Pause today and think about your childhood Advent & Christmas memories. Do you remember a perfectly clean house, perfectly pressed matching holiday outfits, perfectly crispy (but still chewy) favorite Christmas cookies, and every single line of every single carol and performance? Or if you're like me, you remember dripping candlewax on your siblings' hands while wriggling in the uncomfortable church shoes a size too small, yet the wonder and joy of hearing adults laughing and singing and sometimes even crying as they sang Christmas carols and shot you "that look" to stop it with the candle-dripping. You laugh about the awkward family photo debacles and Santa Clauses who CLEARLY were not the real Santa with their fake beards or lack of knowledge of your list you already sent to the North Pole, so the jolly ole' fella at the mall must just be a low-ranking helper to the Big Guy in Red. These are the magical memories of family and singing and seeing a REAL baby Jesus in the Nativity pageant that are the core, "sticky" memories. Here at Glenn Church, we hope and pray that you'll join us to experience the wonder of this Advent & Christmas season for both children of all ages and 'kids at heart' - no matter where you find yourself in your faith journey, in your family life, even with so many concerns in our own hearts for the world and the daily struggles of our lives - we still have candles, songs, traditions, and REAL baby Jesuses (and live animals!) to bring the wonder of the of miracle of the first Christmas and the grace and hope of our salvation story to life. (No perfectly pressed matching holiday outfits nor uncomfortable church shoes required - though you're welcome to wear them!)
Here's just a few of the ways we're celebrating the Season:
Christmas Caroling for all ages & Children’s Nativity Pageant. THIS Sunday, December 14, 9:45am & 10:15am, Ward Fellowship Hall.
All ages join us for a sing-along of favorite carols hosted by The New Class and led by beloved pianist Jim Gibson and Covenant Choir Director, Katie Woolf. Then, at 10:15am, the Cherub Choir will present the Nativity pageant, directed by Mary Lindsey Lewis. Perhaps the most delightful 15 minutes of the season, with much laughter and levity, Glenn’s Pre-K, Kindergarteners, & 1st Graders bring the story of the first Christmas to life! Then, stay for 11am Advent 3 Worship in the Sanctuary and be sure to visit our Nativity animals petting zoo, enjoy Here & Now Coffee Co., & support the Alternative Giving Catalogue on your way home!
Nativity Petting Zoo (Coffee with a Camel!) THIS Sunday, December 14, 12:00-2:00pm. Following our Advent 3 Worship at 11:00am, all ages are invited to visit with our favorite stable animals that bring the magic of the Christmas story to life! We heard that Obadiah the camel (or one of his friends?!) is following the Christ star and will make a stop by Glenn Church again this year! Here & Now Coffee Co. will be offering coffee & hot cocoa for purchase, but we'll have a free hot cocoa for children thanks to a generous Glenn Church member – stop by the Alternative Giving Table for your ticket!
Christmas Celebration for Glenn's Young Children & Little Ones. Sun, Dec 21, 9:45am. Ward Fellowship Hall. Click here to RSVP. All families with young children—from infants through Kindergarteners—are warmly invited to a special morning of joy, fellowship, and faith as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Join us for:
Christmas carols with jingle bells
Keepsake nativity crafts for all ages
A family photo opportunity to treasure
Childcare will be provided so parents can enjoy a cup of coffee (courtesy of Summit) and a breakfast treat. Families are also invited to worship with us at 8:30 a.m. in the Little Chapel or 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary—childcare available, or all ages welcome in worship. Elementary Kids & Youth (9:45 a.m.): Celebrate with a Birthday Party for Jesus on the 4th Floor of the Church School Building! Join us for crafts, games, treats, and making Blessing Bags for unhoused neighbors. BRING NEW, ADULT SIZE SOCKS, GLOVES, HATS, OR HANDWARMERS as our gift for Jesus to be donated to Intown Cares. Click here to RSVP
Christmas Eve at Glenn. Wednesday, December 24 | Sanctuary. Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior through story and song! We hope you find the service that best fits you and your loved ones! Optional childcare available at 4pm and 7pm services.
4pm | Christmas Pageant
7pm | Candlelight Service with Choir & Organ
11pm | Candlelight Service with Communion
Grace & Peace,
Susan