During the Christian year, the Advent season is about anticipation. We imagine ourselves as the people of Israel, hoping and longing for the coming Messiah. In Advent we also remember that his Kingdom is not yet fully come, so we also anticipate Christ’s coming again to restore all things.

Join us this Advent season as we mark and celebrate Christ's coming with our special services and opportunities for worship and fellowship. Click on the links below to find out more information about these offerings.

PRACTICING A COMMON RULE OF LIFE TOGETHER IN ADVENT

Ironically, Christmastime can be one of the toughest times of year to be spiritually healthy. Many of the habits and “rituals” we engage in during this season can drain us of faith, hope and love, rather than renew us. It takes great intentionality during a time like December to adopt a new set of habits that help us foster love for God and neighbor.

One our members, Justin Earley, has developed a set of spiritual practices for Advent that he calls “The Common Rule.” It’s a set of daily and seasonal habits for communities like ours to approach this season differently. If you are looking for a new kind of December, we encourage you to try out using the Common Rule to adopt some new habits for Advent. You can access a PDF of the Common Rule for Advent here, and if you want to learn more about it or join a discussion about practicing The Common Rule, be sure to check out the Sunday morning discipleship class that Justin is teaching (10:00 a.m., Sundays in December, Room 217).

We look forward to celebrating together the King who has come, and waiting together for the King who will come again!

SUNDAY MORNING DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES: 10:00 a.m. on Sundays

We're offering a slate of Advent focused classes that will meet on Sunday mornings, December 3, 10, and 17, at 10:00 a.m. throughout the church. We encourage you to read more about these classes, check them out on Sunday morning, and join in the anticipation and excitement over the newborn King.

FAMILY ADVENT CELEBRATION: Sunday, Nov. 26, 10:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall

Join us to kick-off the Advent season! During the Sunday School hour, parents and their children, between the ages of four through 4th grade, are invited to the Fellowship Hall for a special kickoff to the Advent season. Our regularly scheduled Sunday school for ages 4-4th grade will not be held on this day. Join us for worship, a short message about Advent, and a fun craft!

We hope everyone can join us! No RSVP necessary!

LESSONS & CAROLS: Sunday, Dec. 3, 7:00 p.m.

Traditionally, a Lessons and Carols service is a unique opportunity to hear and sing songs that the larger culture mostly ignores. The world needs hope and what better time to sing songs which anticipate the coming of our Lord, Jesus?

Join us for this special interactive service of worshiping and reading scripture together. It is a great opportunity to begin the Advent season reflecting on scripture and praying for God's coming son.

WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS DINNER: Tuesday, Dec. 5, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Women of Third are invited to bring a potluck dish to join in our Christmas celebration. For this special evening, we’ll share a meal, worship together, and hear stories of unique ways of loving neighbors shared by several women. Please join us and invite a friend!

Registration is free, but we ask that you 1) bring a dish to share, and 2) bring a small gift to donate to Stocking Stuffer Initiative for the Covenant Woods Retirement Home Community.

MORNING OF CHRISTMAS EVE: Sunday, December 24, 10:00 a.m.

On the morning of Christmas Eve, we will hold one service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. The service will feature a special musical piece, Vivaldi's Gloria (about 20 minutes in length).

This service will be different than the Christmas Eve services later in the day.

CHRISTMAS EVE: Sunday, December 24

Join us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! We invite you to bring your friends and family to worship the newborn King.

4:00, 6:00, 8:00 p.m. - Candlelight services in the Sanctuary
10:00 p.m. - Candlelight & Communion Service in the Sanctuary

What to expect: As a church, we greatly value intergenerational worship so its important to us that we all worship together on this sacred and special evening. During the 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. services, we will make a special effort to include children in the service, but otherwise, the services will be the same. We encourage to bring friends, family, and neighbors. We look forward to worshipping with you, and celebrating the newborn king!

Childcare available in 4:00 & 6:00 p.m. services for infants and toddlers; children are encouraged to join their parents in the service. A comfortable and festive wiggle room will be available across from the Sanctuary, with the service streamed, if parents need to step out with their children.

Advent at Third Church: 2017