Advent Services
December 3, 2023
Mark 13: 24-37
Why do we start Advent with thoughts of the end times? We’d rather focus on our to do lists, but our better selves are aware that beginning with the end in mind may actually help us to best experience the season.
December 10, 2023
The combined choirs of Good Shepherd and Taylor Chapel, along with musicians from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, bring a special 10am musical service giving glory to the “Light” of Christmas.
December 17, 2023
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11
John 1:6-8, 19-28
Both Isaiah and John understood desperation, still they told the people to rejoice. We are called to live in fierce joy: “No matter what might happen to me, I choose to believe and trust in God.”
December 24, 2023
9am Traditional
Luke 1:26-38
11am Children’s Pageant
Luke 2:1-20
Matthew 2:1-2, 10-11
7pm
Isaiah 7:10-14
See below for more details.
Advent & Christmas Activities!
Christmas Tea & Cookie Exchange
Thursday, November 30 / 6:30PM
Fellowship Hall
Sharing the Nativity
Our program this year focuses on the Nativity Story. We ask that you bring one piece of your personal Nativity scene and share what it means to you.
Participation in the Cookie Exchange is optional but super-fun. If you would like to participate, please bring 1 or 2 dozen cookies with you!
Invite a friend and enjoy an evening of Christmas cheer!
Christmas Bible School
December 2 9:00AM-2:00PM
2:00-3:00 Optional Family Time Nativity Gingerbread Decorating
Kids age 3 to 5th grade are invited to our one day Christmas Bible School where they will learn about the Nativity Story through games, crafts, stories, and more! This is a FREE event!
Then at 2pm, sign up for some good old fashioned family time, as you take the characters the children learned about and create your own gingerbread nativity scene! $10 per scene.
“A Light Still Shines”
December 9 5:00PM / Taylor Chapel
December 10 10:00AM / GSC
Join GSC and Taylor Chapel as we join musical talents to present a Christmas musical. You will celebrate the season honoring the birth of our King with vocal and instrumental talents sounds.
Childcare available for ages 0-3.
Christmas Eve Services
9:00AM
”Trust” Luke 1:26-38
Mary’s response to Gabriel is amazing. She’s understandably puzzled, but after having her one question answered, she’s ready to travel a completely different road than she would have ever expected. Her culture would have responded in a completely different way than ours would today (would anyone other than Joseph even notice or care?). Yet, she steps forward with total trust.
11:00AM
Children’s Pageant
ALL children and youth are invited to recreate the Christmas Story! No rehearsal needed. Simply come to GSC at 10:00am and parts will be assigned. This is always the cutest service of the year!
Candlelight and Carols will round out this service.
7:00PM
”What’s In A Name?” - Isaiah 7:10-14
God gives signs through names. Whether it be to a king in a palace facing the burdens of leadership; whether it be to a land groaning under the forced census and taxation of a foreign power, or whether it be to 21st century Americans dealing with issues of war and peace, economic survival, social disruption, and distrust of government; the sign and the name remain the same...Emmanuel...God with Us, the Babe born to be king.
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Childcare will be available for all three services for children age 3 and under.
Things you may be curious about…