Advent & Christmas
Service & Outreach
FOOD CARDS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
We are also asking for donations of money to purchase food cards for each of the Giving Tree families. You can make checks payable to FCC (memo: giving tree cards) or donate online through FCC website.
MITTEN TREE
You are also encouraged to bring in new winter hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and socks and place them on the tree before Weds. Dec. 13 to be given out through the SASD elementary schools.
Advent Fellowship
ADVENT DECORATING EXTENDED COFFEE HOUR / KIDS KRAFTS
Sunday, December 3
Join us for a time of fellowship during an extended coffee hour following worship. While the adults and youth decorate the sanctuary, children will have the opportunity to do Christmas activities in Lucas Hall. We will conclude with singing a few Christmas carols in the sanctuary. We plan to be finished by noon. No need to sign-up - just show up!
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE
The church is providing a way to give to families in need during the holiday season. We are working with Carla Vorpahl/SASD Social Workers to identify families in need of Christmas cheer this year. Gift tags will be on the Giving Tree starting on Sun. Nov. 19. Participants are encouraged to purchase the gift, wrap it up and return under the tree by Sun. Dec. 10. Make sure to attach the gift tag to the outside of the package so we can identify the family group. Contact church office for assistance in sponsoring a gift. We will be sorting the gifts on Weds. Dec. 13 from 10 am to noon in Lucas Hall and SASD social workers will deliver to families that coming week.
THURSDAY STUDY GROUP
"FREEING JESUS"
Thursdays, November 30-December 21
Each Thursday in December, the group will be reading chapters from Diana Butler Bass’ book “Freeing Jesus: Rediscovering Jesus as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way and Presence.” We will be looking at Jesus as Teacher and Savior. Handouts are available each week – no pre-reading needed. The group gathers
from 9:30-10:30 am in the church lounge and on Zoom.
YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY
Wednesday, December 20
All Middle and High School Youth are invited to a Christmas Party (dinner and games) held in the Youth Room from 5:30-8 pm.
Subs and drinks provided. Bring some wild/crazy item from around your house for a WHITE ELEPHANT gift exchange.
Also please bring a dish to share (desserts, chips or salad). Nancy Engberg, leader.
Spiritual Growth & Devotionals
FAMILY LIGHT STRANDS ADVENT CALENDAR
Hang this countdown calendar in a prominent place. It provides 25 activities to help you get into the Advent and Christmas spirit. Free copies are available on the Education table and have been mailed to Sunday School families.from 9:30-10:30 am in the church lounge and on Zoom.
"IN LIGHT & DARKNESS" ADVENT DEVOTIONAL
The inspiration for our theme comes from the common usage of “light” and “darkness” during Advent and from exploring how the earth experiences both the very lightest and darkest days with summer and winter solstices during Advent. Scripture focusing on God’s light has led to the belief light is the source of goodness and hope. This belief implies darkness is not wanted or needed, it is something to banish or get rid of, or that God is not even present in the dark. Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, helps us reimagine our understanding of darkness, primarily how Christianity heavily relies on the binary construct of light as good and darkness as bad. Taylor proposes that the pair of light and dark co-exist in balance, not opposition. Free copies are on the Education Table.
SOCIAL MEDIA ADVENT EVENT
December 1-24, on our Facebook and Instagram pages, we'll be posting a daily theme and activity or exercise. Everyone is encouraged to engage with the post by sharing stories, images and even poetry about the theme or activity. See the full Advent calendar here.
Spiritual Growth & Devotionals
"O HOLY NIGHT" CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Sunday, December 10 at 10 am
FCC Members and Friends will be performing the Christmas Cantata “O Holy Light” by Mary Macdonald during the 10 am worship service. If you would like to join in the singing, please RSVP to Carra Lyn Conger of Music Ministry by email. Rehearsals will be held on Sunday mornings from 8:30-9:45 am and Wednesday evenings from 7-8 pm. There will be an additional rehearsal on Sat. Dec. 9th at 9 am.
SPONSOR A POINSETTIA FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS ALTAR
On Sunday, Dec. 10 through New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31st, poinsettias will be decorating our altar. We invite FCC folk to sponsor a poinsettia in memory or honor of a loved one. Cost is $15. Sign-up here to sponsor a flower. Following worship on Sun. Dec. 31st, the Deacons of Membership and Pastoral Care will coordinate the delivery of the poinsettias to homebound members.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
"SWITCHING SCRIPTS"
Sunday, December 17
During the 10 am worship service, the Sunday School children and youth will present a Christmas pageant - "Switching Scripts." On Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and 10, the Sunday School classes will be learning carols that will be included in the program. The Middle School youth will share a program that highlights the difference between the gospel of Luke and the gospel of Matthew in how they tell Jesus’ birth. Each of the Sunday School classes will portray the various characters in the nativity story. There will be a special rehearsal at 9 am on Saturday, Dec. 16.
WINTER SOLSTICE LABYRINTH IN LUCAS HALL & SANCTUARY SPACE
Thursday, December 21
On the longest night of the year, the FCC labyrinth will be open from 5-7 pm for those who would like to participate in this walking meditation. The FCC sanctuary will also be open for those who would like to sit in quiet candlelight, surrounded by soft music and reflect on the bittersweet nature of the
Advent/Christmas season. We remember that when things are darkest, God's light drives out the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it. Pastor Jim will offer an orientation to the labyrinth at 6 pm in the FCC lounge.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Sunday, December 24
4th Sunday in Advent - 10 am morning worship
We will share in Christmas carols. Pastor Julia will preach.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship in Sanctuary @ 4 pm & 9 pm
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Early service (4 pm) will include carols and a “Time with Children.” The FCC Choir will sing.
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Late service (9 pm) will include carols and a Christmas message by Pastor Jim. Music will be provided by George Phillips, jazz pianist, and family members.