Advent at the Cathedral
In this season of waiting and anticipation, we invite you to engage with us in worship, prayer, and fellowship.
Christmas Flower & Music Memorials
If you would like to make a donation for Christmas flowers and/or music, give online here to make your donation. Your gift supports the Flower Guild’s special arrangements and decorations for the season as well as outstanding music in our worship services. The deadline is Sunday, December 8.
Adult Formation
Praying in Color Advent Retreat
Saturday, November 16 from 10:00 am-1:00 pm
Advent is the season of preparation for God’s coming into the world as flesh and blood at Christmas. Lush and heady words pepper our Advent vocabulary—incarnation, anticipation, repentance, preparation, annunciation…. But Advent is also a season of down-to-earthiness and the senses. It is a time for awakening the head, heart, and body.
With left-brain and right-brain exercises, we will explore some meditative and playful practices to journey through Advent--practices that also equip us to travel the entire liturgical year. Led by artist and author Sybil MacBeth. Register online at spcathedral.org/arts.
"The Weary World Rejoices"
Wednesdays, December 4, 11, and 18
Dinner at 6:00 pm and Study at 6:30 pm
We are very familiar with waiting. But, this Advent, we don’t wait in vain. Christmas brings us right to the moment of the birth of Jesus—our joy realized, first in a tiny baby born and laid down in a hay stall in a backwater town. A Savior who will someday make all things right. This Advent, may we squint at the light that is afar and say, “Come, Lord Jesus! We’re tired of waiting.” Led by Canon Mike Alford.
Embodying Advent: Film + Discussion
Tuesdays, December 3, 10, and 17
10:30 am in the Chapter Room
Advent is a season of anticipation, reflection, and transformation. It invites us not only to wait for the coming of Christ but to actively participate in the unfolding of God’s presence in the world.
In this series, Embodying Advent, painter, author, professor, theologian and philosopher Phuc Luu leads us through a journey of spiritual awakening, where we explore how to embody the themes of birthing, hope, faith, peace, and joy in our daily lives. With profound insights and compassionate storytelling, Phuc Luu challenges us to move beyond passive waiting. Instead, we are called to bring the promise of Advent into the here and now—actively creating, hoping, trusting, reconciling, and rejoicing in the everyday.
Each session is a reflection on how these sacred themes can be embodied and lived out, even amidst life’s challenges. An RSVP is not required, but is helpful with planning. Led by Deacon Hillary Peete (hpeete@spcathedral.com).
Advent Wreath Making
Sunday, December 1 | 9:00-10:00 am, 11:30 am
An Advent tradition returns! You will have the ability to create a beautiful Advent wreath to take home with you to celebrate the season. The church will provide the greens, candle ring and candles (suggested donation of $15 -- cash, check or online). You can also take a wreath lighting prayer card to use at home. The lighting of the Advent wreath is a wonderful way to journey through this season of preparation and expectation.
Parish Spaghetti Dinner
Sunday, December 1 at 6:30 pm
Celebrate the start of Advent with your Cathedral family! Forget the leftover turkey and stuffing and join us following the Advent Lessons + Carols service for a laid-back spaghetti dinner for all ages. This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together as we prepare our hearts and mind for the birth of Christ. In a season that is often busy and hectic, come and take a moment to enjoy a meal with friends and center yourself in the spirit of Advent. Suggested donation of $5/person, $15 max per family. Volunteers needed!
Creche Sharing
Sundays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22 in Harvard Hall
Do you have a creche (nativity set) that you’d like to share? During the season of Advent, we’ll have a display of creches in Harvard Hall along. Last year we had over 40 on display!
If you have a creche you’d like to display for one week or all four, you can bring it in as early as November 24 so that we can display them on the first Sunday of Advent. Contact Deacon Hillary Peete with questions. Please be sure to stop by Harvard Hall and enjoy the beautiful collection of creches from around the world!
Worship & Musical Offerings
Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 1 at 5:00 pm
This candlelight service for the First Sunday of Advent features readings, choral anthems and congregational hymns as we prepare expectantly for the birth of the Savior. Sung by the Cathedral Chamber Choir. Child care available for babies-2nd graders. Please email Deacon Hillary Peete (hpeete@spcathedral.com) to reserve child care. Following the service, please join us in Harvard Hall to begin Advent with the Cathedral community, sharing a spaghetti dinner and festive cookies.
Messiah Sing-along
Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 pm
In a festive evening of community singing, The Master Chorale of Tampa Bay invites you to participate in Part I of Handel's Messiah. Whether you are planning to sing or listen, we encourage you to take part in this holiday tradition. Attendance is free and scores will be provided!
Tampa Oratorio Singers
Sunday, December 8 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm)
Bring in the season with familiar, sacred and secular favorites including Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Joy to the World.
Nancy Calahan, Music Director
Dale Williams, Accompanist
Tampa Oratorio Singers are an auditioned concert chorus, comprised of talented volunteer singers from all walks of life encompassing the entire Tampa Bay area, providing music lovers with the opportunity to perform and hear the music of the great choral masters. Tickets may be purchased online or at the door on day of concert ($10 for youth/student, $30 for general admission).
Chorus Angelorum & Iona Consort Holiday Concert Christmas Together: A Feast of Holiday Music
Tuesday, December 17 at 7:00 pm
Chorus Angelorum, a St Petersburg a cappella choral group, and the Iona Consort, a St Pete chamber ensemble of professional instrumentalists, join forces for a delightful holiday concert, “Christmas Together.” Music includes interesting carol settings and works from such composers as Corelli, Morales, Buxtehude, Bruckner, Willan, and Rutter. The concert will include a premiere of Three Carol Sketches by music director Rick Smith and culminates with a rare presentation of Francesco Durante’s Magnificat.
Service of the Longest Night
Saturday, December 21 at 7:00 pm
This is a service of prayer and mindfulness for those dealing with loss of all kinds. We traditionally think of the holiday season as a time of joy and abundance, but for some the pressure to celebrate can be overwhelming. Life situations and loss can heighten feelings of worry and grief. This is a service of light in the midst of darkness.
The service is scheduled for the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. We recognize that there is darkness in all our lives. Through music, silent meditation, scripture, and healing prayer, we reach out to acknowledge sadness with comfort and quiet remembrance, to reflect on the losses we have experienced and to remember together the real reason for the season: The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. God is with us.
Featuring seven music meditations composed by harpist Dolly McClellan Roberts. Whether you are having a difficult time this holiday season or just want a moment of quiet, please come. If you know someone who is sad, struggling, or alone, please invite them to attend. Everyone is welcome.