St. Paul's United Church of Christ © | 50 N. Main St., Manheim PA 17545
717.665.2447 | Email:stpaulsmanheim@ptd.net
50 N. Main Street
St. Paul's UCC
Manheim, PA
Advent
During Advent, which begins this year on Sunday, November 30, many churches and families use wreaths to symbolize watchfulness and increasing joy as Christmas approaches. Colors for the candles vary, with some traditions using blue (for hope or creation) and others preferring purple (for royalty, humility or penitence).
The four candles that each represent a week in Advent also signify hope, peace, joy and love. (The third candle is often pink.) In the center is the white Christ candle, representing Jesus as the light of the world. That candle is lit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The round, green Advent wreath has special meaning of its own. It symbolizes eternal life and the unending love of God, who sent his only Son to earth to die in our place.
- Church Art Online, December 2023
Christmas Decorating Party
Come out to St. Paul's and share in the Spirit of Advent and Christmas as we prepare the church for the Season of Light. On Friday, December 5, we'll begin the fun with a warm, delicious meal @ 5 pm and then move into decorating throughout the church. It's a great evening of fun with all the sights and sounds of the season.
Breakfast with Santa
Bring your little ones to St. Paul's on Saturday, December 6 from 8:30-10 am for a delightful morning filled with joy and wonder. The event is free and includes a warm, delicious pancake breakfast with sausage, time to visit with Santa - great for photo ops too! Play a game or two or work on a Christmas craft while you wait for Santa. All children receive a free goody bag and there will also be handmade hats, scarves and gloves (handmade by the ladies of our Women's Fellowship) for any child that needs them!
Not everyone feels the joy of the holiday season - some of us are experiencing grief, illness, anxiety, loss, or stress! If you are feeling left out of the joy of Christmas, come to St. Paul's on Sunday, December 14 and experience our Blue Christmas Anointing Worship service @ 9:30 am. Come and feel the comfort only our Savior can offer.
Christmas Eve Worship - Wednesday, December 24:
- 7 pm Candlelight Worship w/lessons and carols of the season
- 11 pm Candlelight Worship w/lessons, carols and Holy Communion
Bring in the New Year with Pork & Sauerkraut!
On Sunday, January 4, St. Paul's will bring in the new year with a later worship service starting @ 11 am, followed by a Pork & Sauerkraut meal. Click here to RSVP. Following the meal, we'll de-decorate from the holidays and prepare for the season of Epiphany which begins on Tuesday, January 6.