Experience a thrill of hope this Advent...
We live in a weary world, fractured by division and despair. Yet, across generations and cultures, humanity clings to the hope of restoration, and God continues to draw near. Advent reminds us that suffering is not the final word.
The Messiah has saved us.
The Messiah is saving us.
The Messiah will save us.
On this journey toward Christmas, we watch for God’s saving work unfolding all around us, bringing healing where there is hurt, courage where there is fear, and hope where there is despair. The miracle of Immanuel did not end in Bethlehem. The thrill of hope persists.
Advent Devotions
Create space for reflection, connection, and meaning throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. Devotional booklets are available to help you pause, reflect, and reconnect with the radical hope of Christ. Spend time each week reading the scripture and reflection, and ponder the provided questions or discuss them with someone in your home or community. Interactive Advent calendars put faith into action, providing daily prompts that can be done individually or with others. Family booklets provide reflections, questions, prayers, and activities for parents and children to work on together. And coloring pages can be devotional practices for people of all ages! Pick up the resources you’d like to use in the Gathering Area beginning Nov. 22.
Holden Evening Prayer
Wednesdays in Advent at 7:00pm (December 2, 9 & 16)
Gather together for a time of contemplation, music and reflection. The music of Marty Haugen’s beloved Holden Evening Prayer will surround a time of Scripture and reflection on our weekly themes of expectancy, preparation, and faith. This service will also be livestreamed, so if you can’t make it in person, be sure to tune in for this beautiful worship.
Advent-ure Sunday
Sunday, December 6, 12:30-2:30pm
Join us in the MAC (Muhlenberg Activities Center) for a baked potato bar lunch and an afternoon of Advent Crafting at Advent-ure Sunday! There will be Candle Rolling, Advent Wreath Making, Chrismon Making and much more. This is a fun kick off to Advent for everyone. Email Ashley Saunders HERE if you would like to help in planning.
Hanging of the Greens
Sunday, December 13, 9:45-10:30am
All ages gather together to adorn our church with Advent and Christmas decorations, including the Chrismon tree and our congregational nativity sets. Learn about the symbols and stories of familiar Christmas decorations like wreaths, poinsettias, and holly and ivy while helping to get our space ready for Christmas!
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 13, 12:15pm
Join an enthusiastic group - young to not so young - to help spread Advent/Christmas cheer to our brothers and sisters who can’t join us in worship. Impressive singing ability is not required, just a willingness to make noise with spirit! All are welcome! We need YOU and your family - the more the merrier. Meet in Wayland Hall at 12:15pm for a light meal before caroling! Sign up at the link below, and email Stephanie Hudy HERE for more info!
Longest Night Worship
Monday, December 21, 7:00pm
The longest night of the year, December 21, has become a meaningful time to recognize the darkness of grief and loss in our lives that long for the light of Christ. The Harrisonburg Community Longest Night service brings together seven congregations (Presbyterian, Mennonite, Methodist, Episcopal, and Lutheran) for a service of Word, song, prayer, and Holy Communion. The worship provides an opportunity to be honest about our pain and be reminded of Christ’s light that shines into dark places. This year, the service will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church at 725 S. High St. Join in person or via livestream.
Youth Christmas Party
Friday, December 18, 6:00-8:00pm
Middle and high school youth are invited to dinner and a Christmas party at Pastor Lauren’s house! Wear your favorite tacky Christmas sweater and join us for Christmas games, decorating cookies, and a White Elephant gift exchange. (No spending money on gifts! Your gift must be something you create or already have at home!) RSVP to Pastor Lauren HERE by Dec. 15, if you plan to attend or have any questions.
Christmas Pageant 2026
Join us for a fun Christmas Pageant as we explore the Anticipation of Christ throughout the Bible. There will be scripture reading, songs, and dance. Participation is open to all ages. Practices will be Sat. Dec. 5, 12, and 19 at 11:00am-12:00pm in the Muhlenberg Sanctuary. The pageant will be Sun. Dec. 20 at 2:00pm in the Sanctuary with refreshments served afterwards. If you would like to participate, email Ashley Saunders HERE.
Christmas Eve Services
4:00pm “Family Service”
Beginning at 3:15pm - Christmas Photos - Come early to get your Christmas photo taken by the tree! Your free photo will be printed and ready for you after the 4:00pm service. At this time, kids will also have the opportunity to pick up quiet activities that can be done during worship and a small snack. Plus, enjoy pre-service music and visit with friends before worship begins.
