Christmas Eve 2025
Dear LFP Church Family and Friends
Well, our family is about 2 or 3 half-gallon containers in on Egg Nog so far this season. Regular Costco pickup. Must be the holidays! I haven't personally flipped into Christmas music yet, but it's been officially declared OK in our household. And you can already find the Christmas cheer with screen crackling fire in Kim's office! As for the Gepharts, there is a young adult plan being hatched to get in at least one Christmas movie from now until December 25. Good stuff.
Our staff is getting ready for next weekend to roll out a lot more details about the Advent and Christmas season at LFPPC. So, stay tuned for that.
However, there are planners among us, AND, there are many of you who would like to know about the great opportunities to serve and make this season a great time of celebration and outreach to our community. So here are some early things you'll want to know now.
Here is our Christmas Eve schedule of services this year:
A Joyful Gathering
Christmas Eve Unscripted at Four
Experience the joyful and interactive retelling of the Christmas story for all ages, and the peaceful calm of singing by candlelight. 4pm in the Sanctuary.
Lessons and Carols
Christmas Eve Traditions at Eight
Follow the Christmas message through Scripture, carols and choir. Experience the radiant glow of singing by candlelight. 8pm in the Sanctuary.
Come make the 4pm service a place of joy and delight!
Sunday, 11/23 after the service at 11:30 a.m. in Heritage Hall. All welcome to join us as we plan the elements of our “Christmas Eve Unscripted at Four.” We’ll talk costumes, props, parts and plans to put it all together. Come join the fun and build the anticipation with us. All ages welcome! RSVP to be on the team, or just show up! Kristen Gephart is leading this effort. Let us know your interested.
Recommended Book Read-Along -- Waiting on the Word by Malcom Guite
Throughout the Advent sermon series we'll be taking a look at the poetic imagery from the song, O Come O Come Emanuel and how it echoes the ancient prophetic longing for a Messiah. "Waiting on the Word" is the title of a book by Malcolm Guite, subtitled "A Poem a Day for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany". This collection of poems and reflections draws on Christian spiritual and English literary traditions and includes a sequence of sonnets by Guite himself which tie directly to the themes of our Advent series. We have some copies available for purchase, or you can order through your favorite book seller.
I'm so excited for this season in the life of our church. I know for me personally, Advent and Christmas is my favorite time of year. I look forward to journeying with you through this season.
Now is a great time to consider inviting someone to participate with you this season. Is there a friend or family member who needs to be met in this season with the hope of Christ? Invite them to join you!
With joy in the journey,
Jeff Gephart
Pastor