Celebrate Christmas with Advent Traditions and Services

At the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (PCCT), the season of Advent is filled with a number of rich traditions to celebrate one of the most meaningful times of the year, the time leading up to Christmas. There is something for everyone, and all are welcome to attend these events at 240 Southern Boulevard.

Advent Wreath Making – Sunday, Dec. 2, 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

An annual tradition, the Advent Wreath Making event is an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Wreath making consists of hand dipping candles and creating a wreath with beautiful, fresh greenery. There is also a craft area to make ornaments while enjoying Christmas music and festive treats to get you in the spirit. Wreaths are $20; donations welcome for ornament making. All supplies provided.

Cookie Walk, Savory Soup and Christmas Treasure Sale – Saturday, Dec. 8, 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Love Cookies? Let PCCT do your holiday baking. At the Cookie Walk, Savory Soup and Christmas Treasure Sale, participants can customize their selections from thousands of mouth-watering, homemade cookies. By “taking a walk” around tables laden with trays of delectable goodies, customers hand-pick favorites to fill an empty container. Part of the fun is seeing just how many cookies can be squeezed into each box while still managing to close the lid! Containers cost $7 each.

In addition, a variety of homemade, hearty soups will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go directly to the Presbyterian Disaster Relief to help those affected by hurricanes Florence and Michael. Soup will be sold frozen in one-quart containers for easy storage and use throughout the holiday season. Containers cost $8 for 1, $7 each for 2, and $6 each for 3 or more.

Finally, this event also offers a treasure trove of Christmas trinkets for purchase. This is a great opportunity for even the littlest shoppers to find the perfect gifts for friends or family at very reasonable prices. Arrive early to get the best selection of cookies, soups and treasures!

For more than twenty years, the Cookie Walk has served as a key fundraiser for the church, which contributes all proceeds to worthy non-profit organizations. More than 100 volunteers bake, cook, coordinate, set up and sell at the event.

Just for Kids

Not one, but two opportunities are available just for kids to celebrate Advent at PCCT:

Parents’ Night Out/Kids’ Night In – Wednesday, Dec. 12, 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Back by popular demand! Parents can enjoy an evening out to shop or simply have a night “off” while their kids are entertained with fun, food, games, and fellowship. Free of charge and open to all kids Kindergarten through 5th grade. Registration required by contacting Cindy Caporaso ccaporaso@pcct-nj.org or 973-635-2340.

Christmas Dinner and Movie – Friday, Dec. 14, 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM

Children are invited to attend a wonderful celebration of Jesus’ birth, including a festive dinner, birthday celebration, and a showing of the movie “The Star,” an animated film about the Nativity and told from the animals’ perspective. $5 per child and open to all kids Kindergarten and older. Registration required by contacting Cindy Caporaso ccaporaso@pcct-nj.org or 973-635-2340.

Lessons & Carols – Sunday, Dec. 16, 10:00 AM

This family-friendly celebration of Advent and Christmas incorporates music performed by every PCCT music group and features a full chamber orchestra leading many “sing-a-longs.” In addition, youth and adult leaders share Scripture readings at this meaningful worship service.

Sunday of Music – Sunday, Dec. 23, 10:00 AM

A crescendo to the advent season is the Sunday of Music. The 10 o'clock worship service will feature a brass quintet made up of members of Solid Bass, including PCCT member Doug Haislip, with percussion. The Chancel Choir will sing Randall Stroope's "An American Christmas." Plus, the congregational carols will be accompanied by the David Willcocks' fanfares and descants.

Following the service, all are invited to a fun, festive holiday songfest with Interim Music Director Cliff Parrish and members of the Chancel Choir. We'll sing plenty of our favorite carols and perhaps teach some new ones. Seasonal refreshments will be provided. All ages and voices welcome! This is a Faith Forward opportunity.

Christmas Eve – Monday, Dec. 24

PCCT offers four different services on Christmas Eve, to which all are invited:

Children’s Family Service -- 3:00 PM

This Christmas Eve Family Service is a delightful part of the celebrations. Children re-enact the story of the first Christmas, complete with costumes and props. Only requirement is the desire to participate.

Family Candlelight Services -- 5:00, 7:00 & 11:00 PM

Candlelight Services feature special music, messages and monologues to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Services conclude with the lighting of candles and singing of Silent Night.

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township is a vibrant, multi-generational congregation that celebrates the glory of God through faith, fellowship and service. Drawing members from three counties and more than 20 communities, it welcomes all, whether you are a young family, a single adult, or a couple with grown children. The congregation reflects diverse perspectives, provides rich music and education programs for all ages, and through social outreach addresses hunger, homelessness and recovery from disasters or other crises.

For more information, visit http://www.pcct-nj.org or call 973-635-2340.