Advent & Christmas at a Glance

Our theme this year is “From Generation to Generation…” inspired by the words of Mary’s song in Luke 1.

Order your Poinsettias

Decorate our sanctuary in honor, remembrance, and celebration.

  • Order by Sunday, December 8:
  • 4-inch red ($5), 6-inch white ($9), 6-inch red ($9)
  • Click to order (or call the office)

Hanging the Greens

Join the Deacons and others for the decorating of the Church for Christmas on Saturday, Nov 30 at 10:00. It is lots of fun, gets you in the Spirit and looks so beautiful when done. Mark your calendar now!

Cookies and Cocoa

The Annual Tree Lighting will be on December 1! We are looking for bakers, volunteers for set up, clean up, and serving on the day of, and anyone else willing to help coordinate. Would you like to volunteer? Let Rev. Emelia know.

Advent Mission Collection

Once again, the Mission Ministry will celebrate the arrival of the Christmas season with four varied collections for different charities. This year our first recipient will be the Coat and Holiday Shop, which is now being run by the Hancock Church in Lexington for the benefit of Greater Boston communities. Subsequent collections will be the familiar gathering of toiletries for Emmaus House, Inc., and of items for the Reading Food Pantry. The main collection box will sit outside the doorway to the Music Room. Read more below about further information for the Coat & Holiday Shop.

Our collection schedule is as follows:

  • Now through December 8 – NEW coats for the Holiday Shop
  • December 15 – toiletries for Emmaus Inc.
  • December 22 – items for the Reading Food Pantry
  • Now through noon on January 5 – gently used adults’ and children’s coats for Anton’s Coats for Kids & Families project. The box for Anton’s coats will be outside the Chapel.

Thanking you in advance for your participation and generosity in this holiday season!

For Kids & Families

Our Sunday School Sundays will be November 24 (with childcare during church and an intergenerational Advent Workshop from 11:15-11:45) and December 15.

Menorah Lighting

The annual Community Menorah Lighting will be on Sunday, December 8 at 5 PM on the Common (rain location: Pilgrim Hall). Afterwards, attendees are invited to the church in Pilgrim Hall for folk dancing and crafts for kids. Would you like to volunteer? Let Rev. Emelia know.

Special Orchestra Sunday

Save the date for a “Christmas Music Extravaganza” on Sunday, December 22 with the Orchestra and Chancel Choir.

Christmas Eve Services

5 PM – Festive Handbell Candlelight Service – bright, fun, and perfect for families

11 PM – Choir & Candlelight – a quieter and more meditative service with scripture, hymns, and poetry