Advent Worship & Events

Service of Lessons & Carols – Sunday, December 8th

Worship at 11:00 am including anthems and solos from the Chancel Choir, congregational carols, and the traditional Scripture readings telling the history of Jesus’ family and preparing us for his birth. Our SpiritLink kids will also sing in worship. 

Blue Christmas Service – Wednesday, December 11th

This special service makes space for some of the more somber experiences people encounter in the holiday season. We come together in worship seeking peace in our hearts and in our world. This service will be begin at 6:30pm in the Worship Center.

Christmas Eve Nativity Rehearsal – Sunday, December 22nd

Children ages 3 years-5th grade wishing to take part in the telling of the Christmas story at the Christmas Eve 4:00pm service are asked to attend a rehearsal in the Sanctuary on Sunday, December 22nd at 9:45am! Look for the sign-up in the weekly Children & Youth Parent email or talk to Courtney Savage, chair of the Children’s Ministry Committee.

Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service – Tuesday, December 24th at 4:00pm

All are invited to this family-friendly service which includes Christmas carols, an interactive telling of the Christmas story, Communion, and candle-lighting. Join us as we raise a joyful noise to celebrate the Incarnation.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – Tuesday, December 24th at 11:00pm

Join us for our traditional candlelight service which includes Communion and choir.

Advent Devotionals are now available in the Narthex

• For families with children – Advent at Home Candlelighting & Psalms of Wonder. Journey through Advent with the simple rituals of Advent candlelighting, remembering, listening, reflecting, praying, and blessing. Each week’s guide goes with a Psalm in the accompanying Psalms of Wonder book that is our gift to you for use this Advent season and beyond!

• For families with youth – From the Manger Advent Calendar & Activity Cards. From the Manger invites us to consider how the baby born in a feeding trough in a bread town (Bethlehem means “House of Bread”) continues to feed a hungry world today. This devotional includes an Advent Calendar and 25 Advent Activity Cards.

• For adults – From the Manger. This complement to the youth From the Manger Advent Calendar gives a prayer and reflection for each week of Advent and for Christmas Day. 

• For adults and older youth – Patterns of Divine Possibility: An Advent Search for God’s Diverse Ordering. This daily devotional from The Presbyterian Outlook challenges us to see beyond familiar binaries and embrace the complex natural patterns of our Creator in the world. We will be invited to open our eyes to the intricate designs of God’s creation that often go unnoticed.

Experience the joy of the season and be inspired by the Christmas story!

• Chili Supper and Character Dinner (5:30-6:10)
  • During dinner, interact with nativity characters (who will have a special craft for children) and get your picture taken with the nativity characters at our photo booth.
  • Vegetarian dinner option available.
• Carol Sing (6:10-6:45) – with emcee Jim Showalter, sing some of your favorite songs.
• Living Nativity (6:45-7:45)
  • The youth of FPC will present four scenes of Jesus’ birth on the front lawn of the church.
  • A conversation guide will be available to engage in the Christmas story while viewing the scenes.
  • Enjoy apple cider and fair trade hot chocolate while viewing along with visits from some live animals.

We invite you to bring donations of non-perishable food or period products for the Little Free/Red Pantries to bless our community during this season. The Fair Trade store will be open the whole evening and will be a perfect opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts while supporting fair wages, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability.