Christmas Eve at Plymouth Church!
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES
Christmas Eve Morning | 11 a.m.
This is an abbreviated service in the Sanctuary for those seeking an earlier option. Communion will be served.
Family Christmas Eve | 5 p.m.
This is a child-friendly service of lessons and carols with glow sticks instead of candles in the Sanctuary.
Waveland Christmas Eve | 7 p.m.
A casual, Saturday Night-styled service with communion and a sermon by Senior Pastor Jared Wortman in Waveland.
Candlelight Services | 9 & 11 p.m.
Services will include carols by candlelight, choral anthems,and a sermon by Senior Pastor Jared Wortman. Chancel Choir (9 p.m.) and Matins Choir (11 p.m.) will lead worship
Upcoming Christmas Concerts and Events
“O ANTIPHONS” PLYMOUTH GALLERY EXHIBIT | NOW TO JAN. 18
This art exhibit in the Plymouth Gallery features 15 artists who have each interpreted an “O Antiphon,” known today as the seven verses of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” The artists have used this 900-year old text as inspiration for creating works of art that bring new life and contemporary interpretation into the 20th Century.
The “O Antiphons,” known to us as the seven verses of the hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” date back to the 8th Century. Each antiphon, based on scriptures assigned to the seven days before Christmas, were designed to focus on the coming Christmas celebration. All of the attributions are from the Old Testament (with Emmanuel in both testaments)
Artist Reception | Friday, Dec 20 at 5:30 P.M.
Join us for a reception celebrating the work of our artists. Event will take place in the Burling Room.
SCROOGE: DRAMATIC READING | 2nd show on 12/13 was postponed due to weather
Charles Dicken’s classic tale, a ghost story that visits upon us the spirits of then and now. Join the Plymouth Players for this gilded tale of charm is set in 19th century London, but the power of such a story is its relevance in 2024. We often need reminding that our Christmas must be tempered by the visitation of our ghosts. The joy and hope to be found in Dicken’s story is to be found by us in our own attempts to observe Christmas. Sit with us for this short performance and indulge the ghosts to take you somewhere needed, a place to center your own spirit.
DES MOINES CONCERT HANDBELLS | SATURDAY, DEC. 14 AT 3 P.M.
The Des Moines Concert Handbells presents an afternoon of Christmas and seasonal music that will brighten your spirits and reinvigorate your holiday cheer. Join us for old favorites and plus a few new tunes on the program! This concert is free to all; donations will be accepted.
LESSONS & CAROLS | SUNDAY, DEC. 15 AT 9 AND 11 A.M.
Plymouth’s K-12 Choirs in worship at 9 a.m. and by Chancel Choir in worship at 11 a.m. will lead the congregation in carols for the season.
LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE | MONDAY, DEC. 16 FROM 6 - 7:30 P.M.
Join us in Waveland Hall for candle-lighting, healing prayers, quiet, scripture, communion, and music that acknowledge that God's presence is for you and that God's word comes to shine light into your life and our world. Reflections will be offered by the Pastors. This is a worship gathering for all ages. All are welcome.
CHRISTMAS IN BRASS | FRIDAY, DEC. 20 AT 7 P.M.
Join us for an unforgettable evening where the joyful sounds of brass and the rich tones of organist Sohee Lee fill the air with holiday favorites, lively Christmas pop tunes, and beloved carols, all performed in a unique and engaging collage concert format. This free concert promises to warm your heart and lift your spirits as we come together to share the magic of the season.
PLYMOUTH’S YEAR-END SCHEDULE
Plymouth Church closed Dec. 25-27
Dec. 28-29 Weekend Worship Schedule:
Dec. 28: Saturday Night Worship at 5 p.m.
Dec. 29: Combined Sunday Worship at 11 a.m.
End-of-Year Financial Drop-offs:
Dec. 30-31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Use Circle Drive door, when you arrive call Jeff Rodman (515-690-5018) or Jim Denman (515-690-5011).
Past Christmas Concerts and Events:
MANY MOODS OF CHRISTMAS | FRIDAY, DEC. 6 AT 7 P.M. AND SATURDAY, DEC. 7 AT 2 P.M.
Experience a magical night of music with Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett’s “Many Moods of Christmas!” Join us for a spectacular presentation of these beloved choral and orchestral carol suites, first performed at Plymouth decades ago. With stunning orchestral and organ accompaniments, this is your chance to revel in the timeless beauty of some of the most cherished holiday melodies with fresh and exciting orchestral colors and arrangements.
FAMILY ADVENT FESTIVAL & SANTA BRUNCH | SATURDAY, DEC. 7 FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 P.M.
There will be a lot of fun activities! Bring a potluck item for all to enjoy, decorate a keepsake wreath with the family, help build a LEGO village while watching a classic Christmas movie, or test your throwing skills with a friendly an all ages "snowball" fight in the Gym. Santa will also be visiting us from the North Pole!
HANDBELLS FOR THE HOLIDAY | SUNDAY, DEC. 8 AT 3:30 P.M.
Ring in the season with a concert of music presented by ringers of all ages on handbells and chimes. Plymouth’s Children’s Handchime Choir,Youth Handbells, Plymouth Bells, and Des Moines Concert Handbells join together to present a program of music sure to jingle, tinkle, clang,and resound as we celebrate the Sounds of the Season.
SOUP SUPPER & CAROL SING | SUNDAY, DEC. 8 AT 5 P.M.
Join the Chancel Choir for soup and songs! Dozens of soups along with breads, child-friend dishes, and other goodies will be available to enjoy! Following supper, we will move to the sanctuary to sing Christmas Carols with the organ – by request! Enjoy this family-friendly (and indoor) way to connect more deeply with the season by singing your Christmas favorites. We suggest a $5 minimum donation per attendee for the supper. Funds raised through attendee donations will support the Chancel Choir’s Choral Scholarship Fund.