Fellowship

Advent is an open, friendly community, and informal social opportunities abound; here are a few of the more formal ways to participate in the social life of the parish:

Lake Erie Crushers Game Outings

Women of Faith and Sisters in Christ

Current information with dates and times of upcoming events is available on Advent's Facebook page, and in ADVENTures, the parish weekly newsletter (click here to read current editions), or you may call (440-360-6685) or e-mail our Rector, Fr. RJ, for information about coming events.

Chili Cook-off

Every winter, usually in February. Yum. Better not miss it. For date and time, look for announcements about the Cook-off beginning in January or February in ADVENTures, the parish newsletter, and on Advent's Facebook page. To read the most recent edition of ADVENTures, please click here.

Christmas Choral Concert

Joyous song fills our sanctuary every December at Advent's annual Christmas Choral Concert, delighting a packed house year after year. Visiting choral groups include the Avon Lake High School “Merples,” the Lutheran West Singers/Chorale, and the Rocky River Community Chorus. A reception featuring delicious Christmas treats follows the concert. The year 2012 will see the 24th anniversary of this special Christmas event. Watch for announcements regarding the date and time of the 24th annual Christmas Choral Concert on this web site, and Advent's Facebook page, beginning in late November.

Coffee Hour

Coffee hour takes place after the 10:00 a.m. service. An informal gathering, coffee hour takes place in the parish hall and includes delicious treats, coffee, and punch. On the first Sunday of the month, coffee hour includes birthday cake to celebrate the birthdays and anniversaries that fall within the month. Coffee hour provides an opportunity to get to know members and visitors in a relaxed setting. Everyone is invited; come as you are. No reservations are needed.

Easter Egg Hunt

Members of Advent sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt every Easter Sunday morning. Eggs filled with treats are hidden for the hunt, which is held outdoors, if weather permits, or otherwise in the parish hall and environs. Children need not be members of the church to participate in this special Easter event.

Lake Erie Crushers Game Outings

At least once or twice each summer, we all head out to the stadium to enjoy a game and fireworks together. Look for announcements about the next outing beginning in June, 2012 in ADVENTures, the parish newsletter, and on Advent's Facebook page. To read the most recent edition of ADVENTures, please click here.

Men's Night Out

Men's Night Out takes place on a quarterly basis, at a suitably manly location (generally a BBQ or burger joint). The time and location is announced in advance of the event in ADVENTures, the parish weekly newsletter, and also on the parish Facebook page. To read the most recent edition of ADVENTures, please click here.

Potlucks

Each spring and fall, we gather to share a potluck meal together. Dates are announced in ADVENTures; click here to read the most recent edition.

St. Nicholas Day Celebration

St. Nicholas was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors and ships.

Under the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals - - murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration, St. Nicholas Day.

Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

At Advent, St. Nicholas Day is celebrated each year on the Sunday closest to December 6 with a party for the children which is usually held between the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services. The party includes seasonal games and activities which teach the children about the life of St. Nicholas and the example he left for all of us. The message is emphasized with the donation by each child of a gift for the Toys For Tots program. After the party, the children participate in the 10:00 a.m. service with their families and hear a special homily just for them. After the service, the children receive a special surprise - the discovery that St. Nicholas has visited while they were in church, and has filled their shoes with gifts and treats! All are welcome at this very unique Christmas celebration!

To see pictures of the 2011 St. Nicholas Day Celebration, please click here or visit our Facebook page.

To learn more about St. Nicholas, and how to include a celebration of his life and legacy in your family's holiday plans, visit the St. Nicholas Center online.

Women of Faith and Sisters in Christ

A trip taken by a group of women at Advent to the Women of Faith Conference in October, 2011 bore amazing fruit: a new Bible Study Group entitled "Sisters in Christ"; a deepening of the close and supportive relationships among the women and children at Advent; and many new fellowship events and opportunities for the families at Advent. After the trip was over, the group who attended began holding targeted bake sales to raise the money needed to pay for the upcoming 2012 Women of Faith Conference (click here for more information about that trip). Unlike traditional bake sales, these sales involve a social component: the women gather together to bake. At each such gathering, they bake just one special and seasonal treat that reflects the talents and traditions of one member of the group. These gatherings, which have included the children of the members, have evolved into fun, party-like events, greatly enjoyed and celebrated by those who attend. Look for announcements about upcoming gatherings on Advent's Facebook page and in ADVENTures, the parish newsletter (click here for the current edition). As is the case with all Advent groups and events, everyone is welcome to attend and no reservations are needed!

Women's Night Out

Taking place the first Monday of each month, Women's Night Out is a gathering that allows the women of Advent to enjoy dinner out together. The time and location is announced in advance of the event in ADVENTures, the parish weekly newsletter, and also on the parish Facebook page. To read the most recent edition of ADVENTures, please click here.

Youth Outings

The kids at Advent have many opportunities for fun, fellowship and service during the year, including the St. Nicholas Day celebration and the Easter Egg Hunt. Less formal, but no less enjoyable, are the ad hoc parties and activities that take place all year long. In 2011, for example, the kids and their families enjoyed a Valentine's Day card-making party, ice skating at Halloran Ice Rink, hiking at Whipps Ledges and the Lorain County Metropark, and swimming at Huntington Beach. At other gatherings, we made caramel apples, enjoyed Game Nights, coded books for a Cleveland school, planted and maintained the flower urns on the parish patio, and assisted with the baking for the Women of Faith bake sales. Teens and younger children joined our worship team as acolytes and members of the choir. Our kids don't just see each other on Sundays, but instead, are truly a part of each other's lives. We love that our kids want to spend time together and are always up for fun. Information about planned youth events is available on the Advent Facebook page, and also in ADVENTures, the parish newsletter (click here for the current edition).

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