Hello Everyone,

Just a few quick announcements, first off, Advent is coming, starting in about a week, on November 28th, and there will be Take-Home Advent Bags this year for families with children. The bags will have candles in them to do a DIY advent wreath, clay for a make it yourself Nativity Scene, origami paper for some advent crafts, and cards with suggestions of various holiday activities to do in the quiet darkness of advent. Bags will be ready for pickup on Advent 1!

Another exciting thing, youth group for 4th-8th grade is starting up on Nov 28th as well. We'll be meeting in the Blue Room, the far left corner of the church, during the 11am Service. We'll dismiss from the service, and be back for communion. We're using a curriculum developed specifically for this age group, Jesus and His Kingdom of Equals, and will be learning about Jesus.

Continuing in Advent is our Godly Play program, now for those aged 0 through 3rd grade, and that is still in the Family Room right off the Sanctuary. We have an excellent rota of Godly Play Storytellers stepping up to tell the stories, giving our kids a chance to build trust and friendship with some of the adult leaders in our congregation.

Finally, children and families especially, but really anyone who loves Christmas Carols, fun, and a little bit of chaos, we're doing our Family Christmas Eve Service again this year at 7pm. We're going to use the Godly Play Christmas Eve Liturgy which involves youth reading, and children bringing up pieces of the nativity, interspersed with Christmas songs! Traditionally this service is followed by cookie potluck, so bring a batch of cookies to share.

That's all I have for you for now, thanks for reading, and I look forward to seeing everyone on Advent 1!

Elaine Ogden

Children Youth & Family Minister

St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Kent WA