Our Advent theme is From Generation to Generation, and we hope you will plan to be with us as we make our way together. The hymns and carols of the season of Advent and Christmas are among the most beloved of all church music. We’ll be reflecting in worship on the ways that hope shapes and sustains our waiting for the coming of Christ.
As Advent is before us, we encourage all to consider a practice for the season. One offering is our daily Advent devotion book linked here.
This year our Alternative Christmas Giving this year will be on being stewards of God’s earth. Click here to learn more.
Advent and Christmas at Highland
- First Sunday of Advent: Hope – Sunday, December 1: Advent Study Begins, 9:30 a.m. (see details below); Worship and Communion at 11:00 a.m.; Advent Devotional Booklets available here; Youth Angel Tree Shopping, 12:15-2:30 p.m.
- Second Sunday of Advent: Peace – Sunday, December 8: Advent Study, 9:30 a.m.; Worship at 11:00 a.m.; Post-Worship Fellowship, 12:00 p.m.;
- Third Sunday of Advent: Joy – Sunday, December 15: Pre-Worship Carol Singing, 10:45 a.m.; Worship at 11:00 a.m.; Christmas Joy Offering; Caroling for Members in Need at 3:00 p.m.
- Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love –Sunday, December 22; Worship at 11:00 a.m. Chancel Choir and Highland Brass
- Christmas Eve – Sunday, December 24: This year’s 4:00 p.m. worship service will be interactive and intergenerational. While children, youth, and adults will lead the service with a drama, An Unexpected Christmas, we will all be invited to participate in singing and imagining what that first Christmas might have been like. Plan now to join us for this unforgettable worship experience. Our 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Service will feature scripture readings, beautiful carols and hymns, and the warm glow of candlelight as we celebrate the Light of Christ, born into the world, (live-stream beginning at 6:45 p.m. here)
- Christmas Day – Monday, December 25: Joy to the World, the Lord Is Come!
- First Sunday of Christmas – Sunday, December 29: Worship at 11:00 a.m. (live-stream beginning at 10:45 a.m. here)
Calling All Angels: An Advent Study on Fearlessness and Strength
During the season of Advent we are offering an opportunity to join us as we read and study the book Calling All Angels: An Advent Study on Fearlessness and Strength. The class will be offered Sunday mornings, December 1, 8 and 15, 9:30 a.m., Ardmore Room and via zoom on Monday evenings, December 2, 9 and 16, at 7:00 p.m. The content of both class offerings will be the same.
What would you do if you were not afraid? Life can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and fears. It wasn’t any different two thousand years ago when Jesus was born. An aged priest is told he is about to become a father for the first time. A young woman is told she is going to give birth – outside the protection of marriage. A simple carpenter is asked to believe the impossible. A group of shepherds’ night on a hill is interrupted by a bright host of angels in the sky. Yet, each of these encounters begins with the same refrain: do not be afraid. Those words, though, are not just words of comfort; they are an invitation and a calling from God. Books are available in the Gallery Hall ($15).
College Student Candle Lighting, December 24 Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. Worship Service
We ask our college students to participate in the Christmas Eve service to help pass the candlelight during the final hymn. If you are interested in leading worship in this way, let Courtney Stevens know, and plan to meet in Highland’s Parlor at 6:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve to receive instructions.
We are grateful to be able to share in the gifts of this season together.