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Our Advent Gatherings are designed to be communal, creative, reflective, and simple in order to help us, together, reflect in this season of waiting, longing, and expectation.

Our first two Sundays of Advent centered us in the hope and the peace of Christ as we considered how God calls us to live in this time in between the birth and return of Christ. 

The next two Sundays, we'll continue our journey, marking the final two Sundays of Advent with joy and celebration as Christmas approaches. 
Each week of Advent, our Gatherings will be shaped by Scripture, Song, Creativity, and Quiet in attempt to hold and ponder the beauty and mystery of Christ's incarnation. 

For the remainder of Advent, our Gatherings will 
begin at sunset (4:45PM)! 

Dec 16 | 3rd Sunday of Advent (Kids Nativity)
Dec 23 | 4th Sunday of Advent (Candlelit Gathering)


Advent Stories


My name is Kate Schwass.
One of my favorite traditions in the Christmas season is bringing Christmas cards and cookies to the businesses we love in our neighborhood. They are always so happily surprised and we love honoring them!
In this season, I'm longing for God's peace and stillness in the midst of a busy season and a world in upheaval.

SHARE YOUR STORY WITH US!
To participate in our newest Advent Stories Series, share your story HERE!


Goodbye Hello!

a retrospect pop up

December 30 is our second annual Goodbye Hello retrospect pop up!

Goodbye Hello is experiential, creative, hands-on, and curated to help you reflect on the past year and step forward into the new year!

This is a family- and friend-friendly experience; invite others to join!


more details>


Join a team! Lend a hand!

in one of the following opportunities
  • Sound & Tech Team
  • Gathering Hospitality
  • School Investment Champions
  • Prayer Team
  • Everyday Storytellers
more about each of these on the OD blog>


Calendar Snapshot 
 

Dec 16: 3rd Sunday of Advent (Kid's Nativity)
Dec 23: 4th Sunday of Advent (Candlelit)
Dec 30: Goodbye Hello (Retrospect Pop Up)
Jan 06: Retrospect Gathering


see the calendar>
 


Everyday Stories
By Faye Einspahr 


I attended the Women’s Connect Hike in October, and I was so glad that I did! It had been a hectic day….we had been to a birthday party in San Francisco and sat in 2 hours of traffic as we tried to rush back to Walnut Creek so I could make the hike. I was tired, frustrated by traffic, and felt like giving up, but I also felt a deep desire to join the Open Door women for some community (and some fresh air)! I missed the start of the hike, but thanks to technology and 'Find My Friends', I followed the trail and with the help of my phone and guessed as best as I could which trail everyone had taken. At one point another hiker passed me and said, 'You’ve almost reached them!'- music to my ears! When I finally did reach the group, I was thrilled to trudge up the mountaintop with a beautiful sunset guiding my way. At the top of the mountain, we discussed stages of life, our current seasons, and something we need to let go of in this season. The conversation was as encouraging as the sunset was inspiring. I loved hearing from people in all walks of life about their current seasons, and the fellowship with the ladies filled my heart. A day that just an hour before had felt rushed, a bit stressed, and frustrating was flipped to end with thankfulness, beauty, and joy.
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