Advent and Christmas Worship and Classes at Willow Grove Church

In the season of Advent when Christians prepare their hearts and homes for Christmas, Willow Grove Presbyterian Church invites the community to worship and to adult classes during the month of December. Sunday morning worship services at 10:00 am include Christmas carols, a time for children, lighting the Advent wreath, classes for all ages and special music.  Rev. Cynthia Cochran-Carney will be preaching a series of sermons based on the book “God is in the Manger:  Reflections on Advent and Christmas” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Childcare is provided for young children.  After worship there is a time for refreshments.

On Sunday, Dec. 16, the children and youth of the church will present a modern Christmas pageant at 10:00 am.  The story of Jesus’ birth will be told with a modern twist.  In addition, the choir will be singing special anthems, including “O Holy Night.”   The Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols will be held on Monday, December 24 at 7:30 pm.

The Sunday Adult Forum Classes that are held after worship in Kiep Lounge will focus on the themes in Bonhoeffer’s book.  Rev. Cochran-Carney will lead discussions on this collection of writings by this great Christian writer.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor, theologian, and dissident anti-Nazi in the 1930’s.  His writings on Christianity's role in the secular world have become widely influential. His books The Cost of Discipleship and Letters and Papers from Prison are modern classics. The themes will also be reflected in Sunday sermons—Waiting, Mystery, Redemption, and Incarnation.

During the week, the community is invited to the Thursday Morning Bible Study for a series entitled Rejoice! A Study of Four Christmas Carols. Christmas carols are some of the most evocative parts of the season for many. We will explore the history behind four of our favorite carols and the biblical images woven into each song. The four hymns will be "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,”  "Silent Night, Holy Night," "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and  "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."  Study group meets on Thursdays at 10:00 am in Kiep Lounge.

Willow Grove Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) is located in Scotch Plains at 1961 Raritan Road, across the street from the Scotch Plains Southside Firehouse and Southside Soccer Field, and near the corner of South Martine Avenue. All our facilities are handicap-accessible.  Check our website for other ministries.  www.willowgrovechurch.org or call the church (908)232-5678.