Seasonal opportunities for adults: Advent
Advent is a time of waiting, of hope, of anticipating what is to come. It is also a time of reflection, repentance and holy preparation. How are you keeping this holy season?
Here’s what’s happening at Epiphany:
Sunday, November 30, 2008
The Rev. Will Hocker, Executive Director, Sojourn Chaplaincy at San Francisco General Hospital speaks on “transformation.” 11:30 am in the Lounge.
For more about Will’s ministry, visit the website: www.sojournchaplaincy.org/ 
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Dr. Roderick Dugliss, Dean, The School for Deacons (Berkeley, CA) speaks on “forgiveness.” 11:30 am in the Lounge.
For more about Rod’s ministry, see the school’s web page: www.sfd.edu/
Julie’s recommended advent reading
The Gospel of Mark
(With Advent, we start “Year B” of the Sunday lectionary. This year’s gospel readings focus on Mark’s telling of the life and ministry of Jesus. He’s a quick and easy read, but don’t go too fast: there are many gems to be found!)
Advent and Christmas with Thomas Merton, Judith Bauer and John Cleary, editors (2002: Liguori), 84 pages, plus two formats for evening prayer, paperback, $9.95
Provides scripture, a reflection from the late Trappist priest Thomas Merton, and a beautiful prayer for each day in Advent (and all twelve days of Christmas, too!).
The Womb of Advent, by the Rev. Mark Bozzuti-Jones (2007: Church Publishing), 115 pages, paperback, $13.00
This is a beautiful, family-centered meditation on Advent by former Jesuit (now Episcopal) priest Bozzuti-Jones, who serves at New York’s Trinity Church, Wall Street.
O Come Emmanuel: A Musical Tour of Daily Readings for Advent and Christmas, by Gordon Giles (2007: Paraclete Press), 165 pages, paperback, $15.95
Explore the legends, message, and theology behind some of your favorite carols and hymns. This book of daily devotions will take you from December 1 to January 6, from the first days of Advent, through Christmas, ending at Epiphany. Each day, Gordon Giles invites you to draw closer to God through spiritual and historical explorations of beloved, familiar music.
Marking the days of Advent:
Trinity Wall Street Advent Calendar trinitywallstreet.org/welcome/?advent08 Features scripture and a video reflection for each day of Advent.
Diocese of Washington, D.C. Advent calendar edow.org/spirituality/advent/2008.html
Sponsored by the Episcopal Café, features scripture and a reflection from young adults at the Bokamoso Youth Program in Winterveldt, South Africa.
Diocese of California Advent resources
“Retreat in Daily Life” diocal.org/images/files/docs/faith_formation/0812_retreatindailylife.pdf
A printable guide to a retreat you can take any time in your day: centering, simple prayer, gratitude.