ANDOVER — It’s hard to believe Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away and will be in the past when you get to read this! November has zipped by. The days are shortening as the earth, sun, and moon travel about their appointed rounds. Soon, and just four days after the Winter Solstice (the shortest day of the year), we will be celebrating the birth of the “Light of the World” — appropriately timed by the early church fathers!

Before announcing our holiday plans and worship services, here’s what we’ve been up to since the last time we wrote:

Trunk or Treat at the ballfield in Andover on October 31 was where Linda McGrail and Lizzy Carpenter were dressed as Mario and Luigi Mario (sporting heart mustaches), complete with the Mario Brothers theme song playing in the background. Over 360 prizes were given out!

Neighbors Helping Neighbors happened in the Grange Hall (November 2), which provided free clothing, shoes, and household items to 74 citizens in the community. Thanks to all who donated, helped set up, pack up, or clean up for this labor of love.

Other Events: On November 3, we added three precious children into the church through baptism. November 16, we hosted a Hearing God While Praying for Others conference, which was attended by over 20 people representing four churches in the area, led by Father Bill. And an emotional goodbye happened as we celebrated the ministry of Deacon Kathy Winkfield, who has been with the church for 24 years. 

We honored Kathy (and her family) with prayers and gifts as she set out for deeper pastures. She will be missed!

We are grateful for Archways in Franklin for opening their facilities for our Franklin Outreach. They have a beautiful facility with many resources available for the homeless, the poor, and struggling families, including on-site counseling, free clothing, a shower, and connections to lots of other resources. We will be in their conference room each Wednesday afternoon, from 4 to 5:30 PM, continuing the good work of feeding and encouraging others with prayer.

Now let’s talk about the Holy Season at ACC! Advent marks the season of reflection and anticipation for the Prince of Peace to enter the world at Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is December 1, where seasonal colors change, music and prayers become more solemn, and we count down the days to Christmas with the lighting of the Advent wreath. 

Themes of hope, joy, peace, and love will dominate our services. During this season, a lighted Nativity will be set up in front of the church. All are invited to swing by to reflect on the events surrounding the Savior’s birth, anytime of the day or night.

December marks some important changes for the church community. A new church schedule begins, with Cruising through Colossians (Adult Discussion Class), 9 to 10 AM, and Service of Holy Communion, 10:15 to 11:45 AM. Visitors please note!
 
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will be held at 4:30 PM, on December 24, when all families and friends of the community are invited to “come home” to celebrate Jesus’ birth through singing, Scripture, and the Eucharist. Who knows? This just may be your moment to come home to God and find a church family!

Finally, funds for the Grange Hall renovation (painting) grow as we sell meals each month on second Saturdays at The Andover Community Hub and at the Coffeehouse. The annual Cookie Extravaganza sale happens in the Grange Hall on Saturday, December 7, from 9 AM to 1 PM, where cookies are sold by the pound. Come on over and treat your sweet tooth to the best homemade cookies in central New Hampshire — and all for a great cause!

Be sure to visit the church website at andovercommunitynh.org for more information on these events and much more. In the meantime, we pray this season will usher in a time of God’s peace in our hearts, through the birth of the Prince of Peace.