Gaudete: Rejoicing at Holiday’s Approach
By THE NEW MEXICAN, PHOTOS: RAMSAY DE GIVE, NEW MEXICAN FILE PHOTO
Sunday is the Third Sunday in Advent — the weeks prior to 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.
This Sunday is called Gaudete Sunday — a day to rejoice.
Here are some events planned for the coming weeks:
Living Nativity
The annual Living Nativity will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. today 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.
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. today 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. on 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.
Peace and joy
At the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at Unity Santa Fe, the Rev. Brendalyn Batchelor will discuss “The Peace and Joy of Christmas” and Christ consciousness as God’s gifts of peace and joy.
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.
u At the 10:30 a.m. service on Dec. 23, Brendalyn will share the metaphysics of the Christmas story; Doug Bellamy will read the Christmas story from Scripture, and the message will be interspersed with the singing of Christmas hymns led by Hillary Smith and Unity Santa Fe’s Joyful Sound Singers Choir.
u At 4 p.m. on Dec. 24, Brendalyn’s message for the Christmas Eve service will be “The Promises of Christmas.” This special message will include a meditation on the Christmas promises and candle- lighting calling forth our 12 spiritual gifts.
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.
Vespers
At 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Immanuel Lutheran Church will celebrate the Advent Vespers. Hymns will be sung to accompany the readings, together with the lighting of the Advent wreath and the Advent log by the children of the congregation.
At 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Christmas caroling will being. Those who would like to join the carolers can gather at the church, then join the group as they visit area nursing homes.
Sunday services are at 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday School and Bible studies at begin at 9 a.m.
The church is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Members of the LCMS confess and teach the doctrine of the Incarnation: Jesus Christ is God’s Son, born as a human being, for the purpose of redeeming and saving the world.
The church is at 209 East Barcelona Road. For more information, call 983-7568.
Pageant planned
At the 11 a.m. Sunday service at United Church of Santa Fe, the children and youth of the congregation will present the Christmas pageant A St. Francis Christmas.
Written by the Rev. Talitha Arnold and directed by Sue McKelvey, the Children’s shepherd , the pageant tells the story of the first “live Nativity scene,” developed 800 years ago by St. Francis of Assisi, to bring the Christmas story out of the church and into the lives of ordinary people.
The pageant also will feature carols, offered by the children, led by Sally Strong, and anthems by the Adult Sanctuary Choir, directed by Catherine Robinson.
For those seeking a quieter Advent service, the 8:30 a.m. Communion Service features pianist Jacquelyn Helin with offerings by J.S. Bach and Arnold’s message, “Snow in the Desert,” based on the visions of the Prophet Isaiah.
Child care for infants and toddlers is offered through the morning.
The congregation is an open, inclusive, and progressive Christian community that welcomes families of all backgrounds. Part of the progressive United Church of Christ, the church is at 1804 Arroyo Chamiso. Visit the Web site at www.unitedchurchofsantafe.org or call 988-3295.
Yellow brick
At the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday services, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, the Rev. Scott Penrod will discuss “God’s Yellow Brick Road.” Janet Dennison, program director, leads a children’s moment each Sunday and the nursery is available for children from infants through 5 years old. A fellowship time with coffee and light refreshments begins at 9:30 a.m. and precedes the Sunday School hour with classes for children, youth and adults.
A newly formed adult class, Nephesh, explores the Gospel accounts of the Christmas story.
u At 3 p.m. on Sunday, 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.
u 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 Penrod will lead a service of healing.
u The Advent Bible Study is led by the Rev. Stephanie Harmon. It meets at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday or at 1 p.m. on Thursday. The final session is this week.
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.
Supper service
On Sunday , 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:
u At 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, the Adult Lectionary Class meets. This will be the last meeting until Jan. 6.
u At 10 a.m. on Sunday , the Children’s Church School meets.
u At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the final Advent service and soup supper will be held, followed by choir rehearsal.
u 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.
Las Posadas
From Sunday through Dec. 24, Santa Mara de la Paz Catholic Community will celebrate Las Posadas, the traditional novena commemorating the journey Mary and Joseph made in Bethlehem seeking shelter on the first Christmas night.
This year’s novena begins at 7 p.m. each night, except the final night. Here are the locations:
u Sunday at United Church of Santa Fe, 1804 Arroyo Chamiso. Call 988-3295.
u Monday at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church, 1601 St. Francis Dr. Call 982-1133.
u Tuesday at Sisters Carmen and Silva’s convent, 2503 Alamosa Dr. Call 473-0400.
u Wednesday at Kingston Living Center, 2400 Legacy Court. Call 471-2400.
u Thursday at Theresa Felix’s home, 1 Autumn Light Place. Call 424-7347.
u Friday at Glen and Gina Capener’s home, 2309 Brother Luke Place. Call 984-8099.
u Dec. 22 at the home of Jake R. and Barbara S., 79 Calimo Circle. Call 992-1351.
u Dec. 23 at Kimberly Montano’s home, 4256 New Moon Circle. Call 471-1492.
u At 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 24 at Santa Mara de la Paz Catholic Community, 11 College Ave.
Visit the Web site at www.smdlp.org or call 473-4200.
