Here’s what’s happening in worship this week.
Worship Services
Journey Worship | Sunday, at 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Chosen. Pastor Heather will preach.
Sanctuary Worship | Sunday, at 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Our theme for Advent is Bookends. Each week, we’ll take a theme from Genesis and explore how it is “answered” in Revelation. As we observe the second Sunday of Advent, our scripture readings will be Genesis 3:22–24 and Revelation 21:1–7. Pastor Heather will preach and her sermon will be titled “Advent Bookends: Exile and Return.”
Taizé | Wednesday, at 7 pm
An hour-long service including sung prayers; simple, beautiful music; a time of silence; spoken and silent prayers; and an opportunity for individual prayer and anointing. The Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan will lead worship. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer.
Christian Education Classes
We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 am. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | Second Floor Parlor
Following Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes, we will use Dr. Kenneth Bailey’s scholarship to peel away centuries of Greek, Roman, and European paint from the birth narrative of Jesus, to reveal the classic story within.
This week, our lesson is The Genealogy of Jesus and Joseph the Just. Among a genealogy of 40 men, why does Matthew include four women? Charlie and Rita Nordquist will lead our discussion of Matthew 1:1–21.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
Mary, the expectant mother of Jesus, exclaims to her relative Elizabeth, “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant”—Luke 1:47–48. Like Mary, our spirits can rejoice for the life being born within us: the Word made flesh—a maturing love in Christ for our family, neighbors, and for the world. Join us as we seek an Advent and Christmas of peace with justice.
This week, Lora Bethea will serve as facilitator. Our readings are: Malachi 3:1–4; Luke 1:68–79; Philippians 1:3–11; and Luke 3:1–6.
Seekers | Room 234
El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
El Día de los Muertos is celebrated in Mexico on Nov. 1. Regina Dosal Tramer, who grew up in Mexico, will explain the significance of the day, the meaning of various altars that are built for the dead, origins of the costumes, and the significance of pan de muerto (bread for the dead).
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
This week, we will begin discussing chapter six of An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor. Class will be led by Joe Hajdu, Steve Evrard, and Sel Whitaker.
Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
Coming Out…as a Christian
We will explore what it means to be a Christian and other related topics in light of a common reading experience—The Cross in the Closet.