Advent & Christmas at Epworth

Beloved Epworth Family,

Among my favorite anthems of our Epworth choir is the beautiful and powerful, “I Believe.” The lyrics are taken from a short poem found written on the wall of a Cologne, Germany basement where Jews had hidden during the Holocaust. In proclaiming, “I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining, I believe in love even when I don’t feel it, and I believe in God even when God is silent,” it underscores the power of faith that carries us through dark and difficult times.

This hymn will guide our Advent this year. As COVID-19 cases surge and much of the state of California returns to the most restrictive "purple tier" stage, we know some of our cherished traditions will be adjusted, but we will still have Advent and Christmas! And some new events this year may become new traditions. 

And really, what a blessing this is. Each year, we challenge ourselves to experience the birth of Jesus anew. With a new ritual of candle witness for the first three Sunday evenings in Advent, a living nativity on the church lawn, and journey to the manger on Christmas Eve, I pray that the miracle of the incarnation—Christ out of chaos—will be real to you in new ways this season. I encourage you to peruse this brochure and experience this season afresh with your community of faith.

May the peace, hope, joy, and love of the season come into each day and into your heart.

Pastor Kristin Stoneking

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**12/4 Update: Due to the new Regional Stay Home Order, in-person events are canceled or postponed.**