Gospel of Thomas
At the 8 and 10 a.m. Sunday services at Christ Lutheran Church, the
Rev. Benjamine Larzelere will discuss “the Cave of John the Baptist.”
Child care is provided at the 10 a.m. service.
At 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the public is invited to a meal, presentation and discussion on the infancy narrative from the Gospel of Thomas.
According to the Larzelere, this Gospel was probably the first of many attempts by the early Christians to document the first 12 years of Jesus’ life, bridging the gap left in the second chapter of Luke. The original language of the text is unknown — Greek or Syriac are probable — but the story was popular enough to survive in numerous translations, redactions, and parallel stories, including several Egyptian infancy gospels, as late as the Protestant Reformation. The text might have influenced the authors of the Koran. The text dates from about 150 A.D.
Following the meal and discussion, all are welcome to remain for Advent Vespers at 7 p.m.
The Dec. 26 meal will include a discussion on “Prepare the Way of the Lord: Katharina von Bora Luther.”
The church is at 1701 Arroyo Chamiso. Visit the Web site at www.clcsantafe. com or call 983-9461.
Zia’s Advent
Zia United Methodist Church will host a number of Advent services that are open to the public.
u At 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, “The Story of His Birth” presents a music-filled worship service with Scripture readings.
u 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.
Help for homeless
Bienvenidos Outreach is collecting sleeping bags, blankets and coats for Santa Feans who are in need of help to keep warm this winter.
Cash donations also will be accepted.
Items can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 1511 Fifth St. Call 986-0583.
Operation Elf
The Sunrise Community Circle, a nondenominational group of individuals that meets monthly in Santa Fe, is organizing a holiday gift-giving project, Operation Elf, in conjunction with the ManKind Project.
Volunteers for Operation Elf will collect names of needy families, along with wish lists, and then will buy holiday gifts using 100 percent of the funds donated.
Last year, Santa Fe volunteers and donors helped more than 70 children and their parents to receive gifts for the holidays. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made to: The ManKind Project c/o Rosemary Eads, Santa Fe Sage Counseling Center, 2019 Galisteo St., N10D, Santa Fe, N.M. 87508. For more information, call Eads at 577-8581.
At the cathedral
Advent at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi includes programs for people of all ages.
* At 8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale will perform.
The cathedral is at 131 Cathedral Place. Call 982-5619.
The birth
At 6 p.m. this Tuesday, 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 continue a 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.
Taking time
The Rev. John Cullinan will discuss “Taking Time to Take Care” at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service at United Church of Los Alamos. Coffee and fellowship follows the service. Religious exploration classes and forum begin at 9:30 a.m. The topic for the December adult forum is “Stress Management Practices.” On Sunday, Warren Houghteling will discuss the techniques in The Work of Byron Katie.
The church is at 1738 N. Sage St. For more information, visit the Web site at www. uulosalamos.org. For an appointment with the Rev. John Cullinan, call the church office at 662-2346.
Las Posadas
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. Richard Murphy discussing “Themes of Advent.”
Nursery care is available from 8 a.m. until noon on Sundays.
At 7 p.m. on Sunday, St. Bede’s will join Santa Mara de la Paz Catholic Community and United Church of Santa Fe for Las Posadas.
Other events at the church include:
* From 9:30 to 11 a.m. today and
Dec. 22, rehearsals for the Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held at the church. All children are invited to participate.
* At 5:15 p.m. on Mondays, the contemplative prayer group meets.
* At 10 a.m. on Tuesdays, the prayer shawl group meets.
* At noon on Tuesdays, the Brown Bag Book Club meets.
uAt 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays, there is a Holy Eucharist and healing service.
* At noon on Thursdays, Bible study is held.
The church is at 1601 S.
St. Francis Drive. Call 982-1133.
Expectations
At Westminster Presbyterian Church, the congregation will hold services in Spanish and English in this multicultural church within the Reformed Tradition. At 10 a.m., breakfast is served — pancakes, orange juice and Cafe Justo.
Worship service begins at 11 a.m. The topic for the sermon will be
“What Did You Expect?” from Matthew 11:2-11.
The church is at 841 W. Manhattan Ave. For more information, visit the Web site at www.wpcsf.org or call 983-8939.
Traditional music
Santa Fe’s musical holiday traditions are many. Here are some events planned at Loretto Chapel and the Lensic Performing Arts Center, 211 San Francisco St. Call the box office at
988-1234 or visit www.ticketssantafe.org. The Lensic’s Web site is www.lensic.com.
* A Classical Christmas Eve, 5 p.m. Dec. 24, at the Lensic Performing Arts Center, Msica de C mara Orchestra, with pianist Ioannis Potamousis; works by Delius, Beethoven and Dvor k
* Holiday concert by the Santa Fe Concert Band, 7 p.m. Monday at the Lensic. Admission is free.
* Baroque Christmas, the Santa Fe Pro Musica Baroque Ensemble: Natale Allegro (Christmas in Italy), 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thusday at Loretto Chapel, 211 Old Santa Fe Trail; also at Loretto Chapel, 6 and 8 p.m. performances Friday, Dec. 22, 23 and 24. Music of Vivaldi, Corelli and Handel.
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