“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” - Luke 2:11
Advent hope is messy. It isn't born into the perfection and peace of our well-manicured Christmas plans. Such hope is born into the world as it is. Terrible and beautiful things will happen, as Buechner says. Into that world, hope is born. Advent hope, and Christmas joy arrive not with a bang and a shout but with a self-emptying, incarnational cry of Love!
Please join us this advent season as we journey the messy road to Bethlehem, attentive to hope born among us!
Worship
Join us each Sunday at 8:00 and 9:30 a.m.
Livestream worship at 9:30 a.m. on YouTube.
Advent-Epiphany Devotional
The 2022 Advent through Epiphany Devotional Hope is Born follows our Advent lectionary text and is written by members of the congregation. Each devotion includes a photo meditation on signs of hope in the world. The devotional is available by email only. Click here to receive it in your inbox.
Christmas Poinsettias
Sign up either online or in the Church Office. The deadline for purchasing one is Sunday, December 11.
Advent Happening Craft Event
Saturday, December 3
10:00 a.m. - Noon
Bring the family and enjoy a morning of crafting, cookie decorating, candle making, and more! This multi-generational event has projects for all – ages 2 to 102.
Advent Workshop
Sunday, December 4
11:00 a.m. | Social Hall
Our Advent Workshop, led by author and First Pres member Callie Feyen, will engage all ages in activities that center us in this season of hope.
Advent Taizé Prayer Service
Tuesday, December 6
6:00 p.m. Simple Supper | Social Hall
7:00 p.m. Service | Sanctuary
Come experience a beautiful form of prayer, inspired by the ecumenical community in Taizé, France.
College Pancake Supper
Thursday, December 8
10:00 p.m. - Midnight | Social Hall
College students are welcome to a delicious pancake supper from 10 p.m. to midnight.
If you are interested in volunteering to help with this event, please click here or make a donation designated for “pancake supper.” Contact Hannah Lundberg, hlundberg@firstpresbyterian.org, with any questions.
The Glorious Sounds of Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 11
4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Share the joy of the holiday season at our festive Christmas concert featuring the Chancel Choir, Children's Choir, Chancel Choir Section Leaders, Sanctus Ringers, and Organ. A strolling reception follows the concert.
Nativity Service
Sunday, December 18
10:45 a.m. | Outdoor Cocoa Bar
11:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
Children and youth lead in the retelling of the Nativity story. This service is wonderful for all ages to enjoy as the mystery of the story comes to life. An outdoor cocoa bar precedes the service, and all are encouraged to bring gifts of adult-size new winter socks, hats, gloves, and underwear to benefit our friends in need at Alpha House, SOS Community Service, and Shelter Association-Delonis Center.
We would love to have your children serve as leaders in this special Advent service. To view the rehearsal schedule and to register your child, please click here.
The Longest Night
Wednesday, December 21
7:00 p.m. | Monteith Hall
This season is especially hard for those grieving, uncertain, facing illness, or feeling melancholy during the holidays. For these reasons, First Pres offers a special “Longest Night” service on December 21, at 7:00 pm. Join us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge that God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle - and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness.
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Lessons & Carols
5:00 & 8:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
A joyful Christmas Eve service featuring the Chancel Choir and Brass.
Come sing the carols and hear the traditional readings.
Candlelight Communion
11:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
A traditional Christmas Eve service with a homily and Communion
Our Christmas Eve Offering will support our local mission partners (Alpha House, SOS Community Service, and Shelter Association-Delonis Center) in providing housing and support services for unhoused families, families with children, and individuals.
Christmas Day
Casual Christmas Celebration
10:00 a.m. | Sanctuary
Celebrate the hope and wonder of Christmas.
Children are encouraged to bring their Christmas toys to the worship service.