Once Upon an Advent | Advent Sermon Series
November 30–December 28
This Advent season at Second Presbyterian, we’ll enter the story of Christmas through the wonder of stories themselves. Each week, we’ll listen for how God’s promises of hope, peace, joy, love, and light come to life in both Scripture and story, reminding us that the good news often begins with something small and unexpected. We’ll hear of hope that grows where others see only endings, peace that comes through gentleness and self-giving, joy that blossoms in compassion, and love that transforms even the hardest of hearts. On Christmas Eve, we’ll celebrate the light that shines in the darkness, and the week that follows will invite us to recognize Christ’s presence in everyday moments and simple acts of kindness.
Come and join us for Once Upon an Advent, a season to wonder, to wait, and to rediscover how God’s story is still being written in and among us.
Advent 1 – Hope (Nov. 30)
- Book: The Christmas Cup, by Nancy Ruth Patterson, illus. by Leslie Bowman
- Scripture: Isaiah 11:1–10; Luke 1:5–25, 57–66
Advent 2 – Peace (Dec. 7)
- Book: Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect, by Richard H. Schneider III, illus. by Elizabeth J. Miles
- Scripture: Isaiah 9:2–7; Philippians 4:4–9; Luke 3:1–6
Advent 3 – Joy (Dec. 14)
- Book: Great Joy, by Kate DiCamillo, illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline
- Scripture: Isaiah 35:1–10; Luke 2:8–20
Advent 4 – Love (Dec. 21)
- Book: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, by Susan Wojciechowski, illus. by P.J. Lynch
- Scripture: 1 John 4:7–12
Christmas Eve – Light (Dec. 24)
- Book: Silent Night, by Lara Hawthorne
- Scripture: Luke 2:1–20; John 1
First Sunday of Christmas – Jesus in Our Midst (Dec. 28)
- Book: Shoemaker Martin, by Leo Tolstoy, illus. by Bernadette Watts
- Scripture: Matthew 25
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Angel Tree for LOA Seniors | Return gifts and donations by THIS SUNDAY, Nov. 30 | |
Thank you to our congregation who have taken all 100 gift tags for seniors in our community through the Local Office on Aging (LOA)’s Angel Tree program. We appreciate your generosity. All gifts and items must be returned this Sunday, Nov. 30.
*Small items are still needed to supplement gift bags, such as:
- Boxes of chocolate-covered cherries, Sugar free candy, Tissue boxes, Small packs of toilet paper, Bars of soap, Small bottles of dish detergent, Body lotion, Large-print puzzle books (i.e. wordsearch), etc.
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Donation items may be placed in the labeled bin under the Angel Tree through this Sunday, Nov. 30.
Reminders for gift return:
- Select a tag from the tree.
- Purchase the requested gifts and place them unwrapped in a single decorative Christmas bag (large enough to hold all items).
- Attach your tag securely to the bag.
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Return gift bags under the Angel Tree by this Sunday, November 30.
Questions? Contact Julie Mugford.
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Walmart Gift Card Collection for West End Center for Youth
During the month of November, the Service and Outreach Committee will be collecting Walmart gift cards to give to the West End Center to be included in the Christmas bags given to each child who is a part of their program.
| | The cards should be from Walmart in increments of $5 ($25 max). You can leave them in the box provided at the front desk on Sundays or in Meredith’s office during the week. Thank you, Second congregation, for your generous giving and for making the holidays brighter for youth in our city. | | | Eagle Scout Ice Cream Social | Sunday, Nov. 30 | 12:15 p.m. | Fellowship Hall | |
I am Madelyn Lyons, child of the church, and I’m excited to announce my Eagle Scout Service Project with Roanoke Wildlife Rescue. I will be rebuilding one of their outdoor raccoon enclosures to help provide a safer and improved habitat for the animals in their care.
I will be hosting an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, November 30th after the late worship service to help fund this project. There is no cost for entry, but donations are encouraged (cash preferred; Venmo accepted @madelyn_lyons). All funds raised will support the construction of the new enclosure, and any leftover donations will go directly to Roanoke Wildlife Rescue to help purchase food, medical supplies, and other essential items for the animals. Thank you for your support.
| | | | Advent Devotionals Available | The Presbyterian Outlook's 2025 Advent devotional, "Draw Near," is available for pickup at the welcome table in Kirk Hall for all who want one. The devotional includes artwork by two children of our church, Eleanor Link and Corinne Wilson. More copies will be printed as needed. | |
Wrapped and Ready to Roll
We’re excited to share an update on the first accomplishment of the Frank and Martha Clay Martin Fund for Youth. The 12-passenger van purchased at the end of summer—already serving our youth and church members on trips, retreats, and service projects—now features a brand-new Second Presbyterian-branded wrap!
The design beautifully blends our church’s tradition with a modern, eye-catching look that will represent Second Presbyterian throughout the community.
We’re grateful to the Martin Fund for making both the purchase and this upgrade possible, and to Invoke Design of Roanoke for their excellent work.
Photos below—come see the transformation!
