December 17
O Antiphons Advent Service
December 17, 2023 at 6 pm
The COS O Antiphons Advent service makes use of a series of medieval prayers referred to as the O Antiphons. They were composed for use in evening prayer services on the last seven days of Advent. They are best known to us as the seven verses of the advent hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Each antiphon is a petition for Christ to come, addressing the Messiah with a title from Old Testament prophecies. In anticipation of this year’s service, we invite members of the congregation to contribute artwork for our worship. To Introduce you to to some of the history of the Great O Antiphons, you’re invited to attend our GPS Adult Ed on Sunday, Dec. 10 following morning worship.
Learn more about the O Antiphons Advent Service here.
December 24
Prism Service with Intergenerational telling of God’s salvation story
10 am
This year our Christmas Eve is on a Sunday! So, we’ll be incorporating the heart of our children’s Christmas Eve service into the Sunday Morning worship on Dec. 24. Since children are the storytellers in this service, we’ll need lots of kids to sign up for speaking and non-speaking role to help share the stories of Scripture. Even toddlers and preschoolers enjoy playing shepherds and angels—and you’re welcome to put on a costume to join them! We’ll need a few angelic parents to sit with the kids and shepherd them through their portion of the program!
To prepare, we’ll have two rehearsals during the Sunday School hour on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.
So, you’ll simply need to be at church for the two Sundays before Christmas Eve and, and then arrive in time for your kids to get into their costumes before church on Dec. 24. Contact Jo Howe to learn more
Communion & candlelight service
11 pm
Carols with communion & candlelight, with Rev. Jack Roeda preaching
December 25
Christmas Day service
Christmas Day Musical Prelude Sunday, Dec. 25, 9:45 am*
This year our children and teens are invited to share their musical gifts with the congregation by playing or singing a Christmas song before the Christmas Day service. This is a great opportunity for new musicians who are just learning an instrument as well as skilled musicians to play for an appreciative audience. Duets and quartets between a parent and child, siblings, or friends are welcome! Sign up at the children’s welcome kiosk or by emailing Jo at Jo.howe@coscrc.org. If you are playing in the musical prelude, please arrive at church at 9:40 am on Christmas morning.
*Please note the change this year from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day.