Welcome to a season of warmth, tradition, and community at La Jolla Presbyterian Church! Our Advent Opportunities brochure is your guide to engaging activities and meaningful service opportunities designed to bring us together and celebrate the spirit of the season. From festive gatherings to reflective services, each event is an invitation to come home to community and tradition. Discover all the ways you can participate and make this Advent truly memorable.

Adopt-A-Family – 11/17 – 11/24
We are very happy to continue the tradition of supporting recently placed refugee families in need with Adopt-A-Family. There are a lot refugees from the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East now living in San Diego. Adopt a refugee family for Christmas and bring them the love of Christ. To connect with a family, receive a list of their needs, and the ages of their kids; contact Kim Devermann at mail4kbd@gmail.com and in the courtyard on Sundays. It’s a great mission for a Growth Group!  

Military Outreach Ministry Toy Drive – 11/17 – 12/20
We are collecting new unwrapped toys (infant – teen) for enlisted families to give to their children for Christmas here in San Diego. Please place unwrapped toys in the bins around campus between now and Dec. 20th. Volunteer for Toy Distribution Day (Saturday Dec. 21st) at michellew@ljpres.org. 

Advent Devotional – 11/24 – 12/24
Begin your journey home for the holidays with Pastor Chad’s Advent devotional. Available starting November 24th, this booklet offers daily reflections from December 1st through the 24th, inviting you to explore the theme of “Home for Christmas” through scripture and prayer. Perfect for morning reflections or evening quiet time, let this devotional guide you to a season filled with tradition and community.

Advent Art Show – 12/1 – 12/31
Discover the spirit of “Home” at our Advent Art Show, opening December 1st in the LJPC Gallery. This special exhibit celebrates the theme of coming together and features captivating works by artists within our own LJPC community. Explore how they interpret the comfort and joy of ‘home’ through various artistic expressions. Join us throughout December to experience the unique blend of tradition and creativity that defines our congregation during this festive season.

Community Sing-A-Long 12/1
Join us for a festive community sing-a-long on December 1st, from 3 PM to 4 PM at the La Jolla Recreation Center. Come celebrate the start of the holiday season by singing favorite Christmas carols around the rec center’s Christmas tree. We’ll also have fun decorating Christmas cookies and serving hot chocolate. This joyous event is a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and get into the spirit of the season. Everyone from La Jolla’s churches and schools is invited—no registration required. Bring your holiday cheer and sing your heart out with us!

Christmas Pageant – 12/4
Join us on December 4th from 5:00 – 5:45 pm in the Sanctuary for our traditional Christmas Pageant—an evening where the story of Christmas comes to life! Experience the joy and wonder through the eyes of our children as they reenact the nativity, complete with a manger scene and caroling. It’s a perfect way to embrace the community spirit and build cherished holiday memories

Advent Workshop – 12/4
Right after our Christmas Pageant on December 4th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, join us in Fellowship Hall for our Advent Workshop. Dive into the festive spirit with fun crafts for the whole family and dinner for all. It’s a wonderful way to continue the evening’s celebrations and create lasting Christmas memories with your family and friends. Deadline to register is 11/29, $10/personat LJPres.events.

Blue Christmas – 12/6
Join us on December 6th from 3:00 to 6:00 pm in Room LC1 and the Chapel for our “Blue Christmas” service. This special service is dedicated to those who have experienced loss, offering a space for remembrance and comfort. It’s a time to reflect on loved ones who have passed and find community support during this season of reflection. Perfect for those seeking a moment of peace and solace during the bustling holiday period. Register with Michelle Whitney at michellew@ljpres.org or at LJPres.events.

Serve Saturday – 12/7
Join La Jolla Pres and our sister church, Ebenezer, to serve areas of need in the Linda Vista community on December 7th 9:30am–1pm. From gardening to building beautification, there will be ways for the whole family to help serve (all ages welcome). Meet at 2130 Ulric Street before heading out to serve in various areas in the community. A community/team lunch will be served at noon back at Ebenezer Church (not mandatory but definitely fun). Please let us know who will be joining to be able to assign projects and prepare enough food. Email Emily Gibbs with any questions emilyg@ljpres.org or register at LJPres.events.

