Service of the Longest Night: A Time of Prayer and Music for People Who Grieve at Christmas

Friday , December 21 2018

7:00 p.m.

Westminster Presbyterian Church

2915 Glenn Avenue

Sioux City, IA 51106

712-276-3613

Though many do alright with their Christmas of white, many others battle the blues during the holidays.  Persistent images of parties full of guests and homes full of love can deepen feelings of loss and loneliness. Peaceful manger scenes and angels make us wonder: what’s wrong with me when all seems so right with the world?  Join other midwinter mourners in a service of music and prayer exploring hope hidden in the dark side of the Christmas story.  As we offer prayers with candles and written notes placed in our own “wailing wall,” pastors will anoint and pray for any who seek blessing.  Discover a Savior born into the darkness of poverty and tyranny, whose ministry led him to the darkness of death and the tomb, and whose resurrection promises that God’s light shines in the darkness and darkness did not – and will never – overcome it.  ​

Faith United and Westminster Presbyterian Churches present

The Living Nativity:  A Christmas Gift for Siouxland

Free and open to the public

Sunday, December 16 2018

5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Faith United Presbyterian Church

4327 Morningside Avenue

Sioux City, IA 51106

712-276-3121 or 712-276-3613

See the Biblical Christmas story come to life with live actors, animals, lights and music.  From the comfort of your vehicle, enjoy six scenes from the Christian scriptures depicting the angel Gabriel’s message to Mary; Joseph, Mary on the road to Bethlehem and at the door of the inn; the shepherds’ vision of angels; the throne room of evil King Herod and his three wise visitors; and baby Jesus in the manger.  An interpretive brochure of each scene will be provided.  Freewill offerings will be accepted for The Warming Shelter in downtown Sioux City.  More than 100 volunteers of all ages from Westminster Presbyterian and Faith United Presbyterian churches, plus barbershop choruses and church choirs, join together to bring the ancient story of Christ’s birth to present day Sioux City.

Rally Day: At Rally Day on Sept. 10th, we will will Kick Off the Sunday School year with some fun and exciting activities for Children, Parents, etc. We want everyone to have a wonderful time as we prepare to DIG IN to the Bible. Kids – watch your mailboxes for more information.

Sunday school for Pre-K through 5th grade: We are pleased to announce the Spark Sunday school curriculum for ages 3 through 5th grade. Spark explores Biblical salvation history beginning with stories from Genesis through the life of Jesus and beyond! Sunday school begins on September 17 at 9:15 a.m..

Teaching volunteer needed: We need an interested and enthusiastic volunteer to teach our small 3rd-5th grade class. Teaching material, all supplies, and coaching will be provided so your teaching experience will be as fulfilling for you as it is educational for the kids. Team teachers welcome! Call Pastor Erica for more information. Sunday school begins on September 17 at 9:15 a.m..

Sunday school for 6th-12th grade: We are thrilled to offer the new Colaborate Bible Study curriculum for our 6th-12th grade students. Colaborate utilizes a problem-based teaching method that allows kids to voice questions about Biblically based faith and equips them to think theologically. We have purchased the entire 30-week curriculum which we will supplement with other learning activities throughout the year. Sunday school begins on September 17 at 9:15 a.m..

Adult Bible Study: Think everyone at church knows the Bible better than you do? Don’t know Jerubbaal from Zerubbabel? Have you tried to read the Bible, only to get bogged down in the begats? Starting September 17 at 9:15 a.m., Pastor Erica will lead a weekly class with the goal of teaching participants how to think theologically and study the Bible effectively without a lot of dogma or doctrine! At our first meeting, we will discuss a learning based on attendees’ interests, questions, and hopes for this year’s learning. And, get ready to test your Biblical literacy with a round of Bible Jeopardy!

Our Bible School this year will again be a joint venture with Faith United and boy, are we excited about this one. We will be taking the students on a 4 Journey to Bethlehem. While there they will visit with the “main players” in the Christmas story – angels, shepherds, Mary & Joseph, etc. Come and experience the sights and sounds of Bethlehem and see why there way indeed – No Room at the Inn. Meet and learn from various shopkeepers who would have had worked in the bustling town of Bethlehem. Learn from the Village Baker, Metal Worker, Scribe (gotta get that census done) , Carpenter, InnKeeper, Pottery, Musical Instrument maker, Star Gazer,and many more.

Bible School will begin each evening in the sanctuary at 6 pm with music and a short introduction to the night’s activities. We will conclude each evening back in the “town square” at 7:45 pm. Children age 3 through those who have finished grade 5 are welcome on our journey. There is no cost to attend Bible School and pre-registration is not required – but it is helpful. A joint worship service with Faith United will bring our week to a close on Sunday, July 23rd. You can register either via e-mail ([email protected]) or by phone at 276-3613.

A light supper will be served to the children attending VBS and the teachers at 5:30 pm for those that wish to eat together as a group before heading into Bethlehem

We have now started publishing previous sermons to the website. You can access them by clicking on the “Sermons” link above, or on the image below. Please talk to Tim or email him if you have any questions or problems downloading them.