The season of Advent begins the cycle of the church seasons with 4 weeks of readings from the prophets, proclaiming God’s promises of salvation, and setting the stage for the “advent” (or “coming”) of Christ. The first Sunday of Advent is Dec. 2.
With the new church year, our Gospel focus is on Luke and we hear stories not only of Jesus coming the first time, but also stories of Jesus’ return as he promised the disciples.
During Advent, the colors of the season change to deep blues and purples to symbolize the night of Christ’s birth and the waiting and longing of all creation for the hope, peace, joy, and love Jesus represents for the world. We light a new candle each week symbolizing each of these gifts as we move toward our Christmas celebration of Jesus’ birth.
There are many special traditions for Advent and Christmas at Union Church. We hope you’ll be able to make room in your schedule for the events and room in your heart for the world Christ calls forth in this season!
Dancing in the Light! One of the ongoing traditions for Christmas Eve is bringing in the Light, and dancers of all abilities and skills are enthusiastically invited to help us dance in the light on Christmas Eve. Dancers begin the service with slow and lovely music as we light the worship candles for the service. If you would like to join (no experience necessary), contact Carla Gilbert (859-985-1144 or 859-358-2962). The movements are simple. Age and mobility issues are not a deterrent. It would be wonderful if we could also include males and females in our procession of the Light. Rehearsals will be scheduled as soon as the group is assembled.
November 30 & December 1 – Watch the Berea College Christmas Concert Live on the Web!
Friday, November 30, 2018: https://livestream.com/bereacollege/events/8415585
Saturday, December 1, 2018: https://livestream.com/accounts/5135608/events/8415588.
December 2, First Sunday of Advent
Worship Service Music – Anthem: Gloria by Mark Hayes
Advent Coloring/Meditation Booklets will be available at worship starting today.
Danish American Christmas Celebration, 5:30 – 7:45 pm at Acton Folk Center. Santa’s workshops, caroling, live music, storytelling, refreshments, ris a la mande, live candles, Santa Lucia. Free admission. Donations accepted. Help us celebrate 25 years of a Berea tradition!
Handbells to Play for Annual Hospice Service, Dec 2, 2 pm at the EKU Center for the Arts. The special hospice service is open to all who have lost family or friends, and to those supporting them.
December 5, WNL is a POTLUCK! Last day to order poinsettias, click here – Order Poinsettias
December 9, Second Sunday of Advent
Worship Service Music – Anthem: Hodie, a Carol Fantasia by Mark Hayes
December 16, Third Sunday of Advent
Once Upon An Angel: A Simple Christmas Story. During worship on December 16th, you will be invited to join the story of Christmas as led by the youth of the congregation. Come as you are; no rehearsal necessary.
Alternative Giving Christmas Market, Acton Folk Center, 11-3! What to get that friend or family member for the holidays? Does your sister really need another sweater? Why not give alternative gifts this year that reach toward your loved ones’ hopes and dreams for a better world? Maybe what your friends and family really want for this year is health care, food and housing for those in need – or maybe disaster relief. Come and shop for that alternative gift for your loved ones.
Volunteers make this event a success!! Can you to make chili and cookies, set up from 10-1, clean up after the event, contribute funds for advertising? (send to Union Church, designate for Alternative Christmas ads). Call Annriette Stolte if you can help with these tasks, 986-9032 or annriette@ roadrunner.com
Christmas Caroling, 4:00 pm! We will meet for hot chocolate and cookies in the Community Room at 4:00 BEFORE we carol! Please bring treats that can be carried away on a napkin and don’t require plates and forks. Thank you!
Friday, December 21
7:00 pm Longnight Service, Cowan Chapel
It isn’t always distraction that we need at the holidays, it’s healing. Those missing loved ones, those whose relationship has ended or is struggling, those who have lost work, or just had a hard, hard year can find it very difficult to be in touch with “merry and bright.”
For just that kind of healing, Union Church is again opening our doors for a service of prayer and “come as you emotionally are” Christmas. You, a friend, or anyone in the community who is having a blue Christmas is welcome to come, be surrounded with gentle music, and reminders that the Light of the world is a healer of hearts.
The simple service will be held in Cowan Chapel. With readings, with songs, with prayer we’ll simply hold those in need in the Light of God’s love. For those who wish, there will be communion and personal prayers for healing of body, mind, and spirit.
Please join us for this special reminder of the “reason for the season.”
December 23, Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Eve, December 24
- 5:00 pm—At our Christmas Eve services each year, we have been blessed with many musical talents during our gathering moments before the service. We have had such an abundance of music in past years that we have decided to present a moment for a Christmas Eve Music Meditation before our Christmas Eve service begins at 5:30. Followed by a potluck finger-food reception for all (please bring generous portions—there are always many guests!),
- and a special 11:00 pm service in Cowan Chapel to welcome the Christ Child at midnight.
The church office will be closed December 25 & 26 — Merry Christmas!!!
- December 9 Budget Meeting, after Worship and Lunch
- Endowment Bylaws to be Voted Upon December 16
- Pastoral Care in the Season of Light
- Opportunities to Serve – this Advent Season and Beyond
- Prayer in Action – Inspiration from October’s Worship Wonders
- Youth Group “Cards for a Cause” Fundraiser!
- Union Church Choir performs at Carnegie Hall!
- News of the Family, Birthdays and Anniversaries
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