One of the joys of Christmas music is the stories that the songs tell. The ten stanzas of "Frosty the Snowman" tell us all about Frosty, from his creation to his fun antics to his departure and promise to "be back again someday." The touching song "The Christmas Shoes" tugs at our heartstrings as we meet a little boy seeking to get a gift of new shoes for his ailing mother because he wants "her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight." And "O Little Town of Bethlehem" transports us to the place where Jesus was born as we also learn of the people and events of that world-changing story. As we sing the songs of Christmas, we are reminded that the story that took place so long ago, in the "little town of Bethlehem," is also a story for us today. "O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel!" Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ5Ydv1mAOc

It has been famously said, "Where words fail, music speaks." (Hans Christian Andersen) Maybe that's why Christmas music holds such a special place in our hearts. Our hopes for the season are so deep and so profound that words often fail us. But the music we sing gives voice to those hopes and wishes... giving life to the deepest desires of our hearts. As we sing of that "holy night" when "the stars are brightly shining," we reflect not only on the beauty of the Christmas event, we also pray that "the gospel of peace" will reign in the world and that "all oppression shall cease." This year in both word and song, we celebrate the Prince of Peace, come to us in the infant Jesus. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igDaWRsrc5I

Christmas music holds a special place in our hearts. From the fun and lively "Rocking Around the Christmas Tree" to the holy and tender "Silent Night," we love what the music adds to the season and our celebrations. Many of us first learned the story of Jesus' birth from these songs. And, many of us have Christmas songs that are special to us because they connect us with a memory or person. This season we let the songs of Christmas guide our worship and prepare our hearts for the arrival of the baby Jesus. "Sing We Now of Christmas" as we celebrate the season and anticipate Christ's arrival. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4H9mT8JZ6g&t=2293s

Many have been credited with coining the phrase, "talk the talk and walk the walk," which means to match one's efforts with one's words. The fact is that the gist of the phrase shows up repeatedly in various forms from the time of ancient philosophers to modern-day writers and leaders. At its heart, it's a phrase that invites someone to prove that they mean what they say by doing, living, and acting out those things. Not only has Union Chapel Indy been faithful in the last year in "walking the talk" by its faithfulness in outreach and mission, this week we also celebrate the One who is ultimately faithful in fulfilling their promises. This week we say, "Yay, God!" for God's faithfulness to show up in real and practical ways in and through the ministry and mission of Union Chapel Indy. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJdoR9xJ5VE

With the traditional Thanksgiving Feast just days away, many of us are pulling out our recipe books and preparing to pour our hearts into our favorite dishes. Our efforts will include all the best quality ingredients, careful measuring and mixing, and lots of love. All with the hopes that the food we prepare and serve and make for a special and memorable gathering. This is also the time of year we look for the perfect blending of experiences, decorations, gifts, and embellishments to make for a special and memorable season. If we can only pull together the best, most special, grandest elements, we will truly have a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas. Scripture invites us to consider another recipe for joy. One that doesn't have anything to do with tinsel or packages, but everything to do with ingredients like gentleness, hope, time with God and others, and the secret sauce - gratitude. This week we whip up some thanksgiving to make for a truly memorable holiday. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkMLtUXcd8g

As we move quickly from the Halloween celebrations and the seasonal fall festivities to launch right into Christmas planning, preparation, and celebrating, it's easy to overlook this season of Thanksgiving. We're busy raking leaves, making holiday plans with extended family, and beginning the annual stress over gift shopping, giving, and receiving. But the church calendar invites a short season of reflection, and yes - thanksgiving. The church calendar actually begins its new year on the first Sunday of Advent, this year on December 3. And so as we close out this church year, we take a few weeks to remember, give thanks for, and celebrate God's goodness to us in every season. This week we "make a joyful noise to the Lord!" as we discover more fully what it means to "give thanks." Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0U5rymqy40&t=4s

Union Chapel Indy stands unique in its current time and place. There is no collection of gifts and graces, no accumulation of wisdom and experience, no place of joy or sorrow exactly like it anywhere else. This is because of the people who are right now a part of the ministry. And also because of all those who have gone before. On this All Saints Sunday we celebrate the light that remains among us of those faithful followers who have now gone on to glory. May we who call Union Chapel Indy home today glow as brightly for the world around us as those whose light still shines among us. Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtGkNZK4DNk&t=15s

Fear is a powerful force. Sometimes it paralyzes us so that we can’t move beyond our current dilemma. Sometimes it drives out into greater danger. Sometimes it makes us overly cautious so that we are reluctant to step into a new role or an unfamiliar situation. Fear is real and often our caution is warranted. But the God who nudges us towards, calls us to, or just finds us in new territory is bigger than our fears. With God guiding, equipping, and providing we are more capable than we think. Fear not! God is greater than all that seeks to hold us back. With God, you are able, capable, and quite ready for whatever lies ahead! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xymndwIaUdI

One of our greatest fears is being ‘caught,’ called out, or otherwise exposed when we’ve made a mistake or feel as though we don’t measure up to expectations. To think about being vulnerable, exposing who we really are, or revealing our darkest selves strikes terror into some of our hearts. And there are people with whom it is not safe to be totally open and honest. But Jesus isn’t one of those people. Not only will Jesus not judge us for who we are, he’ll love us into a new and better version of ourselves. Fear not when you open up to Jesus, he’s on your side! Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hgP6qMcidw

The month of October and its big event, Halloween, remind us of just how many things we are afraid! We're afraid of imaginary ghosts and goblins that lurk in shadowy places. We’re afraid of the dark, of things that go 'bump' in the night, and powers we don't understand. We're afraid of heights, of snakes, and of spiders. We’re afraid of getting sick, failing in our job, and losing an important relationship. We’re afraid of tomorrow and of the unknown. And while all these fears are real, so is God. When you are afraid, cling to the God who promises, "do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." (Isaiah 41:10 NRSVUE) Worship Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1isbNwRHjs4