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Prepare and Celebrate Jesus’ Birth

By Gerry Reed Burkholder

Come and share in Peakland’s preparation and celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christ! Advent is the perfect season to celebrate the United Methodist Church’s Igniting Ministry theme of “Open hearts, open minds, and open doors.”

Our hearts are open as we reach out to our community through missions projects (Angel Tree, Salvation Army stockings, and sponsoring Christmas dinner for four families) and our drive-through Nativity and open house in the fellowship hall.

Our hearts are open as Disciples searching for a deeper understanding of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, and God’s call on our lives. This inward preparation leads us to seek avenues for personal reflection and growth.

With open minds we have the opportunity to participate in two different Advent Bible studies. These studies give us the opportunity for an in-depth study of the Scriptures providing a point of focus for the coming week during this busy, but most important, time in our lives.

Our doors are open to our members and the community for a variety of experiences during this Advent season. Some are filled with laughter and socialization while others provide peace and quiet for personal reflection and spiritual growth.
 

Advent Worship

Peakland’s family and members of the community are encouraged to join us for any or all of our special services this Advent season. Each is unique in its message and focus.

Sunday, December 15* —
Hanging of the Greens Service, 8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Celebrate the rich traditions behind the decorating of our Sanctuary as we dedicate the ministry of the Advent Committee to the glory of God. The children’s choir will sing for the 11:00 a.m. service.

Sunday, December 22* —
Traditional Lessons and Carols Service, 8:45 a.m.& 11:00 a.m.
Come and hear the Christmas story in word and song.

Tuesday, December 24 —
Christmas Eve Services, 5:30 p.m. & 11:00 p.m.
Families with young children will find the 5:30 p.m. service designed with them in mind. This year communion will be offered. The 11:00 p.m. service is more traditional and is a communion and candle light service.

Sunday, December 29 —
Wesley Covenant Service, 8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
This service of rededication and commitment of faith is based on a 1700’s service written by John Wesley. Traditionally this is a New Year’s Eve service.

Wednesday, January 1, 2003, — New Year’s Day Service, 10:00 a.m. followed by a light brunch. Informal and casual service of prayer for God’s blessings in the new year.

*Please note: There will not be Junior Church on the following Sundays: December 15 and December 22. These special services will be child friendly and are an important part of our church traditions.
 

Advent Dates to Remember:
A Season of Inward Preparation

12/13 — *Drive-through Nativity, 6:30 p.m.-- 8:30 p.m.

12/14 — *Chrismon Tree Decorating, 9:30 a.m.
             *Drive-through Nativity, 6:30 p.m.-- 8:30 p.m.

12/15 — *Hanging of the Greens, 8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a. m.
             *UMYF Christmas Parties, 5:30 p.m.

12/18 — *Advent Bible Study/Play Practice following missions supper;
             supper — 6:00 p.m.;
             study/practice—6:45 p.m.—7:30 p.m.

12/22 — *Lessons and Carols, 8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

12/24 — *Family Focus Christmas Eve Service, 5:30 p.m.
            *Candlelight Communion Christmas Eve Service, 11 p.m.