Join Us for Advent and Christmas at Orchard Park

Welcome! Below you will find details of events, focal scriptures and connection points to our theme this year of "Close to Home."


When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts. Close to Home acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to come close to us.


In addition to services on Sunday, we have two Christmas Eve services listed below (childcare available) as well as Adult Studies. All our Sunday services start at 10AM and childcare is available. If you have any questions, please reach out to us orchardpark@orchardpark.org.

  • Sunday, November 28th


    The First Sunday of Advent | Homesick (Hope)

    Focal scriptures Luke 21:25-36 | 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13


    As we begin Advent with the “Little Apocalypse” in Luke 21, we remember how far from home we are. The world is not as it should be. Many have lost their physical homes, many feel alone, and many are isolated. Many of us feel as if we are wandering with no clear way forward. This first week speaks to our deep longing—for our home to be made whole, made right, and made well. With deep longing, we watch for God. Thankfully, God enters a homesick world.


    Join us after service in the Lounge for an Advent celebration! 

    We will be decorating small cardboard homes to connect to our theme for Advent of Coming Home. Some homes will stay at OPPC to decorate for Advent and families can take one home. We will also be passing out our Christmas devotional.

  • Sunday, December 5th | Communion

    The Second Sunday of Advent | Laying the Foundation (Peace)

    Focal scriptures Luke 1:57-80 | Philippians 1:3-11


    In the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, we see the foundation of what is to come. We see how interwoven his story is with Jesus’ origin story. When Zechariah regains his voice, his imagination is also restored. He offers deep praise for God’s tender mercy, and casts a hopeful vision for his own child. He sings blessings into John’s being. This lays the foundation for John’s life. In turn, John will go on to prepare the way for Jesus who will guide us all in the way of peace. In this week, we focus on making space—in our lives and our imaginations—for God’s blessings to break through.


    Join us for communion during the service.

  • Sunday, December 12th | Cantata

    The Third Sunday of Advent | A Home for All (Joy)

    Focal scriptures Luke 3:1-1813 | Zephaniah 3:14-20


    John the Baptist’s good news sounds harsh, but he preaches a home for all—where inequities are banished, valleys are lifted up, and all have the resources they need for collective flourishing. Ultimately, John’s message is one of joy. We are called to collectively build and repair the structures of our society; we are called to be kin-dom builders. Wherever we build, God is there. What we build should be a place with a large table and room for all.


    Join us this Sunday at 10am for our Cantata! 

    This year's selection, "Come Ye Faithful" by Hal Hopson will be presented by our sanctuary choir and accompanied by guest musicians from the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and other local artists. The piece features seasonal carol favorites that the entire congregation will be able to sing along with, as well as solo and ensemble pieces for the choir and orchestra that beautifully tells the story of the Nativity of our Lord. It's an Orchard Park tradition that will surely help everyone get into the spirit of the Christmas season. We can't wait to see you here!

  • Sunday, December 19th | Children's Christmas Pageant

    The Fourth Sunday of Advent | Seeking Sanctuary (Love)

    Focal scriptures Luke 1:39-55 | Luke 1:46b-5516


    After receiving the angel’s extraordinary news, Mary retreats to Elizabeth and Zechariah’s home to digest her new calling. She seeks refuge—physical safety and emotional protection. She receives a safe haven, a home for her heart to soon sing praise. Sanctuary and safe space is so crucial for everyone, especially the mother of Christ while she prepares to become a home for God. Sanctuary is anywhere God’s love dwells freely and abundantly.


    Join us this Sunday for the Children's Christmas Pageant!


  • Friday, December 24th | Christmas Eve Services

    We will have two services on Christmas Eve


    7:00pm: Lesson and join together to sing Carols

    11:00pm: Join us for communion and candlelight

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