Christmas

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.

The Songs of Christmas – Advent & Christmas 2025 at La Jolla Pres

Sunday, November 16 – Surviving the Holidays Grief Class

Facing the holidays after losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult. Join us for “Surviving the Holidays,” a special grief support class led by Linda Stirling on Sunday, November 16, at 10:15 AM in LC4. If you’re struggling with the thought of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s, this class offers a compassionate and understanding space to find healing. Email Pastor Chad for more details – chadf@ljpres.org

Saturday, November 29 – Campus Decorating Day

Help us deck the halls for Advent! Join friends and families as we turn the campus into a festive celebration of The Songs of Christmas. Whether you can hang wreaths, string lights, or simply share a smile, your help makes our sanctuary and courtyard glow with the beauty of the season. Coffee, cocoa, and Christmas music included. Email Michelle Whitney for more details – michellew@ljpres.org

Sunday, November 30 – The First Sunday of Advent: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

Psalm 96
We begin Advent and our new sermon series, The Songs of Christmas, with the joyful carol “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Join us for worship at either 9:00 AM (Traditional, Sanctuary) or 10:15 AM (Contemporary, Fellowship Hall) as we enter the season of anticipation and praise. 

In the afternoon, there’s an opportunity to serve at Ladle Fellowship in downtown San Diego. Help prepare and serve meals to those experiencing homelessness while sharing the love and compassion of Christ during this meaningful season. Meet at First Presbyterian Church on Date St. from 1-4PM.

Sunday, November 30 – Friday, December 19 – Military Toy Drive

Help make Christmas brighter for local enlisted families by bringing new, unwrapped toys to the church throughout early December. These gifts will be distributed to children through our partnership with Military Outreach Ministries. Look for the collection bins around campus and join us in sharing the joy of giving.

Sunday, November 30 – Advent Devotional Launch

This year’s Advent Devotional, written by Rev. Chad Fransen, invites you to reflect on The Songs of Christmas—the carols, scriptures, and prayers that help us listen for God’s voice in the season. Printed copies are available on campus, and a digital version can be downloaded at ljpres.org/devotional.

Sunday, November 30 – December 14 – Adopt-A-Family

Share the love of Christ this Christmas by adopting a local refugee family. Each participating family will receive gifts and essentials to brighten their holiday season. Stop by the courtyard table to choose a family and learn how you can bless our neighbors in partnership with Kim Devermann (mail4kbd@gmail.com).

Sunday, November 30 – Community Christmas Sing-Along

Join churches from across La Jolla – including La Jolla Pres, St. James, All Hallows, Mary Star, La Jolla Lutheran, Methodist, and La Jolla Christian Fellowship – for a joyful Community Christmas Sing-Along from 3:00–4:00 PM at the La Jolla Recreation Center. This festive afternoon of carols and community is a beautiful way to begin the Advent season together. Enjoy decorating Christmas cookies, sipping hot chocolate, and singing your favorite holiday songs with friends from around the village. Bring a blanket or chair, invite your neighbors, and join the fun! No registration required.

Wednesday, December 3 – Family Christmas Pageant & Advent Workshop

Gather for a joyful evening beginning with a Christmas Pageant and Carol Sing in the Sanctuary at 5:00 PM, followed by a delicious dinner and hands-on Advent Workshop in Fellowship Hall from 5:30–7:30 PM. Families will enjoy creating ornaments, crafts, and keepsakes to take home. Dinner is included with registration—pizza, salad, festive desserts, and lemonade/water will be served. It’s a wonderful way to start the season together. The Pageant is free, but tickets are required for the Workshop and available at ljpres.events.

