Hunger is a universal human experience, drawing attention to our most basic needs for food and nourishment and our more complex needs—peace, liberation, and meaning in this life. So, it’s no wonder that the story of Jesus—the one who came to feed the hungry—begins, ends, and centers around food.

Our Advent worship series, From the Manger, gathers around the birth story in Luke 2, embracing the playful symbolism of a newborn Jesus being laid down to sleep in a feeding trough in a town called “House of Bread.” 

Advent Devotional

Our Advent devotional will be available in hard copy in the church office and as a PDF download with the weekly Sunday email. There are scriptures, reflections, and discussion questions available for each week, along with an Advent candle liturgy for your home.

Angel Tree

In keeping with our From the Manger focus on hunger, this year’s Angel Tree will be a Virtual Food Drive for Channel One. There will be envelopes available in the Commons along with QR code ornaments for a digital donation. Envelopes with donation can be returned to the church office through Christmas Eve. We encourage you to support Channel One as part of your holiday giving.

Concerts:

  • Tuesday Advent Concerts in the Sanctuary: December 2, 9, and 16 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. 
  • Rochester Chamber of Music: December 6, 2025, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.*
  • Tuba Christmas Concert: December 20, 2025, Noon to 1:00 p.m.*
  • Folk String Instrument Christmas Jam: December 21, 2025, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
  • Cantus Vocal Ensemble: December 22, 2025, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.*

* Tickets can be purchased at the door

Caring Ministries:

  • December 2, 3:00 p.m.: “A Joyful History: Christmas and the Civil War.” George Romano’s historical presentation, done tongue-in-cheek, tells the story of Christmas’s four Civil War campaigns and how, in the end, Christmas wins the Civil War.
  • December 16, 3:00 p.m. Flourishing TLC with Ed Dijoseph.
  • December 21, Longest Night: Our Caring Ministries will host a table after both worship services to share resources and conversation for anyone needing support in this season. 

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule: All services include candlelighting 

  • 11:00 a.m. Arise Service: Contemporary worship featuring our Arise band and holy communion 
  • 4:00 p.m. Children’s Service: Special children’s message, pop-up pageant, and carols 
  • 7:00 p.m. Traditional Service: Handbells, choi,r and organ with traditional hymns 
  • 10:00 p.m. Communion Service: Contemplative worship with holy communion

December 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m.: Combined Lessons and Carols Worship

We’ll celebrate the story of our faith and the joy of Christ’s birth through scripture and beloved Christmas songs. Join us for a combined worship service at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.