a candle that helps us remember that God's light has come into the world. This service is ideal for anyone who prefers an earlier celebration, whether you're bringing young children, don't like to drive at night, or simply want to mark Christmas Eve in the afternoon. Come early for the craft activity, or just join us for the 4pm service.

 

 

There's something about Christmas Eve at night. The house quiets, the lights dim, and something sacred settles in. We'll begin at 9pm with a carol sing-along, then move into a service of Holy Eucharist at 9:30pm. Whether this is a tradition you return to every year or something you've never tried before, you're welcome to join us for this ancient story told again, as it has been for two thousand years.

After the 10.30 service on December 21st., we would like to decorate the church for the Christmas season. Donations of Poinsettia or flowers would be much appreciated.
Also, if you would like to help, please feel free to stay.

 

Wednesday Morning Gathering - 9:00

Celebrate the birth of Christ with us on Christmas morning. A quiet, spoken service of communion - a time to rest into the wonder of new birth growing among us. Come in your pajamas, come with family, come alone - however you arrive, you're welcome here.

~ Morning Prayer (8am weekdays until Dec. 24)
Each weekday morning, Philip will be leading Morning Prayer on our YouTube channel. It will be gently liturgical in shape to guide our prayer together. Each session includes biblical reflection and a time for open prayer. You can join live or watch the recording whenever it fits your schedule. Submit prayer requests in the comments section.

 

~ The Advent Candles (Tuesday Dec. 23 at 7:30pm)
Midweek throughout Advent, we'll gather for themed reflections on Youtube exploring each of the Advent candles (Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love) using each week's theme as the basis for Evening Prayer. We'll conclude each evening with a time of Examen, an ancient practice of prayerful reflection (don't worry, he will explain how it works!).

 

Find us: https://www.youtube.com/@StLaurenceCoq

December 28th - one service at 10:00 AM