Advent at Maxwell Street

Christmas is just a few weeks away, and the Sundays leading up to it are a joyful time of year in the church. The themes of the first two weeks continue the idea of the reign of Christ and that God is at work bringing about the Kingdom. We look for hopeful signs of God’s peace breaking into the world. Celebrating Communion together and enjoying a Christmas Cantata are excellent ways to express these ideas. The third and fourth Sundays more clearly anticipate the celebration of Christmas. The Children’s Pageant on the third Sunday and Mary’s Magnificat on the fourth help us tell the story of the incarnation and the good news for all people. See you in worship this Advent!

Advent Devotionals

Patterns of Divine Possibility

Our Worship Committee is suggesting three possible devotionals that you might follow during this season of Advent. The first is offered by The Presbyterian Outlook and was created by Rev. Terri McDowell Ott. This devotional, titled “Patterns of Divine Possibility,” is a daily devotional that will be available through the MSPC App and on our webpage. Ott writes, “Faith is to trust a pattern exists, to search for God’s handiwork in the myriad designs of life.”
READ HERE

Boundless: An Anti-Colonial Advent Devotional.

The second devotional is offered by Justice Unbound, an online journal and community that examines, expresses, and encourages commitments social justice as inspired by the prophetic gospel of Jesus Christ. Their devotional this year is called, “Boundless: An Anti-Colonial Advent Devotional.” You can find their devotional in an easy to access format below.
READ HERE

The Weary World Rejoices

The final devotional we’re recommending this year was created by Kate Bowler, a Duke professor (don’t hold that against her!), podcaster, and author who says she has a single mission: giving you permission to feel human. She writes, “After years of being told I was incurable, I was declared cancer-free. But there’s no going back. I am forever changed by what I discovered: life is so beautiful and life is so hard. For everyone.” 
READ HERE

Fellowship & Events During Advent

Advent Workshop
Today, December 1 after worship

The Advent Workshop is an annual event to usher in the season! It’s a family friendly afternoon full of crafts and fun. All are welcome. 

Christmas Cantata
Sunday, December 8

During our 10:30 worship service, the Chancel Choir will present K. Lee Scott’s stirring cantata, The Incarnation. The central text of the cantata will be from John’s gospel. Other texts will represent five centuries of Christian faith, including poems by Charles Wesley, Christina Rossetti, Timothy Dudley Smith, Godfrey Goodman, and John Gwyneth. The choir will be joined by the Baird Brass from Morehead State University, timpanist Jim Corcoran from University of the Cumberlands, and guest organist, Gwen Frazier.

Children’s Christmas Pageant  
Sunday, December 15 at church

Celebrate the season with us on this special Sunday as the children of Maxwell Street present a Christmas Pageant titled “Joy to the World!” Join us as our children share the joyous story of Christ’s birth through song, scripture and probably a bit of laughter too!

Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 15 5:00pm

Join us for dinner at 5:00 before we head out caroling with our shut-in community. We’ll split up into groups and carpool to different locations around Lexington to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to Maxwell Streeters unable to attend worship in person. If there is someone you’d like us to visit, please let Kate know in the church office.

Blue Christmas Service
Wednesday, December 18 5:30pm

“Comfort, comfort my people, says God”
There are many moments in our lives when we yearn for comfort and consolation. The holidays can be particularly challenging. Those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, struggling with illness, or are feeling discouraged may be wondering how they will get through the holidays.  In books like Isaiah, scripture tells of times when suffering people looked for a long-awaited Messiah and were given a hope-filled image of God. Those looking for comfort, hope, wholeness, and renewal are invited to gather to pray, hear scripture, and remember Immanuel: God with us.

Mission During Advent

E7 Christmas Shop

Next Sunday, December 8, 1-3pm
The annual Christmas Shop for the children of our E7 after-school program is Sunday, December 8 from 1-3 pm. We have enough volunteers for the Saturday set-up, but we still need volunteers to help the kids shop and to wrap gifts. If you can volunteer, contact Jackie DeCroo at jcdc925@gmail.com or text to 859-420-3566.   We still need new or gently used items for all ages and especially  items for older boys and men (some suggestions - candy, tins of nuts, gloves, cologne, gadgets or anything else you can think of. Items can be places in the office.  Questions about gifts, contact Pam Boldt at joeandpambold@gmail.com or text to 859-619-7737.

Warm Tree

Throughout the Advent Season
You’ll find a Christmas tree located in the Lobby during the season of Advent. It’s ready to be filled with hats, gloves, scarves, mittens, and socks to keep our community warm and this winter season.