This past Sunday marked the beginning of Advent at St. Clement’s, a season of preparation, hope, and expectation. The Advent wreath was blessed at the start of the 10:30 Sung Eucharist, and the first candle — the candle of Hope — was lit by the youngest member of our Altar Guild.
Fr. Whitmore’s sermon drew on the appointed Gospel reading from Luke, reflecting on the themes of watchfulness and readiness that characterize the opening of the liturgical year. „Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas,“ he observed. „It is an invitation to attend to the present — to notice where God is already at work, and to prepare our hearts to receive what God is doing now.“
The choir, under the direction of David Hargreaves, offered a stirring rendition of „O Come, O Come, Emmanuel“ in a new arrangement commissioned for this season. The parish was reminded that Advent Lessons & Carols will take place on the Third Sunday of Advent at 5:00 PM, followed by a reception in Clement Hall.
As we journey through these weeks of preparation, we invite all members of the parish — and all visitors — to join us in embracing the quiet, expectant rhythm of this holy season.