Good morning!
The 1st Sunday of Advent reminds us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus with hope and expectation. Just as we get ready for special moments in life, we are called to slow down, reflect, and make space for God’s presence. Let this season inspire us to live each day with faith, kindness, and a heart ready to welcome His light.
A heartfelt thank you to Janet, Jim, Trish, Merle, and Pearl for beautifully decorating the tree and making our church feel festive and warm—your time and efforts are truly appreciated!
Christmas Tree Decorations: The ornaments on the Sanctuary Christmas tree have been donated, over the year, by members of the congregation. This is a joyful remembrance of all those who have worshipped here, both past and present. Any new worshippers are encouraged to donate an ornament and write their family name on it.
Message from Wayne: Thank you so much for all the prayers, well wishes, and support from the congregation during my surgery and recovery. Your kindness has been a source of my strength, and I am blessed to be part of a caring community.
Cozy Christmas Basket and Bake Sale Today, from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM: Plan on staying after the Sunday service to purchase homemade baking, sandwiches and beautiful gift baskets! Donations of baking are needed! You can drop off your baked contributions before the service today, December 1st.
Jazz Vespers, Tonight, December 1 at 4PM: Get ready to swing into the holiday season with “Festive Jazz,” an exciting evening of jazzy renditions of classic holiday tunes. Eggnog, Cranberry juice, and Fruit Cake will be available afterwards to celebrate festive cheer in the narthex. Join us for an unforgettable night with your family and friends!
Advent Study Group starting on Monday, December 2 at 7PM: Led by Curt and Nichola, we will have an advent study reading “Calling All Angels” by Erin Wathen, every Mondays at 7PM for four weeks, here at St. Giles. Get your free book from the office!
CKPC First Nation Fundraiser Orchestra Concert, Saturday December 7 at 6 PM: Please refer to the Narthex bulletin board for more information.
Sunday, December 8th – 11:15 AM-12:15 PM: Grab a coffee/goodie after the service and join us in the Park Room for a presentation by invited guest speakers from Canada Connects. The Canada Connects program introduces Government-supported refugees to Canadian volunteers who help newcomers adjust to living in Calgary.
BunchaDivas Concert for St. Giles! – Monday, December 9 at 7 PM: Experience the festive magic of live a cappella with Buncha Divas as they sing holiday favorites! Tickets will be $15 for adults and $10 for 12 years old and under. Please check the bulletin board or go to Eventbrite for more information.
Labyrinth Café, every Friday at 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Invite your friends to the Labyrinth Café between 10:30-12:30 to join in a fun time of singing Christmas Carols on Dec 6th.
Inn from the Cold: St. Giles has been supporting the Inn as once per month dinner service volunteers for the past two years. We have made a commitment to continue in this role for 2025. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, please speak with Susan Carmichael or contact the church office for more information. The 2025 schedule will be made up in the next few weeks and we would love to include you if you are interested.
AFTERNOON SERVICES: For those who are unable to attend morning services, there is an afternoon study and prayer at 1:30PM every Sunday at St. Giles led by Rev. Chandra.
December 1st, First Sunday of Advent – This Sunday we are led in worship by Chandra, our minister, and by our St. Giles choir led by Michael. This week’s Bible reading are from Malachi 3:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, and Luke 1:5-24. These passages call us to trust in God’s perfect timing, to grow in love for one another, and to allow His refining work to shape our hearts. By doing so, we can prepare ourselves to receive Him with hope, faith, and a renewed spirit.
SCRIPTURE PASSAGE FOR REFLECTION:
See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.
Malachi 3:1a)
Here is the link to our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Saintgilespresbyterian/
And Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/stgilescalgary
May this week be filled with hope and blessings for you and your family.
Buena Manalo
Office Administrator
St. Giles Presbyterian Church