Music Marks Advent Programs

By THE NEW MEXICAN, COURTESY PHOTO

Sunday is the Second Sunday in Advent — the weeks prior Christmas and a time of preparation. It is observed with anticipation and hope, daily devotionals, Scripture reading, and in many faith communities and Christian homes, the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath. Music highlights many of the upcoming events:

Free concert

The Schola Cantorum of Santa Fe, under the direction of Dr. Billy Turney, will present

“El Nino — The Christ Child,” a free Christmas concert of sacred music. Gregorian chants of Christmas, carols of Europe,and alabados of Northern New Mexico will be performed.

The concert will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at San Miguel Mission, 401 Old Santa Fe Trail. For more information, visit the Web site at www.

schola-sf.org or call 474-2815.

Christmas pageant

At the 11 a.m. Dec. 16 Sunday service at Temple Baptist Church, the annual Christmas program will be featured. This year the theme for the children in kindergarten and first grade will be “Toy Soldiers and Toy Dolls.” Also, the elementary class — grades 7-12 – - as well as the Sunday classes will be singing the Gospel message, “He is the reason for the season.”

At 11 a.m. on Dec. 23, the choir will offer a special service.

Sunday School begins at 10 a.m. and the worship hour starts at 11 a.m. Sunday services also are held at 6:30 p.m. The church is at 2103 Yucca St. Call 471-1434.

Yuletide

At 4:30 p.m. on Sunday at 1701 Arroyo Chamiso, Msica Antigua de Albuquerque will perform “Carowles for Yuletide,” a concert of music for the Christmas season from the Middle Ages and Renaissance. This rarely-heard music, from the 13th through 16th century, will be performed with voices and period instruments. The program will incorporate both vocal and instrumental works. The 2007-2008 concert season is made possible in part by New Mexico Arts, a division of the Office of Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Tickets costs $16 for general admission, $13 for seniors, $9 for full-time students. Call 505-842-9613 for information and reservations.

Evening celebration

At 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, the “Santa Fe Christmas Celebration,” including carols, worship and fellowship in celebration of the Savior’s birth will be held at Grace Community Church, 2247 Camino Carlos Rey, Santa Fe. Guest singer Diane Gibbs will join the event. Refreshments and fellowship follow the program. Nursery care will be provided. The public is invited. For more information, call 471- 0749.

Ring the bells

At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at St. John’s United Methodist Church, “The Joseph and Mary Blues” will be rendered by the congregation’s 3- to 6-year-olds. Wendy Russel directs the children and Fran Marvel accompanies them on the piano.

At the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services, the Rev. Scott Penrod will discuss “A Child Shall Lead Them,” from Isaiah 11: 1- 10.

Advent at the church features recitals at noon on Wednesdays. Music begins at noon, followed by a brown-bag lunch. Here is the schedule:

* Wednesday, organ recital with Jane Smith from Church of the Annunciation in Albuquerque takes place.

* At 3 p.m. on Dec. 16 is the Christmas concert titled “From Classics to Christmas.” St. John’s Chancel Choir, under the direction of Kevin Calloway, joins with the Santa Fe Community Orchestra to perform a program of sacred and secular holiday music. Special guest Mark Alexander of San Antonio, Texas, will perform the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto on the church’s Baldwin concert grand piano. An English tea with music from the hand bell choirs will follow the performance. The public is invited to attend.

Advent also includes a Wednesday worship service from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The service, held in the chapel, includes teaching, singing and Holy Communion. Here is the schedule of leaders for the services:

* This Wednesday, the Rev. Stephanie Harmon will lead a service of healing.

* Dec. 19, the Rev. Scott Penrod will lead the service.

The Advent Bible Study is led by Harmon. It meets at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Dec. 19 or at 1 p.m. on Thursday and Dec. 20.

The church is at the corner of Cordova Road and Old Pecos Trail. Visit the Web site at www.stjumc.com or call 982-5397.

Dads and Greens

The United Church of Santa Fe offers two opportunities to prepare for Christmas through Advent Adult forums.

* At 9:45 a.m. on Sunday mornings, the church will host “Finding Our Place in the Story,” based on the characters of the Nativity Story and each week featuring a different panel of church members talking about their experiences. This Sunday, a panel of adoptive fathers share their experiences, based on the Biblical story of Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus.

* Also at 9:45 a.m. this Sunday, Stephanie Pearson of Outreach Magazine will share ideas on “I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas,” ways to celebrate the holidays in an Earth-friendly fashion.

* A second offering is a three-week study group, using Marilyn Brown Oden’s Manger & Mystery: An Advent Adventure.

Led by spiritual director Cheryl McChesney, the groups are offered at two different times: Group No. 1 will meet from 8:15 to 9:30 a.m. this Sunday, and Dec. 16 and 23. Group No. 2 will meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. this Monday and Dec. 17. Those interested in a group can sign up and get a copy of the book at the church office.

The church is at 1804 Arroyo Chamiso. For more information, send an e-mail to unitedsf@aol.com or visit the Web site at www.unitedchurchofsantafe.org or call 988-3295.