4:00pm - Family Service - Join us for this energetic worship for all ages! This service includes easy-to-sing hymns, an interactive telling of the Christmas story, a meaningful reflection, the sharing of Holy Communion, special music from our children’s choir and youth ensemble, and a candlelit Silent Night (with battery-operated candles for our younger kids). The Nursery will be staffed for this service.
7:00pm “Traditional Service”
Gather for a rich liturgical service led by choir and organ. This service includes favorite Christmas carols, a full sermon, Holy Communion, beautiful anthems, and a candlelit Silent Night. The Nursery will be staffed during this service, and the entire service will also be livestreamed.
10:00pm “Late Service”
Welcome Christ in the darkness through this quiet, intimate, reflective, and joy-filled service. This service includes music led by solo musicians, congregational song, a full sermon, Holy Communion, and a candlelit Silent Night. It’s a “Midnight Mass” a few hours before midnight!
Community Christmas Dinner
Friday, December 25, 3:30pm
Muhlenberg will host our fifth annual Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day in the Muhlenberg Activities Center (MAC). Christmas should be a time for joy and celebration, but far too many in our community face loneliness and hunger on this most special day. Hosting this Community Christmas Dinner gives us the opportunity to know our neighbor. This year, we open our doors for guests at 3:30pm with dinner served at 4:00pm. Please join us for an evening of holiday-themed games, singing, great food and fellowship. A sign-up Genius will be available after Thanksgiving with ways you can be a part of this event either before and/or on Christmas Day. Contact Emily Carneal HERE for more info.
Local and Global Advent Giving Opportunities
The Local and Global Outreach Ministry is offering our congregation an opportunity to help our neighbors during the Advent Season. Beginning the first Sunday of Advent and continuing until December 20, we will be collecting for Stone Haven and First Step.
Stone Haven is an organization that walks with survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking here in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County. They offer individualized case management, resource navigation, and in-person, trauma-informed support for women. They also are working towards expansion with a goal of opening a long-term residential treatment program where women can come and do the hard work of healing. They need: shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, body scrub, and lotion.
We will also be helping collect for First Step. This agency serves and shelters survivors of domestic and dating violence and their children. First Step provides a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency temporary shelter, rehousing assistance, counseling, and ongoing support services for clients as they take their next steps. They can use: dish soap, detergent, bleach, sponges, and all-purpose cleaners for kitchen and bath. We will begin collecting these items the first week of Advent. There will be labeled bins provided in the Gathering Area through the Advent season. Email Wanda Hamilton HERE for more info, and thank you for your generous giving!
Poinsettias
You can choose to remember or honor a loved one by purchasing a poinsettia. Your poinsettia(s) will be used to help adorn our Sanctuary. Help us enjoy the festive colors of poinsettias throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. Following the last service on Christmas Eve, you may take your plant home! The cost per plant is $20. To purchase a poinsettia, please place your check in the offering plate or mail it to the church office and note “Poinsettias” on the memo line. You can also sign up by December 6 at the Connection Center or use the link below:
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 27, 8:30 & 11:00am
Join the Muhlenberg community for a simple and beautiful communion service filled with scripture and song. Experience the story of God’s saving presence among us and join in the music of the season! If you’d like to serve as a reader for Lessons and Carols, please email Kathy Thompson HERE.
Chrismon Trip
Saturday, December 19
You're invited to a day trip to the birthplace of Chrismons, Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, on Saturday, December 19. The day includes a presentation and viewing of their decorated 20' cedar tree, lunch, and free time for shopping and exploring. We'll depart from Muhlenberg at 7:00am and return by 9:00pm. Contact Sandy Brzozowski HERE for details, and to sign up by Wed. Dec. 4.
Epiphany Chili Cook-off
Sunday, January 3, 4:30 - 6:30pm, Wayland Hall
Celebrate the season of light at this beloved annual event! Bring cornbread or dessert to share, or enter your favorite regular, white, or vegetarian chili into the competition. After tasting all the deliciousness, vote for your favorite with your spare change and bills. Proceeds from voting will benefit People Helping People. Following the meal, we’ll share in Epiphany traditions like Chalking the Door and Star Words. The evening closes outside around the fire pit, as we join in the Burning of the Greens. Bring a branch from your Christmas tree or wreath to put in the fire. Have questions or want to help with set up or clean up? Email Terry Caywood HERE.