Advent and Christmas Services for All

Advent is the season of preparing for God to come to us again; Christmas is the season of celebrating the birth of the Christ Child and all the ways God breaks into our lives and the world. Whether you’re a regular church-goer, a parent looking for something for your kids, or someone searching for meaning in these dark days, we hope to see you at any or all of these special services:

Third Sunday of Advent, December 11, 10:30 a.m.: “Defiant Joy”

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18, a Service of Lessons and Carols, 10:30: “Surprising Presence”

      Come let the magnificent 35-voice First Church Choir, led by Minister of Music Dick Matteson, lift your spirits in a service filled with music, joy and hope.

Longest Night Service, Wednesday, December 21: On the longest, darkest night of the year, we will gather around the Light. This service is open to all, but it is designed particularly for those who are sad, lonely, grieving, scared, or worried about the future in the current political climate. After sharing communion and a beautiful time with candles, communion and prayers, we’ll take the light outside and sing carols around a bonfire.

Christmas Eve, 4 o’clock: This is the family-friendly service where we pull out all the stops. There’s lots of carol-singing, a semi-spontaneous “Unpageant” that anyone can participate in (you can pick up a costume or props when you walk in the door), and an old-fashioned, candle-lit singing of “Silent Night” that will give you goosebumps.

Christmas Eve, 9:30 p.m.: If you’re in the mood for something simple and peaceful, a service where you can both light candles and receive communion, this is the one for you.

Christmas Day, 10:30: Come as you are for an warm, informal service of story, carols, and communion.

New Year’s Day, 10:30: What better way to begin the New Year than with prayer, music, and communion?

Sunday, January 8, 10:30: In this service we’ll celebrate both the Feast of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ. And you’ll have an opportunity to renew your baptism.