2019 Advent and Christmas Events

Monday, Nov 25: The Gathering Place

Come and help prepare wreaths and swags of evergreens from 9:00 am to noon to adorn our sanctuary at the Hanging of the Greens on Saturday.

Saturday, Nov 30: Hanging of the Greens, 8 AM

Join us between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm to decorate our sanctuary for the Christmas season. Greenery, trees, angels, banners, stars: these are the work of the day!

Sunday, December 1: Advent Begins; Poinsetta Orders

The first volume of 2019’s Advent of Giving devotional is now available in print at Church of the Holy Cross or online at holycrosshilo.com. Each day from December 1st through the 25th will include a Scripture reading, a reflection, and a prayer. We invite you then to set aside a non-perishable food item to be shared with our hungry neighbors via the Food Basket.  Last year we gathered over 400 pounds of food. It was truly a great Advent of Giving.

This year, potted poinsettias are available for $12.00 per plant and orders need to be submitted by Sunday, December 1 by contacting Cindy Debus or the church office by e-mail at holycrosshilo@hawaii.rr.com or by phone at 935-1283.  Thank you for your interest in this beautiful display of color and charm. You may take your plants after the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on December 24.

Sunday, December 8: Christmas Fund Dedication,10 AM and Christmas Caroling, 2 PM

The Board of Stewardship and Mission invite you to once again join thousands of UCC members and congregations who support this year’s appeal and trust the light will shine in the darkness. Gifts to the annual Christmas Fund embody the spirit of the season by supporting those in need who have faithfully served the church, and provide UCC congregations and members an opportunity to reach out in kindheartedness to those who have shepherded our church and who now find themselves facing unexpected financial needs. The Christmas Fund  enables the United Church Board of Ministerial Assistance to provide, on behalf of the whole Church, Supplementation of Small Annuities, Retiree Health Premium Supplementation, Emergency Grants and Christmas “Thank You” gift checks to individuals and families in need. We will dedicate the Christmas Fund on December 8th. Thank you for supporting this special offering.

Also, this Sunday is our annual Christmas Caroling. We are meeting at 2:00 pm  in the upper parking lot of Church of the Holy Cross to carpool. Bring your voices and smiling faces and help us spread some Christmas cheer as we visit our home bound members and friends.  Food and fellowship will be served upon our return in the Building of Faith. You are invited to sing, have fun, and serve joy!

Sunday, December 15: Christmas Pageant “No Room at the Inn”, 10 AM

“A place to stay? Tonight?” Join us at worship at 10:00 am, and watch the story of Christmas unfold through our keiki. There’s a part for all the kids! Please bring pageant participants to J’s Cafe at 9:30 am that morning to choose their costumes and do a quick rehearsal. It’s the third week of Advent. Come experience the Joy!

Tuesday, December 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 7 PM