Category: Christmas

Advent & Christmas 2023

Worship Services

Sunday, December 3, 2023: Worship with Communion at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 10, 2023: Advent Worship at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, December 17, 2023: Christmas Pageant at 10:30 a.m.

Thursday, December 21, 2023: Longest Night Service at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 24, 2023:
Advent Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 5:00 p.m.
The fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve fall on the same Sunday this year. Because of this special circumstance, the morning worship service will focus on the themes of Advent. There will be one Christmas Eve service with scripture lessons, carols, a time for children, and candle lighting. 

Sunday, January 7, 2024: Special Music Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
The Chancel Choir and a small instrumental ensemble will lead the service with special music to mark the end of Christmastide and Epiphany.

Events

Alternative Christmas Market, December 3 at 9:00 a.m.

Longest Night Service Dec 21

Thursday, December 21, 2023: Longest Night Service (7:00 p.m.)

This season can be a painful time for some. Our spirits sink as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. This might be the first year without a loved one who has recently died; it may be a time that brings up difficult memories.

We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us. But we also need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. Perhaps most of all, we need to know that we are not alone. For these reasons, Oak Grove Presbyterian Church offers a special “Longest Night” service. Join with others in sharing prayer, hearing scripture, and music that acknowledges God’s presence is for those that mourn, for those who struggle, and that God’s word comes to shine light in our darkness. The short service will be followed by a time for light refreshments and fellowship.

Alternative Xmas Market

Our Alternative Christmas Marketplace will go forward in much the same way as last year. You will receive a Giving Catalog again in the mail around the middle of November to think about what you might like to give to. We have been told that families like to have the catalog at home with time to think and discuss what the family might like to support.

  1. You can simply make your choices and mail the order form and payment in the envelope provided. If you choose this option, please return to Oak Grove by Friday, December 1, OR
  2. Bring the form with your payment to church on Sunday, December 3, when we will have available a small marketplace in Gideon Pond Social Hall. During this time there will be coffee, juice, and cinnamon rolls to enjoy as well as some entertainment from our very own Oak Grovers, OR
  3. Pay by credit card. Click here for credit card link.

The marketplace event on Sunday, Dec. 3 will be very much like it was last year with those who want to share their talents in the kitchen by donating baked goods, jams, pickles, or other edibles. And we will have handcrafted items for sale. There will not be a silent auction.

We will also be selling coffee from Guatemala, but sadly Oak Grove is no longer involved with the Palestinian Olive Oil.

We hope all you crafters will have lots of handmade items for us to buy as Christmas gifts or just for ourselves. Contact Sharon Nolte if you have questions at 952-884-1014 or sharonnolte@yahoo.com.

Christmas Joy Offering

November 27–December 18, 2022

When we give to the Christmas Joy Offering, we come together to support past present and future leaders embodying God’s perfect gift to us, Jesus Christ.

  • 50% of your gifts make it possible for students to learn and grow in faith at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
  • 50% of your gifts provide assistance for current and retired church workers and their families with critical financial needs.

You can donate by using the special envelope in the pew, write a check to Oak Grove with “Christmas Joy” in the memo line or online at  https://onrealm.org/oakgrv/give/xmasjoy.

Thank you for your generosity. If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot!

2022 Advent & Christmas Services

Worship Services

Sunday, November 27 – Advent Worship

Sunday, December 4 – Worship with Christmas Carol Communion

Sunday, December 11 – Christmas Pageant

Sunday, December 18 – Christmas Cantata

Wednesday, December 21 – Longest Night (7PM) [Note: this service is Zoom only.]

Saturday, December 24 – Christmas Eve (4PM, 10 PM)

Bulletin December 24, 4PM Video

Bulletin December 24, 10PM Video

Sunday, December 25 – Christmas Hymns & Stories (9:30 AM) Bulletin

Sunday, January 1 – New Years Day Service (9:30 AM)

Other Activities

Wednesday, November 30 – Advent Fair

Saturday, December 3 – Woven Voices Concert

Sunday, December. 4 – Alternative Market Christmas Market Photo Gallery

Saturday, December 10 – Parents’ Day Out

Christmas Joy Offering, December 18

Alternative Christmas Marketplace

Alternative Christmas Marketplace: Sunday, December 4 (9:00–10:30 a.m.)

