The Upper Lake Community United Methodist Church, located at 604 Clover Valley Road (on the corner of Clover Valley Road and First Street) in the town of Upper Lake, will begin the Advent season Nov. 30, which is the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
On the first Sunday of Advent, a purple candle is lit to celebrate Hope, the inspiring and uplifting hope that Christ among us represents. On the second Sunday of Advent, another purple candle is lit to celebrate Peace, both the Prince of Peace himself and the promise of peace on earth. On the third Sunday, a pink candle is lit to celebrate Joy, the joy the shepherds received at hearing the news of Christ”s birth, or the joy that God brings into our lives.
As the coming of Christ draws near, the final purple candle is lit on the fourth Sunday of Advent to celebrate Love, both God”s boundless love for us and our love for one another.
On Christmas Eve the church lights the “Christ” candle to celebrate the purity of Jesus and the joy felt on the eve before his birth.
The church will celebrate Holy Communion, which will be available to all who attend, each Sunday during Advent.
On Christmas Eve, December 24, at 8 p.m. they will hold the annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service. The bright light from the candles is an expression of the growing anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, who in the Christian faith is seen as the Light of the World.
There will be more to follow in the coming weeks regarding our Christmas Eve Candlelight service.
Services are officiated by Pastor Wanda Celli and all are welcome to attend. Our regular worship services start at 11 a.m.
Note: This article ran previously. A date has been corrected.
