Week 1- Date: 11/30/25

Sermon Title: What If I Missed It?

Text: Luke 1:5-25 (NLT)

Key People: Zechariah and Elizabeth

Focus: Zechariah and Elizabeth had hoped and dreamed about becoming parents for years. Zechariah encounters the Angel Gabriel in the temple who proclaims that Zechariah and Elizabeth will become parents. And not only that, but their child will also have a special purpose, he will prepare the way for the Lord. How could this be? Sometimes our lives do not turn out the way that we had hoped or planned. But, regardless of our expectations, God still has plans for us. God blesses us, and works through us, often in surprising ways.

Preacher: Pastor Sara

Special Elements: Peace Candle and Reading

Download the 8:30 & 9:45 a.m. Bulletin/G3 Guide Watch: Traditional Unity Modern 

Week 2- Date: 12/7/25

Sermon Title: Playing the Villian

Text: Matthew 2:1-3, 7-8, 13, 16 (NLT)

Key Person: King Herod

Focus: Most great stories include a villain. This is certainly true of the Christmas story. When Jesus was born, King Herod was ruler of the Jews. He had a reputation for being cruel and ruthless. He felt threatened by Jesus’ arrival on earth as people declared that Jesus was a savior and king. King Herod did evil, unspeakable things and it could be easy for us to write him off. But in spite of everything that he did, God’s love and grace was still available to him. Like Herod, we are all in need of redemption because God’s love and grace are for all people, even the people we despise.

Preacher: Pastor Sara

Special Elements: Holy Communion; Hope Candle and Reading

Download the 8:30 & 9:45 a.m. Bulletin/G3 Guide Watch: Traditional Unity Modern 

Week 3- Date: 12/14/25

Sermon Title: A Curious People

Text: Matthew 2:1-2, 7-12 (NLT)

Key People: The Magi

Focus: Most every Nativity scene includes wise men or the Magi. The Magi began the tradition of giving gifts. They were outsiders. They are not Jewish and do not understand the Jewish ideas about a messiah. But they know there is something special about Jesus. The Magi show us, very early in Jesus’ life, that Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection are not only for his fellow Jewish people but for all people, regardless of culture or nationality. And they remind us to reach out to those who might be considered outsiders in our congregations and communities.

Preacher: Pastor Deb

Special Elements: Joy Candle and Reading

Download the 8:30 & 9:45 a.m. Bulletin/G3 Guide Watch: Traditional Unity Modern 

Week 4- Date: 12/21/25

Sermon Title: When God Shows Up

Text: Luke 2:8-20 (NLT)

Key People: The Shepherds

Focus: Sometimes, we want a sign. We want God to tell us what to do or show us that we are on the right track. Lots of people in the Christmas story received signs. Mary, Joseph, and Zechariah got visits from angels. The Magi followed a star. The shepherds got a concert from the heavenly host. For the shepherds receiving a sign from God was shocking. They were common people. Yet shepherds were the people whom God chose to be the first to meet the Christ child. Throughout Jesus’ story, we see examples of the Holy Spirit working through unlikely people.

Preacher: Pastor Sara

Special Elements: Nativity Sunday- featuring choirs; Love Candle and Reading

Download the 8:30 & 9:45 a.m. Bulletin/G3 Guide Watch: Traditional Unity Modern