Advent Season
What does it look like to live as those who dream?
The prophets, the psalmists, John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the shepherds, and the Magi—they were all dreamers. They received, discovered, and responded to God’s dreams for the world. In Advent, we step into the mystery and awe of God’s dreams and pray they shape our reality.
This theme is for the dreamers in all of us—those who dream of a deeper connection with God and those who dream of a better world. It’s for those who dream of comfort and for those who have given up on their dreams. It’s for those whose dreams have been crushed and for those who show us that dreams take time.
Join us this Advent as we dream alongside prophets and angels, Mary and the Magi. Join us as we seek and sow God’s dreams for our world.
Pastor Diane, Advent 2023
When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
– Psalm 126
Advent Schedule 2023
First Sunday of Advent Dec. 3
9:30 a.m. Advent Reflections with Pastor
11:00 a.m. Worship & Communion Service
Noon Refreshments and Hanging of the Greens after worship
December 3—10
Family Promise evening meals
Tuesday, December 5
7:00 p.m. Celebration Handbells
Wednesday, December 6
1:00 p.m. Soul Sisters
5:30—7:00 p.m. Kid’s Club
5:30 p.m. Gather for Food & Fellowship
6:15 p.m. Devotion by Pastor
6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
Second Sunday of Advent Dec. 10
9:30 a.m. Advent Reflections with Pastor
11:00 a.m. Worship Service West Texas Brass Guest Musicians
3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Christmas Party at the Browns
Tuesday, December 12
7:00 p.m. Celebration Handbells
Wednesday, December 13
1:00 p.m. Soul Sisters
5:30—7:00 p.m. Kid’s Club
5:30 p.m. Gather for Food & Fellowship
6:15 p.m. Devotion by Pastor
6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thursday, December 14
Third Sunday of Advent Dec.17
9:30 a.m. Advent Reflections with Pastor
11:00 a.m. Worship & Communion Service
Christmas Joy Offering Collected; Celebration Handbell
Noon Light Refreshments
1:00 p.m. Christmas Caroling (meet in the Narthex)
Tuesday, December 19
7:00 p.m. Celebration Handbells
Wednesday, December 20
1:00 p.m. Soul Sisters
5:30 p.m. Gather for Food & Fellowship
6:15 p.m. Devotion by Pastor
6:30 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir
Service of Hope & Healing Dec.21
6:00 p.m. Blue Christmas Communion Service
Fourth Sunday of Advent Dec. 24
9:30 a.m. Advent Reflections with Pastor
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
Christmas Eve Dec. 24
6:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service
Sunday Mornings
Advent Reflections with Pastor Diane
9:30 a.m. Koinonia Room
Using the art, reflections, and prompts from the Advent Devotional Booklet for Those Who Dream, Pastor Diane will explore what it can mean for God’s people to dream.
Copies of the Advent Devotional Booklet are available in the Narthex. Prior reading is not required. Simply come!
Sunday, December 3
Following Worship
Light snacks and festive music provided
A great deal of work goes into preparing the sanctuary for worship during Advent. Please join us as we prepare the way for the coming of the Christ Child.
Wednesday Advent Prayer Services
Gather for Food & Fellowship at 5:30 p.m. Devotion at 6:15 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m.
Holden Evening Prayer was written in 1985 -86 by Marty Haugen during a musical residency at Holden Village. It is a simple vespers service (similar to Taizé) that follows traditional form while using contemporary and inclusive language.
December 3—10
For more information contact Jeff Laufer.
Christmas Party at the Brown’s
Sunday, December 10
3:30 — 5:30 p.m.
Signup sheet for food to bring is in the Narthex.
Also, bring an item or two to donate to the Blessing Box.
Christmas Caroling
December 17
We will gather for a light lunch after worship and then head out around 1:00 p.m. to sing Christmas Carols to those near and dear. Please let Judy Brown know if you are participating so that we can have enough food and make appropriate carpool assignments.
Christmas Joy Offering
December 17
Each year during the Advent and Christmas season, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the wondrous gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, you honor this gift by providing assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and developing our future leaders at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.