Christmas love

At the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at Unity Santa Fe, the Rev. Brendalyn Batchelor will discuss “The Love of Christmas” on the concept of the Christ in each person as the love of God.

At 9 a.m. on Sundays, Unity holds “An Hour on the Quest.” Youth Expressing Spirit (Y.E.S!), the children’s group, and Youth of Unity (Y.O.U.), the teen group, gather during the 10:30 a.m. service. Child care is provided for infants and toddlers at the 10:30 service.

The church is at 1212 Unity Way. For more information, send an e- mail to unitysf@newmexico.com or call 989-4433.

Labyrinth walks

Starting at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, and continuing each Sunday in Advent from the Zaguan of Christ Lutheran Church, the public is invited to a Labyrinth Walk. Participants will carpool to one of the many Santa Fe labyrinths and walk and meditate upon this year’s theme: “Hide and Seek; Find and Keep.” Lunch after the walk is optional.

The church is at 1701 Arroyo Chamiso. For more information, send an e-mail to church@clcsantafe.com or call 983-9461.

Pageant rehearsals

On Sunday, Holy Eucharist services will be held at the 8 and 10:30 a.m. at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church. The Adult Forum at 9:15 a.m. will feature the Rev. Randall Lutz discussing “Themes of Advent.”

Sunday school for children ages 4-11 begins at 10:15 a.m. The children will make Advent wreaths. Nursery care is available from 8 a.m. until noon on Sundays. Rehearsal for the Children’s Christmas Pageant will start at 12:30 p.m. following the Sunday service.

Other events at the church include:

* From 9:30 to 11 a.m. today, and Dec. 15 and 22, rehearsals for the Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held at the church. All children are invited to participate.

* At 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, there is a Holy Eucharist and healing service.

* At 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Advent Book Study with Kirkpatrick- Johnston meets. The study will discuss Hope Edelman’s Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss.

* At noon on Thursdays, Bible study is held.

* At 7:30 a.m. on Fridays, morning prayer is held.

The church is at 1601 S. St. Francis Drive. Call 982-1133.

Soup supper

On the second Sunday of Advent, Pastor Sonnie Eriksen Fish will lead the 10 a.m. worship and Sacrament of Holy Communion at Lutheran Church of the Servant. Tracy Denardo, director of music, will play the piano and keyboard.

Other activities at the church are:

* At 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, the Adult Lectionary Class meets.

* At 10 a.m. on Sunday , the Children’s Church School meets.

* At 7 p.m. this Sunday, the choir presents a special program of Christmas music.

* At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the Second Advent service and soup supper will be held, followed by choir rehearsal.

* At the 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service, worshippers are invited to bring a new stuffed toy to be donated to children in the Interfaith Homeless program.

The church is at 2481 Legacy Court. Visit the Web site at www.santafelcos.org or call 473-0626.

Healing services

At 6 p.m. this Tuesday, and on Dec. 11 and 18, the Episcopal Church of the Holy Faith will offer a special service of healing with Holy Eucharist in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd.

At 8:30 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, the Rev. Kenneth Semon will preach at both services of the Holy Eucharist. Nurseries are provided from 8:15 a.m. through the 11 a.m. service.

At 10 a.m., fellowship and study is held at the Sunday Adult Forum. On Sunday, Semon will begin at study of “The Birth Narratives.” Sunday School class for elementary-school children meets at 10 a.m.

The church is at 311 E. Palace Ave. For more information, visit the Web site at www.holyfaithchurchsf.org or call 982-4447.

Salvation peace

Pastor Bethany Carpenter will discuss “The Peace of Salvation” at the 9:30 a.m. Sunday worship and Communion service at Zia United Methodist Church. Children’s Church and nursery care for infants and toddlers also will be offered at the same time. Fellowship time follows the service. At 11 a.m., Sunday School classes for all ages is held. Other events at the church are:

* At 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 16, “The Story of His Birth” a special music worship service with scriptures and anthems will be held.

* At 5 p.m. on Dec. 24, a Christmas Eve worship service with lessons and carols and a “Children’s Nativity” will be held.

Zia UMC is wheelchair accessible. The church is at 3368 Governor Miles road. Call 471-0997.

Party

Sunday services at the Church of Jesus

Christ of Latter-day Saints begin at 10 a.m. with the Sacrament Meeting, followed at 11 a.m. with Sunday School. The Priesthood and the Relief Society meet at noon. This Sunday, the Gospel Doctrine Class will discuss “A Chosen Generation,” Lesson No. 43. The Gospel Essentials Class will focus on “Charity,” Lesson No. 31.

From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, the Santa Fe Ward will host its annual Christmas party. Those who attend are asked to bring a favorite dish or dessert to share. Santa also will attend.

The church is at 410 Rodeo Road. For more information, call 982- 9233.

Living Nativity

The annual Living Nativity will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Dec. 15 at First Baptist Church, 1605 Old Pecos Trail.

This annual free event has been a part of Santa Fe’s Christmas tradition since 1993.

