Beloved Friends and Families with Kids,
It was such a beautiful experience to see our kids, youth, and adults working together (and playing together) during the hanging of the greens last Sunday. I am so thankful that we have the opportunity for intergenerational bonding and work together. Thanks to all who were able to stay and transform our sanctuary into a beautiful Christmas space! As we gather for the first Sunday of Advent, I pray that we rediscover the power of hope against so many messages of despair. See you tomorrow!
Kids and Youth | Carol Service
We are so excited for our kids and youth to help lead us in worship at our annual Candlelight Carol Service on December 10th! Our preschoolers (our oldest nursery kids) will be participating in the nativity. Our kids above nursery age will be singing two songs at this special program as well as participating in our nativity. Our youth will be participating in candle lighting, singing, and the nativity as well. Our kids and youth will be singing a fun version of "Joy to the World" (lyrics here). They kids will also join with the choir to sing the classic "Go Tell It On the Mountain" (lyrics here). Please share those with your child/youth so they can begin to practice at home in addition to our regular practice on Sundays during our time with the kids. Could you please respond here and let us know if your child/youth is able to attend and participate that evening? Please note that we will have childcare for our young nursery kids.
Please mark your calendars for the dates:
December 9 — Carol Service Rehearsal for kids from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
December 10 — Carol Service (kids should arrive at 5:30 PM)
Youth Christmas Party
It's time for our annual tradition with our youth! We'll gather at the church on Friday, December 8th, at 6:30 PM for dinner and Christmas festivities. Youth are invited to bring a wrapped gift for a gift exchange ($10 limit and they can be silly or serious gifts!). If you need help making that happen, let me know and we'll have some extras. We'll wrap up at 9:00 PM. Oh--and Jensen is excited to join us for the first time this year!
SUNDAY
KIDS
Our nursery room is open this Sunday for babies and toddlers four years old and under. Childcare will be open starting at 8:50 AM for those who are attending Sunday School before service. This week our nursery kids will continue to explore the story of Jospeh and his brothers. Don't forget to grab a take-home sheet with some simple ways to explore the story at home.
Our kids five to ten years old will join us in the sanctuary for worship and communion since this is the first Sunday of the month. Make sure your child picks up a fun survey to fill out during worship—Pastor Mary will have that ready in the lobby, and it's always a favorite activity for our kids (and youth!). Pastor John Jay will be preaching on the way God shows up in our genealogies as we begin our advent teaching series. It will be a beautiful morning together with communion, too!
Discussion Questions for the Table at Home:
What is the season of Advent?
Where in life are you feeling hopeful? Where in life is it hard for you to have hope?
Is hope important? Why is it part of the Christmas story?
YOUTH
This week our youth are invited to join our regular gathering after worship. We will be exploring advent themes this month and preparing for the Carol Service. We love our youth and are so thankful for their presence in our church family!
Have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for being such a special community of families!
With deep affection for you,
Pastor Lindsay