The United Church of Gainesville
Christmas Eve Services
Sunday, December 24, 2023 – 10:00 a.m., 4:30 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 11:00 p.m.

We welcome you to Christmas Eve at the United Church of Gainesville. We have four services sure to meet the many moods of the season while celebrating peace, love, and traditions old and new on this special day of days.

At 10:00 a.m., On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of love as we remember the Advent candles of hope, peace, and joy already ablaze. We will enjoy a Christmas carol sing-along throughout the service with carols requested by the congregation! We will close this sweet service together in fellowship with cookies, coffee, and cocoa.  Activity time and nursery care will be provided for this service. Christmas PJs and sweaters are most welcome at this cozy service! Join the live stream here. Bulletin

At 4:30 p.m., Our first Christmas Eve service is designed with all ages in mind. We will enjoy carols, special music, and an interactive telling of the Christmas story. This multi-generational service will be a joyous event inviting everyone to play their part in telling the story of the first Christmas. We’ll have props and some costumes, the nativity set will make its way to the front of the Sanctuary, and everyone will share in the wonder of this holy night. Join the live stream here. Bulletin

At 8 p.m., Brass and drums join the voices of the congregation as we sing of our joy. The choir sends us to Bethlehem, the sound of the flute into divine meditation, and the Rev. Bromleigh McCleneghan preaches a good word on the birth of the Christ child. Our 8 p.m. service live streams here. Bulletin

Announcements

Special thanks to the Board of Parish Ministry for their wonderful work in making our church building and grounds so beautiful for the Advent and Christmas seasons and for their work in preparing the beautiful service for Sunday, December 31, 2023.

The Church office is closed through January 1 and no church activities, other than Sunday worship, are scheduled. Voice mail will be checked for messages. Any situation that needs immediate attention will be referred to Rev. Ellen Ribe or the appropriate staff person. Note that e-mail will not be checked during this Christmas break. Happy Holidays!

As our fiscal year draws to a close, we hope that everyone will be able to fulfill their pledge commitment to 2023. If you have any questions, please email catherinec@ucgainesville.org. Although the office will be closed the week after Christmas, she will check her email periodically during that time and answer questions as needed. Please indicate the fiscal year – 2023 or 2024 – on your payment to avoid any confusion. As always, THANK YOU for your continued support of our church!  

Next Sunday, December 31
9:45 a.m.       Childcare  
10:00 a.m.     Worship — “Holy Joy” — The Board of Parish Ministry leads us into the New Year
10:15 a.m.     Activity Time
11:00 a.m.     Fellowship and Beverages
6:30 p.m.       Dances of Universal Peace New Year’s Eve Dance

December 21 COVID Update

Although nearly all Alachua County wastewater samples contain the COVID-19 virus, the levels have stabilized. If you haven’t had COVID in the past 60 days, it is still not too late to get vaccinated with the updated mRNA vaccine distributed earlier in the fall. People over age 65 and people with compromised immunity are encouraged to get vaccinated.

The wearing of masks in the Sanctuary is highly recommended. People with respiratory symptoms should remain at home. People over age 65, people at risk for serious illness from COVID, and people who live with someone at increased risk are encouraged to wear an N-95 or KN-95 mask. KN-95 masks are available in the foyer of the Sanctuary.