With the Christmas season fast approaching, St. George’s United Church has scheduled some events that are open to the public at no charge, although donations to benefit the designated non-profits are encouraged.
To kick off Advent on Sunday, Dec. 1 (approximately 3 p.m., immediately after the Courtenay Santa Claus Parade), St. George’s invites the public to enjoy popcorn while watching The Star, an animated movie about the Nativity of Jesus (from the animals’ perspective). Admission is simply a non-perishable food donation for the St. George’s Pantry that provides many in need in our community with a monthly bag of groceries.
St. George’s annual Community Christmas Sing-a-long is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2 p.m. Bring your friends and the whole family to sing all your holiday favourites, both sacred and secular. Hot chocolate and treats will follow. This event is by donation, with $10 as the suggested donation, to benefit St. George’s partner charity, the Eureka Mental Health Support Society.
The annual Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 24, 6:30 p.m. All are welcome to this family-friendly celebration of the gifts of the season that don’t fit into a box. The evening’s offering will be donated to the Eureka Mental Health Support Society as well.
Pastor Ryan Slifka says that these events are simply part of who the church is as a community.
“Not only are we glad to hold events that are open for the enjoyment of all, their beauty lies in the fact that they also bless others in the community, those who Jesus calls ‘the least of these.’ We are excited to invite all to join us for any and all activities, especially during this festive time of year—because grace always comes to us on the way to someone else.”
Located in the heart of downtown Courtenay at 505 6th Street, St. George’s United Church is a spiritually vibrant, inclusive, justice-seeking community of faith that has been changing lives in the Comox Valley for over a century. Its vision is to be a Christian Church that is a beacon of God’s love and hope in the community, doing so through unconditional welcome, spiritual transformation, and reaching out in love for the common good.
The regular Sunday service is at 10:30 am, followed by a coffee social in the fellowship hall.
Families with young children are very welcome. St. George’s has a diverse group of more than 30 young children who participate in the Children’s Church while their parents and grandparents remain in the main service.