The season of Advent is traditionally about waiting with expectation for the Messiah, and preparing ourselves for what Jesus’ coming means. When Jesus first came, his arrival meant a breakthrough: an end to the oppressive dominance of unjust systems having the final say, and the realization of hope that God’s Anointed would “bring down rulers from their thrones and lift up the humble, filling the hungry with good things, and sending the rich away empty.” (adapted from Luke 1:52-53). This year, as 2019 draws to a close, we prepare for what looks to be perhaps one of the most divisive political years of our times, with the stakes for the marginalized being particularly high. In this we recognize the need for the kind of breakthrough Messiah brings today. Jesus initiated a movement of people called to embody his inbreaking, and as such we recognize a call not simply to wait for God to move, but to participate in the movement. Our hope is that this season of Advent at Haven will be a time of discernment, spiritual grounding, and preparation for the roles we have to play in the year to come as peacemakers, prophets, activists, and intercessors, as we groan together with all who seek a breakthrough of justice and mercy in our time.

As you can see on the image above, we will be offering a number of ways to engage this season beyond our two monthly Sunday services. Learn more about some of these options below and more details on will be posted as they become available.

• Daily Reading

  • This year we will provide each household with an Advent reader containing 24 short readings to reflect on, along with a prayer and practice for each day in Advent. The text we will be using is called Keep Watch With Me: An Advent Reader for Peacemakers. Learn more about this resource here. Copies will be distributed on Sunday, December 1. If you are not able to attend the service but would like to participate, contact Leah to arrange receiving a copy. Look for opportunities to process the readings online via our Facebook page.

• 3 Virtual Intercessory Prayer Gatherings

  • Join Connie Barker and others online for a time of praying for Haven, for concerns in the world around us, and for one another. Prayer time will be connected to the broader themes we're discussing this Advent. These will happen each Tuesday evening in December, leading up to Christmas Eve. You can attend as many (virtually) as you like. Tune in through phone call or online video via zoom through this link or by calling or by calling (408) 638-0968 and entering Meeting ID 845 024 274.

• Women’s Holiday Brunch and Cookie Exchange, Sunday, 12/8, 11 am - 1 pm

  • Join other women in the Haven community for a time of getting to know one another and connecting over brunch and Christmas cookies. Hosted by Jennifer Pelham at her apartment complex in Emeryville, and open to all in the Haven community who identify as female. Attendees will be invited to bring a brunch item to share, and (if desired) two dozen cookies to exchange with others. RSVP and sign up for a dish here, or contact Leah if you’re not on Facebook.

• Poor People’s Campaign We Must do MORE Tour, Wednesday, 12/11, 5:45 - 9 pm

  • Many of us have been inspired by the work of Rev. Dr. William J. Barber and the Poor People’s Campaign. This event is the 7th stop on the PPC’s national tour, and we are inviting Haven-its to consider joining for an evening to learn more about this moral fusion movement, and consider what participation in it might look like. This event includes a march and a mass meeting in San Francisco. More information on the event can be found here.

• Christmas Lunch, Sunday, 12/15, after the service

  • Stick around after church for a festive lunch with the Haven community after the service, int he library of Washington Elementary. Will include a potluck lunch, an ornament exchange for the kids, and a white elephant gift exchange for adults and youth. More details to come.

• Serving Dinner and Caroling at the Shelter, Saturday, 12/21, 6 - 8 pm

  • Every month we cook and prepare meals for 50 men and 25 women at the Berkeley Food an Housing Project shelter. This month, we invite not only a small group to serve, but a larger group to sing carols for the residents there. Children are also invited to run a cookie-decorating station.

• Christmas Eve Service, Tuesday, 12/24, 6 pm

  • Join us for a special service featuring carols, readings, and a family friendly telling of the first Christmas story. The event will be held this year at the South Berkeley Senior Center (2939 Ellis St, Berkeley.) Service will be followed by cookies and hot cocoa. Contact Leah with questions.