Advent 2021

Advent is a very special time of year for our church, when we wait in expectation—and work with delight—for the arrival of Christ’s light, and for the hope, love, peace, and joy that God promises to us. Check out the list of offerings below, and please consider joining us during this joyous season!

ADVENT EVENT CALENDAR

SAT. DECEMBER 5: ANGEL TREE CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR KIDS

Starting Dec 5, angel ornaments will be hanging in the church with information about local children for whom we will provide gifts this season. Families and children are identified through our connections to social services, I-RISE refugee resettlement, Accompany Now, and more. Please bring wrapped gifts to December 12 worship services.

SAT. DECEMBER 11, 9:00AM: CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT NATURE HIKE

Bring the whole family for a story, a short hike to make and hang edible ornaments in trees for the forest animals, and to eat refreshments and drink hot chocolate!

SAT. DECEMBER 11, 10:30AM: PAGEANT COSTUMES & REHEARSAL

Right after the nature hike, we will welcome all children ages Pre-K to 6th grade, who wish to participate in the Christmas Pageant, to come to the Social Hall to be assigned roles and costumes.


SUN. DECEMBER 12, 9:00 & 11:15AM: CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

Come to worship with Children's Pageant and Youth Orchestra. Child participants in the pageant should arrive 30 minutes early to either service to get into costume.

SUN. DECEMBER 12, 2:00PM: CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Join us on a short tour of Christmas Caroling through town, leaving from the church at 2:00. We will provide songbooks for all carolers.

SUN. DECEMBER 12, 7:00PM: LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE

Join us in a worship service seeking God's comfort during a difficult season. This service will begin at 7:00 in the sanctuary, and will feature quiet music, reflections on grief and comfort, and a short message of hope and peace.


WED. DECEMBER 15, 7:00PM: HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH PARTY

All high school youth are invited to join Pastor Terry and the adult volunteers in the Cave for a holiday party, featuring activities and a gift exchange! Talk to Pastor Terry for details.

SUN. DECEMBER 19, 9:00 & 11:15AM: CHRISTMAS JOY SUNDAY

Come to celebrate the joy of the season through beautiful music, scripture, and prayer.

SUN. DECEMBER 19, 7:00PM: MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH PARTY

All middle school youth are invited to join Pastor Terry and the adult volunteers in the Cave for a holiday party, featuring activities and a gift exchange! Talk to Pastor Terry for details.

FRI. DECEMBER 24, 7:00PM: CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Join us for a worship service to celebrate the arrival of Christ.

FRI. DECEMBER 24, 11:00PM: WELCOMING CHRISTMAS MORNING

Attend a special service of song and candlelight, led by RCHP youth and Pastor Terry, to usher in the Light of Christ on early Christmas morning!

SUN. DECEMBER 26 & JANUARY 2, 10:00AM: WORSHIP SERVICE

For both December 26 and January 2 we will have just one worship service at 10:00am, with no education hour.

DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS

Sadly, with the joy of the holiday season often comes devastating consequences for the natural world. Here are some startling facts about the environmental impact of consumerism during this season:

  • Approximately 25% more waste is produced between Thanksgiving and New Years.

  • 2.3 million pounds of wrapping paper produced in the U.S. each year (about half of the total produced) ends up in landfills.

  • For every 1 kg of wrapping paper produced, there are more than 3 kg of CO2 emissions released during production.

  • Nearly all bows made from plastic are non-recyclable, and they gum up recycling facilities.

With these issues in mind, we are encouraging everyone to please minimize the use/purchase of plastics and non-recyclable materials this Christmas season... perhaps replacing typical wrapping paper with reusable or repurposed materials, like gift bags, used magazines, newspaper, etc.

Please check out this great webpage for ideas and resources to make this a season that truly brings Joy to the World!

REVISITING THE 2020 VIRTUAL ADVENT CALENDAR

Last year was largely a year that will live in infamy, as we all struggled to make it through a time of isolation during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, last year RCHP created a beautiful online keepsake, featuring videos of church members sharing stories, songs, prayers, art, and even recipes!

We invite you to visit the virtual Advent Calendar again this season, and be blessed again with the power of hope, peace, love, and joy to sustain us through any challenges we may face.