Upcoming events.
Rebuilding Together Work Days
Rebuilding Together Eastern Shore helps people stay in their homes. They raise money and volunteers who keep homes warm, dry, and safe. Every 3rd Saturday, we gather volunteers to go to one of the approved projects sites and build a deck, repair a floor, install lights and fans, paint, whatever is needed. Sign up today.
Kids Korner
All children are always welcome for all of worship. In the middle of “big” worship, we invite younger ones forward for wondering time with one of the pastors. Afterward, children (and parents) have options: return to the pews with a busy bag, or sit quietly as a dedicated children’s space in the back of the sanctuary, or go with a vetted adult volunteer for Kids Korner. Children will dive deeper into today’s scripture and lesson. They will often have a snack and do a craft or game together too. Children return to worship or meet parents in the Fellowship Hall.
Pub Theology
Anyone interested in big God/life questions and willing to wonder options with others? Join us the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month (until December)! We will help support our local businesses, and meet at Riley’s Mill Ale Works, in Chestertown. Any questions, contact Pastor Joel.
Traveling Jesus
For Advent, the 4 weeks before Christmas, this congregation sends Jesus out house to house to visit children, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. If you would like a visit from Jesus, or know someone who might, sign up today.
Advent - What Do You Fear?
Every Advent, we light candles, sing carols, and pray for Christ’s coming because we believe God entered a frightened world to bring good news. We hold onto hope because we believe that Christ did come—that’s the promise of the season. Our hope is not flimsy or fleeting. It’s gritty, resilient, and can endure—no matter what we fear or face. This season, let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.
Christmas Eve - Children and Families
This special service is designed to fully include children in the story of Christmas. Think of it as a Christmas play with no rehearsals. There are costumes, props, scripts, and songs. We help children (and any others who are willing) find a way to participate as you enter the door. Afterward, we’ll share some snacks and s’mores around the fire pit, and give out goodie bags to every young one. Merry Christmas!
Christmas Eve - Traditional with Choirs
Liturgy and lights, carols and choirs, scripture and sermon, liturgy and the Lord’s Supper. The majesty and mystery of a God who comes among us as one of us, in the flesh, gives us goosebumps. We are carriend into the awe and beauty of a child who is strong enough in his weakness to heal a broken world. Join us at 800pm, then linger for something warm to eat and drink before return to our homes.
Christmas Eve - Traditional with Choirs (Copy)
This casual, candlelight service takes us up to midnight. Come in your pajamas if you’d like! The songs and stories are simple, but they point to the unbelievable truth of a God who loves so much, and sends God’s owns self among us. We share communion and depart into the darkness with little lights of hope.
Christmastide Sunday
Christmas is more than a single day. The twelve days of Christmas include as least one, sometimes two Sundays. On this Sunday in the Christmastide, we hear the story of infant/toddler Jesus already perceived as a threat to political powers. We see how far evil will go to prevent God’s kin-dom from coming on earth as it is already in the heavens. Love, justice, and peace seem too costly, but they are God’s only way.
Epiphany/Star Word Sunday
The first Sunday after the 12 days of Christmas is often celebrated as “Epiphany Sunday”, a day when the star led the way for others to find their way to Jesus. In this special service, we too look for the stars of light in our world, guiding us to God’s justice and love. We each choose a STAR word for the year, as a mantra, a prayer, a reminder to stay close to God as the world pulls us away.
Men’s Fellowship Group
Join us every Monday night starting in January for our Men’s Fellowship group. We will study “The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians” by William Barclay. It’s a time for study, laughter and friendship.
Knit Unto Others
Join our knitting group every Tuesday! Whether you are just learning or seasoned, join this group and get involved in the many projects they do for the local community and beyond!
Rev. Caitlan's Book Club
Rev. Caitlan’s Book Club will be studying “Tears of Things” twice a month (1st and 3rd Tuesdays) till April! Join this group as they take turns hosting and studying together, learning and growing with each other.
Interpretations
Meet with your pastor to reflect on Sunday’s sermon and the preparation for the next one!
