LESSONS AND CAROLS FOR ADVENT – DEC. 6
Bright Stars of Bethlehem is presenting an evening of music and reflections on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd. The Memorial UCC choir will be one of several musical groups offering sounds of the Advent season as the event seeks to raise funds to support five full-tuition scholarships for Dar al-Kalima College in Bethlehem, one of the ministries of Christmas Lutheran Church, our partners in Bethlehem. The event is free, but there will be a free-will offering at the program.
CRAFT AND COOKIE EVENT – DEC. 12
The Craft and Cookie Event will be in the church Fellowship Hall on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. Folks make lots of cookies (sold by the pound), special bakery items, and holiday crafts. The proceeds pay for a year’s college tuition for a student at Dar Al Kalima College in Bethlehem.
CHOIR AND BELLS PROVIDE SPECIAL MUSIC – DEC. 13
Our vocal choir and bell choir will each be playing some music that helps us prepare for Christmas at the 10 a.m. service. Composer and singer Michael Bryant will present a special piece of music he wrote for Christmas at the 8:15 service.
REV. JERRY HANCOCK PREACHING – DEC. 20
Jerry Hancock is the director the UCC’s Prison Ministry Project and a long-time friend of Memorial UCC. He will offer some reflections on tolerance in our world in the season of Advent.
KAT TRIO PLAYING – DEC. 20
The amazing Kat Trio has added wonderful dimensions to our worship services in the past, but this is the first time they will be with us as we prepare for Christmas. They will play for both the 8:15 and 10 a.m. services and give a mini-concert after the 10.
LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE – DEC. 21 at 7 p.m.
In the midst of this busy season when it is sometimes hard to find quiet in the midst of chaos and expectations of joy, we will gather on the longest night of the year for reflection, prayer and quiet music as we seek light in the midst of darkness. This will begin at 7 p.m.
CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE – DEC. 24 at 5 p.m
This is a great service for kids as they participate in the telling of the Christmas story in the midst of singing familiar Christmas carols and ending with “Silent Night” and candlelight.
CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLES, CAROLS & COMMUNION – DEC. 24 at 7 p.m
Our evening service will feature music by Jonathan and Solvieg Schroerlucke, Michael Bryant, the congregation singing the carols of Christmas and a time when we can all share communion. There will be stories, reflections and we will end with “Silent Night” and candlelight.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SING – DEC. 27
As we gather for worship on the Sunday after Christmas, we will keep the spirit of the season alive with Christmas carols selected by the members of the congregation as well as a brief reflection by Pastor Phil at both services.