The LOFT is our new Adult Faith Formation space. We usually meet in the Activity Room on Sunday mornings at 9:00 am. Please take note of our Advent schedule. Coffee and tea are available. November 23 – December 7 are open to adults, youth, and children. We hope you will join us!

November 23

Fear-Holding Ornaments – Intergenerational for all ages

The angel Gabriel’s greeting to Mary— “Be not afraid!— is easier said than done. Thankfully, God meets us in our fear, exactly where we are, and bears the burden with us. In this session we’ll think about those things that seem too big, too scary, or too impossible in our lives. Each of us will create an ornament to remind us that God is with us when we are afraid.

November 30

Luminarias – Intergenerational for all ages

Luminarias (“paper bag lanterns”) originated in 16th century Spain as small bonfires (“luminarias”) used to light the way for people traveling to midnight mass.  The tradition was later adopted in Mexico and later New Mexico. Symbolically the lights were believed to guide the spirit of the Christ Child to peoples’ homes. Who bears the Christ-light for you, not only during the season of Advent, but all year long?  Because we often see God most clearly in the divine light others carry, we will decorate our luminarias with the names and faces of people who bear the Christ-light for us.(Feel free to bring printed or photographed pictures of people – church members past and present, historical figures, faith leaders, family members, friends – to glue to your luminarias. Or decorate as the Spirit moves you!  Pictures will be available as well as all supplies.)

December 7

Placing Ourselves in the Manger Scene – Intergenerational for all ages

We will use clay to imagine placing ourselves at the scene of Jesus’ birth. What posture would we take? What gifts would we bring? What does it mean to witness to the birth of Jesus, Emmanuel (God-with-us)? Come and play with clay and enter the story.

December 14

Christmas Show and Tell

At this time of year, our thoughts often turn to past Christmas seasons. Memories of happy times spent with friends and loved ones can brighten our spirits and enhance the joy of celebrating Jesus’ birth. Bring your photos and special mementoes to share as we “Show and Tell” our Christmas memories.

December 21

Re-Membering Christmas – Singing Our Way Through

It’s so easy to get caught up in the consumerism and competition of Christmas – who can buy the best gifts, who makes the biggest spread. In addition, Christmas can be a time of relational strain – isolation or family division. In our short time, we will share favorite Christmas carols and look at the history of some of the beloved favorites.

No LOFT December 28