A reflection on the series, Words for the Beginning, by Rev. Sarah Speed:
When I was a kid, my dad came up with “four things,” four truths that he wanted my brother and I to memorize. Those “four things” were four reminders about love, responsibility, our choices, and God’s care for us. Anytime I left the house as a teenager, my dad would simply hold up the number four to remind us: four things! We knew what he meant. We knew it was love. Friends, I think Advent offers that same invitation. Tucked into the end of the year when it can often feel like we’ve run out of time, Advent invites us to begin again. In the depths of winter, and on the heels of an election season in the United States, Advent declares: this is not the end, this is yet another beginning. With that hope and encouragement in mind, we have selected simple truths that we believe a mother would want to tell her baby, that God wants to tell the world, and that we need to tell each other. My prayer is that these weekly themes can be a foundation for beginning again, a foundation built on hope and love, as we once again begin again. May it be so, with God’s help.
This series was created by A Sanctified Art.
Advent and Christmastide Worship Times and Themes
Sunday, Dec. 1, 8:45 & 11:00 a.m.
First Sunday of Advent - "You are a blessing"
Mary is described as “blessed among women” (Luke 1:28). She is neither wealthy nor powerful, and yet she is chosen to bear God’s child. Her story begins with blessedness, and so does ours, for the prophet Isaiah declares that we are claimed by a God who calls our name. We are a blessing because we belong to God. When blessedness is our beginning, we begin to see the world—and others—through the eyes of a God who says: “You are precious in my sight” (Isaiah 43:4).
Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 p.m.
Service of Hope and Healing
For those who have suffered loss, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a relationship, security, a lifestyle or health issue, the holidays can be especially difficult. This service, led by our ministers and deacons, will be filled with music and words that serve as reminders that Christ’s birth is a sign of hope in the face of despair. If you are in a place of sadness, for whatever reason, join us. If you have experienced this kind of struggle in the past and understand how this time of year doesn’t always come with joy and excitement, join us. If you know of family members or friends who are suffering this Christmas season, invite them to this service, too. All are welcome. Help us show support, love and comfort to those who are struggling.
Sunday, Dec. 15, 11 a.m. only
Third Sunday of Advent - Advent Lessons & Carols
This worship will journey through a series of Lessons and Carols, guiding us in reflection on the promise of Christ's coming and God’s steadfast love. We’ll explore scriptures that recount God’s faithful covenant—from the prophecies of Isaiah and the hope of Zephaniah to the angelic message to Mary. Through hymns, carols, and candle lighting, we’ll embrace the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, deepening our anticipation of Christ’s arrival and preparing our hearts to celebrate God-with-us, Immanuel.
Sunday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m. only
Fourth Sunday of Advent - "Hope is worth the risk"
Hope is vulnerable and can feel like a tremendous risk, especially if you’ve experienced loss or trauma. But Mary shows us a resilient hope that takes risks—she risks her body to bear a son who will become the hope of her people. Similarly, Joseph makes a risky choice to stay with Mary; dismissing her quietly would have kept him safe. But instead, he chooses hope. He chooses to trust the angel, and it makes all the difference. It can feel safer and easier to be a cynic, but the world doesn’t need more cynics. It needs people who say, “It can be better” and make it so.
Wednesday,, Dec. 24, 4 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Family Worship Service w/Spontaneous Christmas Pageant
In the spirit of Lessons & Carols, our service will unfold as our children and youth take the lead, presenting a retelling of the Christmas story. Children are encouraged to participate, and costumes will be provided, adding a touch of enchantment to the occasion. As we come together to celebrate this special time, we also encourage you to bring items for babies, thoughtfully wrapped in white tissue paper, to support Eastern Area Community Ministries (EACM). Just as the nativity scene was a place of unexpected grace, let us extend our circle of love and generosity to those in need this Christmas.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 9 p.m.
Christmas Eve
Communion & Candlelight Worship Service - "Love knows your name"
Christ’s birth makes the vastness of God personal. The God who made the seas and the stars is also the God who made your beautiful hair and striking eyes. The God of creation takes on flesh, which means you are fully known. When the angels visit the shepherds in the fields, their message is global but also personal: “To you . . . a savior is born.” This birth is good news for everyone, especially those who are ignored or disenfranchised. On this night, God is born, and this God of love knows your name.
Sunday, Dec. 29, 11 a.m. only
First Sunday after Christmas - "Don't forget to laugh"
Christ’s birth makes the vastness of God personal. The God who made the seas and the stars is also the God who made your beautiful hair and striking eyes. The God of creation takes on flesh, which means you are fully known. When the angels visit the shepherds in the fields, their message is global but also personal: “To you . . . a savior is born.” This birth is good news for everyone, especially those who are ignored or disenfranchised. On this night, God is born, and this God of love knows your name.
Sunday, Jan. 5, 8:45 and 11 a.m.
Epiphany Sunday - "The road isn't straight"
Too often, we’ve been told that a successful life is a linear one. But in reality, our lives unfold with many unexpected twists and turns. The Magi follow a star, embarking on a long journey in a foreign land in order to honor the newborn Christ. Instead of returning to Herod as commanded, they trust their dreams and go home by another way. Their road isn’t straight, but God “makes a way in the wilderness” (Isaiah 43:19) as they follow their intuition and diverge from the expected path.
Holiday Events
Lighting the Yule Log & Carol Sing
Location: Hobbs Chapel
Sunday, Dec. 8, 6:00 p.m.
This event is a community favorite. Bring a candle or flashlight, gather around the bonfire and sing traditional Christmas carols as we ring in the holiday season. Songbooks will be provided.
Progressive Dinner & Madrigal Singers
Friday, Dec. 13 , 6:00 p.m.
Cost: $10
Following heavy appetizers at members' homes, we'll gather in the Fellowship Hall for a performance by the Ballard High School Madrigal Singers.
Sign up information for the progressive dinner can be found in the weekly APC email.
Youth Christmas Party & Lock-in
Friday, Dec. 20 , 5 p.m. - 8 a.m. (Saturday)
So much happens at this lock-in open to all 6th - 12th grade students! Between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. on Christmas-y youth will carol and deliver some goodies to homebound members. After that we return to the church for dinner, Christmas games, a White Elephant gift exchange, and not very much sleep.