Watch the Christmas Parade together – 12/8
This year, instead of participating in the La Jolla Christmas Parade on December 8th, we’re gathering to watch and enjoy this cherished community tradition together. Meet us on Prospect Street in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art, where we’ll gather as a church family to enjoy the parade. Come around 12:45 to save your spot and enjoy the fellowship, bring your chairs, blankets, and holiday cheer as we celebrate the season in community and witness the festive parade floats, music, and performances. 

#Momlife Service Project: Christmas Jammies! – 12/12
We’re giving brand-new jammies & gently used books to all the kids at Father Joe’s this Christmas! There are opportunities to sponsor jammies, donate gently used kids’ books, and to package it all up on December 12th at 10:30am in the Courtyard. We need lots of helping hands so all are welcome. Bring kids and grandkids too! Each set of jammies costs $15. To donate, write a check to LJPC and write “momlife jammies” in the memo or visit LJPres.org/jammies. Contact Cynthia at cynthiab@ljpres.org. 

Men’s Ugly Sweater Party for a Purpose – 12/12
Embrace the holiday spirit with a twist on December 12th from 6:00 to 9:00! Join our Intergenerational Men’s Ugly Sweater Party, a fun-filled evening of fellowship, food, and fashionably ugly sweaters. Not only will you enjoy the camaraderie, but you’ll also be supporting a great cause—refugee resettlement through the Alliance for African Assistance. Come for the laughs, stay for the purpose, and help make a difference this Christmas. Sign up to contribute to the catered dinner at LJPres.events or email Emily Gibbs emilyg@ljpres.org. 

Ladies Christmas Tea – 12/14
Celebrate the warmth of the season at our Christmas Tea on December 14th from 10 am to 12 pm in Fellowship Hall. This intergenerational event invites ladies and girls of all ages to enjoy carols, crafts, and light tea fare. Don’t forget to bring two dozen cookies to exchange (half to enjoy at the tea, and half to send home with someone else)! In the spirit of giving, we’re also collecting toys for the Military Toy Drive. For a festive gathering that feels like coming home, join us and make cherished holiday memories. Contact Emily Gibbs at emilyg@ljpres.org for more details.

Mission Gift Market 12/15
Join us for a journey close to home with a global impact at our Mission Gift Market on December 15th! Following a combined worship service at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary, we’ll host a special reception in Fellowship Hall. Explore booths from 22 mission partners, enjoy unique travel-themed activities, and find meaningful holiday gifts by donating in a loved one’s name. Kids and adults can participate in a passport adventure, collecting stamps at each booth for a special treat. Embrace the spirit of global community from the comfort of your church home and help support vital missions worldwide.

Christmas Concert – 12/15
Join us on December 15th for the LJPC Christmas Concert, “Born is the King!”, featuring Handel’s Messiah and Christmas Lessons & Carols, presented by our 60-voice Chancel Choir, 22-member professional Orchestra, Children’s Choir (4 PM), and Handbell Choir (7 PM). Experience this holiday favorite with beloved carols and meaningful scripture readings. Arrive early to secure your seat, and enjoy our hospitality. After the 7 PM concert, continue the celebration at our Holiday Reception in Fellowship Hall.  

Senior Singles Christmas Gathering 12/21
Join us for an elegant afternoon at the Senior Singles High Tea on Saturday, December 21st, hosted at the home of Rev. Dr. Mark and Laura Hargreaves. Starting at 3:00 p.m., enjoy a delightful selection of teas, delicious foods, and a great opportunity to socialize. This event is free for senior singles. Please RSVP by December 14th by texting Laurie Hammers at (805) 300-7689 or emailing seniorsingles2025@yahoo.com.