The following events are either by or of special interest to the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. To add an event to this page fill out the submission form.
Behold Advent Retreat
St. Christopher Camp & Conference Center, December 3-4
Come away to this holy and beautiful place for a weekend at the beginning of Advent to rest and be enfolded in the love of God. Encounter the presence of God as you pause to see and listen anew to the Word of God in scripture in lectio divina and creation in visio divina (holy reading and holy seeing). We will gather for sessions in the morning, early afternoon, and evening to pray and reflect together on scripture. Each session opens out into quiet times for rest, further reflection, walking on the beach or on one of our woodland trails. We will celebrate Holy Communion on Sunday morning and leave refreshed before lunch time. Learn more.
Women’s Advent Luncheon
St. Philip’s Church, Charleston, December 3
Ladies, come enjoy lunch at St. Philip’s with our special guest, author and biblical scholar Betsy Cahill! Learn more and let us know you’re coming on the St. Philip’s website.
Christmas Bazaar
St. Matthias, Summerton, December 4
St. Matthias invites everyone to come to their Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Handmade items, knick knacks and Christmas items will be on sale. A Children’s author will be reading to and entertaining the children. The BBQ Chicken Dinner tickets are $8.00 in advance (pick up 11:00-1:00). Tickets available at Church Office or you may email your ticket request to churchoffice@ftc-i.net.
3rd Annual Community Nativity Festival
Christ the King Grace Waccamaw, December 6-11
Hundreds of nativity scenes will again fill the Schoolhouse building at Christ the King (CTK) Grace Waccamaw Church during its Third Annual Community Nativity Festival December 6 – 11, 2021. Due to its popularity, CTK is expanding the festival into its Live Oak Center and new sanctuary, The community is invited to attend the free festival from 4:00 – 8:00 pm each day. Christ the King Grace Waccamaw is located at 9630 Ocean Highway in Pawleys Island. Celebrate the Advent Season by strolling through hundreds of nativity scenes that range in all shapes, sizes, materials and construction. What: Community Nativity Festival Where: CTK Grace Church, 9630 Ocean Hwy., Pawleys Island When: Monday, December 6 – Saturday, December 11 Time: 4:00 – 8:00 pm each day Cost: Free. Donations welcomed. Information: (843)237-7475, www.ctkgrace.org
“Return to Bethlehem” Drive-Through Nativity
Church of the Resurrection, Surfside Beach, December 11-12
December 11th & 12th rain date December 13th Join us for a Live Drive-Thru Nativity, “Return to Bethlehem”. Church of the Resurrection, in Surfside Beach hosts this one-of-a-kind Nativity, you can enjoy from the comfort of your car. The set-up includes 7 scenes with actors & animals, music and sets to be enjoyed. Put the kids in PJ’s, grab your family and friends, bring hot chocolate and play Christmas music as you wait to enter Bethlehem. This event will tell the story of the birth of Christ using a cast of over 50 people and live animals including camels, donkeys, goats, llamas, sheep and calf. You’ll see scenes from the Bible, including a busy Bethlehem Street, the manger scene and, the singing angels. Our prayer is that you will be so touched by what they see, you will want to bring families and friends to see the real meaning of Christmas. Admission is free to all, but the church does provide an opportunity to make a freewill donation. resurrectionsurfside.org
Evening Lessons & Carols
St. Matthew’s, Darlington, December 15
St. Matthew’s, Darlington will host a Service of Lessons and Carols at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 15. In 1880 E. W. Benson, then Bishop of Truro, drew up a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, based on ancient sources, for use on Christmas Eve in the wooden shed, which served as his cathedral. In 1918 this was adapted for use in the chapel of King’s College, Cambridge by its Dean, Eric Milner-White, who also wrote the Bidding Prayer.” (Wilcocks and Rutter, 1987, p. 384) The Bidding Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, Collect and Blessing used this evening are taken or adapted from the early versions of this service.
Advent Concert
St. Michael’s, Charleston, December 15
The St. Michaels’ Advent Concert this year centers around the hymn “Savior of the Nations Come,” originally composed by Saint Ambrose of Milan in the fourth century coming down to us through Martin Luther’s setting. This hymn captures the longing and the pain we suffer here on earth, but looks ahead to birth of the Savior who will deliver and redeem us from our sins. About halfway through the concert, the focus will turn and look ahead to the hope that the living Christ has brought to the world, his glorious second coming, and the joy that awaits all believers. We are delighted to have a group of string players, a harpist, flautist, percussionist, organist, and guest singers, all of whom will come together with St. Michaels’ Choir to present this beautiful concert of Advent music. This 7 p.m. event is also available on livestream.
Christmas Traditions Concert
Old St. Andrew’s, December 18
The King’s Counterpoint and Cantores Charleston hold their 7th Annual Christmas Concert at Old St. Andrew’s on 18 December at 7.00pm. Featuring a wealth of Holiday Favorites, their “Christmas Traditions” concert brings audiences sacred and secular Christmas music from across the centuries – from classical to popular, Medieval to modern, it’s a program that everyone is sure to enjoy! *This is a non-ticketed event and seating is limited at Old St. Andrew’s, so we’d suggest you arrive early to be sure you get a good seat!
Christmas Under the Oaks, A Service of Lessons & Carols
St. John’s, Johns Island, December 19
Join us under the oaks by Walton Hall at 5 pm on Sunday, December 19, for Lessons and Carols. This will be followed by a meal of chili, hot dogs and s’mores done over the fire. Bring your lawn chairs, a blanket, and start the Christmas season under the stars, listening to God’s word and singing carols.
Organ Concert,
St. Jude’s, Walterboro, December 19
Join us at 2 p.m. and again at 3 p.m. (repeat) for a 35 minute recital of joyful carols and noels for organ by David Martin. The concert is free, all are welcome.
Blue Christmas Service
Church of the Holy Cross, Sullivan’s Island, December 19
Church of the Holy Cross is holding a Blue Christmas service as we recognize that for some, this season evokes sadness and painful memories. For those who are hurting this time of year, their discomfort is magnified by the joyful music, laughter, and anticipation that are going on all around them. This service, held at 5 p.m. on. Sunday, December 19, will offer God’s word, Holy Eucharist, music, and healing prayers as we seek to provide comfort and peace for those in attendance.
Blue Christmas Service
Good Shepherd, Charleston, December 22
On Wednesday, December 22, our midweek Advent service will be a Blue Christmas service. Blue Christmas services are a time to come together to recognize that pain and grief exist alongside joy and hope. Service begins at 12:30pm.