Jesus Christ - God With Us
2000 years ago and today
The heart of the season of Advent is God coming to be with us in the birth of Jesus. God wants to be with us! God welcomes us in to the very heart and life of heaven. But do we welcome Jesus in?
Mary is sitting alone when an angel comes … Mary invites the angel in, invites God in, invites whatever miracle may come into her life. Elizabeth is expecting her first child late in life, when Mary comes in with her own news to share, and Elizabeth welcomes in the news, welcomes in the two babies on their way! And Joseph is busy with his carpentry when an angel comes with news most unexpected. What does Joseph do? Welcomes the news, welcomes Mary into his life, welcomes in the child. There are so many stories of God being with us this season in songs that burst out in the night, in the hearts of magi from a foreign land, in the beauty of one solitary star.
But God didn’t just come in one season over 2000 years ago. God continues to come into our lives. In this year’s Devotional Book, we will hear from members of our congregation about ways those holy moments happen for them today. My sermons will do the same. The hope for all of us is that we will be open for unexpected guests to stop by, for moments that seem full to suddenly be fuller, and moments to wonder if God could be knocking on our doors. The gift of this season is a baby named Jesus, who grows up, and welcomes all of us in.
May the peace & joy of Advent be with us all… Pastor Woody
ADVENT SUNDAY MORNINGS
November 30: Mary Welcomes God
Luke 1:26-38
9:30 am Pastor Woody preaching
5:00 pm SNL@5 Rev. Bob Bailey preaching
December 7: Elizabeth Welcomes Mary
Luke 1:39-45
9:30 am Pastor Woody preaching
5:00 pm SNL@5 Pastor Woody preaching
Holy Communion celebrated at both services
December 14: Joseph Welcomes Jesus
Matthew 1:18-25
9:30 am Pastor Woody preaching
Including Children’s Pageant
1:00 pm Primrose Worship & Communion
5:00 pm SNL@5 Elder Barbara Chilcutt preaching
December 21: We Welcome God
Isaiah 40:1-5
9:30 am Pastor Woody preaching
Including Special Music
5:30 pm SNL@5 Rev. Bob Bailey preaching
OTHER WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Available November 23:Â Advent Devotional Books
Each year a new book of Advent devotionals is written by members of the church to help focus our learning and praying together during the season of Advent. Individual daily devotions will also be sent by email each day during Advent.
December 3, 10, & 17 @ 6:30 pm:Â Advent Vesper Services
We will gather around a center table in the Chapel for a 30-minute service of prayer, music, scripture reading, and a brief homily. The service ends gathered around the table for communion. The time is short, but it is full of meaning, as a time to center ourselves in the deep meaning of the season that swirls around.Â
December 24 (Christmas Eve Service) @ 3:00 pm: Jesus Welcomes Us Home
Luke 2:1-20
This candlelight service of lessons and carols is designed for those who want to hear the traditional lessons from Scriptures, sing the traditional Christmas carols, and light candles of joy. Communion will be celebrated.
December 28:Â First Sunday of Christmas
Children, come in your pajamas. Parents, just as you are. Everybody’s welcome. We’ll tell the story of the first Christmas morning, sing your favorite carols, lots of them. And worship God in the simplest of ways, as we acknowledge God’s presence with us.
Advent Sunday School for Adults
Sundays at 8:30 & 11:00 am
Adult Contemporary Issues at 8:30amÂ
This class meets at 8:30 am in the Parlor. Discussion focuses on the current events of the day drawn from the newspaper or social media. The class reads the relevant article, explores the faith implications, and shares insights and observations from a Christian and faith perspective. There is no homework and plenty of lively discussion. The class is open and welcoming of anyone who would like to join with others and learn together.
Calvin Bible Class at 11:00Â
This class meets at 11:00 am in the McAfee Room to share discussion and prayer around Scripture. We’re an inclusive class with participants of all ages, stages, genders, and levels of Bible knowledge. The study is led by Mary Clark, Tom Holt, and Vicki Schildmeyer.
The topic for Advent is ENDURING BELIEFS OF OUR FAITH.  Readings for each class were prepared by Rev. Julie Coffman Hester, a Presbyterian pastor in western North Carolina. Our special connection with her came about earlier this year, as she was the coordinator we worked with to help those affected by flooding in the Montreat area.  Â
         Dec 7          The Holy Scriptures
         Dec 14        Our Heavenly Father
         Dec 21        Christ the Savior
         Dec 28        The Holy Spirit
Please contact Karen Snyder in the church office if you would like copies of the lesson plans in advance for sessions offered in either of our two adult classes. No preparation is necessary for either class, and you are welcome to come any Sunday for a topic that interests you. Â
Advent Sunday School for Children
Sundays at 9:30 am
Children are invited to come to worship with their parents for the first part of Worship, then gather in the Narthex during the time for “Sharing the Peace of Christ,” where they will be greeted by their teachers and go together to their classrooms.
All season long:Â Warm Coats
Used or new coats, gloves, mittens, and other items to keep our friends warm and healthy this winter are welcome gifts. Hangers are available on the Knox Hall porch to place your gifts.
December 21:Â Christmas Joy Gift
This special offering is received each year for assistance prpograms for retired clergy and Presbyterian racial ethnic schools.Â
Early December:Â Stars – Christmas Families
Help five local families with 25 gifts for their children. Pick a STAR from the display table in Knox Hall with gifts listed on the STAR. Make a note on the master list that you have taken the STAR. Bring the gifts by December 7 to be delivered on time.
All season long:Â Fair Trade – Alternative Gifts
Fair Trade gifts are available on the balcony level of Knox Hall. Alternative Gift donation cards for our missions to Peru, Malawi, and the Preschool are available in Knox Hall.
November 24 @ 9:00 am:Â Hanging of the Greens
Come help us hang the greenery in the Sanctuary and throughout the church as we begin Advent and head toward Christmas. You can climb a ladder, or decorate a tree, or simply stand back and tell us if things are just right.
December 5, 6:00 to 9:00 pm:Â Living Windows
Our church will be part of this downtown tradition, by offering an outdoor live nativity scene (people and animals), fresh baked cookies, hot apple cider, and music inside the Sanctuary.
All season long:Â Care for Friends
Sign a card for our church friends in retirement homes, nursing homes, or those unable to leave home during this season. Available in Knox Hall.