Advent 2024: One Christ, Many Cultures

Why do we look forward to Advent and Christmas? We are looking for the ways that the love of God is being born in new and interesting ways in the world. We are learning and growing when we recognize the love of Christ embodied in someone else. 

This Advent, we are honoring the ways that different cultures celebrate Christmas and asking ourselves how they embody the divine. What can we learn about God through their traditions? How can we examine our own biases and privileges? How can we deepen our own faith? Join us for One Christ, Many Cultures, beginning on December 1st. 

Sunday Advent and Christmas Eve Worship Services

Candle of Hope – Dec 1 (with Communion)
St. Lucia Day in Sweden
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36

Candle of Peace– Dec 8 (Sunday School) 
African Noel
Luke 3:1-6

Candle of Joy- Dec 15
Las Posadas Celebration in Mexico
Luke 1:39-45
All Ages "Pick Up" Christmas Pageant

Candle of Love – Dec 22 (Sunday School) 
Christmas in Bethlehem, Palestine
Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7

Christmas Eve: One Christ, Many Cultures - Dec 24 
5:30pm, Intergenerational Lessons and Carols Service, in person and online on Zoom, with communion, candlelight (glow sticks for kids), and special music 

Poems and Carols- Dec 29
Enjoy poems from around the world with some favorite Christmas carols. 
Reflect and honor the year to come with Rev. Deb Knowlton 

Epiphany – Jan 5 (with Communion) 
Star Sunday & Festival of the Star Lanterns in the Philippines 
Matthew 2
 

Other Special Services and Events

Christmas Party for Jesus – Dec 8th after Worship in our Gathering Room 
Join us after worship on Sunday December 8th for a special birthday celebration for Jesus. We’ll play party games, sing Christmas Carols and “Happy Birthday” to Jesus. We’ll eat cookies and cake too! As with any birthday party you’re encouraged to bring a present. Bring unwrapped baby or toddler toys for donation to Germantown Help or bring items for our Personal Care Pantry.

Blue Christmas Service– Dec 11th at 7pm In Person in UCCSV's Sanctuary or online on Zoom
Sometimes Christmas isn’t all that merry and bright. Sometimes the darkness of the season asks us to sit together in quiet and reflection. Together with Trinity United Methodist Church we’ll gather in our sanctuary and on Zoom to sing, listen, and find that we are not alone. Join us as we watch and wait for the light.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88079800177?pwd=sULlchqIfTqN9ir9KvCmYbIZwma4re.1

Advent Adult Discussion- Dec 18th at 7pm on Zoom
We'll join together for a devotional discussion on  Zoom with Pastor Holly, Pastor Amber and all of our friends at Hope UCC. We will be reading and discussing Light From Afar: An Advent Devotional From Around the World.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83951013850?pwd=vBo8NqbZvu2S6Cp8GYIe7WpKNH8bX9.1