The Blue Christmas Service is Wednesday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m. This is a special time set aside for those who are hurting at Christmas. Learn more here.
The Christmas Eve worship will be at 6:30 in the evening. This traditional service will feature traditional Christmas songs, the lighting of candles, and the sharing of Communion. The service will retell the story of Christmas through songs and reading. Remember, all are invited to the Communion table. All are welcome, regardless of age, race, political leaning, class, nationality, gender, native language, or orientation. The message of Christmas is that all the barriers between humanity and God are removed. Indeed, Tiny Tim had it right when he declared, “God bless us, every one!.” For the last few weeks we have been looking at how the Redemption of Scrooge can matter to our Christmas today. This will be the final part of that story.
On Christmas Morning we will share a special interactive service designed especially for kids to help out. There is no need for rehearsal or costumes, and people of all ages are sure to enjoy this special re-telling of the “ABCs of Christmas.” In addition, people are invited to bring their gifts for the Holy Family. We have been reminded this year that Jesus and his family were refugees. The Gospel of Matthew tells us that the family had to flee from King Herod, who wanted Jesus dead. We know that Jesus survived, despite being a refugee in Egypt because someone there must have welcomed them. This Christmas, how can we do anything less? In response, we are creating a “Good Neighbor Kit,” to give to World Relief Moline. These Good Neighbor Kits include household items that will help a refugee family get settled in the area. If you don’t have a gift for the new family, you may still be able to select a gift and bring it at your earliest convenience.
