Sundays in Advent
The theme that will run through our Sunday worship services during Advent and on Christmas Eve is “Testimony.” We will encounter the witness of others as they proclaim their faith in words and actions. We are inspired to do likewise as we encounter the presence and overwhelming light of Jesus’ presence shining in the darkness.
November 30th: 1st Sunday of Advent - John 1: 35-42
New members will be received during the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday.
Today we celebrate a Lesser Festival in the church year, the life of the Apostle Andrew. His enthusiastic response to the Gospel led him to witness to his own brother, encouraging him to follow the Messiah. We pray that God blesses us with that same Spirit to follow enthusiastically without delay.
December 7th: 2nd Sunday of Advent - Matthew 3: 1-12
On this Sunday, we remember that our testimony to Christ is exhibited in bearing fruit in the world. Jesus teaches that a good tree bears good fruit. John encourages people as they anticipate the coming Messiah to bear fruits worthy of repentance.
December 14th: 3rd Sunday of Advent - Matthew 11: 2-11
As we continue the journey through the season of Advent, we remember that our testimony to God involves knowing for what we are looking. Jesus asks His disciples about what led them into the desert with John the Baptist, saying, “What did you go out to see?” What are you looking for? Have you found it?
December 21st: 4th Sunday of Advent - Matthew 1: 18-25
On this last Sunday of Advent, we explore the testimony of the life of Joseph, who listened to his dreams above his anxiety about the circumstances he faced. His response to the dilemma reminds us that play second fiddle is perhaps exactly the role through which we can glorify God.
Wednesdays in Advent
December 3, 10 & 17 - Pause & Breathe Deeply
Join us - and bring a friend - each Wednesday evening during Advent for a delicious supper of homemade soup and bread at 5:30 in Fellowship Hall. Then stay for simple worship experience and opportunity to pause and breathe deeply at 6:15 in our Sanctuary. Readings from Luke Chapter 1 and an Advent litany will be shared and the wreath will be lit. There will opportunity for meditation and reflection, as well as the singing of Advent hymns. All are welcome to make this a part of what grounds us in what can become a hectic season. May we all grow deeper in discipleship as we become more fully present to God and one another.
Greening of the Church
In the spirit of Advent and anticipation of Christmas to come, we will hang "greens" and set up a bare fresh tree after the 10:30 worship service on December 14. The tree in the Sanctuary will be decorated following the 10:30 worship service on December 21.
The decorations will be taken down and packed up following an Epiphany Service on Tuesday, January 6.
Please add these dates to your calendar and join us for hot cider as we prepare for the Christmas season!
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, December 24th
Carols, Candlelight & Communion Service - 5:00 p.m.
On this Christmas Eve, we ponder the testimony of the Shepherds – the night shift workers who were entrusted to share the good news of great joy with those who gathered around the manger. That same testimony is entrusted to us as we marvel at the majesty of God coming down to live among us.
December 28: 1st Sunday of Christmas - Matthew 2: 13-23
The fact that just four days after we celebrate the light of Christ entering into the world, we hear the story of the slaughter of the innocents is a stark reminder of the world our Savior was born to inhabit and redeem. We are reminded of the words of a beautiful hymn – Light Dawns on a Weary World. May the light of God’s presence fill us as we worship one who entered fully into the human condition.
