What's Happening during Advent at the Presby?
Advent at The Presby – A Season of Hope and Wonder
The Advent season is a time of joyful anticipation, reflection, and preparation as we ready our hearts for the coming of Christ. Throughout this sacred season, our church family will join together in worship, study, service, and celebration—marking the hope, peace, joy, and love that define this special time of year.
Our Advent journey begins with Surviving the Holidays on November 16, a GriefShare gathering offering comfort and encouragement for those facing the season with loss. The following week brings moments of fellowship and community: The Hamilton Tree Lighting on November 22 with our Presby Youth hosting a Hot Chocolate Station, and Hanging of the Greens on November 23 as we adorn the sanctuary and prepare our worship spaces for the coming celebration.
Advent study opportunities include An Unlikely Advent—a women’s Bible study held Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Mix & Mingle Room, and Mondays at 10:30 a.m. at Berkeley.
Music and worship will fill the season as well, with Christmas Caroling at Berkeley on December 6, the Presby Christmas Cantata—“Glory to the Newborn King” on December 7 at 10 a.m., and a special organ concert, The Nativity of Our Lord, on December 13 at 7 p.m.
Acts of love continue with our Bakers Needed outreach, collecting Christmas Eve trays and goodies for local first responders on December 21–22. Our celebration culminates in the Christmas Eve Services—a 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Service at Court Street and an 11 p.m. Traditional Service at Front Street.
We will close the season together in worship at our New Year Service on December 28 at 10 a.m., giving thanks for all God has done and looking forward to the blessings ahead.Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas—it is a journey of faith, a reminder of God’s promise, and a call to share His light with the world. Come be part of it.
This Advent, may we open our hearts, step out in faith, and share in the wonder of God’s greatest gift—Jesus Christ.
MORE DETAIL ABOUT ADVENT EVENTS:
Surviving the Holidays- GriefShare
Join us for Surviving the Holidays with GriefShare on Sunday, November 16 at 10:45 a.m. in the 3rd Floor Meeting Room at our Front Street Building. This gentle, practical workshop offers support and tools for navigating the season after loss. Please R.S.V.P. to the church office or Bev Roe by Monday, the 10th.
A Very Merry Presby Christmas Cantata
On Sunday, December 7th, our church will gather for a single, combined service at 10:00 a.m. in the Front Street Sanctuary for the Presby Christmas Cantata: “Glory to the Newborn King.” This joyful morning of worship will feature beautiful music celebrating the birth of Christ, performed by our Presby Choir and musicians. Our KidZone children will also take part in this special service by performing a song to help share the message of Christmas through their voices. Information and details for parents will be sent home this Sunday so families can prepare and participate in this wonderful opportunity for our children to be part of the Cantata celebration.
Ladies’ Advent Bible Study
Our Ladies’ Advent Bible Study invites women to come together for reflection and fellowship during this meaningful season. The group will study An Unlikely Advent by Rachel Billups, exploring how God works in unexpected ways through the people and events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Sessions will be held on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. in the Mix & Mingle Room on November 18, November 25, December 2, and December 9. All women are welcome—whether new to Bible study or a regular participant—to join in learning, sharing, and preparing their hearts for Christmas.
Berkeley Advent Bible Study
At Berkeley, the Advent season brings its own opportunity for spiritual growth and connection through the An Unlikely Advent study. This group will meet on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. in the Theobald Ball Room, beginning November 24 and continuing December 1, 8, and 15. The Berkeley community will also celebrate the season with Christmas Caroling on December 6, spreading joy and cheer to residents and friends. Those interested in participating can contact Mark for more information.
The Nativity of our Lord- a piano and organ concert
Join us on Saturday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. for “The Nativity of Our Lord,” a special piano recital presented by Daxton Jones. This reflective evening of Advent and Christmas music will help center our hearts on the story of Christ’s birth as we move closer to Christmas.
Cookies for First Responders
As part of our annual Christmas outreach, we are once again collecting cookies and treats for local first responders to express our gratitude for those who serve our community through the holidays. Members are invited to bake or donate cookies to help us assemble Christmas Eve trays that will be delivered to area fire stations, police departments, and emergency teams. Donations can be dropped off at the church on December 21 or 22. This is a wonderful way to share kindness and appreciation with those who keep us safe during this special season.
Christmas Eve Service Information
We invite everyone to celebrate Christmas Eve with us on Wednesday, December 24th, as we gather for two special services. The Contemporary Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. at our Court Street Campus, offering a joyful and family-friendly atmosphere filled with carols and candlelight. Later that evening, our Traditional Service will take place at 11:00 p.m. in the Front Street Sanctuary, featuring classic hymns and a peaceful, reverent celebration of Christ’s birth.
As we close out the season, join us for our New Year Service on Sunday, December 28th at 10:00 a.m. in the Front Street Sanctuary. This single traditional service will be a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year, give thanks, and look forward with hope and faith to the year ahead.