The prophets call us to keep our eyes to the heavens, not to escape the present moment, but to interpret it; to see our immediate struggles—personal and public—in light of God’s intrusion into our world. By seeing what God has done in the past, we can trust what God has promised for our future. And when we know where we’re headed, we can give ourselves freely to the present.
With this in mind, we invite all to celebrate Advent with us this year. Our theme is Eyes on the Heavens, Feet on the Ground: Preparing for the world as it shall be while living in the world as it is.
Advent Wreath Making
Sun., Dec. 3 • 9 a.m. & Noon
During this annual event on the first Sunday of Advent, we provide the wreaths, greens and candles and suggest bringing gloves and clippers. Wreath making takes place before and after worship. A $10 per wreath donation is appreciated. Devotional materials and spiritual practice ideas will be available.
Advent Bible Study
Wednesdays, Dec. 6-20 • 10:30 a.m.
Meet on the Church House first floor with a ministry staff member for this special Advent Bible Study focused on New Year’s Resolutions. Have you ever wished to develop a daily spiritual routine? Don’t wait until the New Year. Walter Brueggemann has a new book of daily readings and reflections, “Gift and Task,” based on the church year that begins in Advent 2017. The Bible class will use this book as a basis for our Advent study. Books are $14 and can be ordered with Rachel Cunningham, [email protected].
Midweek Worship
Thursdays, Dec. 7-21 • 5:30 – 6 p.m.
Pause during the Advent season and attend our weekly prayer service to hold the community and world in prayer.
Progressive Dinner
Christmas Party for Youth
Fri., Dec. 8 • 6-9 p.m.
Our epic, three-home, three-course dinner extravaganza returns! All middle and high school youth are invited to bring a cheap/junk/joke wrapped gift (less than $10) for a game. Note: It is important to RSVP to Chris Golden at [email protected]. Drivers will be needed for the location transitions. The schedule: appetizers with the Schindlers; dinner with the Forwards; dessert and white elephant with the Todds.
Sanctuary Decorating
Sat., Dec. 23 • 10 a.m.-Noon
Help us adorn the sanctuary with greens and poinsettias.
Christmas Pageant for Everyone
Sun., Dec. 24 • 11 a.m.
Note: No Education Hour or Meditation Circle.
We are keeping this year’s Christmas pageant simple but fun. No rehearsals. No memorized lines. It will be all improv! Everyone in the congregation is invited to participate in telling the central story of our faith. Costumes will be available, so come a little early if you wish to wear one. The Nursery will be closed in the hope that children of all ages will come and participate in the pageant.
Lessons & Carols Service of Worship
Sun., Dec. 24 • 5:30 p.m. (Prelude begins at 5 p.m.)
A candlelight service retelling the Christmas story interspersed with favorite carols sung by the Chancel Choir, soloists and congregation. The Nursery opens at 4:30 p.m. in the Church House (first floor Speers Room). A shuttle bus will operate (beginning at 4:45 p.m.) to and from the Mt. Royal Elementary School parking lot (121 McMechen St.).
Worship on New Year’s Eve
Sun., Dec. 31 • 11 a.m.
Note: No Education Hour or Meditation Circle.
Open House & Windows Tour
Sun., Dec. 31 • 12:15-3 p.m.
A Tiffany Windows tour and “light” concert of seasonal music and refreshments follows worship. Our neighbor, Corpus Christi Church, will also offer tours and a holiday music program.
Winter Clothing Drive
Dec. 3-25
Donate new or gently used coats, gloves, scarfs and socks for the Samaritan Community. Some clothing will stay at Brown for those in need. Donation baskets located in back of Sanctuary.