Sunday Worship: Advent 2

My Heart Shall Sing is this year’s Advent focus at Nokomis Heights. It’s a series about endings and beginnings—the rhythm of Advent—and is based on readings from the gospel of Luke, using global Christian songs and hymns to explore what the biblical text is revealing. Each hymn or song offers an Advent proclamation for how we might prepare the way of the Lord. Our theme hymn this week is, “Freedom Is Coming,” a South African freedom song from the anti-apartheid movement that became part of global hymnody in the 1980s. Its call-and-response format reminds us of the interdependent nature of freedom in Christ and echoes John the Baptist’s call in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord.

Pastor Kris is preaching this second Sunday in Advent on the text from Luke 1:68-79 and Luke 3:1-6. Join us for in-person worship, with masks, at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. We will light the Advent wreath, sing Advent songs, and celebrate Holy Communion together. We are also welcoming new members this Sunday!

As we move indoors, we ask that everyone over the age of 2 wear a mask to protect unvaccinated children and other vulnerable populations. Social distancing is encouraged, but not required—households may choose to sit together. Singing, with masks, will be allowed. Worship leaders are all vaccinated, and during worship, they will remove their masks to speak and sing. In addition, there will be a few other small changes to limit movement and contact as we ease back into communal life. Please pay attention to the signs in the building.

We will still ask you to sign in, for contact tracing. Color-coded nametags will help others know your level of comfort engaging with others: Red—Hi! Please keep your distance. Green—Hi! I’m comfortable being close enough for conversation and fist-bumps. 

After worship, until it’s too cold, we will continue to serve donuts, coffee, and hot chocolate outside under the heaters, so we can safely enjoy conversation and treats with one another for as long as possible.