Advent on the Hill 2024
The stories, scriptures, and traditions of the Christmas season have been passed down to us through the generations. Many of us enter this season with a swell of memories and emotions. Like a tapestry woven throughout time, the Christmas story weaves us in—to remember how God has shown up in the past, and to behold the presence of God in flesh and bone.
A line from Mary’s song of protest and praise resonates still today, “Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation” (Luke 1: 48b-50). Despite the challenges and vulnerability she faced, Mary could glimpse the scale and scope of the good news she was part of bringing forth. This good news transcends time and space—it was and is bigger than just her, and the promise is meant to be lived out and passed on from generation to generation.
Our theme is also a call to action: what are we being called to generate or bring forth? What have our ancestors and those who have come before us passed on for us to continue? Who are the spiritual elders in our community who planted the seeds for the things that are now blooming? What seeds are we planting for the future?
From Generation to Generation… reminds us of the ways our lives, histories, actions, and stories are interconnected and woven together. The work of God is always unfolding—in and through us.
This Advent, may you remember that you belong—to a story etched into the wrinkles of time, to generations that have come before and will come after, to a love that will not let you go.
Always,
Erica, Jordan, and Lara
We invite you to take a look at all the fun and spiritually uplifting plans we have for Advent.
Advent Sundays (Worship in person or on livestream):
December 1, 10am: First Sunday in Advent – Hope
December 8, 10am: Second Sunday in Advent – Peace
December 15, 10am: Third Sunday in Advent – Joy
December 22, 10am: Fourth Sunday in Advent; Christmas Sunday with choir and brass – Love
Live Nativity:
Tuesday, December 24, 4pm – A Nativity with live animals. Led by Faith Lab Kids and Rev. Jordan, this is a favorite with the young and the young at heart!
Candle-lighting Services:
Tuesday, December 24, 8 and 11pm
Join with friends near and far for a traditional Christmas Eve candle-lighting service in the sanctuary and on livestream.
Christmas Day Worship:
Wednesday, December 25, YouTube Premiere 6am
The clergy and music ministry will share a worship service for you to enjoy at home with your family. The perfect way to begin your Christmas Day celebrations.
Other Advent Events & Opportunities
Intergenerational Advent Wreath Making Event
Sunday, December 1, 4 – 6pm (followed by optional dinner at Parkville Market)
Come one, come all for an evening of Advent delight. We will learn about the history and symbolism of the Advent wreath, and have an opportunity to make a wreath to take home and enjoy throughout the season. There will be activities for children, Christmas caroling, and a hot chocolate and cookie bar. For those seeking some quiet contemplation, the labyrinth in McKeith will be open for prayerful meditation. This event is open to all ages! Register here (required)
Angel Tree Gift Cards
We invite you to be a part of the 2024 Angel Tree Ministry! This year, we will collecting monetary donations for families in need this holiday season. We as a church plan on collecting $5000. Your donation makes it possible for us to allocate funds local agencies to help with making the holidays just a little bit brighter. It is an honor to continue this tradition, and your contribution will ensure a family is able to celebrate the holidays during this stressful time in our world. Agencies that will benefit from your gifts include ConnectiKids, Covenant to Care, Hartford Youth Detention Center, and Trinity Academy. Donations are due by Friday, December 6. You can make your donation here.
Poinsettias on the Chancel ($15.00 each)
To donate a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one, click this link. The deadline for orders is Sunday, December 1. If you would like to write a check, please fill out the form in Drew Hall, attach check/cash and deposit it in the box.If you are interested in delivering a poinsettia to our congregation and community members in need on December 8 following worship, please contact Kristin White at kwhite@ahcc.org.
2024 Christmas Ornaments
Pick up your AHCC Christmas ornament in Drew Hall beginning Sunday, December 1. One ornament per household while supplies last.
Advent Christmas Study
Mondays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, In person: 12-1pm; Same program via Zoom: 6-7pm
Join Rev. Lara for an Advent Study. Using professor and biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine’s Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent, we will explore the biblical texts surrounding the story of the birth of Jesus through the lens of a Jewish scholar. The event will begin with a brief video followed by facilitated questions.
From Generation to Generation: An Advent Concert featuring Organ Music from 1500 to today
Sunday, December 8, 11:30a-12p, AHCC Sanctuary
Please join us for a special concert as organist Susan Carroll takes us on a journey of Advent music spanning the last 500 years.
Advent Lunch & Movie – I Heard the Bells
Wednesday, December 18, 12 – 2:30pm, Drew Hall
Come and enjoy homemade soup and crusty bread for lunch with a private screening of “I Heard the Bells.”
Longest Night Worship Service
Saturday, December 21, 5pm
We know that not everyone is merry and bright this holiday season. Some are dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other dis-ease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other situations that make parties and joviality painful. Join others on the longest night of the year, December 21, as we hold a reflective and holy space, accepting where we really are, and holding out healing and hope.