Photo Gallery

Join us for a small marketplace in Gideon Pond Hall on Sunday morning, December 4, at 9:00 a.m. During this time, there will be coffee, juice, and cinnamon rolls to enjoy. There will also be entertainment from some of our very own Oak Grovers. Additionally, there will be a photo booth, and handcrafted items for sale. Also, we will have those who have shared their talents in the kitchen with items like baked goods, jams, pickles, and other items for sale.

Please note, the decaffeinated Mexican whole bean coffee is NOT available. If you have already returned your order form and purchased the decaffeinated Mexican coffee your money will be refunded. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Alternative Christmas Marketplace-2022

Once again, your Mission Committee is inviting members and friends of Oak Grove to gather as a compassionate community of faith and demonstrate our commitment to “loving all God’s people worldwide” and changing lives wherever we can.

Because many of us are still being very cautious due to Covid, the Mission Committee has planned our Alternative Christmas Marketplace to go forward in much the same way as last year. During the week of Nov. 14, you will find your marketplace booklet delivered to your mailbox. It will include everything you need to select those items you wish to purchase to honor family and friends. What a wonderful way for you to make your choices quietly and prayerfully in the comfort of your own home. However, this year we are offering two ways in which you can return your order form with a check or credit card.

You can simply mail the order form and payment in the return envelope provided in the marketplace packet. If you chose this option, please return to Oak Grove by December 2, or bring it to church on Sunday, December 4, when we will have available a small marketplace in the Gideon Pond social hall. During this time, there will be coffee, juice, and cinnamon rolls to enjoy as well as a little entertainment from our very own Oak Grovers.

While there will not be a silent auction this year, we would like to invite all crafters and those who want to share their talents in the kitchen by donating handmade art, crafts, baked goods, jams or other edibles for sale on December 4, to please contact Sharon Nolte at 952-884-1014 or sharonnolte@yahoo.com.

In 2021 your generous response to the marketplace was overwhelming and we were able to send more than $9,000 to the Presbyterian Mission Agency where small gifts make a big impact. Yet at the same time, we also supported some of Oak Groves own mission non-profits… “Loving God… Changing Lives” locally, nationally and worldwide.

Returning to In-Person Gatherings

Beginning this Sunday, December 19, Oak Grove Presbyterian Church will move to Phase 1 of our Covid Plan, and we will once again allow for limited in-person worship. Reservations can be made each week at this link www.oakgrv.org/online-rsvp-1015/ or by calling the church office. Worship will remain at 10:15 am through, at least, January 2, 2022.

Limited seating is also available for the 10:00 pm Christmas Eve Service. Reservation can be made here: www.oakgrv.org/online-rsvp-10pm-christmas-eve/

Below are important details and protocols that we ask everyone follow if you worship in-person.

  • Limited seating is available for vaccinated persons only.
  • RSVP’s will be needed for worship. Like before, once we get a handle on in-person attendance numbers, reservations may no longer be needed.
  • Reservations can be made each week at this link www.oakgrv.org/online-rsvp-1015/ or by calling the church office.
  • Masks and social distancing are required.
  • We ask that you not stay after worship for fellowship.
  • We ask persons to stay home if they are sick or if they have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19. 
  • If within 14 days after worshipping in person at Oak Grove, you test positive for COVID-19 or learn you were exposed to a COVID-19 positive person prior to worshipping in person at Oak Grove, please contact the church office to let them know.

We remind you that we will be flexible and ready to move between phases or adapt within a phase. Particularly as we learn more about the Omicron variant and anticipate a post-Christmas surge. This will continue to not be a linear process. We thank you for your continued support and generosity of spirit as we care for one another.

