Advent Season 2022

The word “Advent” means “coming”. In the church year, Advent is a season. It is a season of reflection, waiting and preparation which leads to the observance of the “advent” or “coming” of Jesus Christ. The church color for Advent is purple, the color of repentance. The words of the carol: “Let every heart prepare Him room” catch the meaning of Advent.

The Advent wreath is has four candles. The wreath’s circle represents the eternity and the oneness of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The circle also represents God’s unending love. Some wreaths are evergreen to remind us of everlasting life. A single candle is lighted on the first Sunday of Advent. Two are lighted on the second Sunday, three on the third and finally, all four are lighted on the forth Sunday. The light increases as Christmas draws near.

Each candle has a name. We name them Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. On each Sunday of Advent those who light the candles remind us of these names and what they mean. The candles are purple in color except the “joy” candle which is pink. In the center of the wreath is a single white candle, the Christ Candle, symbolizing the life found in Christ and Christ as the light that has dawned in our darkness. This candle is lighted on Christmas Eve and then throughout the church’s Christmas season.

As we prepare for the Advent season, please save these dates and mark your calendars to join us.

Sunday, November 27th - First Sunday of Advent, Hope

In older church tradition, the first candle is the Prophecy Candle, a reminder of the foretelling of Jesus’ birth in the Old Testament (so, the hope candle).

Saturday, December 3rd

Bangor's Festival of Lights Parade

We will have a float in this year's parade in downtown Bangor. Join us by donating white string lights, help us prepare the float on Saturday morning, or come downtown to enjoy the parade!

Sunday, December 4th - Second Sunday of Advent, Peace

The second or Bethlehem Candle recalls Micah’s prophecy (Micah 5:2 ff.) that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem and that he would be “the one of peace” (Micah 5:5).

Full communion during worship service.

A Night in Bethlehem

3:30pm - 5:30pm at All Souls

A hands-on, Holy Land experience with fun activities for everyone! From 3:30 - 5:30 stroll the streets of Bethlehem. Meet the Baker, the Stonesman, the Jeweler, the Weaver, the Shepherds, and many more!

Tuesday, December 6th

All-Church Potluck Dinner

Bring a dish to share and join us for this first-Tuesday potluck fellowship dinner.

Women's Association

10:00 a.m. in Room A at All Souls

We will enjoy a gift exchange. You are encouraged to bring something from your home (a book, a vase, a candle, a deck of cards). Just something you aren't using. Cookies and tea and coffee will be provided. Contact Shirley Brownewell with questions. See you there.

Sunday, December 11th - Third Sunday of Advent, Joy

The third candle is the Shepherds’ Candle, a reminder that the poor and lowly were the first to worship the baby Jesus (“and the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God” [Luke 2:20], hence joy.

Music Sunday

The Senior Choir will take part in a service of Lessons and Carols during regular worship service.

Friday, December 16th

Christmas Caroling

5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Plan to arrive at All Souls Church at 5:00 pm for light refreshments before boarding a bus and spreading Christmas cheer through traditional carols. We will sing at several places around Bangor before returning to the church, likely around 7:30pm

Children's Movie Night (Parent's Night Out)

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Youth are invited to don their favorite Christmas jammies and bring a blanket or pillow to All Souls Church where they will have popcorn and watch a special Christmas Movie. Children should plan to have eaten dinner prior to the event. Parents are welcome to "drop and go" as an opportunity to enjoy a couple hours on your own. Pick up is at 8:00pm.

Sunday, December 18 - Fourth Sunday of Advent, Love

The fourth candle is the Angels’ Candle. The angels confirmed God’s love for the world by announcing the birth of Messiah. “For God so loved the world . . . .” as John puts it.

Saturday, December 24th - Christmas Eve

All Souls Christmas Pageant

5:00 p.m. Come enjoy our Annual Christmas Pageant presented by the High School and Middle School classes. Be sure to arrive early to get good seats for optimal viewing!

Candlelight Service

11:00 p.m. Our traditional Christmas Eve Service: A more contemplative service focused on the mystery of the incarnation and the wonder of God’s redemptive work accomplished among us, as one of us.

Sunday, December 25th - Christmas Day

10:00 a.m. Worship Service. Come in your Christmas sweater or PJs, bring Santa's leftover cookies for a Christmas Cookie coffee hour following worship.