Christmas in Pluckemin, NJ — Sing We Now of Christmas? Fact, Faith & Folklore in the Carols We Sing

Christmas in Pluckemin, NJ

Do our favorite carols tell the story right?

We sing them every December, often without a second thought. This Advent, we're slowing down to listen to what the carols actually say; holding each one up against the Scripture it draws from.

Some get the story beautifully right. Some add details the Gospels never mention. And all of them, at their best, call us to something. Come sing, wonder, and maybe hear a familiar carol for the first time.

Fact

What does Scripture actually say happened? We'll trace each carol back to the passages behind it.

Faith

Which truths about God does the carol capture well, and what is it calling us to believe and do?

Folklore

Where has tradition filled in the gaps? Snow, innkeepers, and a baby who never cries — we'll sort it out together.

Advent Sermon Series

Sing We Now of Christmas?

Join us each Sunday at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary or online

First Sunday of Advent · Nov 29

[Carol Title]

Scripture: [Reference]

[One-line teaser — what this carol gets right, or gets wrong.]

Second Sunday of Advent · Dec 6

[Carol Title]

Scripture: [Reference]

[One-line teaser — what this carol gets right, or gets wrong.]

Third Sunday of Advent · Dec 13

[Carol Title]

Scripture: [Reference]

[One-line teaser — what this carol gets right, or gets wrong.]

Fourth Sunday of Advent · Dec 20 · 10 a.m.

A Service of Lessons & Carols

This Pluckemin tradition tells the story of Christmas through Scripture, hymns, and music from the Carillons handbell choir and the sanctuary choir. Coffee and light refreshments follow.

For the Whole Family

Gather with us this season

[Date] · [Time]

Christmas Crafts, Carols & Cookies

A family event in Fellowship Hall right after worship. Decorate (and eat!) Christmas cookies and make crafts to take home.

Register

Tuesday, Dec 8 · 6–7:30 p.m.

Messy Church Christmas

Dinner, a brief Christian message, music, and a craft for children, parents, and grandparents together. Registration is required so we know how much food to have!

Register

Christmas Worship

Join us through Christmas

Dec 21

Monday · 6 p.m.

Blue Christmas: A Service of Healing and Hope

Offered on the longest night of the year, especially for those who are hurting this holiday season. If you are mourning a loved one, far from home, facing illness, addiction, or estrangement, lonely, struggling financially, or grieving the pain and violence in our world — join us.

We gather in the midst of suffering to remember God is good. God is strong. God is near. We are not alone, and we have every reason to hold on to hope. All are welcome.

Dec 24

Thursday · Christmas Eve

4:30 p.m. · Children & Family Worship

Grab the whole family, just as they are! Kids of all ages can play a part in our impromptu Christmas pageant — no advance preparation necessary. The service ends with a child-friendly glowstick lighting.

7:30 p.m. · Traditional Candlelight Service

Flickering candlelight, glorious choir music, and the Carillons handbell choir as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Light of the world. The service ends with Silent Night, Holy Night as the sanctuary fills with candlelight.

Dec 27

Sunday · 10 a.m.

Brunch Sunday

A relaxed Sunday to round out the season — worship together, then stay for brunch. [Brunch details.]

Bring someone along

Everyone knows the carols. Invite a friend or neighbor to hear them in a new way this Advent.