Be Present
Advent 2023

Tis the season to be jolly,” the song says. Advent is, indeed, a season of joy. It’s also a season of worry and busy preparation; of longing and fulfillment.  We long to be present with the ones we love, to fill their lives with joy and delight, but often we find ourselves hurried, preoccupied and frustrated with our well-laid plans. We long for a world of justice, peace and hope. Yet, all around we see poverty, violence and human misunderstanding. We long to “see” God at work in the world, but sometimes God just seems absent. Our spiritual ancestors experienced the same worries and longings. God’s response was Jesus the Christ; the One who is with us always. This season we are invited to draw close to the presence of Christ, so that we can Be Present for our loved ones, our community, and for those most in need.
The world is waiting for Hope, Peace, Joy and Love - may they find it in us.

Ways to be present this season

Be Present Everyday

Take Home devotionals for all ages will be available on Sunday, December 3rd. You’ll find prayers and activities to help you be present as you shop, decorate, wrap, bake and live each day during this sacred season.
Advent Prayer Booklet

Be Present For Fun and Fellowship

Youth Christmas Party - December 3 in Fellowship Hall -  
4 PM Middle School
5 PM High School

Seasoned Citizens - Share a special holiday lunch with friends at Frankie, Johnnie & Luigi Too! Tuesday, December 12, 2023, 11:30 AM,
11891 Dublin Blvd, Dublin. Contact Carol Ruley if you have questions.

Kids Holiday Craft Party - December 16 11- 1PM in Fellowship Hall

Christmas Caroling - December 17 at 2 PM. All are invited to bring the sounds and joy of the season to church members’ homes. We will meet in the courtyard to pass out song books and share our caroling route before heading out to sing for those who cannot join us in person.

Be Present For Worship

Sunday, December 3  Be Present with Hope
                Isaiah 64: 1-9, Psalm 80
                Holy Communion and Welcoming New Members
Sunday, December 10 Be Present with Peace
                  Isaiah 40: 1-5, 2 Peter 3: 8-9, 13-15
Sunday, December 17 Be Present with Joy  
                Isaiah 61: 1-4, 10, Psalm 126
Sunday, December 24 Be Present with Love
                9:30 AM    Luke 1: 26-55
                Joyful Noise Choir, Wellspring Band, Leadership of Children & Youth
                Hot Cocoa and Holiday Treats to follow
        CHRISTMAS EVE by Candlelight 7:00 PM
          Traditional Worship Service with Choir and Special Guest Musicians
          Please arrive early for extended gathering music with Cello and Piano
Sunday, December 31 Be Present for a New Year

Be Present For Giving

Giving Tree - Help a family in the Tri-Valley celebrate Christmas with gifts beneath their tree. November 26, sign up to purchase gifts for one of 85 children in our local schools On December 10, return wrapped presents. On December 16 , help distribute gifts here at Lynnewood and in Livermore.

Holiday Food Packing with Tri-Valley Haven - December 9 at 9 AM
Asbury UMC - We’ll sort and assemble 500 bags of groceries for later distribution for Tri-Valley families in need.