Festival Of Christmas | Marc's Music Notables

There's something about the music of Christmas that brings us together, year after year. At Hurstbourne Christian Church, our annual Christmas Cantata has become a cherished tradition - a moment when voices rise as one, and the story of Christ’s birth comes alive in song and celebration.

This year, we’re excited to present our 2025 Christmas Cantata, themed “Festival of Christmas.” We’re pulling out all the stops: classic carols, beloved hymns, and moving musical arrangements. From the opening number - Michael W. Smith’s “Christmastime,” known for its joyful, celebratory energy - to the powerful gospel medley of “Behold That Star,” “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow,” and “Go, Tell It on the Mountain,” our program is designed to stir hearts and lift spirits. We’ll also feature Pietro Yon’s “Gesu Bambino,” a classic that beautifully paints the scene of the nativity, beloved by choirs for its gentle melody and message of light. And in a moment of reflection, we’ll sing “All is Well,” the hymn written by William Clayton during a journey marked by faith, perseverance, and the promise of new life. Wrapping it all up with a modern arrangement of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” This carol, with its journey from sorrow to hope, feels especially poignant for our world today, and recent arrangements bring new life and depth to its timeless message.

This isn’t just a concert - it’s a service woven together with narration, inviting us to walk the road to Bethlehem, hear the angelic proclamation of peace, and reflect on the wonder of God’s greatest gift. The choir, joined by soloists and a chamber orchestra, will help us remember the night when hope entered our world in a humble manger - and rejoice that Christ’s light still shines.

 Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 21,     during the worship service. We hope you and your loved ones will attend and experience the beauty and truth of   Christmas. This is more than music - it’s a time to gather, to remember, and to celebrate the   miracle of Christ’s birth together. Let’s come together this season, lift our voices, and share the hope, peace, and joy that only Christmas brings. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Pecan Cheesecake Pie | Jenna's Favorite Recipes

A delicious twist on holiday classics! If you like cheesecake and you like pecan pie, why not combine them into one tasty dish? I’ll be honest, the sticky pecan pie has never been my   favorite, so I’m very excited about this alternative. Besides baking the crust, you don’t even need the oven. I used Trader Joe’s gluten free pie crust for convenience, but a graham cracker crust would also be delicious and make it taste even more like cheesecake.

Ingredients:

· 9-inch pie crust, store bought or homemade.

· 1 cup heavy whipping cream

· 1/3 cup powdered sugar (or less, to taste)

· 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened

· 1/2 cup light brown sugar (or less, to taste)

· 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

· 1 tsp vanilla extract

· 1.5 cups pecans finely chopped

· 1/4 tsp salt (optional)

 Directions:

1.  Bake crust according to recipe (or package directions if store bought). Let it cool       completely.

2.  In a medium bowl, beat the whipping cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.

3.  In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

4.  Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined, then stir in 1 cup of the pecans.

5.  Spread mixture into the cooled pie crust, and top with the remaining pecans.

6.  Chill until firm, at least 2 hours. (If making a few days in advance, once the mixture is firm, you can cover it with plastic wrap and freeze. Let it soften at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.)

 This recipe took inspiration from the website 12tomatoes.com

“Numbers” – Looking Toward Growth Together | Reece's Peaces

This November, we begin our annual stewardship campaign, and this year’s theme is “Numbers.” At first glance, numbers might sound like something best left to accountants or mathematicians, but in the life of the church, numbers tell a story. They reflect the people we have welcomed, the lives we have touched, the ministries we have supported, and the ways we have seen God at work among us. Numbers help us reflect on where we have been and imagine where God is calling us next. 

Over three Sundays, we will explore what our numbers mean, not just in dollars and cents, but in purpose, growth, and vision for the future. 

November 9 – Stability: What’s the Point of the Church? 

We begin by asking the foundational question: Why does Hurstbourne Christian Church exist? In a changing world, stability is not about standing still. It is about grounding  ourselves in our mission and remembering what God calls us to be. This week, we will reflect on the heart of who we are as a community of faith. 

November 16 – Growth: Why Grow? 

