Advent is a season of waiting, but is idle waiting what God wants us to do? In preparation for the Coming Messiah, we wonder together—what can’t wait? What demands our attention? What requires our work and preparation? What is it that God cannot wait for? Is it our praise, reconciliation and proclamation? Is it the end of suffering, isolation and fear? This Advent, we invite you to join us in imagining, prioritizing and preparing. As we wait, what can’t?
Week One: God’s Promised Day Can’t Wait
Week Two: Repentance Can’t Wait
Week Three: Delight Can’t Wait
Week Four: Courage Can’t Wait
We provide the wreaths, greens and candles and suggest bringing gloves and clippers. A $10 per wreath donation is appreciated. Devotional materials and spiritual practice ideas will be available.
Join us in the Sanctuary to sing and experience a variety of inspirational chants, folk music and classic tunes, including melodies from the Taize Community in France. No printed music will be distributed, and no musical training is required.
Meet on the Church House first floor with a ministry staff member for Bible Study focused on the lectionary texts for Advent Year A.
Pause and attend our weekly prayer service to hold the community and world in prayer. On Dec. 19 we will have a special service of lament for those who find the holiday season painful.
Program to include popular and classical holiday music performed by Michael Britt, Minister of Music. Reception follows. Tickets: students free; $20 general admission; $50 patrons. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Our epic, three-home, three-course dinner extravaganza continues! All middle and high school youth are invited to bring a cheap/junk/joke wrapped gift (less than $10). RSVP to Michele Ward ([email protected]). Drivers needed for location transitions.
Support our youth and give busy parents a day out during this holiday season. To earn money for their upcoming summer trips, the youth will put on a fun Christmas-themed day for kids (2-10). All are invited to sponsor an hour or more of care provided by our youth at $25/ hour. Donations may be mailed in or dropped in the offering plate. Mark “Parents Day Out” in the memo line. Parents please RSVP with Michele Ward ([email protected]).
Advent is a season of waiting in the liturgical year, as we anticipate the birth of Christ. It is also a season when the nights grow longer and the days grow shorter. Darkness can be a regenerative, hopeful space, like the womb of a mother, but it can also intensify experiences of loneliness or loss. We long for physical light, while we also wait for Christ’s light to break through the darkness of grief, isolation, and injustice. Come participate in a service of song, prayer, and contemplation as we explore the question, “Where are you experiencing darkness?”
Adorn the Sanctuary with greens and poinsettias for Christmas.
In the spirit of improv we invite the entire congregation to say “yes, and” to our annual Christmas Pageant and take part in this central story of our faith. Costumes will be available, so come a little early.
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.
Join us for more carols and coffee hour as we continue our celebration of Christmastide. Bring Christmas treats to share with the church.
Donate new or almost new winter coats for Eutaw-Marshburn Elementary School (children’s sizes – grades 1-5) and the Samaritan Community (adult sizes). Donated jackets may be brought to the church on Sunday and placed in bins at the back of the church.
Sun., Dec. 1: To lead choir procession. Meet in labyrinth, 10:30 a.m.
Sun., Dec. 29: To lead the “Ring and Sing” Christmas Carols during 11 a.m. worship. No experience necessary. Contact Michael Britt for information, [email protected].