A New Church Year, A New Beginning

This coming Sunday, we turn a page that is both ancient and always new, the First Sunday of Advent. In the Episcopal Church, Advent marks the beginning of our liturgical or church year, with a quiet hopeful season in which we prepare ourselves once again for the coming of Jesus. While our wider culture rushes headlong towards Christmas with lights, decorations, shopping, and busyness, Advent invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that God often comes to us not in the noise, but in Holy waiting.

The bible passages we hear during Advent remind us that God’s people have always been a people who wait; sometimes with patience, sometimes with longing, and sometimes with uncertainty. Whether it was the prophets longing for a restoration, Mary pondering the angel’s message, or the disciples waiting for Christ to come again, God’s presence is often revealed in these liminal, thin, in-between spaces. Advent teaches us that waiting is not boring and empty. It is a time when God prepares us for new life, new understanding, and new beginnings.

The theme of new beginnings is at the heart of Christian life. Each year, as we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, we acknowledge that God is always doing something new among us. As the prophet Isaiah says in various ways, God is continually guiding God’s people toward renewal, inviting us to step forward in faith even when the path is not fully clear.

This season may be an especially meaningful time for those who feel drawn to take a new step in their own faith journey. Perhaps you have been worshiping with us for a while and are wondering about baptism. Perhaps you were baptized long ago but find yourself feeling ready to affirm your faith in a deeper way through confirmation or reception into the Episcopal Church. Or perhaps you are simply sensing that God is nudging you toward something new, even if you can’t quite name what that is yet.

If you are feeling that nudge, I would love to talk with you.

Baptism is one of the most joyful celebrations in our congregational life, a sacrament of belonging, forgiveness, and new birth. In baptism, we are joined to Christ’s Body and welcomed into the fellowship of everyone in the Christian Church. Advent, with its focus on beginnings and God’s promise to be with us, is often a beautiful time to decide whether this step is right for you or for someone in your family.

Looking ahead into 2026, we have a special visit happening. Our bishop’s next visit is tentatively scheduled for June 28, 2026. Tradition holds that confirmation and reception into the Episcopal Church is administered by a bishop and this visit gives us a wonderful opportunity to prepare as a community. While the date may seem far away, the journey of preparation takes time, reflection, and prayer.

If there is enough interest, we will begin a confirmation class in January. This class will be open to anyone, those new to the Episcopal Church, those returning after some time away, and those who simply want to explore their faith more intentionally. These gatherings will offer a chance to ask questions, learn about the traditions of the Episcopal Church, explore the bible, and grow in community with one another. Whether you are considering confirmation, reception, or simply want to deepen your spiritual life, you are welcomed to take part in this learning opportunity.

As always, anyone seeking baptism, confirmation, or reception should reach out to me directly. It is my joy to walk with you, answer questions, and help you on your path. No decision is made alone; in the Episcopal Church faith is always a shared journey.

As we enter this new Advent season, I invite you to reflect on what new beginning God may be offering you. Perhaps it is a new spiritual practice, a renewed commitment to prayer, an openness to healing, or the courage to take the next step in your faith journey. Whatever it may be, know that God meets us in our waiting, not with judgement, but with grace; not with pressure, but with possibility.

May this Advent be for each of us a season of quiet hope, patient trust, and joyful expectation. And may the God who comes among us in Jesus, light our way as we begin again.

Kevin+