Next, we will look honestly at how we are growing. Growth is not only about              attendance; it is about spiritual deepening, outreach, and renewal. We will ask: Are we growing in ways that reflect God’s love and purpose? and What does healthy growth look like for us? 

November 23 – Future: How Can We Set Up the Church for What’s Next? 

Finally, we will turn our eyes to the future. Stewardship is not just about sustaining the present; it is about preparing the soil for the next generation. Together, we will dream about how to invest in our ministries, our building, and our people so that Hurstbourne Christian Church continues to be a place of hope and belonging for years to come. 

Through this series, we invite everyone to consider how your giving, your presence, and your participation help write the next chapter of our story. The numbers matter, not     because they measure success, but because they represent people, potential, and the movement of God’s Spirit in our midst. 

Join us this November as we count our blessings, reflect on our mission, and commit to a faithful future together. 

Simple Gifts: The Story Behind a Beloved Song | Marc's Music Notables

On Sunday, November 23, the Sanctuary Choir will sing the timeless tune “Simple Gifts” as part of our Thanksgiving Service. This well-loved song comes from the Shakers - a group known for their quest to live out their faith as purely and simply as possible.

The Shakers, or “Shaking Quakers,” were part of a wave of religious communities in the early 1800s that tried to create utopias on American soil. Like the Harmonists, Zoarists, and the communities at Oneida and Ephrata, they wanted their daily lives to reflect their highest ideals. For the Shakers, that meant equality between men and women, communal living, and - crucially - simplicity in all things.

Music and dance were central to Shaker worship. Their gatherings were lively, full of singing, rhythmic marching, and a signature spinning dance called the “quick dance.” These weren’t just performances - they believed such movements could cast out evil and bring them closer to God. It was during this era of spiritual fervor, in 1848, that Elder Joseph Brackett composed “Simple Gifts” at the Shaker community in Maine, inspired by what the Shakers called “gift songs” - melodies and words received in visions or dreams, often believed to come from Mother Ann (the Shakers’ founder), angels, or other spiritual beings.

The lyrics - "'Tis a gift to be simple, 'tis a gift to be free…” - capture the heart of Shaker theology. Simplicity wasn’t just a style; it was a holy calling. The Shakers saw every aspect of life, from their architecture to their furniture, as an opportunity to honor God through humble workmanship and honest design. Their buildings and furnishings, still admired today for their clean lines and practical beauty, were the physical expression of the same ideal “Simple Gifts” celebrates: that true richness lies in living simply and gratefully.

 Though “Simple Gifts” began as a dance tune for a small       religious group, its message has traveled far. It’s been           embraced by countless Americans, especially after famous composer Aaron Copland wove its melody into his 1944 ballet “Appalachian Spring,” introducing it to a whole new audience.

So as the choir sings “Simple Gifts,” remember: as we’re    joining hands with generations of seekers who believe that      in simplicity, freedom, and gratitude, we can find the           presence of God. 

Apple Cider Roasted Veggies | Jenna's Favorite Recipes

With the classic comfort of roasted vegetables and the seasonal essence of apple cider, these veggies make the perfect Thanksgiving side dish! You can swap out any of the veggies listed here for your favorites, such as zucchini or green beans. Then just chop, toss, and roast! Finish them off with a little maple syrup and butter, and you might just think these veggies transformed into dessert! It’s an easy (yet impressive!) addition to your holiday table.

 Ingredients:

· 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces

· 1 cup Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

· 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch rounds (use the multicolored ones to feel extra fancy!)

· 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

· 1/4 cup apple cider

· 2 tbsp pure maple syrup

· 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped

· Salt and pepper to taste

 Directions:

1.  Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and carrots.

3.  In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, apple cider, maple syrup,     rosemary, sea salt, and black pepper until well blended.

4.  Pour the apple cider mixture over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated. Tip: For maximum flavor, let the vegetables marinate in the mixture for 10 minutes before roasting.

5.  Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded to allow for even roasting.

6.  Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the          vegetables are tender and caramelized. Tip: For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

7. Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

 This recipe took inspiration from the website simplyfamilyrecipes.com