First Sunday of Advent
Embracing the Darkness
Matthew 24:36-44
Rev. Brian Kemp-Schlemmer, Pastor

Sunday worship at 8:30 & 10:30 AM.  Sunday School for kids PreK-5th grade held during the 10:30 service - begin with us in the Sanctuary.

This Sunday, November 30th, we will host the Fifth Sunday Potluck.  We invite you to bring a covered dish or dessert to share.  If you are unable to bring something it's ok.  There's always plenty and we'd rather have you there.

Print copies are available at the Welcome Center Desk.

One of my most precious spiritual practices as the nights get longer is to light a candle as a way of being with our Beloved God. The lighting of the candle tends to be coupled with journaling or simply remaining in silence. It’s also been a way to re-remember my own belovedness and to let go of my desire for control and idealism each day.

As we begin Advent, we have a beautiful opportunity to begin again. We are invited to return to Christ daily - we must be intentional about being present with the Prince of Peace during our busy lives. Yes, God is always with us. Yet we are invited to be with our Beloved each day. 

To offer time for staff and volunteers to relax and celebrate with family and friends, the church and Philip's Cupboard will be closed starting at 2 PM on Wednesday (11/26) and Thursday (11/27). Click the button for the full holiday weekend schedule.

Hanging of the Greens

We will be decorating the Sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas seasons on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM. Come and deck the halls with us.

Boys and Girls Club Christmas

Margaret, Sue, and Dirk will be at the Welcome Center Desk on Sunday with names of Boys and Girls Club kids and their wish list.  Stop by and get a list to make a bright Christmas for a young person from our community.

Holiday Composting

With the Thanksgiving and Christmas season coming, there will be lots of food, and lots of food waste. Please consider bringing your scraps, including turkey carcasses to our the green composting bins beside the main trash bin in the parking lot. The code is 1185.

Saturday 11-29

9:00 AM Hanging of the Greens (Sanctuary)

Sunday 11-30

8:30 AM Traditional Style Worship
9:30 AM Coffee and Conversation (DeLong Lounge)
12:00 PM Fifth Sunday Potluck (Fellowship Hall)
10:30 AM Contemporary Praise Worship
6:00 PM Student Life Breakthrough (2nd Floor)
6:45 PM New Way Recovery Group (Room 205)

Monday 12-1

12-2 PM Philip's Cupboard Open (B03)
6:30 PM Bibles@Barleys (offsite)

Wednesday 12-3

4-6 PM Philip's Cupboard Open (B-03)
5:00 PM Meditation and Centering Prayer (Sanctuary)
5:00 PM Women's Book Study (DeLong Lounge

6:00 PM Community Meal (Fellowship Hall)

6:30 PM Bell Choir Rehearses (B-02)
6:45PM Kids Faith in Motion (Lower Level) and Student Life Ministries Youth (2nd Floor)

6:45 PM Advent Taizé Worship

7:30 PM Vocal Choir Rehearsal (B-02)

Thursday 12-4

12:00 PM Soul Food Book Study for Men (DeLong Lounge)
5:30 PM Praise Band Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
7:00 PM Gospel/Dixie Band Rehearsal (B-02)

Friday 12-5

Office Closed
12-2 PM Phlilp's Cupboard Open

Sunday 12-7
2nd Sunday of Advent

8:30 AM Traditional Worship
9:30 AM Coffee and Conversation (DeLong Lounge)
10:30 AM Contemporary Worship/Sunday School (begin in worship)
12:00 PM All Staff Meeting
6:00 PM Student Life Breakthrough (203)
6:45 PM New Way Recovery Group (205)