The Abbey - weekly contemplative worship
This weekly worship service is contemplative, in the style of the Iona and Taize Communities in Scotland and France. There are readings from scripture and maybe poetry, songs old and new. The lights are lower, voices softer, and neighbors closer. If you seek an intimate, personal worship experience, join us.
Resolute - a sermon series on 5 Stones of Faith
What is FAITH? The way Jesus teaches it, there appear to be 5 key stepping stones on our way to solid faith. Join us in person or online for worship these 5 Sundays to seed and strengthen a healthy faith.
Transfiguration Sunday
There’s a story about Jesus where he was “transfigured” before his followers. His appearance changed, and they saw him speaking with great prophets. Do we dare notice Jesus in our world today?
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is a special, solemn worship service. We gather together to remember…. God made us from the dust of creation, and one day, we will return to dust. Do we dare trust and believe that we always were and always will be loved by God? We also start our All-Church Lenten Study using Adam Hamilton’s book, 24 Hours that Changed the World.
Everyday Spirituality - a sermon series for Lent
In her book, Altar in the World, Rev. Dr. Barbara Brown Taylor imagines how to awaken our spirit in the simplicity of our daily routines. This Lent, we will let her book and scripture reteach us how to activate our spirit in the biggest and littlest moments of daily life.
Lenten Series
Join us through the season of Lent every Sunday night for food, fellowship and study of Adam Hamilton’s “24 hours That Changed the World”.
Maundy Thursday Meal and Worship
As Jesus came close to his death, he gathered with disciples in an upper room, and shared a meal. Even as we remember our own role in the brokenness of this world, we dare to imagine Jesus sits with us, breaks bread, and teaches us to re-member his broken body into the kin-dom of God.
Good Friday, Open Sanctuary
From noon to 3pm, the sanctuary will be open. There will be space for study, prayer, reflection, journaling, listening, whatever you may need to fid some direction and comfort. Pastors and/or Deacons will be available to listen and pray with you as well.
Holy Saturday, Dusk in the Greenspace
Jesus was dead and buried. Those who hated him assumed they had silenced him. Those who loved him grieved, doubted, and hid. At this special service, we gather at dusk to wonder, which parts of us still resist and betray him? Which parts of us say they would follow, but hesitate?
Easter Sunrise Worship
On the third day, some women approached the tomb where Jesus was buried. They went to properly bury him. Instead, they found him missing, risen, alive! Do we have the faith to walk toward death? Would we try to hold onto him, or run and tell all the world of life’s victory? Join us for this Sunrise Easter worship in the Memorial Garden.
Easter Morning Worship
On Easter morning, trumpets blow! Choirs sing! Bells ring! Join the surprising celebration of a risen Lord. Even when political and religious forces conspired to silence the prophet of peace, God raised him from the dead. His way is more true than any other way, and leads to a full and amazing life, now and forever. (Egg hunt and Fellowship following!)
All Creation - a sermon series on this precious planet
We call this God “creator.” God creates all things, creates the universe, this planet, and all things in it, including us. God calls all of God’s creation good, and gives us responsibility to steward creation wisely. How are we doing? Can we better stewards of God’s good garden, or will we find ourselves battling the land?
Holy Spirit - a sermon series on the Spirit of God
How do you imagine God, as a wise old grandparent with soft hands, or maybe as a young Palestinian Jew in sandals with a sparkle in his eye? Scripture imagines God as fire, wind, breath, clouds, rushing waters. Over these three Sundays, we open our assumptions of God, and remember the mystery of a God who is also spirit, love itself.
CVMA Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering
Each year, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the Chester Valley Ministers Associations gathers a diverse collection of clergy and community leaders to guide us in an Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering and worship service.
Christ the King Sunday
Christians have no other king than Jesus. On this special Sunday in the Christian year, we denounce all other allegiances and loyalties to any power or principality other than the God we know in the loving, compassionate, self sacrificing Christ. Communion is served and open to all who hunger.
