St. John's United
Church of Christ
Catch the vision, share the joy!
PASTOR'S NOTES
December 2024 – Worship Schedule
December 1st – First Sunday of Advent
Hanging of the Greens
Communion Celebration
Bethany Children’s Home Offering
Advent begins with our traditional,
“Hanging of the Greens” celebration. All those attending in person are invited to bring some Christmas decorations to adorn our
sanctuary tree.🎄
We’ll receive our gifts for the children of Bethany Children’s Home this day.
Check out our refurbished sanctuary Advent Wreath as we light the first candle of “Hope.”
Our Fall Congregational Meeting after Worship, presenting the 2025 budget.
December 8th – “The Little Drummer Boy”
Pastor Sanders begins his “musical” Advent series with his message – “What Do You Bring?” based on Matthew 2:1-12.
We’ll light the “Peace” candle on our Advent Wreath.
December 15th – “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”
Our musical Advent series continues with the message – “The Gift of Self,” based on Luke 2:1-7.
We’ll light the “Love” candle on our Advent Wreath.
December 22nd – “Here Comes Santa Claus”
Our musical Advent series continues with the message – “Ho! Ho! Ho!,” based on Matthew 2:1-2, 5, 9-11.
We’ll light the “Joy” candle on our Advent Wreath.
Our Senior Choir will perform.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
Our “Hope,” “Peace,” “Love,” and “Joy” are complete this holy night as we welcome the birth of the Christ Child!
Special guests performing vocal, piano & organ Christmas Preludes
will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Worship at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Sanders, as promised last year, will provide “sweet treat” for those worshipping in person.
We’ll share the Sacrament of Holy Communion and conclude our worship with our candlelight signing of “Silent Night!”
Those worshipping at home on Zoom are invited to prepare their home communion elements and “Silent Night” candles.
We’ll receive our second-mile gifts for the “Veterans of the Cross.”
December 25th – “Christmas Day!”
As you gather with family & friends this joyous day, share the following lessons as part of your home celebrations.
Isaiah 62:6-12 – Psalm 97
Titus 3:4-7 – Luke 2:1-20.
December 29th – “The Coventry Carol”
We’ll continue our Christmas Celebrations with the message, “Live,” based on Matthew 2:13-23.