Originally published December 5, 2021

Most of us have multiple calendars. Some of us operate by school calendars, work calendars, government 3-day holiday calendars, sports calendars, children's and even grandchildren's calendars and our own personal calendars. Sometimes we operate on rhythms that have nothing to do with a calendar. I would like a cup of espresso every morning around 10:30 a.m. Sometimes I get it, sometimes not.

There are also church calendars which involve meetings, deadlines, pledge campaigns, etc., and liturgical calendars which measure sacred time: Advent, Easter, Pentecost, All Saints' Day, Ascension Day, etc. 

Preachers would love it if every church member put the church and liturgical calendar in the primary place of importance, but that is an unrealistic, even naive, wish. We spend all our weeks (another calendar!) balancing our many schedules. Only God, it seems, has no calendar at all, unless one calls the consummation of all time and the restoration of earth to its intended purpose a divinely calendarized item.

That's enough musing for now. Allow me to highlight some items from the church and liturgical calendar. I prayer you will fit them into your other important calendars:

9:00 A.M. Worship Returns for Advent

If you love early morning worship, we'll meet you in the chapel (entrance on First Street) for a 45-minute worship service. It's been a long time since we've offered this service.

A Festival of Christmas Music - December 12

Our choir inspires us week after week. You will want to be present for this 11:00 a.m. worship experience with the Ainsworth Choir and orchestra!

Children's Christmas Pageant - December 19

This traditional, moving representation of the first Christmas is always a highlight of the year. Christi James, Mary Charles Dunn and others are organizing this 11:00 a.m. worship experience.

Christmas Eve Services

We will offer two communion services this year. The first will be at 11:00 a.m. giving an opportunity for those who prefer an earlier service or may be unable to attend the later service. Our second service will be at 6:00 p.m. preceded by choral and instrumental music. Both services will be in the sanctuary.

Sunday, December 26th Worship

We'll offer juice and cinnamon rolls in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 10:00 a.m. Sunday School classes may meet if they so choose. The 11:00 a.m. worship service will include a Christmas story and many Christmas carols and hymns.