Advent 2021
Volume 12, Issue 7
View more photos from church events via our website: upcbgm.org/programs-and-events/photo-gallery
Our worship services are livestreamed on our YouTube channel: upcbgm.org/youtube
Christmas Eve worship
Friday, December 24 at 4:00pm
Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year. We hope you will join us for our family-friendly service of carols and candlelight on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, at 4pm. You can attend in person or join us online via our YouTube Channel upcbgm.org/youtube or on Zoom upcbgm.org/zoom.
During the season of Advent, we celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and watch with expectant hope for his coming again. As Advent leads us to Christmas, we invite you to join in the opportunities offered at UPC. The church is decorated in the holiday spirit and we are filled with cheer as we prepare to welcome Jesus Christ into the world.
Advent-Christmas Worship Series, November 28 – January 2
When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts.
Our Advent “Close to Home” theme from @sanctifiedart acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to come close to us.
On December 26, our service will be pre-recorded and streamed on YouTube; we will not have an in-person gathering in the sanctuary.
Nov. 28 — 1st Advent “Homesick”: We begin the season of Advent celebrating the Lord’s Supper.
Scriptures: Luke 21: 25–36; 1 Thessalonians 3: 9–13
Dec. 5 — 2nd Advent “Laying the Foundation”
Scriptures: Luke 1: 57–80; Philippians 1: 3–11
Dec. 12 — 3rd Advent “A Home for All”
Scriptures: Luke 1: 26–38; Zephaniah 3: 14–20
Dec. 19 — 4th Advent “Seeking Sanctuary”
Scriptures: Luke 1: 39–45; Luke 1: 46–55
Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve, worship at 4pm: We celebrate the mystery of God with us as we share the Lord’s Supper.
Scriptures: Luke 2: 1–20; John 1: 1–5, 14
Dec. 26 — “Chosen Home”: This is a pre-recorded service of music and reflection that all are invited to share in your homes (or wherever you may be), watching on YouTube or Zoom.
Scriptures: Luke 2: 41–52; Colossians 3: 12–17
Jan. 2 — Epiphany Sunday “Home by Another Way”: We begin the new year by gathering at the Lord’s Table to celebrate communion.
Scriptures: Matthew 2: 1–12; Ephesians 3: 1–12
Our mission is to follow Jesus Christ by doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God.
