|
|
|
Epiclesis... An Ancient-Future Faith Community |
|
Advent, 2012 |
Monday, December 10 |
|
Rejoice! Rejoice! | |
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born of the Virgin Mary.  Gaudete!
The third Sunday of Advent, "Gaudete" Sunday, comes from an old tradition. Many years ago, the season of Advent was much like Lent in that believers would use the time for reflection and preparation-- of thoughtful waiting and watching-- for the coming of Christ.
Also like Lent, there would be an emphasis on contemplation and quiet, but also on fasting. By the time the third week rolled around, it was time to ease off a bit. And so, the third week began to be associated with festive joy-- and the Scriptures went right along as well. (And, by the way, that's the reason that one of the Advent candles is pink, or rose, in color: It also signals the brief shift in focus of the season.
And so, this coming Sunday, we arrive at my favorite week of Advent: The Sunday of joy.
One of the reasons I love this Sunday so is that we get to sing an Advent favorite: Gaudete! (Latin for "rejoice"). I suppose that makes me awfully nerdy, but I don't care. Love the song... and you should come worship with us this Sunday to sing it, too. (There are not too many other places of worship where you're going to get to sing in Latin-- and you shouldn't worry, it's easy). Here's a little recording of it for you to enjoy.
 Speaking of joy, we had a good dose of it last Sunday night as a little more than 30 of us went caroling and made a nifty Christmas craft (right). What fun! Thanks again to Claudia and Christy for making it all happen.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Christ is born of the Virgin Mary. Gaudete!
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel...
Pastor Chris |
|
|
|
|
|
In This eNewsletter Issue |
|
|
Sunday Worship...
10:30 AM
The Carmichael Chapel (on the campus of the Carmichael Seventh Day Adventist Church) 4600 Winding Way Sacramento, CA 95841
General Information Line: (916) 572-9113 
Epiclesis is a Constant Contact 2011 All Star Award Winner |
|
|
Join Us on Christmas Eve Carols, Communion, and Candlelight
Join us on Christmas Eve at 5 PM, at the Carmichael Chapel (our regular Sunday morning worship location) for a simple service of Christmas carols, communion, and candlelight. The service will last about an hour and is perfect for families. See you then!
|
 |
Small Groups in January Two Mini-Discipleship Studies Coming!
We're planning for two fun and practical mini-discipleship studies in the new year: One about the Bible, and one that tells the Epiclesis story. Stay tuned for news about the start date for each study. Here are some details:
 The first will cover the basics on where we got the Bible and how to choose a translation that's just right for you. We love and cherish Scriptures as believers, but we don't really know as much about where they came from as we should. And what about translations: These days there are so many to choose from. One more note: There will be a separate study track just for kids for this two-session course!
 Next, we're working on a series for the winter as a kind of follow-up to "Epiclesis 101": It's been about two years since we put that introductory class together, but our hope for this new mini series of three sessions is to go beyond the basics of who we are and tell the bigger story: How did Epiclesis come to be? What does it mean to be "Ancient-Future?" We want to share the Epiclesis story, talk about what makes our community of faith truly unique, and also take the time to focus on how the structure and leadership works at Epiclesis.
|
|
|
An Ancient-Future Quote to Note
Cling to the Love of the Lord...
 Hatred is evil, because it always tolerates lying or speaking against the truth; it makes small things great; considers darkness to be light. It calls sweet things bitter, and teaches slander, war, violence, and evil. It fills the heart with devilish poison. I say these things from experience, my children, so that you will run from hatred and cling to the love of the Lord. Righteousness casts out hatred and humility destroys hatred. For those that are righteous and humble are ashamed to do wrong. They aren't rebuked by someone else, but by their own heart, because the Lord sees their motives. They don't speak against anyone, because their fear of the Most High overcomes hatred. Because they fear offending the Lord, they won't do anything wrong to anyone, even by their thoughts.... For true, godly repentance destroys unbelief, drives away the darkness, enlightens the eyes, gives knowledge to the soul, and guides the mind to salvation. Those things which it hadn't learned from people, it knows through repentance.
-- Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs
For a daily verse of Scripture, a word from the Church Fathers, some sacred art, or for brief bio sketches of the Fathers, visit The Chapel of the Ancient-Future Faith Network.
Image above right: "Descent from the Cross" (detail): Rogier van der Weyden (c.1400-1464).
|
 |
Epiclesis Website Tip of the Week:
We've posted the new Advent devotional booklet for 2012 on the website. Want to see or download it? Just click right here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