Harvest Pot Luck
Join us for our Harvest Pot Luck and bring a favorite treat/dish after our 9:30 am worship. Perfect time to get together before the holiday season begins!
All Saints Worship
We gather in the memorial garden under candlelight to give thanks to God for those saints we have loved and lost… our parents, our spouses, our family, those near and dear to us. Tears will flow, and we might laugh a bit as well, as we tell old stories and believe nothing separates us from the love of God.
Dreaming God's Dream - Stewardship 2025
The Rev. Bryan Sirchio originally wrote a song “Dream God’s Dream” for a youth retreat in 1991. Bryan observes, “I wanted to remind the youth that Martin’s ‘dream’ was actually God’s dream… The challenge of course is for us all to do what’s ours to do to make sure that the ‘Dream’ doesn’t just remain a dream. It needs to become reality.”
Artist Adrian Sanchez, currently incarcerated in a California Institution for Men, created the “Process of Life” painting as part of an arts program funded by a local congregation. Sanchez’ art reminds us the chick can become the rooster, that no gift is too small to help make God’s Dream a reality.
Over these weeks, we will wonder, “How can we help make God’s Dream a reality?”
Murder on the Orient Express
Join us to see “ Murder on the Orient Express.” Sign up at the back of the sanctuary and drop a check payable to PCC or Cash in the offertory (make sure you identify it) in the offertory today. Not able to join us on Sundays? Feel free to mail a check to us or stop by. Any questions, contact, susanbasener@gmail.com .
Light & Love Serve Nights (6th-12th Grades)
On these select Sunday evenings, middle and high school youth go into the community with Rev. Caitlan and other adult leaders to exercise their faith and doubts through action and experience. Jesus didn’t just talk about faith. He embodied it, and so will we. Light and Love is always an inclusive, diverse, and safe space for all youth.
Love and Loss
Join us for this new group of Love and Loss. Are you grieving because of a loved one has recently passed away? Is life different now, and you are unsure how to go forward? Join this small group as we discuss dying, death, grief and life after loss with a journal to help us navigate through the different stages. Any questions, contact Pastor Joel.
Spiritual Growth Group
Join our Spiritual Growth Group as they study “In the Shelter” . The group meets weekly and it’s a chance to grow with each other, seeking comfort and a sense of community. Any questions, contact our group leader.
Knit Unto Others
Maybe you’re an old pro at knitting. Maybe you’re just getting started. Maybe you want to make one special item for yourself or a friend. Maybe you’ll help us make special gifts for people in the church, community, or around the world. The group welcomes you!
No books, needles, or even yard needed. Bring what you have, and we’ll help you with the rest.
Jackie would love an email letting her know you are joining us. Or, just show up! All are always welcome!
Caregivers Group
Sandee Trakat, an experienced nurse and caregiver, provides this group space for anyone caring for loved ones and needing support themselves.
Sandee would love an email to let her know you are coming, but this group is always open and welcomes to those in need.
Caregivers Groups
Those who care for loved ones also need care. Perhaps your spouse, family member, or friends is aging, losing physical or mental abilities, and you are trying to help. It can be lonely and exhausting. This group supports one another as you do the hard, beautiful work of caring.
Men’s Fellowship Group
Any men seeking fellowship and guidance in living fuller, holy lives, please join us every Monday night! We will be studying “The First to Follow”. Any questions, please contact our group leader.
Light & Love Youth Group (6th-12th Grades)
On these select Sunday evenings, middle and high school youth gather with Rev. Caitlan and other adult leaders for games, a meal, friendly fellowship, and sincere conversations on faith, beliefs, and doubts. Light and Love is always an inclusive, diverse, and safe space for all youth.
Deacon’s Prayer Team
Maybe you’d like someone to prayer for you, or maybe you are willing to pray for others. Its an odd, mysterious moment when we sit with one another and focus our minds, hearts, and spirits on the will of God for ourselves and others. If you’d like prayer, want to learn to pray, practice praying, this group is ready to welcome you and your gifts.
