Join us on Sunday, December 14 for special worship, creativity, cookies, and community
We begin with worship at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, celebrating the third week of Advent. After weeks of waiting and preparing, this Sunday’s message is joy—the deep, resilient joy that comes not from circumstances but from the promise that God is near.
But the day doesn’t end when the final hymn is sung. At 11:00 AM, four different activities unfold simultaneously, each one an invitation to participate in preparing for Christmas together. Come to one, two, or all four—whatever fits your energy and interest.
At 11:00 AM: Choose Your Own Advent Adventure
Ornament-Making with Jenny Miller
Our Sunday School room transforms into a festive workshop led by Jenny Miller, who spent years creating craft displays for Pat Catan’s. She’s designed ornament projects for all ages—from preschoolers to adults—with options ranging from simple construction paper creations to more detailed designs.
Jenny needs a few helpers to guide younger children, but adults are also welcome to make their own ornaments. Whether you’re supervising glue sticks or crafting something for your own tree, you’re welcome at the table.
Greening of the Church
Meanwhile, our sanctuary undergoes its annual Christmas transformation. The Altar Guild has everything organized, and when we all pitch in together, the work is remarkably efficient—last year we completed the entire decorating in 45 minutes.
No experience necessary. Just willing hands as we hang wreaths, place poinsettias, and prepare our worship space for the celebration of Emmanuel. It’s meaningful work that goes surprisingly fast when the whole community helps.
Cookie Exchange
Our 3rd Annual Cookie Exchange runs concurrently—a delightfully simple tradition. Bake or buy cookies, package them in plastic bags with six per bag, and swap them with others. You take home as many varieties as you bring.
The bakers love this event, but you don’t need to be a baker. Store-bought cookies are just as welcome. What matters is the sharing—bringing what you have and going home with an assortment that represents our community’s diverse creativity.
Suzanne’s Jewelry Sale
Looking for the perfect gift or a little sparkle for yourself? Suzanne returns with her beautiful jewelry collection, featuring everything from $5 fun finds to fine jewelry. Her curated stock offers something for every budget—stocking stuffers, teacher gifts, or that special piece for Christmas Eve.
Cash only, and here’s what makes it even better: a portion of the proceeds benefit St. Matthew’s. Every purchase supports our church’s ministry and mission. Bring your gift list and your eye for beauty—you might find exactly what you’ve been looking for.
At 5:00 PM: Blue Christmas Service
As the day quiets, we gather again for something entirely different. Our Blue Christmas Service offers space for those who need permission to acknowledge that even in Advent, life continues with all its complications.
If this season feels heavy—if you’re carrying grief, navigating loss, managing stress, or simply exhausted by expectations—this contemplative service makes room for honest struggle alongside honest hope. The music is quiet. The prayers acknowledge difficulty. The silence creates space for what you’re actually feeling.
You don’t have to choose between joy and sorrow this Advent. This Sunday holds space for both—the celebration of God’s nearness and the acknowledgment that life is still hard. From morning worship through evening prayer, we’re fellow travelers making room for the full range of what it means to prepare for Christmas together.
Join us this Sunday, December 14th. Come for worship. Stay for whatever calls to you at 11:00—make ornaments, decorate the sanctuary, swap cookies, shop for jewelry, or do all four. Return for Blue Christmas if you need that sacred space. Come to everything or come to one thing. Either way, you’re welcome here.
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church is located at 9549 Highland Drive in Brecksville. Sunday services at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM, with online worship at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Questions? Contact our office at (440) 526-9865 or officemanager05@gmail.com.
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