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

Mary, Did You Know?

So what did Mary know? We’ll meet the Mary of Scripture and set aside the legends that grew up around her outside the Bible.

Second Sunday of Advent · Dec 6

In the Bleak Midwinter

Was Jesus really born in the dead of winter? Probably not. So how did December 25 end up on the calendar?

Third Sunday of Advent · Dec 13

Away in a Manger

A carol many of us learned as children. But a baby Jesus who never cried? We’ll look at what the manger really tells us about God with us.

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

Sunday, Nov 29 · 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Christmas Around the World

A family event in Fellowship Hall right after worship. Discover how Christmas is celebrated around the globe through crafts and activities from different countries, and take your creations home.

Sign-up coming soon

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. This year it includes our impromptu Christmas pageant: kids of all ages can play a part, no advance preparation necessary! Registration is required so we know how much food to have.

Register

Sunday, Dec 20 · 4:30 p.m. · Sanctuary

Christmas Concert

Enjoy a free holiday concert by Somerset Hills Harmony, NJ’s premier mixed a cappella group, with a special guest appearance by the Carillons handbell choir.

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

A short, family-friendly service, perfect for families with young children. Pastor Ian will guide the kids through the Christmas story, and we’ll close with a glow-stick-light rendition of Silent Night.

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

Join us in Fellowship Hall for a joyful Brunch Sunday the weekend after Christmas! Bring a breakfast casserole to share, worship with us, and enjoy good food and sweet fellowship as we continue celebrating the season together.

Come and celebrate the true gift of Christmas with us. All are welcome! Interested in bringing food? Stay tuned for a sign-up sheet.

Bring someone along

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