Here’s what’s happening at Govans this month. You may also check out past events.
December 2023
Events
Children’s Sunday School
Join Missy Smith and youth of all ages every Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the Youth Room. We make art, tell stories, and think about scripture and faith in our daily lives. We hope you’ll join us! Email Missy (missy@govanspres.org) for more information.
Worship at Govans
Join us for worship in-person or online on Zoom and Facebook Live every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Music is provided by the Chancel Choir, organ, and the Govans Band. Email wilson@govanspres.org or tom@govanspres.org for the Zoom link.
Holiday Coffeehouse
Join us during worship as Govans presents the annual Holiday Coffeehouse – a “open mic” style showcase of church members sharing their musical talent with the congregation. All ages and skill levels welcome. If you would like to perform, please contact Lea Gilmore at lea@govanspres.org. Merry Christmas!
Soul Kitchen
Everyone is welcome for a free community meal every Sunday – come for a meal or to volunteer, or both! Guests are encouraged to volunteer and volunteers are encouraged to eat! We are handing out take away meals from the church Peace Terrace between 3:30-4:30 p.m. Soul Kitchen Volunteers Needed Want to help? We need volunteers to prepare, serve, and clean up.
Govans/Knox Bible Study
Join us a noon on Wednesdays as we resume our study of the Book of Daniel. This is join Bible study between Govans and Knox Presbyterian Church. All are welcome! Email Pastor Tom at tom@govanspres.org for the Zoom or for more information.
Govans Chancel Choir presents: Oratorio de Noël
Join us for the Chancel Choir’s performance of Oratorio de Noël (Christmas Oratorio) by Camille Saint-Saëns. You will also get to hear some of the singers in our choir featured as soloists: Jocelyn Taylor, Nerissa Paglinauan, David Willerup, Karl Starks, and Colin Johnson! You might recognize this composer, for he wrote the famous Carnival of the Animal pieces, most notable of which is “The Swan.” Saint-Saëns also composed the famous “Danses Macabre.”
Three Church Youth Mixer – “ROPAGOFA”
Govans’ youth are invited to join with our friends from Roland Park and Faith Presbyterian for Christmas Party and a Pirate Gift Mixer. More info to come! This month will be hosted by Faith Presbyterian Church (5400 Loch Raven Blvd., Baltimore, 21239). Email Missy Smith (missy@govanpres.org) for more info.
Service for Those Who Grieve
Christmas time can be especially hard for people who are grieving. We may have lost loved ones during the holidays or we may be acutely feeling their absence at this time when being with loved ones is emphasized. Come light a candle in memory of a loved one. Listen to some quiet music. No Christmas Carols will be sung. No compulsory joy. It will just be a space set aside to acknowledge our grief.
Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk
A time to acknowledge darkness and to notice the undying light within. Bring a flashlight and a warm coat as we walk into the center of the ancient labyrinth and walk back out again. Light a candle in the center as a sign of your hopes for the coming year.
Christmas Eve: Children’s Christmas Pageant
The Christmas Pageant is back! Everyone is welcome to participate. Grab a costume when you walk in. What will you be? Shepherd? Angel? Animal? Maybe there will be some lines. Maybe not. You never know. What we will have for sure is classic Christmas Carols led by our band, scripture readings that tell the Christmas story, and an evening of joy and light.
Christmas Eve: Service of Peace and Joy
We begin by singing Silent Night to candle light, then we move through a few scripture readings and carol medleys before ending with some rousing hymns of joy! Join us as we celebrate the birth of Christ with choral music, instrumental music, and congregational singing.