During this joyous season, GPUMC offers many opportunities to prepare for the arrival of Jesus Christ.
Advent study
Beginning on Wednesday, Nov. 29, Rev. David Eardley will lead a four-week Advent study featuring An Unlikely Advent: Extraordinary People of the Christmas Story by Rachel Billups. The study focuses on four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story: Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of these unexpected characters who have something to teach us about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.
The study will meet from 6:30 to 7:30 pm on Wednesday nights through Dec. 20.
Several copies of the book are available in the church office for $14 each or you may buy the book from your favorite bookseller.
Children’s programming will be provided during the same hour that the Advent study meets.
Worship services during Advent
Sunday, Dec. 10 — Children’s Christmas service, 9:30 am
Sunday, Dec. 17 — Music Sunday: “Nativity Suites” by Benjamin Harlan
GPUMC Chancel Choir directed by Giustino Carrano, piano by Doug Dykstra, 9:30 am
Tuesday, Dec. 19 — Blue Christmas, 7 pm in the chapel at the west end of the building
Blue Christmas is a service that honors people who have lost a loved one
and are experiencing grief during the Christmas season. Through song, scripture reading,
and the lighting of candles, we are reminded of the hope we
have in Jesus, who journeys with us during such times of loss.
Sunday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve services
Morning worship service honoring the 4th Sunday in Advent, 9:30 am
Early Christmas eve service, 4 pm