Keep Watch:
Advent 2024 at Wilshire

Like the shepherds who kept watch over their flock, we too want to keep watch this Advent season. In a time when our public life feels polarized and uncertain, how do we keep watch for one another? As we move through the weeks of Advent, is it possible for us to keep watch for moments of hope, joy, peace and love? In this season of great anticipation, may the eyes of our hearts be open as we keep watch for God’s continual love and presence to us and the world.

Sunday Mornings

Join us each week for worship at 11 a.m. in the beauty of our decorated Sanctuary as we prepare our hearts for the coming Christ. The first Sunday of Advent is Dec. 1. (On Sunday, Dec. 29, we will meet for worship at 11 but will not offer Sunday School.)

Christmas Eve Services

Tuesday, Dec. 24. | 4 and 11 p.m. | Join us for worship on Christmas Eve as the waiting of Advent gives way to the joy of Christ’s birth. Our 4 p.m. service is suitable for all ages, while our 11 p.m. service is more formal and includes celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

Advent book study

All are invited to participate as we collectively read the book Calling All Angels: an Advent Study of Fearlessness and Strength by Erin Wathen. The book examines four angelic encounters that all begin with the same refrain, “do not be afraid,” and challenges readers to apply this timeless message to our lives today. The book is available to purchase from major book retailers. 
■ On Sundays from 9 to 9:45 a.m., Darren DeMent and Katie Murray will lead a discussion group on the book in 1205-G. Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22.
■ Many Sunday School classes, including Youth, will study the book during Advent.
■ A family study guide is available for parents to use with children. Pick it up at Wilshire or download it here. 

Poinsettia dedications

Wilshire members purchased poinsettias to decorate the Sanctuary in memory or in honor of loved ones. See the list >

Sign up kids to build nativity

Elementary school children are invited to help build the Sanctuary nativity scene by carrying elements to the chancel at the start of worship. We’ll begin Dec. 1 and build the scene week by week until it is complete at the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Sign up.

Tree of Hope and Remembrance

Help decorate Wilshire’s Tree of Hope and Remembrance in the South Lobby by writing the name of a loved one as a memorial or your name as a survivor of cancer or another disease. Blank ornaments and markers are provided at the tree, which is decorated with bracelets representing different forms of cancer. Hang your ornament on the tree anytime and feel free to take it home close to Christmas for your own tree.

Celebration of the Green

Sunday, Dec. 8 | 6:30 p.m. | Sanctuary | Our annual Celebration of the Green Christmas concert is themed Comfort! Comfort Now, My People. Tell of Peace! The Christmas story will come alive through music and narration, offering a timeless message of peace and the assurance that “all will be well.” This inspiring evening in the Sanctuary will feature Wilshire Winds, Carillon Ringers, Children’s Choir, Youth Choir, Shekinah, Nova and Sanctuary Choir, filling your heart with warmth and hope for the season. Be part of a beautiful night celebrating the peace and comfort we find together in faith and community. A reception will follow. Watch the video >

Christmas Pageant

Wednesday, Dec. 11 | 6 p.m. | Sanctuary | Kindergarten, Pre-K and 3-Year-Old choirs will be in costume as they sing and act out the Nativity. 

Adventurers lights tour

Tuesday, Dec. 10 | 6 p.m. | Join the Wilshire Adventurers for a guided bus tour of Christmas lights in Highland Park. $40 per person. Adventurers is a fellowship group for those 60 and above. (This event is sold out.)

Giving Tree

Visit Wilshire’s Giving Tree in James Gallery select a tag and fulfill a Christmas wish for a child or adult served by one of our local mission partners. You can also utilize our Virtual Giving Tree. 

Advent Playlist

Calling All Angels, the book we’re reading together, includes an Advent playlist on the streaming service Spotify. We hope it can enrich your holiday season whether or not you’re reading the book. Listen on Spotify >