Advent 2021

What is Advent?

ADVENT comes from a Latin word meaning “to come,” and in the Christian year refers to the coming of Christ. It looks backward to the child of Bethlehem and forward to the return of the risen Lord. Advent begins the Christian year, starting the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ending with Christmas Eve. In this season, we look inward in
self‑examination as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Advent engages us in anticipating Christ’s coming again, and calls us to prepare for the coming of God’s
kingdom. It points us to the future, to reflect on the end of time. The liturgical color is purple or violet, signifying penitence in preparation for Christmas. Advent is therefore
not so much a season of memory as it is a season of hope.

Please join us this Advent Season!

First Sunday of Advent 
November 2, 10 am Worship Service
Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Second Sunday of Advent 
December 5
10 am Worship Service

Lighting of the Advent Wreath, Service of the Lord’s Supper

11:30 am – 1 pm Joint HS Christmas Party

Joint Youth Christmas Caroling 
Tuesday, December 7, 4 pm – 5:15 pm (Wilton Commons)

Third Sunday of Advent
December 12
10 am Music Sunday Worship Service
Join us for a Festival of Music with our Choir, Hand Bell Choir and Guest Musicians
Introducing WPC’s Youth Choir

11 am Chili Luncheon and Live Nativity (Courtyard)
Sponsored by Joint Youth Ministries & JCCEC
Celebrating 50 years with our friends at St. Matthews, come and love thy neighbor with us for a potluck chili lunch.
Join us for cookie decorating for children of all ages along with caroling!
Chats and fellowship by fireside
Mitten donation tree to offer warmth to those in need
Enjoy a interactive stroll through Bethlehem with an opportunity to visit with the manger animals. All are welcome!

Open Door Shelter Christmas Gift of Giving LAST DAY 
December 14
Please join Faith in Action, our Youth Group, and WPC families in helping to make Christmas extra special for a single mother and her four children. Contact Mary Wright at tnwrights@gmail.com for details.

Fourth Sunday of Advent 
December 19
10 am Christmas Pageant Worship Service
Join us as we bring to life the birth of our Savior with this classic pageant narrative and song

2  pm – 4 pm: A Wee little Advent Open House at the Manse
Please stop by 33 Millstone Rd to mingle and enjoy a cup of hot Wassail and goodies
Gather in gratitude for all of God’s gifts in the spirit of this special time of the year

All appropriate Covid precautions will be in place

A Christmas Service of Healing
Thursday, December 23, 7:30 pm (Sanctuary)
For many this time of the year is filled with gladness and laughter, but for others, the season brings about sadness and loneliness. This worship service gives space for prayer, reflection, remembrance, and lighting candles of hope.
All are welcome

Christmas Eve
December 24
4 pm Family Worship Service (Sanctuary)
This service includes our church choir, lessons and carols, a special message with an activity for children of all ages and an inspiring message. We conclude the service with candlelight.
Please join us for this meaningful and popular service!

9 pm: Candlelight Worship Service (Sanctuary)
Gather in the warmth, light and beauty of this holy night for a worship service of quiet dignity and majesty. This traditional service will draw us to the manger and our Lord’s birth  through Scripture, song, and candlelight.

Family-Friendly Fun & Festive Worship
Sunday, December 26, 10 am
Join us for an informal festive, boisterous, no ‘hush’ worship service where children above nursery-age remain with their families. We will revel in the Christ event with Carols, Scripture and celebration. You can even come in your PJs!