From Advent to Christmas

Well that sure went quickly, didn’t it!  We have lit the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love, and tomorrow night we light the Christ Candle that signifies the conclusion of Advent, the end of our waiting, and the birth of our Savior.  There’s something I’d like to ask the congregation to do today:  Christmas Eve has always been a night our wider Chester community turns to the United Church for blessing and celebration; would you be willing to invite a neighbor or a friend to join us for Christmas Eve worship?  For as much as you and I will sorely miss gathering in person for the service, I know a lot of others are also going to miss being here as well.  Yes, we have been diligent in spreading the word of our online services, but nothing matches the personal invitation.  Let’s help spread the light of Christ tomorrow evening!

 Speaking of which, please have a candle at the ready, so that together we may carry the light at the end of the service as we sing Silent Night, Holy Night.  And if you listen very, very carefully, you will hear the church bells peal at 6:00…
 
On Saturday we will be sending out the link to Sunday’s service, which is led by the clergy and staff of the Southern New England Conference of the UCC.  (As an aside, the pastor and staff member who leads the “Praying the Nativity” portion, The Rev. Heather Ramsey Mabrouk, served as our Associate Minister at my former congregation.)  It will also provide the bulletin.  Immediately following, at 11:00, Karli will lead another Carol Sing on our church Facebook page.

Here are the links to the 5:00 pm Christmas Eve service:
Christmas Eve Bulletin
Link to Service 

(And remember the Remembrance Tree – there is one week left to submit names.)