What does it look like to live as those who dream? The prophets, the psalmists, John the Baptist, Mary, Elizabeth, Joseph, Simeon, Anna, the shepherds and the Magi—they were all dreamers. They received, discovered, and responded to God’s dreams for the world. In Advent, we step into the mystery and awe of God’s dreams and pray they shape our reality. This theme is for the dreamers in all of us—those who dream of a deeper connection with God and those who dream of a better world. It’s for those who dream of comfort and for those who have given up on their dreams. It’s for those whose dreams have been crushed and for those who show us that dreams take time.
(Worship resources courtesy A Sanctified Art)
Join us for our Advent sermon series “Those Who Dream” each of the four Sundays in Advent. Services are live-streamed each Sunday at 9am on our YouTube channel.
Advent Devotional Study Zooms
From the “Those Who Dream” Devotional Booklet:
“This devotional is for the dreamers in all of us–those who dream of a deeper connection with God and those who dream of a better world. It’s for those who dream of comfort and for those who have given up on their dreams. It’s for those whose dreams have been crushed and for those who show us that dreams take time. As you walk through these prompts and readings day by day you may dream alongside profits and angels, Mary and the magi. Together may we seek and sow God’s dreams for our world.”
Need a “Those Who Dream” devotional booklet? Stop by the church office and pick one up from gray drop box by the office door on the carport!
Tuesday Advent Study Zooms w/ Rev. Kim
7:00pm – 8:00pm on Tuesdays - Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22
Come join us as we dive into the devotional study that accompanies our sermon series. We will reflect together, in caring community, on the scripture readings, poems and questions in the booklet, focusing on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love in our lives and world.
Join ZOOM meeting by clicking HERE.
Meeting ID: 819-541-776
Wednesday Advent Study Zooms w/ Rev. Leo
3:30pm – 4:30pm on Wednesdays - Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23
Take your Advent experience to the next level and join us on ZOOM for a devotional study. The study group is based on Emmanuel’s “Those Who Dream” sermon series. Bring your hot beverage, sing an Advent hymn, and join a devotional conversation. This will be in English and sign language.
Join ZOOM meeting by clicking HERE.
Meeting ID: 835 8549 2362
Or call in @ 301-715-8592
Signing for the Holidays w/ Rev. Leo - Sat. 12/5 @ 10am on Zoom
Contact Rev. Leo @ revyates@eumclaurel.org for access info.
Come and learn holiday signs and a Christmas hymn!
Longest Night Service - Sunday, December 20, 7:00pm on Zoom
The year 2020 has brought so many challenges. It seems especially appropriate for us to participate in a tradition within Western Christianity of inviting people to come together for the Longest Night—a night around the time of the winter solstice, when there are more hours of darkness than light. You are invited to come together with Rev. Kim to participate virtually in this service on Sunday evening, December 20 at 7:00 to watch and participate in a time of music, provided and led by guest vocalist Resa Gibbs, readings, lament and prayers. Please have a marker and either pieces of material or paper on hand. The video of prayers, readings and music will continue to be available for you to access at your convenience on our YouTube channel. Click HERE to join the Zoom.
Children’s Christmas Eve Service - Tuesday, December 22
On Tuesday, December 22nd we will have a special pre-recorded Christmas service available for children and their families. It will be made available on our YouTube channel for you and your family to watch at a time convenient for you. Interested in having your child participate in the virtual children’s choir or in another part of the service? Email Donna Meoli at eumcyouth@eumclaurel.org.
Christmas Eve Services- Lessons & Carols – Thursday, December 24, 1pm & 9pm
Join us for a lovely service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve at 1 and 9pm. We will hear the much-loved story of God’s dream for us through scripture, sing beloved Christmas carols, and view seasonal art. On this sacred day we will celebrate together the story of God being born on this Earth, ministering to the poor and brokenhearted. Jesus who died speaking out about God’s dream for justice, whose death was not the end of the story but a reimagined beginning for all those who give their lives to repairing God’s world. Let us recall the original blessing imparted to us, that we are created in the image of God, and we are declared good. Let us ponder God’s promise to be with us, no matter what unfolds. Let the much-loved words and songs of this season fill us body and soul, giving us hope and helping us respond to that great plea that permeates this season: for peace, peace on earth, peace on earth and good will to all.
Go to our YouTube channel at 1pm & 9pm on Christmas Eve for these special Lessons & Carols services. Afterwards, join us on Zoom to see some friendly Emmanuel faces and sing Silent Night!
Click HERE to access the 1pm & click HERE To access the 9pm.
Christmas Eve In Person @ Emmanuel – Thursday, December 24, 4:45pm
Come to the Emmanuel parking lot and gather to sing Silent Night by candlelight!
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 11am on Zoom
It’s hot chocolate w/ Rev. Leo & Rev. Giovanni! Join for a warm Christmas check-in with trivia, hymns, and a brief message. Click HERE to join via Zoom.