Interpretations Bible Study
Did you have questions from last week’s sermon? Were you not able to attend, but want to learn from others about it? Join our weekly group as we discuss past and future sermons in our different series happening this Fall. Bring you Bible, or we will supply one. We look forward to seeing you. Any questions, contact Pastor Joel.
Knit Unto Others
This fun group supports one another in knitting, or learning to, for themselves or for others. If you’d like to take up this hobby/discipline, or share your gifts with others, join in! Even if you don’t have anything to get started, we can help there too.
VBS 2025 "Live It Out"
Hey campers, get ready for the adventure of a life time! Join us on an exciting journey where we learn to love like Jesus. We will love one another, be kind to one another, forgive one another, and serve one another, just as God does. Music and games, crafts and snacks, worship and play. Join us Monday Aug 11 through Thursday Aug 14, 5:00pm-7:30pm, and Sunday Aug 17 at 9:30am. Registration is open NOW! See you soon!
Youth - HS Camp 2025 (Montreat)
9th-12th Graders go to Montreat every summer for an amazing retreat that with hundreds of other youth from chuches all along the east coast. Youth will come home feeling unplugged, invigorated, loved, supported, and will have two hands-full of new friends. Set aside this week early, so other camps and vacations won’t get in the way!
Contact Rev. Caitlan to make your early reservation and deposit.
Mini Camp for K-2nd Grades
Dive into your first overnight adventure with Mini Camp! This program offers a fun introduction to camping, featuring pool time, arts and crafts, and age-appropriate Bible study. Enjoy a nurturing environment with dedicated counselors and create lasting memories with new friends. Join us for an unforgettable experience filled with joy!
Leap of Faith camp for Grades 3rd-5th
Accept the challenge and build confidence in our Leaps of Faith program! This adrenaline-packed adventure focuses on teamwork and personal growth as you conquer the challenge course. Learn about appropriate risk-taking while enjoying a supportive environment. Get ready for an exciting week of exploration and self-discovery!
Youth - MS Camp 2025 (Massanetta)
5th-8th Graders go to Massanetta Springs every summer for an amazing retreat that with hundreds of other youth from chuches all along the east coast. Youth will come home feeling unplugged, invigorated, loved, supported, and will have two hands-full of new friends. Set aside this week early, so other camps and vacations won’t get in the way!
Contact Rev. Caitlan to make your early reservation and deposit.
Worship - Easter
On this Easter morning, we blow the trumpets, blast the organ, and celebrate God’s victory over sin, evil, and death. Come celebrate that live and love are our source and our destination!
Worship - Easter Sunrise
On this Easter morning, we begin a little after sunrise in the memorial garden. Much like the first apostles went to the garden to see him and found him raised not dead, we gather on this morning trusting we will find the same again!
Worship - Holy Saturday
Join us in the our greenspace at dusk, for a guided meditation as we prepare for Easter Sunday
Worship - Good Friday
Why do we call this day good when it is the day Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried? We trust that not even death has the power over this good and loving God.
Worship - Maundy Thursday
We remember the “Last Supper” and Jesus’ last (greatest?) command that we love one another as he loves us. Soup supper at 600pm, and worship right after at 700pm
Worship - Lent, Everything IN Between
Jesus’ ministry disrupted the established social, political, and religious divides of his time. Jesus intentionally pointed out cultural and political extremes to emphasize the radical, inclusive, and surprising love of God. Our theme, “Everything In Between,” invites us to navigate the polarities in our lives with more faith, intention, and openness. Weekly sub-themes explore two supposed binaries, like “faith & works” or “rest & growth,” or “grief & hope.” These dichotomies are false, and we begin to see present in between.
Worship - Ash Wednesday
As begin the season of Lent, we remember God created us from the most basic elements, what we might call dust. Someday, we will return to dust. But even then, this God will love and hold us still.
Worship - Transfiguration
The last Sunday before the season of Lent is called Transfiguration Sunday. We remember Jesus going up a mountain with some disciples and being transfigured before them, shining, like a light, and connecting with great leaders of history.