Adult Formation Small Groups

The flurry of Advent activities can make it hard to see the beauty at the center of it all. This year, let us Be Sure to See light, possibility, healing, and messengers.

Pick up a devotional

Look at art through the eyes of faith, encounter a hymn devotionally, hear what scripture says to you, and reflect on what members and staff are sharing in our Advent devotional this year. Available beginning November 27 on campus and online here. Additional devotionals for children & youth are available in the Welcome Center, narthex, Tower Room and Life Center.

 

WEEK ONE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27

Worship: Be Sure to See the Light. Jill Duffield preaches. Scriptures: Isaiah 2:1-5 and Matthew 24:36-44. Rejoice! 9 am, Mullin Life Center and Sanctuary, 11 am. No nursery, youth or children’s church school, confirmation classes, or youth groups.

Church School, 10 am

  • Early Christians You Should Know concludes in Redhead Hall.
  • Spiritual Seasons: Chip Bristol begins an Advent series int he Faith Builders class, Myers Loyalty Room.
  • Letters to the Ephesians study in Seekers Class, M125 with conference call option. Contact Gerard Davidson.

TUESDAY, November 29

Writing Your Advent Story: The season of Advent invites us to listen and wait for the Lord  It is a time of reflection on God’s story and our story. Frederick Buechner once said, “Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity … that God makes [God’s] self-known to each of us most powerfully and personally.” Advent is a time to reflect on God’s story and our story. Newton Cowan & Doug McLeroy will lead this series on Tuesdays in Advent, 11 am-noon in the Virginia Gilmer Room. Bring a journal or notebook to write in as we consider how God comes to us.

WEDNESDAY, November 30

Last day for youth to sign up to participate in the 11 pm Christmas Eve service. Contact Lisa Witherspoon.

THURSDAY, December 1

  • A Service of Remembrance, noon in the sanctuary. For those experiencing loss or grief during this season.
  • A Little Advent Worship: Join our Hot Dish & Hope guests for dinner beginning 4:45 pm in the Life Center, followed by a simple service at 6 pm. No RSVPs, donations accepted. Or just come for the service! Thursdays in December.

 

WEEK TWO

Sunday, December 4

Worship: Communion Sunday. Jill Duffield preaches Be Sure to See Possibility. Isaiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12. Rejoice! 9 am, Mullin Life Center and Sanctuary, 11 am. 

Church School, 10 am

  • Parents & children meet in the Life Center to make Advent wreaths & decorate a gingerbread church!
  • Youth prepare Hot Dish gift items in Memorial 303.
  • Advent II: Removing led by Chip Bristol in Faith Builders, Myers Loyalty Room.
  • Economic Justice in the Old Testament led by Vance Barron in Agape, Garden Room.
  • Guest speaker from Hope Academy, YMBC in Redhead Hall.
  • Study of Ephesians in Seekers, Main 125.

Later in the day 

  • High School Service Project: Sort Christmas gifts for Faith Action (lunch provided!). 12:15-2 pm at the church.
  • Kids Disciple Club: Grades 3-5 look for joy in scripture, decorate cards for pastors’ hospital visits, play Christmas games & more! Life Center, 3-4:30 pm.
  • Youth dinner & small groups: 6-7:30 pm. Wear ugly Christmas sweaters and have holiday fun!
  • A Little Advent Music: Messiah Sing-Along, 5 pm. If you would like to rehearse the choruses come at 4 pm.

TUESDAY, December 6

Writing Your Advent Story: The season of Advent invites us to listen and wait for the Lord  It is a time of reflection on God’s story and our story. Frederick Buechner once said, “Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity … that God makes [God’s] self-known to each of us most powerfully and personally.” Advent is a time to reflect on God’s story and our story. Newton Cowan & Doug McLeroy will lead this series on Tuesdays in Advent, 11 am-noon in the Virginia Gilmer Room. Bring a journal or notebook to write in as we consider how God comes to us.

THURSDAY, December 8

  • A Little Advent Worship: Join our Hot Dish & Hope guests for dinner beginning 4:45 pm in the Life Center, followed by a simple service at 6 pm. No RSVPs, donations accepted. Or just come for the service! Thursdays in December.
  • High school youth are invited to help with Hot Dish & Hope – serving, refilling drinks, greeting, and cleaning up. Arrive 4:30-4:45 pm. Sign up with Lisa Witherspoon.

