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.

Advent Opportunities 2026

God With Us

Welcome to a season of warmth, tradition, and community at La Jolla Pres! From festive gatherings to reflective services and opportunities to serve, we invite you to celebrate the birth of Christ and share his love with our neighbors. Discover ways to get involved and make this Advent meaningful.

The name Immanuel means “God with us.” Throughout Advent, our sermon series will explore what that promise means for our daily lives: in our waiting, when hope is hard, in the storms, and in our loneliness.

Sunday Worship

One combined service at 10:00 AM in the Sanctuary each Sunday, November 29 through December 27. Please Sunday School for kids Birth through High School.

Celebrate And Serve This Season

Surviving the Holidays Grief Class – Sunday, November 15, 10:15 AM

Facing the holidays after losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult. “Surviving the Holidays” offers a compassionate and understanding space for those struggling with the thought of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. Join Linda Sterling at 10:15 AM in room LC4 for support and encouragement as we approach the season together. Email Pastor Chad for more details: chadf@ljpres.org.

Advent Art Show – Opens Sunday, November 29

Visit the LJPC Gallery this Advent for a special exhibit featuring artists from our own congregation and the Puye Presbyterian Art Guild. Through a variety of artwork, the exhibit offers a beautiful opportunity to slow down, reflect, and experience the season through the creativity of our church community.

The Advent Art Show opens Sunday, November 29. Stop by the Gallery during Advent and enjoy the work of these talented artists.

Adopt-A-Family – Sundays, November 15 through December 13

Partnering with Alliance for African Assistance, share the love of Christ this Christmas by adopting a local refugee family. Gifts and essentials can help brighten a family’s holiday season. Stop by the courtyard table to choose a family and learn how you can bless our neighbors. Sign-ups will continue each Sunday through December 13, or end earlier if all families have been adopted. For more information, contact Kim Devermann at mail4kbd@gmail.com.

Campus Decorating Day – Saturday, November 28, 9:00 AM

Help us deck the halls for Advent! Meet on campus at 9:00 AM and join friends and families as we prepare the campus to celebrate Christmas and our theme, God With Us. Whether you can hang wreaths, string lights, or lend a helping hand, your participation helps make our church a warm and welcoming place for the season. Registering at LJPres.events helps us plan.

Military Toy Drive – November 22-December 16

Help make Christmas brighter for local enlisted military families by donating new, unwrapped toys through our partnership with Military Outreach Ministries. Beginning November 22, you can bring toys to the white collection barrels in the Church Office and Life Center. Toy donations will be collected through December 16, and this is the biggest way our congregation can help. As you begin your Christmas shopping, consider picking up an extra toy and helping make the season special for a local military family.

The First Sunday of Advent – Sunday, November 29, 10:00 AM

“God With Us In The Waiting”

Psalm 13

What does it mean to trust God when we are still waiting? We begin Advent and our new sermon series, God With Us, with Psalm 13 and its honest prayer of longing and trust. Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary, with the band and choir leading worship.

Ladle Fellowship Service Opportunity – Sunday, November 29, 1:00-4:00 PM

Join us for Ladle Fellowship at First Presbyterian Church on Date Street in downtown San Diego from 1:00-4:00 PM. Help prepare and serve meals to those experiencing homelessness while sharing the love and compassion of Christ during this meaningful season.

Advent Devotional Launch – Sunday, November 29

Make space for reflection and prayer with this year’s Advent devotional, Come and Behold Him, by Henri Nouwen. Copies will be available on campus beginning November 29. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, take time to consider the promise of God’s presence in our daily lives.

Family Christmas Pageant & Advent Workshop – Wednesday, December 2, 5:00 PM Pageant; 5:30-7:30 PM Dinner and Workshop

Gather for a joyful evening beginning with a free Christmas Pageant in the Sanctuary at 5:00 PM, followed by dinner and the Advent Workshop in Fellowship Hall from 5:30-7:30 PM. Families will enjoy celebrating the Christmas story and creating ornaments, crafts, and keepsakes to take home. It’s a wonderful way to begin the season together. Tickets are required for dinner and the workshop and can be purchased at ljpres.events.

Blue Christmas Service of Remembrance – Friday, December 4, 3:00-5:00 PM

The holiday season can be difficult for those facing grief or loss. This quiet, contemplative service in the Chapel from 3:00-5:00 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 for more details: michellew@ljpres.org.

Ladies’ Intergenerational Christmas Tea – Saturday, December 5, 10:00AM-Noon

One of our favorite Advent traditions returns with the Ladies’ Christmas Tea. Join us in Fellowship Hall for a beautiful morning of tea, music, the Christmas story, and festive fellowship. It’s a wonderful chance to dress up, slow down, and enjoy the joy of the season with women and girls of all ages. There will also be a simple cookie exchange. If you’d like to participate, bring two dozen cookies: one dozen to share at the tea and one dozen to exchange and take home. Tickets are available at LJPres.events.

