At Wicker Park Lutheran Church, we observe a seven-week Advent season, giving us more time to reflect on hope, waiting, and God’s presence in our world.
This year, we explore the mystery of the incarnation: God choosing to become human in the person of Jesus. Through worship, music, service, and reflection, we’ll consider what it means that God enters our world in a human body—sharing our needs, vulnerabilities, and relationships.
From exploring artificial intelligence and human dignity to feeding our neighbors, sheltering the Holy Family, and singing together, we’ll discover how God’s love continues to take shape among us.
AdVENT AT A GLANCE
| Activity (click to learn more) | Details |
|---|---|
| Advent Project | Support ELCA World Hunger and WPLC’s Little Free Pantry |
| Sermon Series: AI & Advent Incarnation | Sundays, Nov. 8 – Dec. 20, 10 a.m. |
| Lessons & Carols | Saturday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. |
| Host the Holy Family | Sign up by Friday, Nov. 6, at 8 a.m. |
| Third Sunday Teaching | November 15 & December 20 |
| Location | 1500 N. Hoyne Ave., Chicago, or join worship online |
Advent Project
Throughout Advent and Christmas, we are focusing on the importance of the incarnation–God taking on human form in the person of Jesus. While on earth, Jesus ate and drank, Jesus was hungry and full, and Jesus exposed how systems can harm those on the margins. Knowing that one in 11 people, or about 720 million are hungry, we respond to care for our neighbor in love.
Donations to the “Advent Project” will be split between ELCA World Hunger and the Little Free Pantry. However, gifts to any ministry partners on WPLC’s website throughout the Advent/Christmas season will be included toward the progress.
ELCA World Hunger walks alongside congregations across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Lutheran churches worldwide and trusted partners. Your gifts fund clinics, microloans, clean water, livestock, meals and advocacy —sustainable solutions that address root causes of hunger. Learn more here.
Little Free Pantry is a part of a movement that helps to feed the hungry with access to non-perishable food and personal items available 24/7/365. There are no forms to complete and no questions to answer. We trust that you’ll only take what you need and that if you have enough, you’ll leave what you can. Learn more here.
Click Here to Donate money
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Sermon Series: Exploring the Themes of Advent in the Age of AI
WPLC’s pastoral team (Pastor Jason, Vicar Lyndsay, and Pastor Tom) is excited to announce this year’s advent theme: Artificial Intelligence and Advent’s Incarnation!
Throughout the seven weeks of advent, our sermons will explore the themes of advent alongside the realities of living in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). During the series, we’ll be open to how the Holy Spirit is revealing new ways that the scriptures may help us better understand this changing and polarizing time.
We will touch on topics such as what it means to have God-given gifts to be used for the betterment of the world when technology is threatening to replace our labor, how we might still seek out the wisdom of God’s creation when we have come to rely so heavily on technology, and, as we get closer to the incarnation, the concept having hope in the AI age.
If you know of someone who has questions or thoughts around the intersection of faith, spirituality, and AI, we hope you will invite them to join us throughout this season!
November 8: AI and the End of the World
“Keep awake, therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” Matthew 25:13
November 15: AI and Human Labor
“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Matthew 25:21
November 22: AI and the Marginalized
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these… you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40
November 29: AI and Creation
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree…” Mark 13:28
December 6: AI and Repentance
“And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4
December 13: AI and Giving Testimony
“Make straight the way of the Lord.” John 1:23
December 20: AI and the Future
“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid.’” Luke 1:30
Lessons & Carols Service – Saturday, December 12 at 7 p.m.
This annual event is a community and congregation favorite! Lessons and Carols is a service of Scripture and song. In this service, we listen to Scripture lessons which recall the promise of God’s presence in the world. Each lesson is followed by a carol or other song that reflects the lesson’s message.
This is a perfect event to invite friends and family to enjoy. Following the service, we’ll gather for some refreshments and conversation as we give thanks for God’s presence.
If you’re interested in participating in singing or playing an instrument, please contact Pastor Jason (pastor@wickerparklutheran.org). Readers will be scheduled for this service during our monthly volunteer survey. Contact Madeline (office@wickerparklutheran.org) to ensure you’re on the email list to sign up.
Cannot make it in person? Join us online and partake in this musical celebration via our livestream! Details to be provided here the week prior.
Host The Holy Family
The season of Advent is almost here, which means the Holy Family is on the move! Throughout Advent, WPLC’s communal nativity will journey from home to home across Chicagoland before arriving at Wicker Park just in time for Christmas.
As we welcome Mary, Joseph, and the Christ child into our homes, we’re reminded that God comes to dwell among us in unexpected places and through the relationships we share. We invite you to be part of this meaningful Advent tradition by hosting the Holy Family!
Hosting is simple:
- Welcome the Holy Family (a small nativity set) into your home for 3–7 days.
- Reflect on the spirituality of Advent using a provided devotional (optional).
- Share a photo of the Holy Family in your home.
- Coordinate passing the Holy Family to the next host. We’ll work with you to accommodate transportation limitations.
Click Here to Host by Nov 6 at 8 a.m.
Third Sunday Teaching: Nov 15 and Dec 20
During Advent, we continue our Third Sunday Teaching (TST) as we explore and deepen our faith through conversation rooted in the biblical texts. 2026 concludes as we further explore the intersection between God & the Economy undoubtedly speaking to the impact on bodies, people, and all of creation.
We meet on the third Sunday of the month at approximately 11:45 a.m. for about 50 minutes. No previous Bible study or theological background is needed—bring your questions and curiosity! Contact Pastor Tom at prtom@wickerparklutheran.org with questions or to learn more.
November 15 — God & the Economy, Part 2: Christianity & Modern Capitalism — We’ll take a theological and biblical look at modern capitalism and consider what our faith has to say about the economic systems that shape our lives.
December 20 — God & the Economy, Part 3: Living Faithfully Under Capitalism’s Shadow — How do we live faithfully within an economic system we cannot simply step outside of? We’ll consider what Christian discipleship might look like in our everyday economic lives.