Norway pastor to explore Advent themes through movies

NORWAY — The Second Congregational Church, UCC, will emphasize the traditional Advent themes of Hope, Love, Joy and Peace during Sundays in December.

This year the Rev. Cordelia Strandskov will put a lively and contemporary spin on the themes. She has written a new sermon series using favorite Christmas movies to explore the Advent themes and how they are played out in popular culture.

Strandskov will essentially be asking, “Can we find deeper meaning in our favorite, frivolous and fun secular Christmas movies? What lessons can they help teach us, during this season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth?”

Movies that will be discussed include:

• Dec. 3, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”;

• Dec. 10, she will explore “Love, Actually”;

• Dec. 17, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”; and

• Dec. 24, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Although the actual movies will not be shown during worship, families and individuals might want to view them in advance.

All are invited to the 10 a.m. Sunday worship services.