Advent 2025 at Westwood
Sunday, November 30 at 10:30 A.M.
Sunday, November 30 at 10:30 A.M.
During this Advent season, Westwood is joyfully supporting the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s Offering for Global Missions, which sustains CBF Field Personnel as they share the gospel and embody Christ’s love in communities across the United States and around the world. This year’s theme, Embracing Neighbors, Nurturing Hope, reminds us that every gift helps meet real needs, strengthens local ministries, and plants seeds of hope in places where it is needed most. Our 2025 goal is $9,000, and offerings will be received through January 4, with a special Ingathering celebration on December 21. As we prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, we also join in God’s work of compassion and presence among our global neighbors.
Wednesday, December 3 at 6:00 P.M.
Join us for a festive Christmas Trivia Game Night on Wednesday, December 3 at 6:00 P.M. as we enjoy friendly competition, laughter, and holiday fun for all ages. You are invited to bring your dinner and hang out beginning at 5:15 P.M., giving everyone a chance to gather, relax, and enjoy time together before the games begin. Whether you come with a team or join one when you arrive, it will be a great evening of community, connection, and Christmas spirit.
Saturday, December 6 at 2 P.M.
You are invited to our Westwood Christmas Party on Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. This joyful afternoon will include crafts, games, carols, and plenty of Christmas cheer. Everyone is encouraged to bring cookies or treats for our cookie exchange, a fun way to share seasonal favorites with one another. It will be a wonderful opportunity for all ages to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the spirit of Christmas together.
Sunday, December 7 at 10:30 A.M.
On the Second Sunday of Advent, Westwood will gather for a worship service centered on the theme of Peace as we continue preparing our hearts for Christ’s coming. The service begins with music offered by our Youth Handbells and the beloved hymn “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” leading us into prayer and welcome. We will light the Candle of Peace, reflecting on how Christ’s presence shapes our lives, our relationships, and our neighborhoods. Children will share in a special message before we enter a time of compassion through the launch of our “Call to Caring” Campaign. Scripture from Isaiah 11 will guide our prayer of offering, followed by a musical offering from the Dion and Ruffolo families. Rev. Powers will preach from John 1:1-14 in a message titled “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” before we respond with “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” and receive a sending blessing. This service invites us to breathe deeply, listen kindly, and make room for Christ’s peace in our world and in our lives.
Sunday, December 6 or 7
Westwood is honored once again to host the Cary Community Choir’s annual presentation of Handel’s Messiah, a beloved community tradition that brings the beauty and power of this sacred music to life. Audience members are invited to reserve free tickets for either the Dress Rehearsal on Saturday, December 6 at 9:30 A.M. or the full Performance on Sunday, December 7 at 7:30 P.M. Because this event draws a large crowd each year, tickets help ensure a safe and comfortable experience for all who attend. We look forward to welcoming our community for an inspiring and joy-filled beginning to the Christmas season.
Wednesday, December 10 at 5:30 P.M.
Join us for Christmas at Westwood on Wednesday, December 10, at 5:30 P.M., a joyful evening of worship and celebration led by our age-group choirs, music leadership, and Chancel Choir. This special service weaves together the voices of children, youth, and adults as we share the story and songs of the season. Filled with familiar carols, beautiful choral music, and the spirit of Christmas, the night offers a meaningful way for our church family and community to gather in gratitude and wonder. Come ready to celebrate the hope and joy of Christ’s birth with the gifts and voices of Westwood.
Sunday, December 14 at 10:30 A.M.
On the Third Sunday of Advent, Westwood gathers to celebrate the Candle of Joy, a joy that is gentle, truthful, and rooted in God’s presence even in difficult seasons. The service opens with music from our Adult Handbells and the energetic song “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy),” guiding us into prayer and welcome. We will light the Candle of Joy, reflecting on the quiet gladness that grows when we make room for God in ordinary moments. We will continue our Global Missions emphasis, including a video sharing Janee’s story and an invitation to support our global neighbors. Dr. Powers will preach from Luke 1:39-56 in a message titled “Look for the Helpers,” encouraging us to notice God at work through acts of kindness and community. We will respond in song and receive a blessing as we continue our Advent journey with joyful expectation.
Wednesday, December 17 at 6:00 P.M.
On Wednesday, December 17, Westwood will host a Blue Christmas service, a gentle and honest space for anyone who finds the holiday season difficult. Through scripture, prayer, quiet music, and a candle lighting ritual, we will acknowledge the grief, loneliness, change, and mixed emotions that many carry this time of year. Rather than rushing toward cheerfulness, this service offers room to breathe, to lament, and to rest in God’s steady presence. Attendees will be invited to light candles as a personal act of prayer and remembrance before we close by singing “Silent Night” together. This tender service reminds us that the light of Christ meets us in the dark, holds our sorrows with care, and whispers that we are not alone.