Those who attend can enjoy the Nativity scenes — portrayed by church members. One is the manger scene, including farm animals, wise men and the Holy Family; the other is a scene of shepherds tending their sheep, who come to the manger accompanied by music, narration and Scripture readings.

After visiting the scenes, those who attend can follow the farolitos to the church’s Christian Life Center for an indoor music celebration performed by the First Baptist choirs and soloists. Free refreshments include something warm to drink. The public is invited.

Give a gift

At 8:45 a.m. on Sunday at the Santa Fe Center for Spiritual Living, a meditation service begins.

At the 10:15 a.m. Sunday service, the Rev. Bernardo Monserrat will discuss “The Healing Source of Forgiveness.” Sunday’s special music performance will be offered by Robert Fox.

The youth program begins at 10:15 a.m.

At 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, the public is invited to join Monserrat and the center’s musical family for a Christmas Eve service that combines the center’s traditional and festive celebration of the birth of Christ within.

Starting Jan. 8, a class titled “Five Gifts for an Abundant Life” will be taught by Monserrat and practitioner Lin Nowicki.

The center (Science of Mind) is at 505 Camino de los Marquez. Visit the Web site at www.religioussciencesantafe.org or call 983- 5022.

Ancient music

At 7 p.m. on Thursday the Adult Enrichment Committee of the Cathedral Basilica of

St. Francis of Assisi will host Bill Turnery, founder and director of Schola Cantorum of Santa Fe. He will discuss the ancient sacred music of the Roman Catholic Church and the evolution of Christmas liturgical music from the early church, with an emphasis on Gregorian chant. Those who attend will hear the music, examine chant manuscripts and be able to get answers to their questions.

The event is open to the public. It will be held in Crispin Hall on the cathedral grounds, 131 Cathedral Place. For more information, call 982-5619.

Zia’s Advent

Zia United Methodist Church will host a number of Advent services that are open to the public.

* At 9:30 a.m. on Dec. 16, “The Story of His Birth” presents a music-filled worship service with Scripture readings.

* At 5 p.m. on Dec. 24, the church will offer a Christmas Eve worship service with lessons and carols and a “Children’s Nativity” service.

Zia UMC is wheelchair accessible. ASL and Spanish translators are available upon request.

The church is at 3368 Governor Miles Road at Richards Avenue. Call 471-0997.

Inner Advent

The Rev. Mother Carol Calvert will preside at the Sunday service at the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch-Malabar Rite. She will discuss “The Inner Advent.” Guest soloist will be Monika Casson Shepherd. The church meets Sundays at the Loretto Chapel, 207 Old Santa Fe Trail. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Meditation begins at 8:45 a.m. Mass is celebrated from 9 to 10 a.m. All are welcome to take Communion. The church blends ancient mystical ritual with progressive dialogue. It honors all paths that lead to oneness with God and the knowledge that all are connected. The church is not affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church.

* From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays, the church hosts a healing service. It is held at the rectory and office at 111 W. Cordova Road. Call 988-4244.

At the cathedral

Advent at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi includes programs for people of all ages.

* At 6:30 p.m. on Sunday in Crispin Hall, Life Teen and Confirmation students will host a St. Nick party for all children. Those who attend are asked to bring six plain cookies to be decorated.

* At 6:30 p.m. on Monday, the cathedral will host a reconciliation service. Numerous priests will be available to hear confession.

* At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the cathedral will celebrate Mass in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Ehecatl Aztec Dancers will perform. A reception, hosted by the Altar Society, will follow the service.

* At 8 p.m. on Friday, and again on Dec. 17, 18 and 21, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale will perform.

The cathedral is at 131 Cathedral Place. Call 982-5619.

Advent for kids

This Advent season, the United Church of Santa Fe is offering some special events for all elementary-school children. Here are the events at the church, 1804 Arroyo Chamiso.

* “Breakfast with St. Nick” will be held at 9:30 a.m. today. Pancakes will be served while the children help stuff stockings full of toiletries for St. Elizabeth Shelter. A donation of a new, gift- wrapped present for the kids of St. E’s is the ticket to attend — and meet St. Nicholas.

* “A St. Francis Christmas” is the theme for the Children’s Christmas Pageant at the 11 a.m. service on Dec. 16. Call 988-3295 for more information or if you’d like your child to participate.

The church is at 1804 Arroyo Chamiso. Visit the Web site at unitedchurchofsantafe.org or call 988-3295.

Last day Monday

St. Dimitri Orthodox Church will have its annual holiday bake sale of cookies and sweets from traditional Eastern Orthodox lands on

Dec. 16 at the church, 2270 39th St. in Los Alamos.

The selection includes baklava, Greek koulerakia, Greek monastery cookies, Russian tea cakes, and Russian honey cookies. Russian tea also is available. The baked goods and tea are presented in an attractive box suitable for gift giving. The price is $15.95 per box. Russian tea in tins and in boxes also will be available for purchase.

Call 661-7466 to place an order. Orders will be accepted through Monday.

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