Advent & Christmas at Westminster 2025
Welcome to the Season of Advent at Westminster! A time of hopeful anticipation. We invite you to join us for worship and community events as we prepare for Jesus’ arrival.
Advent Services
Advent is not only preparing for the birth of a baby, it is preparing for the invasion of God’s justice, mercy and presence into our world. To say that Christ is coming means the old ways are ending BUT that ending is an arrival. Over the four weeks of Advent we’ll explore how God shows up, in lament, longing, and ultimately, in the flesh.
Gather with us Sunday mornings in Advent to celebrate the gifts of
Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
Advent 1 – Hope
November 30
Worship with us at 10:30am at Westminster or online.
Advent 2 – Peace
December 7
Worship with us at 10:30am at Westminster or online.
Lessons & Carols
December 7
Worship with us at 7:00pm at Westminster or online.
Get into the Christmas spirit with a service that weaves together scripture readings and carols, led by the Westminster Choir and Dr. Benjamin Stein.
Advent 3 – Joy
December 14
Worship with us at 10:30am at Westminster or online.
Advent 4 – Love
December 21
Worship with us at 10:30am at Westminster or online.
Longest Night Service
December 21
Worship with us at 7:00pm at Westminster.
We offer this simple, reflective service as a way to make space for difficult emotions during the holiday season, particularly grief around endings and anxiety around new beginnings. There will be music, prayer and candle lighting.
Christmas Services
Christmas Eve Family Service – December 24, 2024
Worship with us at 4:30pm or 6:30pm at Westminster or online.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion – December 24, 2024
Worship with us at 10:00pm at Westminster or online.
Advent Bible Study (Online)
Tuesdays 7:00pm – 8:30pm December 2, 9, 16, 23
Led by Rev. Michelle Robinson
Registration Full
Book: Names for the Messiah by Walter Brueggemann
$21 paperback, $12 ebook (available at book retailers)
This Advent, explore the rich meaning behind the titles given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6 – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Using Walter Brueggemann’s book as our guide, we’ll study what these names meant in their original context, how they were understood in the time of Jesus, and what they reveal to us today. Join us for a thoughtful, scripture-based journey through the hope and promise of Advent.
Friendly Visitor Cookie Drop
Durham Outlook for the Needy
Christmas Hampers
It’s that time of year – Christmas Hamper Tags are available! See dates below.
Applications through the Pantry have been received and our now closed. We have had a significant increase in applications this year and a record number of children under the age of 18 within the families. There will be lots of opportunity to participate in this ministry – stay tuned for more details! Should you have questions please don’t hesitate to contact wucchristmashampers@gmail.com.
Thank you in advance for your generous support of the Westminster United Church Christmas Hamper Outreach Ministry!
Important Dates
- Tags Available Online: November 14, 2025
- Rolling tag availability begins online for virtual tags only
- Please contact wucchristmashampers@gmail.com to select tags
- Requests can be made for: Child/Adult Tags, Gender and/or Age
- Tags Available In-Person: November 23, 30 and December 7
- Available for selection after Sunday worship
- Gift Return: December 13 between 10am-12pm
- Drive-thru return of gifts purchased to Westminster
- Hamper Delivery/Pick Up: December 14 (after church)
✪ If you prefer to make a financial donation for the Hampers, we appreciate receiving them by the first week of December. Please include notation that it is for “Outreach”.
Winter Wear Drive
Westminster’s Advent tradition continues as we collect warm winter items for agencies across Durham Region. The Outreach Committee invites donations of new hats, mitts, scarves, socks for men, women, and children, and by special request, men’s medium boxer underwear.
Please place your contributions in the baskets in the narthex on Sundays throughout Advent: Nov 30, Dec 7, 14, and 21.
Thank you for your generous support, your gifts are truly appreciated.
Poinsettia Pick Up
Thank you for your Poinsettia and Spider Plant orders! If you have any questions, please contact Janice at njbortoluss@gmail.com
Please come to pick them up at Westminster on Saturday November 29 in the gym between 9:00am -10:30am.
Family Advent Program
Sunday, November 23
12:00pm – 2:00pm
For more info contact Susan P
Lunch to start after worship followed by crafts and activities! This free event is sponsored by the Christian Education Committee. All are welcome!
Registration required to ensure enough food and supplies for all who attend. Register before Wednesday November 19, 2025. For more information, contact Susan P.
►► Register Here! ◄◄
UCW Christmas Potluck
Come one, Come All – Women of Westminster United Church
You are invited to the U.C.W. Christmas Potluck Dinner on Mon. Dec. 1 in the Founder’s Room at WUC.
Gathering and appetizers at 5:30pm – dinner at 6:00pm
Please bring one of your favorite dishes of: a main course or a salad or a dessert to share with it’s list of ingredients. If you desire: Christmas Donations are being gratefully accepted for Westminster’s own The Pantry Food Bank – sanitary pads, tampons, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair shampoo for adults & children, body or shower gels, bar soap other than Irish Spring, body lotion, and deodorant for men & women. As space is limited, please R.S.V.P. to Susan P before Nov. 29.
Knit and Crochet Circle
Sunday November 30 after worship
Meet in the youth room at the end of the hall.
Whether you’re an experienced maker or just learning the basics, our Knit & Crochet Circle is a cozy, creative space to share your love of yarn, patterns, and conversation. Bring your current project or start a new one and enjoy the company of others who stitch with purpose and joy. All skill levels are welcome, and there’s always someone happy to lend a hand or share a tip.
Advent Labyrinth
Wednesday December 3
7:00pm – 8:30pm
The Labyrinth Circle of Westminster United is pleased to announce that the Labyrinth will be open Wednesday December 3 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the sanctuary.
During advent we celebrate hope, peace, love, and joy. As we approach the holiday season many of us may feel complex emotions including fear of an uncertain future. The labyrinth walk allows us to pause and take note. As we travel along a calming path, we can allow ourselves to clear the mind and reflect more deeply on the divine presence within.
Long ago the shepherds stood in a field frightened and weary when the Angels first appeared to them with the message “Be not afraid.”
You are invited to come for a walk and open your heart to Gods’ great love that is alive both within and all around us.
Christmas Cookies – Youth Event
Sunday, December 7, 2025 after worship
Youth Cookie Decorating & Baking Night – You’re Invited!
Hey everyone! Stick around after worship on Sunday, December 7, 2025 for a super fun afternoon of Christmas cookie decorating and baking at Westminster United Church!
Come hang out, get creative, and kick off the holiday season with friends (and lots of cookies!)
Youth grades 6+ can register by Thursday, December 4 so we know how many supplies to have ready.
Got questions? Talk to Ava T or Susan P, they’ve got all the details!
►► Register Here! ◄◄
11th Whitby Scouts Presents: Winter Wonderland Light Display
Friday, December 5 from 6:30pm – 8:00pm
This year marks our 5th Annual Light-Up Parade, and we’re doing it a little differently! Instead of an outdoor parade, we’re transforming the church gym into a sparkling Winter Wonderland Light Display. Come enjoy a festive walk-through experience filled with creativity and Christmas spirit.
We’re teaming up with Westminster United Church to support their food bank, The Pantry. Your donations make a big difference for local families in need. Please bring an item for The Pantry and come enjoy the sparkling lights this December!