Advent Devotionals & Gifts
For the Advent season of waiting and preparation, pick up devotionals for children and adults from the church entrance (Door #2) or from the table next to the Café, beginning November 16. Enjoy spending a regular time through Advent in reflection and prayer to experience for yourself the gift of being present with God, with yourself, and with your family.
This year’s devotionals and gifts include:
- For Adults: A Grand Miracle: Daily Devotions for Advent. This devotional draws inspiration from the timeless wisdom of C.S. Lewis, with reflections by Joel Heck, guiding you to ponder the profound wonder of Christ’s birth.
- For Families: O Little Town of Bethlehem: A Sticker Book Activity for Advent. This engaging book offers a fun, hands-on way for all ages to interact with the Christmas story.
- For Kids: Time for a Savior: Advent Daily Devotions for Kids. This devotional offers age-appropriate readings to help children understand and anticipate the arrival of Jesus.
- Advent Gift: While supplies last, pick up a Greatest Commandment Coin to have a tangible reminder of Matthew 22:37-39 to love God and love your neighbor throughout the season and beyond.
Advent Studies
A Child is Born | Wednesdays, November 5-19, December 3 | 9:30-11 AM
Discover the fascinating connections between ancient birth stories and the Nativity of Jesus through this 4-session historical and cultural analysis from author Amy-Jill Levine.
Making Room by Ed Robb | multiple sections
Just as Jesus made room in God’s kingdom for a host of people that society wanted to leave on the margins, the story of Christ’s birth encourages us to widen our welcome, increase our sense of community―and make room for others.
• Fridays, 11/14-12/12, no meeting 11/28 | 9:30-11AM
• Wednesdays, 12/3-12/17 | Men’s Bible Study, 8:00-9:00 AM
• Wednesdays, 12/3-12/17 | Pastors’ Bible Study, 9:30-10:30 AM
• Thursdays, 12/4-12/18 | 10-11 AM
On the Way to Bethlehem by Rob Fuquay | Sundays, November 23-December 21, no mtg Nov 30 | 10-11 AM
Join the Foundations & Friendships class in Room J/K to explore the geographical significance, historical context, and spiritual truths of the cities and characters of the Christmas drama. The reflection we give in these places prepares the heart and soul to experience wonder, awe, mystery, and joy. No signup required.
Mission Opportunities & Ways To Serve
Adopt a Family for Christmas 2025
Would you or your small group like to sponsor a family in need this holiday season? This year, St. Mark’s is excited to be partnering with Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County to “Adopt a Family” for Christmas. Your family/group will need to provide children’s toys & clothing items, along with non-perishable food or a gift card for food, then deliver gifts to the family no later than December 14.
If interested, please contact Amy Adams at aadams@stmarkscarmel.org or 317-846-4912.
Event Calendar
Christmas Eve Worship Services
December 24 at 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 PM
Family Christmas Service
5 PM
All ages are invited to join this interactive, family friendly service!
This service will not be live-streamed.
Christmas Eve at
The Current
(contemporary band)
7 PM
Join us this Christmas Eve at The Current service for a night of joy, hope, and light! Through inspiring music, scripture, and storytelling, we will celebrate the miracle of God’s love made real in Jesus, Emmanuel – God with us. Come and hear the story of the Word made flesh, bringing light that no darkness can extinguish.
This service will be live-streamed.
Candlelight
(traditional)
9 PM
Join us for a traditional service of lessons, carols, and candle lighting on Christmas Eve. Our pastors, musicians, and readers from the congregation will lead us through the Christmas story on this most sacred night of the year.
This service will be live-streamed.
Candlelight & Communion
(traditional)
11 PM
Join us for a traditional service of lessons, carols, candle lighting and communion on Christmas Eve. Our pastors, musicians, and readers from the congregation will lead us through the Christmas story on this most sacred night of the year.
This service will not be live-streamed.
December 28
Special All-Church 10 AM Service
Join us at 10:00 a.m. on December 29th for a delightful combined worship service! Our regularly scheduled 9:00 Traditional service and 11:00 with The Current will come together for a single service where we welcome and encourage everyone to come, connect, and worship our newborn Savior together. Children are invited to stay with us throughout this service (there will be no kidz church programming or nursery this day) and experience the joy of worship with all our generations.
Sponsor a Poinsettia
Help decorate St. Mark’s for the holidays by sponsoring a poinsettia.
All are invited to sponsor poinsettias In Honor Of, In Celebration Of, or In Memory Of special persons or groups in your life.
Click here to sponsor a poinsettia.