All are invited to attend Oneonta’s Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Wednesday, December 24 at 5:00pm in the Sanctuary. Rev. Lincoln Skinner will wrap-up his Advent sermon series with the Christmas Eve homily The Signs, Wonders, and Miracles of Christmas, based on Isaiah 7:14. The Chancel Choir and soloists will fill the Sanctuary with the beautiful sounds of Christmas along with a performance by the Oneonta Community Children’s Choir. As has become our tradition, a Brass quartet and our own Bill Schmidt at the organ will complete the evening’s musical offerings. A special selection of prelude music will begin around 4:45pm. This will be a wonderful time to reflect upon the Word of God, spoken and sung, as we worship together in our beautifully decorated Sanctuary.
We hope that as we gather on this special night, something of the hope and joy of Christmas may come awake in our lives. Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors to share in this special service.
DONATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS FLOWERS & MUSIC – If you would like to contribute to the poinsettias &/or special music for Christmas, please either use the donation form on the advent newsletter (available in the Narthex and in the church office) or simply list your dedication in the memo line on your check. You can put your donation in the offering plate, bring it to the church office or mail it to the church. Please turn in your donations by this Sunday, December 14. Dedications will be listed in the Order of Worship and Messenger the week of Christmas.
SUNDAY ADULT STUDY – The Sunday Adult Study invites everyone to the current study entitled “The Music of Christmas” at 10:45am in Button Hall.
ADVENT & CHRISTMAS CAROL SING – Continuing through Sunday, December 28, there will be a carol sing 10 minutes before the traditional service. This is an opportunity to sing your favorite carol or to simply join in singing many of the familiar tunes of the Advent and Christmas season. Come ready to call out the number of the carol of your choice. We will sing 2 verses of each selection accompanied by our own Bill Schmidt at the organ console. Don’t be left in the cold (or the narthex). Step into the warmth and beauty of our Sanctuary and sing out!
LIBRARY NEWS – The Library has a wonderful collection of Christmas books. Come in and choose one or two to share with your family or a friend or just enjoy yourself during this holiday season!
ARROYO SINGERS CONCERT – On Sunday, December 14 at 4pm in the Sanctuary, the Arroyo Singers will present “An International Holiday Celebration” concert. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors & students, and children under age 10 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or call 323-256-5332 for tickets &/or information.
LOS AMIGOS NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – You are invited to join our Los Amigos group at our New Year’s Eve Party in the home of Dan & Carol Evans on Wednesday, December 31 at 8:00pm. Please bring a “finger food” to share plus your own drinks. The cost is $4 per person. As in years past, we hope to see some of the Rose Parade floats drive by on their way to the float line up in Pasadena. Bring a warm jacket. Please RSVP to Dan & Carol Evans or the church office by Sunday, December 28.
ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFT FAIR – The Outreach Committee would like to thank those who generously supported our charities at the Alternative Christmas Gift Fair. $2,810 was raised and checks will be sent out this week to the charities, which greatly appreciate these gifts.
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WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
- Sunday, December 14 – Traditional Worship Service @ 9:30am, Sanctuary / Coffee & Fellowship Hour @ 10:30am, Tower Room / Adult Bible Study @ 10:45am, Button Hall / ONE Worship @ 11:30am, GH / Arroyo Singers Concert @ 4pm, Sanctuary
- Tuesday, December 16 – Board Meeting @ 7pm, Tower Room
- Wednesday, December 17 – No Adult Bible Study / Youth Group @ 7:00pm
- Thursday, December 18 – Prayer @ Noon, Redwood Chapel / Chancel Choir @ 7:30pm, Button Hall
- Saturday, December 20 – Hand Bell Team Rehearsal @ 3:30pm, Button Hall
- Sunday, December 21 – Traditional Service @ 9:30am, Sanctuary / Coffee & Fellowship Hour @ 10:30am / Adult Study @ 10:45am, Button Hall / ONE Worship @ 11:30am, GH
- Wednesday, December 24 – Church Office Hours: 9am-Noon / Christmas Eve Candlelight Service @ 5:00pm, Sanctuary
- Thursday, December 25 – MERRY CHRISTMAS! Church Office & Campus CLOSED
- Friday, December 26 – Church Office & Campus CLOSED
Oneonta Congregational Church 