On the Sunday after Yule Feast, Rev. Melinda McClain invites the congregation to discuss the various sections of the MPC ‘charge’ in small groups and present the meaning of each to the community.

Pastoral Candidate Ben Daniel discusses his call to MPC and how it relates to the journey of the wise men: likely full of surprises, mistakes, grace, and a continuing quest for the holy without complacency.

Rev. Melinda tells a tale that is “Mostly True” about relatives who reached out in kindness and became witnesses to a Christmas Miracle.

Following a choir presentation of Magnificat in D by Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Rev. Melinda reflects upon the Magnificat of Mary, Montclair Presbyterian Church’s expectation of a new pastor, and the next few months in the life of the congregation. Luke 1:39-56

Rev. Melinda looks looks for hope, joy, and peace in our global environmental dilemma by reflecting upon holy places in the desert. Isaiah 35:1-10

With energy, humor, and good singing the Montclair Presbyterian Church Children and Youth presented their interpretation of the Christmas Story. written and directed by Talitha Phillips Kim Rankin, music director and piano

Rev. Melinda confesses to being “a little bit of a mystic” and reflects upon the message of faith during Secular Christmas. She urges us to listen for the hidden message and strive to be “a little bit lighter and brighter” in a world of darkness. Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5

Rev. Melinda discusses Luke 12:13 (the foolish rich man), showing how the story illustrates the importance of valuing what we give over what we have, and of focusing on what we’re truly grateful for.

MPC Music Director Kim Rankin celebrates 25 years of organist Marcia Roy’s service to MPC, reading recollections from former MPC pastors and music directors, as well as adding her own commentary.

Rev. Melinda continues her discussion about the reason for church, this time focusing on the ways it can help us gather with others, rise up, and change the world in the face of cynicism and despair.