Come celebrate Christmas in song - we will have special musical offerings and will sing together some of our favorite hymns and carols to celebrate the gift of Christmas! After what can be a busy time, come and settle into a pew and focus on what really matters by singing the beautiful songs of the season.

Not everyone feels very merry during the holiday season. Many people experience an even deeper sense of loss and sadness at Christmas. So, to help those in our community who may be struggling with such feelings the Hopewell Council of Churches will host a “Blue Christmas” service on Friday evening, December 21, 7:30pm at Calvary Baptist Church, 3 East Broad Street in Hopewell.

The service is intended to help address the needs of those experiencing grief caused by the death of a loved one, divorce, illness, unemployment, or other issues of loss. We’re hoping to offer some support and comfort to those in our community whose grief is sometimes deepened by the holiday celebrations around them. We want them to know that the Christmas story is primarily a story of hope and comfort – especially in difficult and uncertain times.

The service will be open to anyone in our community and will include a candlelight vigil outside (weather permitting) where everyone will have the opportunity to light a candle in memory of a loved one or as a sign of hope.

Join us on Sunday, Dec. 19th at 4:30 PM, for a Carol Sing at Hopewell Station. Charlie Ashton will lead us in some Christmas favorites. This is also a fundraiser for the Chubby’s Project, please bring a donation of cash, check, or canned goods for the food pantry. We hope to see you there!

Preacher: Pastor Melissa, “Holiday Hugs”

Scripture Lesson: John 1:1-18

After a year and a half unlike any we have experienced, we will return to celebrating the last Sunday before Christmas with the HPC tradition of offering a cantata by our choir, and responding at the end of the service with Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from the Messiah. And the Bells of Hope will offer a piece as well! Come to enjoy the music, and all are welcome to join in the “Hallelujah Chorus” on this final Sunday in Advent!

Worship & Wonder Activity: Cookie Decorating

Preacher: Pastor Melissa, “Spark Joy”

Scripture Lesson: Isa. 55:1-13

Worship & Wonder Activity: Pick-Up Pagent Crafts

To help us to prepare for our “family friendly” Christmas Eve service (which we are calling a “Pick-Up-Pageant”), everyone in the congregation is invited to join us after worship for a holiday party where we will…

Glue jewels on the Magi’s crowns

Attach fuzzy lambs ears to headbands

Roll Shepherds hats

Twist fluff on to halos

Add glitter to stars

This event will also include fun and photos and laughter. Please join us as we prepare to welcome folks of all ages to find their place in the story of Christmas!

We will be participating with Communities of Light as they line the streets of central New Jersey with candles – a powerful symbol of hope for women and children impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. After lighting the candles, we will gather outside to sing a few carols and light the Remembrance Tree in honor of those who have gone before us and those in our community who have been impacted. To learn more click here.

Preacher: Pastor Melissa, “Dusty Boxes; Dusty Bones”

Scripture Lesson: Ezk 37:1-14; Luke 1:57-80

Worship & Wonder Activity: Ornaments

Preaching: Pastor Melissa, “Christmas Plans: Making a List, Checking it Twice”

Scripture Lesson: Jer. 29:1, 4-14; Luke 21:25-36

Worship & Wonder Activity: Advent Wreaths