Church of the Good Shepherd's Advent & Christmas Service Schedule

December 3, 2017 – READING, Mass. – Church of the Good Shepherd, a warm and
welcoming multi-generational Episcopal Church in Reading, welcomes everyone in celebrating
the birth of Christ during this year’s Christmas services at the church, located at 95 Woburn
Street in Reading, Mass. (near the Reading train station).

“Our community welcomes everyone at God’s table. If you have been away from church or have
not been to communion in a long time, consider joining us during this most special time of year.
There is a place at God’s table for everyone,” said Rev. Brian Raiche, pastor of Church of the
Good Shepherd. “Our services during Advent and into Christmas will be filled with music, prayer
and most importantly, smiling faces. We hope you will come celebrate this joyous season with
us!”

Advent & Christmas Services

Sunday Eucharist Sundays at 8:00 AM & 10:00 AM

Advent is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Each week, we light a candle on our Advent Wreath. Saint Francis reminds us: “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle.” Advent begins Sunday, December 3rd. On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Sunday, December 24th, there will only be one Advent liturgy at 10:00 AM.

Advent Evensong Tuesday, December 12th at 7:00 PM

Evensong is a sung evening prayer that will help each of to focus on the significance of the season of
Advent. Through prayers, psalms, and hymns, the Church in Advent urges us toward slowing down,
introspection, and preparation for the gift of God born anew. Members from our refugee program,
Reading POWR, will be attending. All are welcome!

Christmas Pageant Sunday, December 17th at 10:00 AM

An annual tradition at Church of the Good Shepherd, the children from our church and community will
join to reenact the story of the birth of Christ. Rehearsals are held during Sunday School at the 10:00
AM Eucharist. All children from the community are welcome to participate. Please contact the Parish
Office for more information: 781-944-1572.

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24th at 5:00 PM & 10:00 PM

Light breaks forth! The call of God in Christmas, in every moment, is the soul’s invitation to wholeness,
to community, to home. Join us for a traditional celebration of Christmas with carols and the Eucharist.
All are welcome at God’s table.

Christmas Day Monday, December 25th at 8:00 AM

A contemplative celebration early Christmas morning.

Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 31st at 10:00 AM

Service of Lessons and Carols. In this service, we listen to nine Scripture lessons which recount the
Fall, the promise of the Messiah, the Incarnation, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News.
Each lesson is followed by a carol (or other song) that reflects on the lesson’s message and a brief
prayer.

About Church of the Good Shepherd

Located at 95 Woburn Street in Reading, Massachusetts, Church of the Good Shepherd is a
warm, inclusive and multi-generational Episcopal Church with over a 100-year history. All are
welcome to join for services each Sunday at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.

For further information about Church of the Good Shepherd, please visit
www.goodshepherdreading.org or contact the church’s office at 781-944-1572. Follow us
socially on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/cgsreading) and Twitter (@cgsreading).