From the Pastor

This Sunday the Rev. Rebecca Barnes will lead us in worship. She will be preaching on Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 and John 14:1-7, 25-27. These texts contain some of my favorite images in Scripture: of righteousness and peace kissing each other, and of the living Christ preparing a place for us, for there are many dwelling places in God’s house. And then, Jesus Christ tells us that we will receive peace through the Holy Spirit.

Our youth will be lighting the Advent candles of Hope and then Peace. They’ll also lead us in learning some hand motions for one of their favorite songs. Plus we’ll hear a reference from Thich Nhat Hanh’s book “Peace Is Every Step,” regarding a meditation/breath practice that will help us stay mindful, awake, and alert to our everyday circumstances.

Looking forward to participating with you and our youth in worship.

Paul

Christmas Joy Offering

This month CHPC will be collecting contributions to the Christmas Joy Offering, one of the special offerings of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Your gift to the Christmas Joy Offering strengthens the church by supporting past, present, and future church leaders. The offering supports leadership development for communities of color and helps Presbyterian church workers who have urgent financial, medical, or housing needs.

You may contribute during worship December 17 or 24 using one of the envelopes provided. You may also give online at the church

website or mail a check to the church. Please give generously!

Advent Calendar

Second Sunday in Advent

(11:00 a.m. Sanctuary)

December 10: Peace

Rev. Rebecca Barnes preaching

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 + John 14:1-7, 25-27

Jesus Christ promises to give us peace, but not as the world gives—therefore we do not have to have troubled hearts or be afraid.

Crescent Hill youth participating in worship!

Third Sunday in Advent

(11:00 a.m. Sanctuary)

December 17: Joy

Rev. Paul Seebeck preaching

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 + Luke 1:46-55

Both these scriptures speak to the deep joy found in the coming of the Lord into our lives. But too often we feel like we have to create or even purchase our way to joy for Christmas to be successful.

Fourth Sunday in Advent 

Christmas Eve Service

(5:30 p.m. Sanctuary)

December 24

Our traditional “Lessons & Carols” service

Join us as we learn about and sing together our favorite Christmas hymns, including “Silent Night, Holy Night” by candlelight.

There will be no 11 a.m. service on Christmas Eve.

Second Sunday with Sid December 10

It’s time again for our once-a-month Second Sunday with Sid (the puppet) gathering on Zoom, this Sunday, December 10, from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. We will show several Sid videos, discuss the Bible stories, and light candles for the Second Sunday of Advent. All children and the young at heart are invited join us, and feel free to bring pets and friends. We look forward to seeing everyone!

Please contact Jerry Van Marter at Jerryvanmarter@gmail.com or Eva Stimson at Eva.stimson@gmail.com to be added to the list to receive the Zoom link for our monthly Second Sundays with Sid gatherings.

Community Chair Yoga

Beginning January 8, the Rev. Ginny Brown will be leading a Chair Yoga class at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church. Yoga is a beautiful journey of one’s body, emotion, mind, and spirit. A yoga practice teaches us how to be present in the moment, feel our feelings without judgment, and move inside. Chair Yoga increases flexibility, strength, endurance, and focus. Breath work is central, offering a respite from tension and a time to calm our central nervous systems, re-entering the world from a different place. Yoga is accessible to every “body” as we learn to be kind and affirming of ourselves – knowing there is no competition, simply community. Please bring a blanket.



Invite your friends and neighbors. Each person is required to fill out a waiver, and there is a suggested $10 donation to support the ministries of Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church. We will meet in the fellowship hall from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Monday mornings, beginning January 8, 2024. Please arrive early. For more information, contact the Rev. Ginny Brown at DHWVLB@Aol.com.

Build-A-Bed

CHPC and First Christian Church, December 9 & 10

First Christian Church

7700 US Highway 42

Please join CHPC in our upcoming Build-A-Bed event on December 9 and 10. CHPC is partnering with First Christian Church of Louisville in building 25 beds for children in our community, many of whom are sleeping on the floor, an air mattress, or a sofa. There's not a better way of going into the Advent Season than by providing 25 children a comfortable bed of their own. Please sign up in the narthex to volunteer or to donate. New standard twin sheet sets, new teddy bears, new pillows and new diverse children's books are also needed and can be placed in the narthex. See the attached flyer for more information.

Nativity Set (Creche) Display

Would you like to share a nativity set to be displayed in the sanctuary during Advent?

If so, please leave it in the room off the narthex in a box or bag. Be sure to enclose a note with your name and a brief note about the nativity/creche.

PLEASE NOTE: You can bring your nativity ANY Sunday in Advent and we will find a spot for it.

Questions? Contact Tricia Lloyd-Sidle, revtjls@gmail.com or 502-681-4059.