Advent Letter – 2026

Both quotes above come from Martin Luther, who regarded hymnody and music as nourishing for the soul and essential for the life of faith. Songs can carry us in dark times, express emotions more deeply than words, and proclaim our praises to God whether in worship or while driving down the road.

Dodging the household debate about when the permissible time to start listening to Christmas music begins (my wife says November, I hold the line at after Thanksgiving), we will be using Advent hymns as a sermons series to guide us through the season. While a Christmas song or two might sneak into the season, we want to be intentional about keeping Advent its own season.

Advent is a time of anticipation, revelation, and grace twinkling hope into long, dark nights. Guided by hymns rooted deep in Scripture, we hope this season unfolds for you in a peace-filled, soul-nourishing way.

Below, you’ll find our worship schedules for Advent and Christmas Eve. Because our earlier services on Christmas Eve tend to draw the fullest crowds, if your family traditions and schedules allow, consider joining us at one of the later services. The request comes as a hospitable way to try to make room in the pews for visitors, neighbors, and families at the earlier gatherings. Thank you. Whether you’ve been blasting carols since Halloween or you’re strictly holding out until the Thanksgiving dishes are cleared, we look forward to gathering around the rich hymns of Advent anticipation this season.

*Notes:

• We will only have two services the Sunday following Christmas
• No Sunday School on Dec. 20 & 27.
• The church office will be closed December 24-January 1, 2027.