The public is invited to celebrate the Christmas season with a special concert as well as traditional events at St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church located at 2901 Nojoqui Avenue at the corner of Alamo Pintado Avenue in downtown Los Olivos. According to The Rev. Dr. Randall Day, Priest and Rector, “Here at St. Mark’s, we practice a spacious Christianity year-round where there is room for all—and invite every member of the community to enjoy this special Christmas season as we celebrate the message of God’s inclusive and unconditional love for absolutely everyone.” Here is the schedule of St. Mark’s public services and events this 2016 Christmas season. 

Saturday, December 3, 2016—4^th Annual Gingerbread Wonderland

Saturday, December 10, 2016—Women’s Guild Christmas Luncheon (see separate info attached)

Wednesday, December 14, 2016—Celebrate the Season Concert featuring Owen Plant & Friends

Share the joy of the season with contemporary musical performances by Owen Plant, Bear Erickson, Grammy Award-winner Jim Pugh and Aireene Espiritu of the Little Village Foundation.  The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. for first-come, first-seated admission.  Tickets are available online at http://www.smitv.org/concerts.html and at the door for $20 general and $10 for student and seniors. All proceeds benefit St. Mark’s Preschool and Little Village Foundation. After the concert, there is a complimentary reception to meet the performers, enjoy refreshments and savor the spirit of the Christmas season in Los Olivos.

Monday, December 19, 2015 — “Blue Christmas” Service

At 4:30 pm, anyone experiencing grief or loss—also known as “the blues” is invited to a “Blue Christmas” service to help acknowledge the pain and loneliness that can prevail especially around the holidays. Complimentary light refreshments will follow.

Saturday, December 24, 2016 – Christmas Eve 

At 4:00 pm, the community is welcome to join in the Posada, a re-enactment of the journey of Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem as they seek shelter for the birth of Jesus. Meet in downtown Los Olivos at 3:45 pm at Fess Parker’s Wine Country Inn, 2860 Grand Avenue, to journey through town and conclude at the church with a simple carol service and a brief reception (for those who wish). This is a favorite of families and children of all ages.

At 9:30 pm, the Music of Christmas will be provided by St. Mark’s choir and musicians with a special program prior to the 10:00 pm Traditional Christmas Eve Service including candlelight, favorite carols and the Holy Eucharist (Communion) that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ more than two thousand years ago. A complimentary reception follows in Stacy Hall for all to enjoy.

Sunday, December 25, 2016—Christmas Day

At 10:00 am, a festive Christmas service with favorite carols, sermon, and Holy Eucharist (Communion) will be offered; followed by a reception with complimentary refreshments and good cheer in Stacy Hall.

Sunday, January 1, 2017—The First Sunday of Christmas

At 10:00 am, a service of Carols and Communion continues St. Mark’s Christmas celebration followed by complimentary refreshments in Stacy Hall. (There will not be a service at 8:00 am or 5:00 pm this Sunday only.)

Friday, January 6, 2017—Feast of the Epiphany and Boar’s Head Festival

At 6:00 pm, the Feast of the Epiphany (the commemoration of the arrival of the three kings at the manger in Bethlehem) will be celebrated when all ages are welcome to join in a Boar’s Head Festival that marks the end of the Christmas season.  A traditional Epiphany carol pageant with Central Coast Pipe Band and costumed characters in the church leads into a grand supper feast with music and games for all in Stacy Hall. The public is invited and donations of any amount are welcome.  According to Rev. Dr. Day, the Boar’s Head Festival is rooted in ancient times in England when the presentation of a boar’s head at Christmas came to symbolize the triumph of Jesus Christ over evil and death.

Formed in 1926 and serving the Santa Ynez Valley at its present location in downtown Los Olivos since 1979, St. Mark’s practices a spacious Christianity and welcomes people of all faiths or none. St. Mark’s is a no-fee community center for non-profit groups and community meetings, an arts venue for musical and cultural events, a welcome center for residents and area visitors, and a home to an Episcopal parish. St. Mark’s is also grateful to be home to the area’s Jewish community. St. Mark’s top-flight, non-sectarian professional preschool serves Santa Ynez Valley families with quality early-childhood education. Open doors, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, a shady courtyard, gardens, a labyrinth and water for dogs are available for visitors and area residents all day, every day. For more information, visit www.SMITV.org

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In addition to her four Grammy Awards, Olivia Newton-John has earned herself five No. 1 singles, 10 additional Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 singles, and two No. 1 Billboard 200 solo albums. She has sold an estimated 100 million records, making her one of the world’s best-selling music artists of all time.

Newton-John was born in Cambridge, England but moved to Melbourne, Australia when she was 6-years old. Her talents were first noticed when she won a contest on the popular TV show “Sing, Sing, Sing” awarding her a trip to London. At age 15 she had formed an all-girl group called Sol Four performing at a local coffee shop owned by her brother-in-law. Over the next few years Newton-John made multiple appearances on local daytime TV shows and weekly pop music programs. When she eventually took her prize-winning trip to London, she teamed up with her friend from Melbourne, Pat Carroll, to create a double act titled “Pat & Olivia.” The duo toured nightclubs throughout Europe.

In 1971 Newton-John released her first solo album featuring tracks “If Not For You,” written by Bob Dylan, and “Banks of Ohio.” Her U.S. debut album in 1973 Let Me Be There produced her first top ten single and earned her first Grammy Award. In 1974 she released her second U.S. album If You Love Me, Let Me Know, formerly released in the UK and titled Long Live Love. The album featured her signature song, and No 1. Pop hit “I Honestly Love You.”

Later in 1978 Newton-John’s career soared after she starred as Sandy Olsen in the film adaption of the Broadway musical Grease. Grease became the biggest box-office hit of 1978. The soundtrack album spent 12 non-consecutive weeks at No. 1 and earned her three Top 5 singles. However, her singing was not the only thing that caught the viewer’s attention as she was awarded a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Film Actress and was nominated for a Golden Globe as Best Actress in a Musical.

In 1981 Newton-John released her most successful studio album to date titled Physical. In addition to achieving a double platinum status, the title track “Physical” caught a lot of attention for its somewhat controversial lyrics. In an effort to eliminate criticism, Newton-John cleverly filmed an exercise-themed video that turned the song into an aerobics anthem.

Newton-John’s career is still very much active as she continues to sing, act and tour. She started her Vegas residency in 2014 which will run through the end of this year. In addition, being a cancer survivor herself, she dedicates a large portion of her time spreading awareness for breast cancer and health. She also gives back to the community through her involvement with organizations such as the American Red Cross and various non-profits supporting animal rights and environmental issues.

Don’t miss an opportunity to see this legendary performer when she takes the stage in one of the most popular music venues in Santa Barbara County.

Located on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, California, the Chumash Casino Resort is an age 21-and-older venue. Tickets for all events are available at the Chumash Casino Resort’s Club Indulge or online at www.chumashcasino.com.

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