Advent

Insisting on Hope this Advent

Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” Advent is the beginning of the church year — a season of anticipation and preparation, starting four Sundays before Christmas Day. During Advent, we expectantly wait for the One who has already come. It is an opportunity for communal discernment and personal examination, as the Church prepares to celebrate the Nativity of the Lord and looks with hope for Christ’s return.

Our Advent Worship Series: This year we are using an Advent worship series from A Sanctified Art: “What do you fear? Insisting on Hope this Advent Season”. Luke’s Gospel begins the story of Jesus with this opening line: “In the time of Herod…” This detail may seem minor but it reveals layers of information about the fearful world Jesus entered, one filled with oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and instability. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, we hear the whispers of angels delivering a surprising message: “Do not fear.” When Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi are each called into God’s redemptive story, they do not deny their fears—they move through them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust in good news, and say, “Here I am, Lord.” When we find ourselves in fearful times, can we acknowledge our fears while also insisting on hope?

This Advent series takes seriously the angels’ message and trusts that Christ’s birth truly is good news of great joy for all people. The resources look closely at the fear and terror looming in the background during the time of King Herod and invite us to consider the fears we hold now. Fear can divide and paralyze us and even be used as a tool for oppression. But what if we formed a different relationship with fear? Can we acknowledge fear without letting it rule us? Might we catalyze our fears into love and action? What if naming our fears helps us see more clearly how God is breaking in and where God is at work?

As you journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient. May you remember: hope that trembles is still hope. This season, let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.”

Advent Activities & Resources:

See our News & Events Page or the weekly e-news for updated details.

Advent Events

• Call for Lanterns
  The theme image for this Advent is a lantern.  You are invited to search your homes for lanterns to lend to church to decorate the Sanctuary for Advent.  They don’t have to work, but let us bring a symbols of hope into our worship space as we explore the story of Jesus’ birth and what that means for us today.  Please drop off lanterns on or before  November 23.
• Intergenerational Christmas Craft Afternoon
  Join us on November 23 for an all ages craft event after service in fellowship hall.  We will have lunch and coffee hour and then we will spend some time making Christmas arts and crafts.  If you are able please bring a dish to share for lunch.  
• Hanging the Greens
  On November 30, the first Sunday in Advent, we will decorate the Sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas season during worship.  This will be an intergenerational service.  Many hands make light work. If you can help get the Advent decorations out of storage on Saturday, November 29, please let Jen Slater know.”
• “Longest Night” Service
  On Thursday December 18th at 7 PM we are holding a quiet, contemplative service of healing and hope. Our friends from the UCC Burlington will join us in our sanctuary for this evening of prayer, scripture readings, and music.
• Christmas Eve
  We will hold our traditional 7:00 Christmas Eve service Tuesday, December 24, with lessons, carols, and tableau.
• Sunday After Christmas
  This year, we will try something new — “Breakfast Church. At 10:30 am on Sunday morning, December 28, we will gather around tables in Fellowship Hall to share food and family-friendly worship.

Women’s Bible Study

The Women’s Bible Study Group meets Thursday mornings at 10:00 am in-person at the church and online via Zoom. During Advent the group will be using the book The Advent Tree.

Additional Online Resources

This Advent Calendar Devotional, includes a scripture verse, Advent hymn, and prayer for each day in Advent.

Following the Star is a daily devotional series for Advent and Christmas. It features scripture, prayer, and meditative thoughts accompanied by gentle music. You can sign up, using this link, to receive the devotions in your e-mail.

Get into the Advent spirit with this Advent Hymn Audio Playlist (piano instrumental).