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A Solution for Unused Christmas Cards
Have extra or unused Christmas cards? Bring them to church and place them in the Jail Ministry box in the Coat Closet.
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Beginning November 1st, as part of our Jail Ministry, the Service and Outreach Committee is collecting unused cards to share with chaplains at local jails. These cards will be given to incarcerated men and women so they can send messages to their loved ones this Christmas. Stamps will also be provided to help cover postage.
Thank you for helping share hope and connection this holiday season.
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Thanksgiving Day Drumstick Dash
It’s time to sign up for the Drumstick Dash event to benefit the Rescue Mission! Taking place Thanksgiving morning at 9:00 a.m., run, walk, and virtual run/walk events are available. If you have plans to attend, consider joining the Second Presbyterian Team! When registering online, click to join an existing Team Challenge and select Second Presbyterian under Churches from the list. There will be special recognition given to the
largest church group participating. So head to www.drumstickdash.net and sign up for the Second Presbyterian team!
NEW COUPON CODE: Get $5 off by using this code at checkout: SecondPres25. For a limited time only.
| | Tuesday, Dec. 2 | 6:00 p.m. | Twisted Track | Men of the church, you are invited to grab your favorite brew (craft, root, non-alcoholic, or otherwise), pull up a chair, and join us for Theology on Tap—a space where faith meets real life over good conversation and better company. No homework, no pop quizzes, no seminary degree required. Just bring your questions, your stories, and your appetite for deep truth. We’ll wrestle with big ideas, laugh at ourselves, and share stories. Because sometimes the holiest thing you can do on a Tuesday night is sip, share, and let theology spill over into the way you live. | | Order online by Friday, December 5 | | If you would like to give memorial or celebration poinsettias for the Christmas season services, please complete the online registration form. The deadline for receiving orders is Friday, December 5. Poinsettias will be displayed during services on December 14 (pink) and 21 through Christmas Eve (red). | | Senior Outing to the Swinging Bridge Restaurant | Friday, Dec. 12 | 10:30 a.m. | |
Join us for a delightful senior outing to the Swinging Bridge Restaurant on Friday, December 12! Enjoy an afternoon surrounded by beautiful views, great company, and a delicious meal in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with friends, share stories, and rejoice in the holiday season together. We will meet at the church at 10:30 a.m. and ride in the church van to Paint Bank Virginia. We plan to eat lunch and enjoy time exploring the area together. If you would like to join, please RSVP by going to the following link, emailing Meredith Koliba or calling the church office. The deadline for RSVP’s is Saturday, December 6th.
We hope this will be the first of many senior outings to come post pandemic. If you have any specific questions please contact Mia Copeland.
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Christmas Dinner & Pageant
December 7 | 5:00 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
| We look forward to our traditional Christmas Dinner & Pageant on Sunday, December 7! Those who did not register for dinner are still welcome to join us at 6:15 p.m. in the sanctuary for the Christmas Pageant with music by the children. You do not have to attend the dinner to see the pageant. | |
Pop-Up Sunday School | G.F. Handel with Dr. Robert White
December 7 | 9:45 a.m. | Chapel
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In anticipation of the Chancel Choir’s performance of Handel’s Messiah this December, join us on December 7 for a special Pop-Up Sunday School class led by Dr. Robert White. Dr. White will guide us through the life and work of George Frideric Handel, the origins and structure of Messiah, and the oratorio’s lasting cultural and spiritual impact.
| | This visually and musically engaging presentation will include a short PowerPoint and musical excerpts from Messiah to deepen our appreciation for this beloved masterpiece. Don’t miss this enriching opportunity to prepare your heart and mind for the music of the season. | |
George Frideric Handel: MESSIAH
Sunday, December 14 | 5:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
FREE ADMISSION
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Knitted Hats for School Children Due Early December
Thank you to all who have been knitting this season! Your beautiful hats and scarves will help keep the children of Highland Park Elementary warm this winter, and we’re grateful for every stitch offered in love. Whether you’ve been knitting from home or gathering with the Knitting Group on Thursday mornings at 9:30 in the Hospitality Room, your work is a true blessing. Yarn and instructions are still available in the Hospitality Room closet, and we kindly ask that all finished items be turned in there by early December. This program was lovingly started by Margaret Foss, and we’re grateful for all who continue her legacy. Contact Emily Mallory with any questions (540-344-1780).
| | Volunteers Needed for Our Family Promise Hosting Week | | | |
Second Presbyterian's next host week is December 21st through 24th. We will be providing hospitality without the help of another church this week.
Thanks to all who have committed to help! The remaining slots which need to be filled are evening (7-9PM) and overnight (9PM–7AM) on Tuesday, December 23. Please email Lucinda Hancock to sign up.
| | | | Commitment cards have been mailed and are available in the sanctuary and at the front office. You can communicate your financial commitment via mail, by phone or email to Church Administrator Nathan Anderson (540-343-3659), or online via your Realm account (Log in --> Giving --> + Pledge --> 2026 General Fund). | | | | |
