Dear Redeemer Family,

During the seasons of Advent and Christmastide, we will begin our worship services on a more contemplative note to help our hearts, minds, and bodies prepare.

Here is the new flow, beginning at 8:55 a.m. and 10:55 a.m.:

Five-minute musical prelude. A time to sit or kneel, be still, and reflect.
A bell chimes three times, calling us to worship the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Ten seconds of silence.
A poetic invitation is read aloud.
The processional song begins and the service continues as usual.

The Advent season is not merely preparation for the celebration of Christmas (although it certainly is that), it is also preparation for the return of the Lord Jesus to judge, renew, and restore all things. Therefore, in keeping with the theme of preparation, let’s lean into this new (actually, quite old) way of beginning the worship service.

What does this require of you? Arriving 10 minutes before the service begins. So, 8:50 a.m. before the 9:00 a.m. service and 10:50 a.m. before the 11:00 a.m. service. For some, this may be too much of a stretch and we understand. However, if you are able, give it a try!

I’ll see you tomorrow as Redeemer turns 8 years old and we begin a new church year.

In the Father’s Love,