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. 3.
With the new church year, our Gospel focus is on Mark 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!
December 1 & 2 – Watch the Berea College Christmas Concert Live on the Web!
Friday, Dec.1: https://livestream.com/accounts/5135608/events/7934561
Saturday, Dec.2: https://livestream.com/accounts/5135608/events/7934565
December 3, First Sunday of Advent
All Y’all Advent Project – On December 3, the first Sunday of Advent, Rev. Rachel will make available a packet of simple but 
meaningful devotions for everyone to do throughout Advent, an Advent Wreath activity, and an Advent Calendar. We hope you’ll find it an opportunity to slow down, ask questions, have fun, be intentional about how you spend your time, and try new things. There are also coloring pages for kids and adults! If you can’t make it to church, we’ll be happy to mail you a packet, or you can pick one up in the office.
December 6, WNL is a POTLUCK!!
December 10, Second Sunday of Advent
Share Your Music Sunday & new members welcomed. YOU are welcome here!
12:15 pm. Annual Budget meeting, after worship & lunch. Lunch will be served after worship. We’ll put the values we’ve been proclaiming into action as we decide how to use our resources together. The 2018 Budget will be reviewed and voted upon. All are welcome; members have a vote. Lunch will be prepared by church staff.
December 13, Wednesday
Christmas Caroling party at WNL, 5:30 pm! Right after WNL supper! Dinner will be a tiny bit earlier — 5:30 pm, so we can get fed, get out and get singing!! Meet back at church afterward for cookies & cocoa. Bring a plate of cookies if you can.
December 17, Third Sunday of Advent
Christmas Pageant at Morning Worship. This is a come-as-you-are, everyone-gets-to-participate pageant! No rehearsal needed. But, if you’d like to help prep the costumes, please contact Rev. Rachel rsmallstokes@union-church.org.
Classic Chorale Concert 2:30 pm, sanctuary
December 20, Wednesday
7:00 pm Longnight Service
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.”
Christmas Eve, December 24 -three services
- Our regular 10:30 worship service
- 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!!!
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