Advent and Christmas

At Towson Presbyterian Church

All are invited to come and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at Towson Presbyterian Church this Christmas Eve on Sunday, Dec. 24.

Each of our three services will take place in the sanctuary and virtually (Facebook, YouTube, and towsonpres.org).

Childcare for ages 0–5th grade will be offered at the 10:00am service only, but infants and children are wholeheartedly welcome to participate in the sanctuary with their families at the other two service times.

We will not hold a Christmas Day service this year, but look forward to Epiphany Sunday on New Year's Eve at 10:00am.

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Christmas Eve Services

10:00am – Sunday Service

Since Christmas falls on a Sunday, we will gather at our usual time for worship in the morning.

 

4:00pm – Family Service

Children and Youth present a Christmas pageant.

 

8:00pm – Candlelight Service

This "Lessons and Carols" service uses music, scripture, and candlelight in worship.

Advent "Messiah" Study

Thursdays, 11:00am–12:00pm, Nov. 30–Dec. 14

Each December, as we deck our halls and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, the timeless union of music and text found in Handel’s Messiah imprints biblical prophecy onto our souls. This Advent season, you are invited to spend some time listening to, discussing, and meditating on the spirit of this masterwork. This study, happening over Zoom and led by Stephen Harouff, will precede a presentation of the work by our own Chancel Choir in worship on Sunday, Dec. 17. CLICK HERE to register to attend (and for the Zoom link).

ADVENT MESSIAH STUDY
Sacred Space

Sacred Space

IN-PERSON

The Chapel will be open for silent prayer and reflection this Advent at the following times (come and find peace and stillness before God):

  • Sundays, 9:00–9:45am || Dec. 3, Dec. 10, Dec. 17, Dec. 24
  • Mondays, 12:00–1:00pm || Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18
  • Wednesdays, 12:00–1:00pm || Dec. 6, Dec. 13, Dec. 20
  • Fridays, 7:30–9:00am || Dec. 8, Dec. 15, Dec. 22

 

VIRTUAL:

Join Patricia Jackson on Sunday, Dec. 10, 7:00–7:30pm for a brief, guided spiritual practice of listening for God’s voice, a voice of hope, in the waiting time of Advent. No RSVP is required, just CLICK HERE for the Zoom link (passcode: TPC123).

Or visit SacredSpace.com for a self-guided online prayer exercise.

Advent "Messiah" Study

Tuesdays, 7:00–8:00pm, Dec. 5–Dec. 19

Led by the Rev. Harold Cahill on Zoom, this three-week study will lead us into Christmas by exploring Jesus’ birth narrative found in the gospels of the Bible. Please CLICK HERE to RSVP. The Zoom link will be emailed to you before the first meeting.

The Birth of Christ
Angels

Children's Pageant Rehearsal

Sunday, Dec. 17, 11:15am–12:00pm

Sign your child or teen up to participate in this year’s Christmas Pageant, performed at the 4:00pm Family Service on Christmas Eve. Age 2–5th Grade are assigned non-speaking roles, and 6th–12th Graders act as narrators. Contact Jenness Hall to confirm your family's participation.

Christmas Wreath Fundraiser

Now–December 25

To help underwrite the cost to attend the Montreat Youth Conference this summer, our high school students are selling Christmas wreaths through Lynch Creek Farm. Wreaths can be purchased from the farm's website using the button below. Thank you for your support!

Towson Tree Lighting

Friday, Dec. 8, 6:00–7:30pm

Visit TPC’s Community Outreach and Engagement Committee (CORE) at the Towson Winterfest on Allegheny Avenue! If you're interested in volunteering at this event by passing out M&Ms and greeting people, use the button below to contact CORE Chair, Amber Bounelis.

Intergenerational Advent Festival

Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:00am–12:00pm

The annual Intergenerational Advent Festival will take place in Thompson Hall following worship. Friends of all ages are invited to celebrate the Christmas season with crafts, gingerbread house making, and other activities. Bring your favorite Christmas decoration (i.e. an ornament, piece of china, or figurine) so we can share in an intergenerational "show-and-tell" around our tables. Also bring cash or a checkbook so you can purchase an item from the Christmas Closet Sale, with proceeds going to support TPC's Needlepoint Project! Youth are asked to come and assist younger children through the activities.

Needlepoint Project Fundraiser

Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:00am–12:00pm

TPC Needlepointers are holding a sale during the Advent Festival in Thompson Hall to benefit the Needlepoint Ornament Project. Bring cash or checks and purchase TPC ornaments from past years to support our stitchers!

Christmas Caroling and Chili

Saturday, Dec. 16, 5:00–7:00pm

All are invited to spread Christmas cheer about the neighborhood in conjunction with the Southland Hills celebration, with a chili dinner to follow in Thompson Hall. Dress warmly with comfortable shoes! We'll gather inside around 4:45pm and aim to head out at 5:00pm. Youth are invited to stay afterwards for their Christmas Party and gift exchange.

Advent Cantata

Sunday, Dec. 17, 11:00am-12:00pm

Don't miss out on our annual Advent Cantata during Sunday morning worship! The Chancel Choir will perform portions of Handel's Messiah under the direction of Stephen Harouff to help us enter into the Christmas season. You can join us in the sanctuary or virtually. Children's programming will be available for birth–5th grade during the service... And come down to Thompson Hall for coffee hour immediately following the postlude!