November 27, 2011 – January 1, 2012
November 27-December 3, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
This Sunday we begin unwrapping what Christmas means as we observe the first Sunday of Advent. Unwrapping Peace is the theme for the day as we identify with the ancient Hebrews who had lost their homeland and had lost their way, but remembered the promise of God. They longed for salvation and a Messiah. This is reflected in today’s service based on Isaiah 64:1- 9 by Robert Young’s beautiful setting of O Come, O Come Immanuel. The Sanctuary Choir will contribute Handel’s And the Glory of the Lord from Messiah. The Sanctuary will be adorned with the greenery of Advent.
Saturday, December 3, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
December is special in every way and Kid’s Night Out is no exception as it moves to daytime. School-age children leave at 10:00 a.m. sharp to attend the AD Players production of the “Best Christmas Pageant Ever” at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. After the play, we hop back on the bus to go to lunch and then shopping to purchase clothes and toys for local families in need. Then we head back to church by 3:00 p.m. to play and just hang with friends. Preschoolers celebrate Jesus’ birthday with a special party with crafts, games and birthday cake! Kid’s Day Out is available for infants through 5th graders. The cost is $20 for one child, $30 for two children, and $40 maximum for three or more children (all immediate family) and includes lunch.
Drop-Off at Youth Center
You’ve got wrapping that needs to be done, and we’ve got youth who want to go to camp, mission trips, and all sorts of fun activities! Our Youth Chorebusters will be wrapping presents so that YOU can have more time to do the things that you love (spending time with family, cooking figgy pudding...) and less time curling ribbons and getting paper cuts! To schedule a time to drop presents off, email Kevin (kevin@smbc.org), starting Sunday, November 27, until Sunday, December 18. Pick up presents, neatly wrapped (with or without bows - your choice!) the following Sunday or Wednesday at the Youth Center. The last pick up day will be December 21. The cost for wrapping is $2 - $6 per item. It’s a Christmas Miracle!
December 4-10, 2011
Sunday, December 4, 8:30 a.m., Westmoreland Chapel
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-7)
Advent is certainly a time of joy and blessing, but it is also a time of intense grieving for many of us. You are not alone. We will gather in the Chapel for a powerfully healing service as we join together in worship. We will call out the names of our loved ones who have died and light a candle in their memory as we recognize the light they were to us while they were here. This is a sacred service of contemplation, prayer, music, and light. For more information, contact Amy Grizzle Kane (amy@smbc.org).
Sunday December 4, 11:00 a.m. Sanctuary
The Second Sunday of Advent the Joyful Sound (middle school) and Revelation (high school) youth choirs will join with the Righteous Ringers (youth handbell choir) and Maranatha (the senior high auditioned ensemble) to lend beauty and excitement to worship. The message, Unwrapping Hope, is based on Jeremiah 29:10-13.
Sunday, December 4, Noon - 3:00 p.m. Meet in Fellowship Hall
Help spread the joy of Christmas! Join us as we sing carols in nursing homes around the area and to South Main homebound members. We’ll meet in the Fellowship Hall for lunch, cookies, and cider before we depart with carols on our lips and love in our hearts. This is a wonderful way to give a Christmas blessing to those who may feel lonely and forgotten.
December 11-17, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
The message, Unwrapping Joy, is based on Luke 1:5-25. Joy will indeed be expressed delightfully in the Sanctuary Choir’s Glory to God in the Highest accompanied by a jazz ensemble. One Accord and Agape will sing Benjamen Britten’s setting of A Boy Was Born.
Sunday, December 11, 5:40 p.m., Sanctuary
5:40 p.m. - Preconcert music: This powerful introduction to worship will feature music of The South Main Festival Brass and organ led by trumpeter Joshua Wiggins and organist Daryl Robinson.
6:00 p.m. - The one-hour concert will feature two very different settings of the Gloria as well as “glorious” music by Agape and One Accord, the South Main Festival Brass and percussion and a jazz ensemble. John Rutter’s Gloria was first performed at South Main in the Christmas Candlelight service of 1987, Thomas Coker’s first Christmas program at South Main. This year it will be used to help celebrate his 25th Christmas concert at South Main. Rob Landes’ Jazz Gloria and great singing by the congregation will balance this very special evening.
