Advent and Christmas 2022
Advent
Advent Devotional
Pause each day with a short scripture and prayer. Pastor Cindy has written daily devotions for the seasons of Advent and Christmas with the themes: wait, prepare, see, wonder, birth and starlight. They will be sent to everyone on our email list at the start of Advent. (Sign up for emails here.)
Christmas Carol Singalong
Aging Splendidly, a monthly gathering for the 55+ community, resumes with the ever-popular Carol Sing with Dave Stark on Thursday, Dec 8. Lunch will be at noon, with the singalong starting at 12:30pm.
Christmas Pageant – the Movie
Last year’s video pageant was so fun, we’re doing another one. We will shoot some video during faith formation gatherings, and we need families or groups willing to act out and record additional scenes. Let’s have all generations represented! Contact Emily King by Sunday, Dec. 4 to get your preferred role.
The video premiere will be after worship (roughly 10:45 am) on Sunday, Dec. 18, in the East Lounge Cinema. Join us for a red-carpet event with our stars.
Caroling
Bring joy to Immanuel elders by caroling at their homes on Sunday, Dec. 18. Gather at Immanuel after the pageant premiere (roughly 11 am) and plan to spend about an hour. Sign up with Chris Cherwien by Sunday, Dec. 11. All ages and singing abilities welcome!
Hanging of the Greens
Gather after supper (roughly 6:30 pm) Wednesday, Dec. 21, and get the building ready for Christmas. We have trees to decorate, wreaths to hang and hundreds of candles to prepare. There is work for young and old.
Giving
Wilder Gifts
Each year we partner with Wilder Child Development Center to provide families with special gifts at Christmastime. Find families’ requests on the bulletin board outside the administrator’s office starting Sunday, Nov. 27, or using this signup link starting Wednesday, Nov. 23. Wrapped gifts must be back at Immanuel by Sunday, Dec. 11. Please be sure to put your name next to claimed requests and note the number on your gift.
Christian’s Toy Box
In memory of their son Christian, Karen and John Osen collect gifts for patients receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital. Place new, unwrapped toys, puzzles, games and other activities for kids ages 0-18 in the box outside the administrator’s office by Sunday, Dec. 11. You can make a financial gift here.
Every Meal Packing
Help provide needed meals for families here in St. Paul by packing bags at Every Meal on Monday, Dec. 19. Meet at Immanuel at 12:30 pm to carpool or arrange your own transportation for the 1–3 pm event. Participants must be at least 8 years old. Register on our Every Meal team or contact Emily. We’ve invited friends from Pilgrim, Gloria Dei and other churches — let’s fill the warehouse with Lutherans!
Worship
Christmas Eve
3:00 pm: A shorter child-oriented service of storytelling, familiar carols and candle lighting; Holy Communion will not be served.
4:30 pm: A traditional festival service with music by the children’s choir. The service will include Holy Communion and candle lighting.
10:00 pm: A traditional festival service with music by the Adult choir. The service will include Holy Communion and candle lighting.
Christmas Day
9:30 am : Lessons and Carols. The service will include Holy Communion.
All services will be livestreamed and available on demand at Facebook and YouTube.
