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What is Advent?

Advent is the first season of the liturgical (worship) calendar* for the church's year.  Beginning on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, the four weeks of the Advent season focus on the two comings of Christ:  Jesus' birth which we celebrate on Christmas (December 25) and the second coming which will happen at an undefined time when all creation will experience the fulfillment of God's promises for love and life.  Advent is a season of excited anticipation, fertile waiting, and the tension between what is and what is to come.  During Advent we prepare ourselves for God's presence - within ourselves and in the world.  Special colors, music, scripture readings, decorations, and traditions help inspire us throughout the Advent season.  Through retreats, focused studies, celebrations,and acts of mercy, we practice Advent with body, mind, and spirit.  Celebrating Advent Together at CUCC

*The liturgical calendar joins the lectionary (a three year cycle of readings from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures) in providing structure which helps us focus in worship on the major themes of both Jesus' ministry and Christian life.  Both were developed over centuries in western European Christian traditions.  Both are helpful tools, not requirements.  By using the calendar and lectionary to plan our worship, study and work together, CUCC has a guide which helps us reflect on themes like waiting and hope (Advent), incarnation of God in human form (Christmas), repentance and forgiveness (Lent), deaths and resurrections (Holy Week and Easter), the coming of the Spirit to the church (Pentecost), and the everyday work of Christians and the church (ordinary time).

Celebrating Advent Together - Opportunities for your spirit and to serve

Nourish your spirit for the coming of the Christ.


Family lights advent candlesSunday, November 30, 10:30AM worship
       Bring a dish to share.

Making ornaments for the children's Christmas tree.  
Sunday, November 30, church school.
       An annual tradition for children and youth together.

Christmas Tree Shopping and Lunch Out.
Sunday, November 30, after worship.
      An annual tradition for our youth.  Bring lunch $, if possible.

Midweek TaizĂ© worship
Tuesday, December 2, 7PM

Sunday Taizé worship.
All Sundays, 9 AM, Sanctuary.


Celebrating Steve Halsted.  
Saturday, December 6, 5-7:30PM.
       Our farewell party of funny skits and refreshments to celebrate Steve's years with us and his retirement. This celebration takes the place of our annual Christmas party.  All ages invited!

Communion bread, two chalices and a pitcher.Communion - all are welcome!
Sunday, December 7 at 10:30AM worship.
Sunday, December 21 at 9AM worship.

Decorate the Children's Christmas Tree.
Sunday, December 7, during Church School.

Life and Faith in Downtown Raleigh Advent party.  
Tuesday, December 9, 7PM, Tyler's Tap Room.

The Spiritual Significance of Bread/Food.  
Saturday, December 13, 10AM-2PM
       Advent retreat.


Angels sing to baby Jesus at manger in Christmas pageant
Christmas Pageant.  
Sunday, December 14, 10:30AM worship.
       Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, etc. are welcome to participate in the pageant.  Youth are assisting.  Talk to Anne Bailey.


Garland of greens decorates the sanctuaryDecorate the building for Christmas.
Saturday, December 20, 9:30AM.
       Lend a hand as we decorate the building for Christmas.  

Children decorate the hallway for Christmas.
Sunday, December 21, during church school (10:30AM)

Youth Christmas Party
Sunday, December 21, church school
     Youth will celebrate Christmas with a white elephant party in Church School. Please bring a wrapped gift of under $5, or find something zany at home and wrap it up.

Carols and Lullabies - Christmas in the Southwest
Sunday, December 21, 10:30AM worship
      The choir will be presenting this suite by Conrad Susa, as requested by Steve Halsted.  Accompaniment will be provided by Doug Barrick (organ), Mike Schafele (dulcimer), and Jake Wenger (cello).

Caroling at Morningside
Sunday, December 21, after worship, leaving from Fellowship Hall
      We'll walk across the street for about a half hour of singing carols with the residents at Morningside.

Christmas Eve worship for all ages.  
Wednesday, December 24, 5PM.
Candlelight Service of Scripture and carols, followed by a brief fellowship of hot cider in the fellowship hall.

Worship with your family.  
Sunday, December 28.
       No Church School for children or youth today.


Wondering how to serve others?  

Here are special Advent projects.

Christmas Menu of Compassionate Gifts
        Sponsored by Community Outreach Ministry. 
        Final day to donate after worship is December 21 and online is December 31.

Human Beans Together! serving lunch to those in Moore Square
       Sponsored by the Youth Group (adult drivers needed, too)
       Sunday, December 7


Salvation Army Christmas Stocking Project
       Sponsored by Children's Church School.  
       Final date to drop off gifts is December 7.

Urban Ministries Food Bag
       Sponsored by Community Outreach Ministry.
       Drop off December 7.