“Light Dawns on a Weary World,” taken from ELW hymn # 726, is about trusting that God will help us get through whatever comes. The words summarize God’s promise through the centuries that, no matter how dark it may seem, God will show us the way. God will provide light to see us through.
First Weekend of Advent: HOPE
December 2-3 we will explore Hope as the ultimate light that helps us find our way when life feels dark. Hope makes possible the gifts of peace, joy, and love.
Second Weekend of Advent: PEACE + Children’s Musical
December 9-10 we will explore Peace as the children of Nativity present the musical “Christmas Hang-Ups.” When we have hope, we are filled with the peace of God, for hope allows us to let go and trust.
Third Weekend of Advent: JOY
December 16-17 we will explore Joy. A gift of hope, joy is the feeling we have when we know we will get through our challenges. Joy is different than happiness. Happiness often comes from something outside ourselves—people, things, or circumstances—and is generally short-lived. Joy arises from a hopeful, abiding trust within.
Fourth Weekend of Advent: LOVE + A Special Saturday “Time to Be” Worship & Christmas Eve
On Saturday, December 23, at 5:30 pm, join us as we explore Love in a special “Time to Be” worship experience. Hope allows us to love more fully, even when life is not what we want it to be. This reflective and meditative worship will help us honor the grief in life—loved ones now departed, loved ones unable to be home for Christmas, loved ones emotionally unavailable—and the deep weariness of our world. “Time to Be” will offer respite amid a busy season with often unrealistic expectations.
Sunday, December 24, is Christmas Eve this year. We will not gather for our usual 9:00 and 10:30 am worship hours that morning. We will come together for Christmas Eve worship that afternoon and evening for the following worship times.
Christmas Eve: Sunday, December 24th
- 3:00 pm – Children & Family Worship (A 30-minute worship geared toward families with young children)
- 4:30 pm – Candlelight Worship
- 7:00 pm – Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion & Choir
- 9:00 pm – Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion & Choir
Christmas Day: Monday, December 25th
- 10:30 am – Worship with Christmas Hymns & Holy Communion