Thursday, December 4 – Ugly Sweater Party for a Purpose

Get out your most outrageous Christmas sweater and join us for the Ugly Sweater Party for a Purpose! This festive evening supports Walter Lam and the Alliance for African Assistance, helping refugees and families build new lives in San Diego. Come for laughter, friendship, holiday cheer—and the joy of giving back. Email Pastor Chad for more details – chadf@ljpres.org 

Friday, December 5 – Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance

The holiday season can be difficult for those facing grief or loss. This quiet, contemplative service in the Chapel (3–5 PM) offers a space for prayer, reflection, and hope. Through music, scripture, and candlelight, we remember those we love and find comfort in the presence of Christ, who came to bring light into our darkness. Email Michelle Whitney to attend and for more details – michellew@ljpres.org

Saturday, December 6 – Good Company Christmas Party

Celebrate the season with Good Company! Enjoy appetizers and desserts, music, and holiday fun with friends in this warm and welcoming fellowship gathering. Whether you’re new to the group or have attended for years, it’s a wonderful evening to share the joy of Christmas together. Tickets at ljpres.events

Sunday, December 7 – The Second Sunday of Advent: “Joy to the World”

Psalm 98
This Sunday we continue The Songs of Christmas with “Joy to the World.” We’ll also celebrate La Jolla Pres’ 120th Anniversary, giving thanks for generations of God’s faithfulness. Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary, including Communion and joyful worship as we lift our voices in praise.

The service will be followed by a celebratory 120 Year Birthday Brunch in the Fellowship Hall.

Extra free parking will be available at Bishop’s School (entrance off Draper Ave.)

Thursday, December 11 – Women’s Christmas Worship Night

6:00–7:30 PM in the Chapel
Join us for a warm and meaningful evening of worship, reflection, and community just for women. As we lean into this year’s Advent theme, The Songs of Christmas, we’ll gather for music, Scripture, and a time to slow down and reconnect with God and one another during a busy season. Registration is free, and you can reserve your spot at ljpres.events. Space is limited, so sign up soon and invite a friend.

Thursday, December 11 – #Momlife Christmas Jammies Project

#Momlife is spreading warmth this Christmas by wrapping pajamas and books for children served by Father Joe’s Villages. Come lend a hand that morning, meet other moms, and be part of a project that blesses families in need with love and comfort this holiday season. Email Cynthia Blase at cynthiab@ljpres.org

Saturday, December 13 – Ladies’ Christmas Tea & Cookie Exchange

A beloved intergenerational tradition returns! Join us from 10:00 AM to noon in the Fellowship Hall for tea, music, and Christmas festivities. Mothers, daughters, grandmothers, friends, and ladies of all ages are invited to celebrate the joy and beauty of the season. Bring two dozen cookies to share and exchange while experiencing the warmth of the community during Advent. Tickets at ljpres.events

Additional free parking will be available at Bishop’s School (entrance off Draper Ave.)

Sunday, December 14 – The Third Sunday of Advent: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”

Luke 1:46–55
This week’s carol, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” calls us to reflect on God’s promise and presence with us. Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service led by the worship band as the choir prepares for that evening’s Christmas concert. After worship, visit the Mission Gift Market in Fellowship Hall and shop for gifts that change lives.

Sunday, December 14 – Christmas Concerts: “The Songs of Christmas”

Experience the beauty and wonder of Christmas in our annual concert featuring the Chancel Choir, orchestra, and Lessons & Carols. Performances at 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary will fill your heart with the joyful message of Christ’s birth.

Sunday, December 21 – The Fourth Sunday of Advent: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

Luke 1:67–79
As we approach Christmas, our hearts echo the longing of “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary with the Choir and Brass Quintet leading worship. Together we’ll celebrate the hope, peace, and joy of Christ’s coming.

The San Diego Blood Bank will be in Sunhouse the morning of Sunday, December 21, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. During the holiday season, blood donations often drop while the need increases—so your gift is especially important. Sign up at LJPres.org/blood.

Wednesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Services

Celebrate the birth of Christ through the beauty and music of The Songs of Christmas.

• 2 PM & 4 PM – Family Contemporary Services (Worship Band)
• 7 PM & 9 PM – Traditional Candlelight Services (Choir & Brass Quintet)
• 11 PM – Communion Candlelight Service

There will be an open house in SunHouse after the 2 PM and before the 4 PM services (3-4 PM) and after the 7 PM and before the 9 PM services. (8-9pm). Stay after or come early and enjoy great community in a beautiful freshly remodeled space.

Sunday, December 28 

Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary with the Quartet leading worship. Together we’ll celebrate the coming year.

Next Sunday, January 4, we will return to 2 Services, 9am in the Sanctuary and 10:15am in the Fellowship Hall.