Thanksgiving, Advent & Christmas at Trinity
This is a season rich in meaning and tradition, and we hope you will find joy in it. We invite you to participate in Trinity Cathedral’s most beloved and meaningful holiday observances.
Celebrate the Season
EYC Friendsgiving
Sunday, November 24 at 6:00 p.m. in Satterlee Hall
Open to all 6th-12th graders. Sign-up to bring a dish!
Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 1 at 4:00 p.m. in the Cathedral.
Through lessons and music we meditate on the rich themes of Advent, the four-week season of waiting and joyful anticipation for the coming of Christ, first as an infant at Christmas, and then in glory at the last day. The service will be followed by a procession to the Trinity Center for the Advent Festival, where participants can make an Advent wreath to take home, and we will enjoy a Crock-Pot cook-off. Register here to reserve your wreath kit ($15/kit) and email Katie Rankin if you plan to participate in the cook-off.
St. Nicholas Day celebration
Wednesday, December 4 at 5:30 p.m. in Satterlee Hall.
This is a family-friendly lesson and celebration of the Feast of St. Nicholas. The celebration will take place as part of our regular Wednesday night supper.
EYC Christmas Parties
Sunday, December 8, location & time TBD
St. Lucia Day celebration
Wednesday, December 11 at 5:30 p.m. in Satterlee Hall.
This is a family-friendly lesson and celebration of the Feast of St. Lucia. The celebration will take place as part of our regular Wednesday night supper.
Christmas Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 22 at 4:00 p.m. in the Cathedral
Christmas Lessons & Carols tells the story of salvation from creation through the birth of Jesus. The service is followed by hot cocoa and s’mores on the Cathedral Lawn.
Epiphany Lessons & Carols
Sunday, January 5 at 4:00 p.m. in the Cathedral
Epiphany is the celebration of the coming of the Magi to visit the infant Jesus. The service will be followed by an oyster roast on the Cathedral Lawn. Please RSVP here for the meal ($10 per person). We will also offer some kid-friendly alternatives.
Learn
Adult class: The Bible and Handel’s Messiah
Sundays, November 24, December 8 & 15 - 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the library.
This epic musical work has shaped the season of Advent. Learn how its texts are shaped and infused with Holy Scripture. Led by the Rev’d Canon Mia C. McDowell.
Mini-retreat: Mepkin Abbey Creche Festival
Friday, December 6, from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Join Trinity Cathedral on a walking tour of Mepkin Abbey’s annual display of nativity scenes from around the world. There are 40 slots reserved for Trinity members and guests. Transportation available by request or on your own. Register here.
End of fall semester for Christian formation classes
Sunday, December 15
Worship
Thanksgiving Service
Thursday, November 28 at 10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral
Christmas Eve Services
4:00 p.m. in the Cathedral - Children’s Christmas Pageant & Holy Eucharist
7:00 p.m. in the Cathedral - Holy Eucharist
11:00 p.m. in the Cathedral - Choral Eucharist
Christmas Day Service
10:00 a.m. in the Cathedral - Holy Eucharist
Music
Choral Compline
Thursdays, December 5, 12 and 19 at 8:00 p.m. in the Cathedral.
Join us each Thursday during Advent for a service of Choral Compline by candlelight. These services are free and open to all.
Handel’s Messiah
Sunday, December 15 at 4:00 p.m. in the Cathedral.
This is a popular offering of Handel’s famous work, sung by the Trinity Cathedral Choirs, with the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra playing period instruments. A reception will follow in Satterlee Hall. In-person and livestream tickets available here.