Winter Holidays at East Shore

Nov 23, 2022 | Beacon, News, Top News

Join us this holiday season for any or all of our wonderful winter holiday services and programs! We offer a variety of traditions to enjoy and celebrate with your family. All are welcome to join us and make East Shore part of your holiday traditions!

Las Posadas: December 4, 10:30 am
In many Latin American countries we celebrate Las Posadas, a pre-Christmas tradition recreating the arduous journey of Mary and Joseph fleeing from violence and seeking refuge. In the United States, many churches incorporate this tradition as an expression of solidarity with all immigrants and refugees. We are reminded that we are a living sanctuary and a welcoming congregation.

Cookies & Carols: December 9, 6:30 pm
Announcing the return of Cookies & Carols! On Friday evening December 9, come to the sanctuary with some cookies to share (home-made is great, but store-bought are tasty too.) We’ll pass around carol books and sing carols near the piano with music director Eric Lane Barnes. After we’ve sung our fill (about an hour?) people are invited to share cookies and bring all leftovers home. (It’s sort of like Flower Communion, but with cookies.) Please bring containers to cart your pastry treasure home in. This is a very family-friendly event!

Winter Pageant: December 11, 10:30 am
Participate in the intergenerational pageant presented by the RE children and teachers. The skit, “A Holiday for All,” was written by East Shore members Luna Jubis and Sunshine Glynn. Volunteers and families please email the Director of Education, Amanda Uluhan to participate in the pageant. Please join us for this seasonal celebration.

Music Sunday: December 18, 10:30 am
Join the East Shore Mighty Choir under the direction of Director of Music Eric Lane Barnes for a wintry mix of traditional carols, classical pieces and brand-new holiday songs. Special musical guests will add flair and spice to this engaging, meaningful and very merry program.

Winter Solstice: December 21, 7:00 pm
Please join us for this wonderful gathering to celebrate the return of the sun on the longest night of the year. With worship, ritual, music, stories, and a circle dance, followed by a soup and bread potluck. Please join and bring soup, bread, cookies, or juice to share.

Christmas Eve: December 24, 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm
4:00 pm: Enjoy the unique, rousing peace of Christmas Eve in this service crafted for children of all ages. Come at 3:30 for cocoa and a story walk!
7:00 pm: Join us for a lovely candlelight service with carols and readings that convey the spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Day: December 25, 10:30 a.m. (Online Only)
Join us on December 25th, Christmas morning, for an informal contemplative Sunday service. Dress casually, PJ’s or even your favorite ugly Xmas sweater. Let’s connect in a relaxed atmosphere to share stories, joys & sorrows, and inspirational music. All Welcome!

New Years Day: January 1, 10:30 a.m.
Join us this morning for an all ages service celebrating the start of a new year. We will celebrate with stories, songs, and learn how to prepare for the coming year like mother earth does. We will sit quietly and rest and dream.