Our neighbors, families, and friends need hope. The whole world needs hope. Christians in the 16th century needed hope too. They coined the Latin phrase Post Tenebras Lux, which means “After Darkness, Light.” They knew the darkness they were living in would not last and that Jesus Christ is the Light that brings hope. We know that too. This Advent, join us as we encourage one another with the Hope of Christmas.

Advent Events

at Hamblen Park Presbyterian Church

SOUP SUPPER AND CHRISTMAS PAGEANT FROM SCRATCH

Sunday, December 4, 7-8:30 PM
This wildly popular event took a time out for Covid, but returns this year! We start with a potluck soup supper, hosted by the Deacons and great soup makers of our congregation. Do you make a great chili? Chicken noodle? Tomato basil? Sign up at bit.ly/HPPCSoupSupperSignUp to let us know what you will bring.

After dinner, EVERYONE (aged 2 to 102!) is invited to choose a costume to wear during the reading and acting out of the Christmas story—we literally create a Christmas pageant from scratch. We need sheep, angels, shepherds and more. There is something for anyone who would like to participate.

Are you more comfortable watching the pageant from a pew? That works, too. We will sing carols as part of the retelling of the story. After the pageant, return your costume and grab a cookie on the way out, we should have everything wrapped up by 7:30.

TOY STORE DRIVE

Going on Now Through December 6

Your Neighborhood Outreach Deacons are again sponsoring the TOY STORE drive for the Liberty Park Development Center. This ministry gives needy families a chance to purchase Christmas gifts for their children at a fraction of the actual cost of the item. In these uncertain times, families may need to choose between feeding their families over providing a little Christmas joy for their children.

Sign up for specific ‘wish list’ items at bit.ly/HPPCToyStore2022. Drop off your UNwrapped gifts in the Toy Store box located in the church foyer. An evening drop off is available Wednesday, November 30, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Monetary donations, designated for the Toy Store, are always welcome. We will fill in gaps by purchasing as needed.

If you would like to help set up for the Toy Store at the Children’s Center, signup in the Sign-up Genius under ‘Volunteers- toy store set up’… about 1 hour of time on Friday, December 9, at 2:00pm.

THE DEADLINE FOR TOY DONATIONS IS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6.
THE CENTER WILL HOLD THE TOY STORE ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9.

COZY CHRISTMAS WOMEN'S EVENT

Thursday, December 8, 7-8:30 PM

All women high school aged and up are invited to this time to take a deep breath and relax during the holiday season. We will have delicious finger foods, a hot chocolate bar, Christmas games, and a short devotional. Feel free to wear your jammies and bring a friend!

BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE

Wednesday, December 14, 7-8 PM

The holiday season can be a difficult time for those struggling with grief, pain, or loneliness. This quiet, meditative service is a time for those who are hurting to receive comfort through prayer, candle lighting, liturgy, and music. This service will be live-streamed also for those who would prefer to worship from home.

KIDS' DAY OUT

Saturday, December 17, 1-4 PM

Kids from birth through fifth grade are invited to come watch a movie, eat pizza, play games, and just enjoy being together. Parents can use this time to get some shopping done or enjoy some quiet tome together. There is a suggested donation of $5/per child to cover the cost of food.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Saturday, December 24

3:00 PM: Service with candle lighting and carols led by a jazz combo

5:00 PM: Service with candle lighting, communion, and carols led by our Chancel Choir

Both services in-person and streamed live

CHRISTMAS DAY

Sunday, December 25

There will be NO IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE ON CHRISTMAS DAY. A pre-recorded service will be available to stream at a time that works best for you.

In-Person Worship

Sunday at 9:00 AM

Live-stream at 9:00 AM

Nursery available during worship service.

Click to Worship Online

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Fridays

9:00 AM - Noon

As always, staff is available outside of posted office hours for appointments and meetings.

Helpful Links

View Sign-Up Opportunities (click)

Printed Newsletter

View September Newsletter (click)

Weekly E-News

View Weekly Newsletter (click)

Worship Bulletin

View Order of Service (click)

2021 Annual Report

View 2021 Annual Report

Opportunities to Serve

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Current Mask Guidelines

Masks are optional in the church building. However, we have a special masked-only section in the Sanctuary for those of us who may prefer that for any reason (for example: personal feelings of safety, an upcoming medical procedure, a compromised immune system). Please feel free to continue to wear a mask if you choose. We continue to pray for our world and all those impacted by the pandemic. We are grateful that the crisis is beginning to move toward an endemic phase. Looking forward to some smiling faces on Sundays!

Would you like Pastoral Care or a Visit?

Throughout Covid, pastors and members of the Congregational Care Team have continued our ministry of visiting and offering care. However, care and visits are now complicated. Institutional rules and safety precautions can even prevent visitations. If you would like a visit or call, please reach out any time. We are proactive in visiting people, but we also need to hear from anyone who would like a connection so that we don’t miss anyone in need. The pastors can be reached by email, cell phone, or through the church office. Hamblen is a church family. May the Lord continue to connect us with one another in safe ways even during the pandemic.