Monday, December 12, 11:30 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Our senior adults will enjoy a “Birthday Madrigal Christmas” presented by the Joyful Sound.
Wednesday, December 14, 6:30 p.m., Westmoreland Chapel
Do You Hear What I Hear? This is the theme of our children’s choirs Christmas program. The celebration will move to Westmoreland Chapel this year. You’ll see and hear angelic children sing and ring handchimes and handbells.
Friday, December 16, 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., Youth Center
Time for an Incarnation Celebration! O Come, O Come ye merry teens to celebrate the coming of our Lord through singing, eating, and crazy Christmas games! As has been our tradition, the Senior Class of 2012 will be hosting our Christmas Party!
December 18-24, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
The Good News for the 4th Sunday of Advent is entitled Unwrapping Love. All of South Main’s handbell choirs will “ring in” the love we find in Christ this Sunday morning.
Sunday, December 18, 9:45 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Bring your favorite brunch dish and join us for an hour of fun and fellowship with all adult Sunday School Communities.
Sunday December 18, 12:15 p.m., Great Hall/Front Lawn
Pet a baby lamb, ride a donkey, have your picture made with a real camel and the silliest wise men around. The anticipation and excitement in your child’s eyes will proclaim the joy of Christmas as your family and friends make their way through a remarkable and giggle-filled journey to see baby Jesus! Join us in the Great Hall for a yummy lunch for children (and a light snack for adults) and to hear the magnificent story of a little mouse and his special journey with Clip Clop the donkey to prepare us for our own journey!
Wednesday December 21, 5:00 p.m., Gymnasium
We will gather together with our neighbors who are homeless for a nice Christmas meal around tables in the gym. One Accord will sing for the gathering and our Pastor, Steve Wells, will share a Christmas message. Look for an opportunity to volunteer.
3:30 p.m., Trinity Pines Chapel
We offer Christ’s love and assure our neighbors who are homeless of God’s presence among us as we sing Christmas carols, read the Christmas story, and share testimonies and the fellowship of the Christian family on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Tree will be decorated as a part of this celebration and hot chocolate will be served.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 5:00 p.m., Sanctuary
This one-hour service of lessons and carols has become a central part of celebrating Christmas for many South Mainers and is a perfect place to bring friends and family to share the true meaning of the season. It is our long-held custom to end the service singing Silent Night as each person in the service holds a lit candle and together we process out of the Sanctuary and surround the fountain, symbolically taking the light of Christ out to the community. The Christmas Eve Choir is open to all. Come and bring your “singing friends” who may happen to be in town to join in the joyful rehearsal in the music suite on Wednesday evening, December 21, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. The Christmas Eve Choir will gather at 3:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve for final preparations.
10:00 p.m., Chafin Building Gathering Area
Join us before our 11:00 p.m. Carols, Candles, and Communion Service for coffee, treats, and friends.
11:00 p.m., Westmoreland Chapel
This service of Lessons and Carols will lead into a communion service and conclude joyfully as we exit to celebrate Christmas Day with Joy to the World the Lord Is Come.
8:00 a.m., Trinity Pines Chapel
A special Christmas Day Worship Service will be offered for the homeless. The Manna volunteers will assist in the service which will include Scripture, Music and Message. All are welcome to participate.
1:00 p.m., Sanctuary
On this day, our sole focus will be worship of the newborn King at 1:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Festive music for the day will include the Sanctuary Choir singing Fanfare for Christmas Day and Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella. Singing guests and choir alum are invited to join us at 12:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 31, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
It will be an around the world celebration as we ring in the New Year with stops in London, Nigeria, Antarctica, and Moscow! Parents enjoy a great evening out on New Year’s Eve with friends or a quiet evening in together. As always, Kid’s Night Out is available for infants through 5th graders. The cost is $20 for one child, $30 for two children, and $40 maximum for three or more children (all immediate family) and includes dinner.
Sunday School for all Ages, 9:40 a.m.
You Can Begin Again 11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
Our pastor will be preaching, “You Can Begin Again.” This is an excellent opportunity to bring a friend or loved one who needs a church home. The Sanctuary Choir with singing visitors will contribute Robert Sterling’s gospel setting of Blessed Assurance.
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