Advent

at Southminster Presbyterian Church 2022

Hanging of the Greens

November 20th after worship, we will decorate the church for Christmas.  The whole congregation is invited to participate, young and old.

Chrismon Tree

A new addition to our worship space this year is the Chrismon Tree.

A Chrismon is a symbol of Christ and can also reflect the biblical story of our faith. The name derives from combining the words Christ and monogram, and ornaments are primarily in gold and white.

Some of the symbols go back to the first century of the church when Christians under persecution would use them to identify hidden places of worship. The evergreen tree represents eternal life, and the white lights remind us of Jesus as the “Light of the World.”

We hope to make this an ongoing tradition at Southminster, adding more ornaments each year, and introducing each one through the children’s time in worship.

ALPHA & OMEGA

Sunday the 27th of November, The First Day of Advent, the ALPHA AND OMEGA ornament was hung on the Chrismon Tree.

In the Sanctuary, we are hanging ornaments that are symbols of Christ and of our faith.

“Alpha and Omega.” These are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying that God is the beginning and the end of all things.

We can rest assured that, no matter what happens in this world, the love of God endures.

SHEEP CHRISMON

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27)
On this 2nd Sunday of Advent, we hung the Chrismon of a sheep. Jesus is called the “Good Shepherd,” and we are the sheep.
The Bible describes a close relationship between shepherds and their flocks. They watch over and care for each of their sheep and would give their lives for them. Also, the lamb is sometimes used to symbolize Christ and his sacrifice.
Did you know that sheep are mentioned in the Bible more than 500 times?

Nativity Sets

New this year to Southminster, is the permanent collection of Nativity Sets.  We hope to add to each year through donations.  These will be on display in the Gallery for the whole season of Advent.

Advent Devotional

November 27th, first day of Advent, kicks off our Advent Devotional Series, a Series of Devotionals Created by and for members and friends of Southminster Presbyterian.  The devotional booklet can be picked up in the church office or the Narthex.

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Advent Wreath

On the Sundays of Advent, congregation members light a candle each week to begin the worship service talking about the meaning of the candles of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.

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Devotional Booklet

All devotional entries were created by and for members and friends of Southminster Presbyterian Church in Dayton, Ohio.  Booklets will be available to pickup in the Narthex of the Church (outside the Sanctuary) or in the office.

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Podcast

New to Southminster this year is the addition of a Podcast.  We are very excited about this addition and look forward to discussing the Devotional and interviewing some of the devotional creators during Advent.

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Discussion Groups

Discussion Groups will begin discussing the devotionals the Sunday after Advent.  There will be two classes available.  One before worship (9:30 am) and one after worship (11:15 am) and will run until January 8th. 

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Breakfast with Santa

Saturday, December 17, 2022

9 am – 11 am

Enjoy a breakfast made by the Youth Group of Southminster which includes Pancakes, Bacon and Sausage.

There will be crafts for the children.

After Breakfast Mr. and Mrs. Claus will arrive.  Children are welcome to sit on his lap and parents can take their pictures at this time as well.

 

Lessons & Carols

December 18th at 10 am join us for Glorious Christmas Music interspersed with Scriptures telling the story.

Christmas Pageant

Children’s Pageant Christmas Eve at 6 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Candlelight Service Christmas Eve after the Christmas Pageant at 8 pm

Christmas Day

Sunday, December 25th at 10 am Worship Service we will have a special Christmas Story in place of a Sermon.