2021 Advent & Christmas Activities

Christmas Services

Sunday, January 2, 2022 (10:15 am): Live-streamed Sunday Worship Service on Facebook and the website, Matthew 2:1–12, “We Three Kings” Pastor Bart preaches.Limited in-person attendance; pre-registration required.

Sunday, December 26, 2021 (10:15 am): Live-streamed Sunday Worship Service on Facebook and the website, Matthew 2:13–23, “Mary and Joseph flee with Jesus” Pastor Mary preaches. Limited in-person attendance; pre-registration required.

Friday, December 24, 2021 (4:00 pm): Family Christmas Eve Service via Zoom. This service was held via Zoom.

Friday, December 24, 2021 (10:00 pm): Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Link to 10pm service bulletin.The service will be live-streamed with limited in-person attendance (pre-registration required). Direct link to video: https://www.facebook.com/OakGrovePresbyterian/videos/296312322291079

Longest Night Service/Experience

Tuesday, December 21, 2021: Longest Night Service/Experience

Direct link to December 21 video: https://www.facebook.com/OakGrovePresbyterian/videos/614965929838055

This time of year can be difficult for some. The grief at the loss of a loved one, the anguish of broken relationships, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation, all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the season. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone.

The Longest Night service/experience provides a time and space to acknowledge the mixture of feelings. There will be a variety of prayer stations in the sanctuary and Gideon Pond Hall that will offer participatory ways to connect with and express your feelings. Or you can take the opportunity to just sit in silence as music is played in the sanctuary. This experience is completed at your own pace. You may arrive any time between 7–7:30 pm to begin. The Deacons will have some cookies for folks to take home. Pastor Bart and Pastor Mary will also be available for individual private prayer.

Sunday Worship Services During Advent

  • Nov. 28: 1st Sunday of Advent Matthew 24:36–44 “Keep Awake” Pastor Bart preaches
  • Dec. 5: 2nd Sunday of Advent Communion Sunday
    Matthew 3:1–13 “Prepare the Way” Pastor Mary preaches
  • Dec. 12: 3rd Sunday of Advent
    Matthew 11:2–11 “Signs of the Kingdom” Pastor Bart preaches
  • Dec. 19: 4th Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61 Pastor Bart preaches

Christmas Joy Offering

2021 Advent Activities

heart

Love is Still the Answer booklet project. We are compiling a booklet as an opportunity for connecting with each other, and we would like you to be a part of it! We ask you to complete and turn in your entry by Friday, December 3.

2021 Xmas booklet

Alternative Christmas Market. Our alternative catalog offers many opportunities to support the work of the Presbyterian USA Mission Agency and Oak Grove’s special mission projects.

Carols, Cookies, and Care! Saturday, December 11, 2021, 10:30 a.m. in the church parking lot. We are collecting toilet paper, diapers and wipes for VEAP.  There is currently a shortage of these items at VEAP. We are putting together Agape bags for those on our streets, and we need warm socks and non-perishable snacks for the bags. You may make a bag or two and put them in your car. We will share Christmas cookies, so please bake or bring your cookies to share!  It will be helpful to put them in bags of 4 so they are “grab-and-go!” We will gather around the fire pit to sing Christmas Carols, and Supportive Housing will supply coffee and Hot Chocolate. This promises to be a morning of fellowship, fun, and giving!  We hope you will join us – thank you in advance for your generosity! Questions?  Call the church office (952-888-4621). Link to flyer for Carols, Cookies, and Care event.

2021 Alternative Christmas Market

COMING SOON TO YOUR MAILBOX! The booklet for the 2021 Alternative Christmas Marketplace should arrive at your home during the week of November 15th. There will be many opportunities to support the work of the Presbyterian USA Mission Agency and Oak Grove’s special mission projects. Hope you and your family will enjoy this early gift giving opportunity. Thank you for your support.

2021 Alternative Christmas Market booklet (pdf)

2021 Order Form (pdf)

Presbyterian News article

Presbyterian Mission article

2021 Xmas booklet