Advent and Christmas
Advent is a season of waiting and begins November 30. Waiting like God’s people have done throughout time. Waiting with Israel for God to deliver them from slavery in Egypt. Waiting with the prophets for God’s justice and peace to be manifest. Like our ancestors in faith, we are waiting for the new heaven and the new earth that Christ has promised to bring.
This advent we have developed a free devotion book featuring the voices of lay people from Peace and St. John’s reflecting on the meaning of this season of waiting. These reflections help us to clarify how we connect with Jesus who was born so long ago, the Christ whose return we anticipate, and the ways in which we are called to respond in the time between. Pick up your copy in the Narthex.
On Wednesday nights in Advent (Dec 3, 10, 17), we gather at 6:30 p.m. for a time of prayer and renewal. Holden Evening Prayer is a beautiful prayer service using piano, guitar, and voice to gather our prayers into one as the People of God during the Advent season. Evening prayer includes preaching by Pastor Stephen and Deacon Joe.
Christmas Eve worship will have extra music with the choir, soloists, and a duet. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes early for special music. The Christmas Eve service is always a beautiful worship service as we rejoice remembering the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The music will be moving. The preaching will point us to the Incarnate One. Together we will be nourished by Christ’s body and blood in the sacrament of Holy Communion. There is always strong attendance on Christmas Eve so please make plans to arrive early. Overflow seating will be in the Narthex.
Beginning Sunday, November 30, congregation members are encouraged to select an ornament from the Family Promise Angel Tree. Each card will include the age of a child in the Family Promise program and a "wish list" gift or clothing item for that child. Please purchase, wrap, and return gifts along with tags, by December 10.
During worship, the Peace Choir will present “City of Light”, on December 14, 10:00 a.m. Combining familiar carols with new music and narration you’ll hear the story of Jesus, the light of the world.
During worship on Sunday, December 21, 10:00 a.m. we will have our Christmas Program titled “Mary, Mary, What do you see?” We’re looking forward to the Christmas message shared by our children.
Christmas Eve is Wednesday, December 24 and we will have one service at 4:00 p.m. This service will have extra music with the choir, soloists, and a duet. Plan to arrive at least ten minutes early for special music. The Christmas Eve service is always a beautiful worship service as we rejoice remembering the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The music will be moving. The preaching will point us to the Incarnate One. Together we will be nourished by Christ’s body and blood in the sacrament of Holy Communion. There is always strong attendance on Christmas Eve so please make plans to arrive early. Overflow seating will be in the Narthex.
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Peace Lutheran Church