 

WEEK THREE

Sunday, December 11

Worship: Be Sure to See Healing. Jill Duffield preaching. Isaiah 35:1-10 and Matthew 11:2-11. Rejoice! 9 am, Mullin Life Center and Sanctuary, 11 am. 

Church School, 10 am

  • Journey to the Manger. Families & children meet in the Life Center and travel around the church reading scripture, singing carols, and collecting our life-sized nativity figures. We’ll end by assembling the full nativity scene and enjoying some Christmas cookies!
  • Youth prepare items for Hot Dish & Hope gift bags, 10 am in Memorial 303.

Later in the day 

  • A Little Advent Music: A Night of Folk Carols.

TUESDAY, December 13

Writing Your Advent Story: The season of Advent invites us to listen and wait for the Lord  It is a time of reflection on God’s story and our story. Frederick Buechner once said, “Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity … that God makes [God’s] self-known to each of us most powerfully and personally.” Advent is a time to reflect on God’s story and our story. Newton Cowan & Doug McLeroy will lead this series on Tuesdays in Advent, 11 am-noon in the Virginia Gilmer Room. Bring a journal or notebook to write in as we consider how God comes to us.

WEDNESDAY, December 14

Do It for Dolly Food Drive-by: Last year a record 4,500+ pounds was donated at the Food Drive-By in memory of the joyful and generous spirit of Rev. Dolly Jacobs! This year the elves will be running the show with music and fun! 10 am to 2 pm in front of Redhead Hall. Get with your small groups and friends and let’s do it again!

THURSDAY, December 15

  • A Little Advent Worship: Join our Hot Dish & Hope guests for dinner beginning 4:45 pm in the Life Center, followed by a simple service at 6 pm. No RSVPs, donations accepted. Or just come for the service! Thursdays in December.
  • High school youth are invited to help with Hot Dish & Hope – serving, refilling drinks, greeting, and cleaning up. Arrive 4:30-4:45 pm. Sign up with Lisa Witherspoon.

 

 

WEEK FOUR

Sunday, December 18

Worship:  Be Sure to See the Messengers. Jill Duffield preaching. Isaiah 7:10-16 and Matthew 1:18-25. Rejoice! 9 am, Mullin Life Center and Sanctuary, 11 am. 

  • Pajama Church School: Children and youth, come to church in your pajamas for a Christmas movie and popcorn at 10 am in the Biblemax Theater (Corl 305) while parents gather in the Life Center for coffee, breakfast treats, and fellowship.

Later in the day 

  • A Little Advent Music: A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, 5 pm. Handbell prelude, 4:30 pm.
  • YoCo Christmas Party: Youth from across the city gather at Westminster Presbyterian, 6-7:30 pm.

TUESDAY, December 20

Writing Your Advent Story: The season of Advent invites us to listen and wait for the Lord  It is a time of reflection on God’s story and our story. Frederick Buechner once said, “Maybe nothing is more important than that we keep track, you and I, of these stories of who we are and where we have come from and the people we have met along the way because it is precisely through these stories in all their particularity … that God makes [God’s] self-known to each of us most powerfully and personally.” Advent is a time to reflect on God’s story and our story. Newton Cowan & Doug McLeroy will lead this series on Tuesdays in Advent, 11 am-noon in the Virginia Gilmer Room. Bring a journal or notebook to write in as we consider how God comes to us.

THURSDAY, December 22

A Little Advent Worship: Join our Hot Dish & Hope guests for dinner beginning 4:45 pm in the Life Center, followed by a simple service at 6 pm. No RSVPs, donations accepted. Or just come for the service! Thursdays in December.

High school youth are invited to help with Hot Dish & Hope – serving, refilling drinks, greeting, and cleaning up. Arrive 4:30-4:45 pm. Sign up with Lisa Witherspoon.

 

CHRISTMAS EVE

  • 10 am Family Service
  • 5:30 pm Candlelight and Communion Service
  • 11 pm Candlelight, Candlelight and Communion Service

 

Christmas Day

Sunday, December 25

Worship: One service, 10 am in the sanctuary. No nursery or children’s or youth Church School. 

Sunday, January 2

Worship: One service, 10 am in the sanctuary. No nursery or children’s or youth Church School.