This Advent we will consider the fearful world Jesus entered--one filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and instability. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, we hear the whispers of angels delivering a surprising message: “Do not fear.” When we find ourselves in fearful times, we can acknowledge our fears while also insisting on hope.1
We look forward to celebrating Advent together beginning Sunday, November 30! We worship at 8:30 and 10:30 am each week. We encourage you to take advantage of a free devotional that contains art, poems, hymns, essays, and reflection prompts. Devotionals are available in regular and large-print formats from the welcome center in the Commons or you may request the e-reader version.
We will celebrate Christmas Eve with candlelight services at 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm. The 2:00 pm service will feature the Stories and Songs of Christmas, at 4:00 pm the praise team and brass will provide the music, and the chancel choir and chime choir will provide the music for the 7:00 pm service. Our hope is that you find each service to be warm and inviting. Quiet activities and glowsticks are available for kids during the service, and nursery care is available. We hope you will plan to come a little early and/or linger for a while to enjoy refreshments.
Sunday, December 28, we are observing a Sabbath Sunday. To express our gratitude and to provide an opportunity for rest and renewal for our volunteers, we will have an "unplugged" in-person worship service at 10:30 am only. We will also offer a brief, recorded message from Pastor Brian for you to enjoy from the comfort of your home.
In addition to worship, we offer a number of opportunities to serve, connect, and learn during Advent including the following:
- There are two Advent Studies available this year on Sunday mornings with Know and Grow and Fresh Faith.
- InTouch Blessing Boxes will be given to approximately 75 households on Saturday, December 6, to members over 80 years old or those who have experienced a loss or difficult time this year.
- We know the music is an important part of Advent, and in addition to worship, Family Ministries will be caroling at Tippecanoe County Villa, the Christmas cantata will be shared during the traditional service on December 7, and we will share in the Sounds of the Season at the rescheduled date on December 21.
- Jubilee Christmas will take place on Saturday, December 13. We partner with Lafayette Urban Ministry on this day to help families who are struggling at Christmas, and the support of everyone in the congregation makes it possible. Students are invited to participate in Teens for Teens on December 6 to help shop for Jubilee Christmas.
- The Children's Ministries Christmas Party and the Lafayette Youth Group Christmas Party bring our young people together to celebrate!
- If you are looking for a gift for that hard to buy for person on your list who has everything, consider stopping by the Alternative Christmas Market table in the Commons in December to donate to one of three missions supported by St. Andrew. You will receive a card about the mission to give to the recipient.
- Hospitality is a St. Andrew tradition. Check out the Advent Helpers and Bakers sign-up to provide your time or goodies for Jubilee Christmas, Blessing Boxes, or Christmas Eve!
- On Sunday, December 21 you are invited to join Pastor Kelly and Otterbein UMC for a Blue Christmas Service at Otterbein UMC.
We look forward to connecting with you this year during Advent and hope that this time might be an especially meaningful one for you!