Good Company Christmas Party – Saturday, December 5, 4:00-6:00PM

Celebrate the season with Good Company at a warm and welcoming Christmas gathering at the home of Barbara McCall. Join us for an afternoon of friendship, holiday cheer, and time together as we enjoy the joy of the season. Whether you’re new to Good Company or have been part of the group for years, we’d love to have you join us. Sign up at LJPres.events.

The Second Sunday of Advent – Sunday, December 6, 10:00 AM

“God With Us When Hope Is Hard”

Lamentations 3:19-26

Where do we find hope when life is difficult? This Sunday, we reflect on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness through Lamentations 3:19-26. Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary, including Communion, with the band and choir leading worship.

Christmas Parade Cookie Decorating – Sunday, December 6, After the Parade

After the Christmas parade through La Jolla, the community is invited to join us in the church courtyard to decorate cookies and enjoy fellowship time. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a festive afternoon together! The church parking garage will be open.

Help us welcome our neighbors by donating sugar cookies, frosting, and cookie decorations beforehand. Donations can be dropped off at the church office beginning November 15.

Men’s Ugly Sweater Night – Thursday, December 10, 6:00-9:00PM

Break out your ugliest Christmas sweater and join the men of La Jolla Pres for a festive evening at the Ostrom home. Come enjoy tacos, fellowship, plenty of laughs, and a short presentation about the purpose behind the evening.

There is no cost to attend, and all money donated will support the Alliance for African Assistance and its work with refugees and families building new lives in San Diego. Invite a friend, wear something appropriately terrible, and join us for a fun Christmas night with a purpose. Register at LJPres.events.

Women’s Ministry Christmas Jammies Project – Friday, December 11

Women’s Ministry invites you to help spread some extra warmth this Christmas through the Christmas Jammies Project. We’ll gather to wrap pajamas and books for children served by Father Joe’s Villages, creating gifts of comfort and care for families in need during the holiday season.

The gathering will be Friday, December 11, with the location still to be determined. Come lend a hand, enjoy time with other women, and be part of a simple project that can make Christmas a little brighter. Sign up at LJPres.events.

The Third Sunday of Advent – Sunday, December 13, 10:00 AM

“God With Us In The Storms”

Mark 4:35-41

How do we respond when the storms of life leave us afraid? In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus meets his disciples in the middle of a storm and calls them to trust him. Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary, led by the worship band, as we reflect on Christ’s presence with us.

Mission Gift Market – Sunday, December 13, 11:00AM-12:30PM

After our combined worship service, head to Fellowship Hall for the Mission Gift Market. Meet our mission partners, learn more about the work they’re doing locally and around the world, and discover meaningful ways to support their ministries through your Christmas giving.

The Mission Gift Market will be open from 11:00am to 12:30pm. Come connect, learn, and find gifts that share Christ’s love and make a difference.

Christmas Concerts – Sunday, December 13, 4:00PM & 7:00PM

Celebrate the season with one of La Jolla Pres’ most beloved Christmas traditions. The LJPC Chancel Choir, professional chamber orchestra, soloists, and harp will present Camille Saint-Saëns’ beautiful Christmas Oratorio, along with beloved Lessons and Carols and Handel’s Hallelujah chorus. Two free concerts will be offered at 4:00pm, including our children’s and youth choirs, and 7:00pm, including the Handbell Choir. Both concerts will also be livestreamed, and a warm Christmas reception will follow the 7:00pm performance. Admission is free.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent – Sunday, December 20, 10:00 AM

“God With Us In Our Loneliness”

2 Timothy 4:9-18

Where do we turn when we feel alone? As we approach Christmas, we reflect on Paul’s testimony that the Lord stood beside him and gave him strength. Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary, with the choir and brass quintet leading worship, as we remember the promise of God’s presence with us.

All-Church Worship Night – Sunday, December 20, 7:00PM

In the final days before Christmas, join us in the Chapel for a special All-Church Worship Night. This will be a chance to step away from the busyness of the season, slow down, and prepare our hearts for Christmas through worship, reflection, and prayer. Come sing Christmas music together, spend time in God’s presence, and refocus on the hope and joy we celebrate in the coming of Christ.

Christmas Eve Worship – Thursday, December 24, 2:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 PM

“God Makes His Home With Us”

John 1:14-18

Celebrate the birth of Jesus and the promise of Immanuel, God with us. Five services offer opportunities for families, friends, and neighbors to gather in worship. All services will be held in the Sanctuary.

Family Worship Services – Thursday, December 24, 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM

Celebrate Christmas together at our family services. A reception in the SunHouse follows the 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM service.

Traditional Candlelight Worship Services – Thursday, December 24, 7:00 PM & 9:00 PM

Celebrate Christ’s birth with traditional candlelight worship, featuring the brass quintet and a special violin solo. A reception in the SunHouse follows the 7:00 PM service.

Christmas Eve Communion Service – Thursday, December 24, 11:00 PM

A late-night Christmas Eve service with Communion and candlelight as we welcome Christmas Day.

Worship Together – Sunday, December 27, 10:00 AM

Join us for one combined 10:00 AM service in the Sanctuary, with the quartet and organ leading worship and Pastor Chad preaching. Gather with your church family as we look toward the coming year. “Jesus is Born, Now What?”