Join us for St. Lucia’s Day, a cherished Swedish festival of light in winter’s darkest days. Honoring Lucia, a 3rd-century martyr whose name means “light,” the tradition blends Christian legend with Nordic solstice rites. A girl in white, crowned with candles, leads a procession singing traditional Swedish songs, filling the Sanctuary with warmth and song.

What better way to kick off Jingle Mingle than being a part of Boulder’s Lights of December Parade! All ages are invited to join as we walk in the parade, spreading wintery cheer and inviting people to Jingle Mingle. Bring something delicious to share for a potluck dinner at 4:00, then we'll don costumes and get ready to join the parade beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Click here to register. Contact Lianna Campos with any questions.

As the Lights of December Parade winds down, we open our doors to invite the city to join us for Cookies, Cocoa, Cider and Crafts. Congregational Bells will be ringing! Everyone is welcome whether or not you go to the parade. Join us for a Jingle and Mingle.

Cookie Donations Needed; If you would like to donate 2 or more dozen

colorful Christmas cookies, please contact Marj Fowler. We need 25 dozen cookies!

During 10:30am worship we will bless the Advent Lights, made by the youth and children of First Cong, to be given to members and friends who we know are mourning the death of a loved one or we know have experienced a challenging year. You are invited to participate in the delivery of these gifts of light and care in the next week. Names and addresses are on the lights on the table in the Sanctuary. When you deliver them, please turn them on and provide the light of Christ. Thank you!

First Cong's annual hosting (by MJA Board) of the Alternative Gifts Market will be held during coffee hours each Sunday in Advent in the Link. This gives members an opportunity to support impactful programs designated by Alternative Gifts International and two additional efforts promoted by MJA.

Join the McMane Arts Ministry for the 3rd and 4th sessions of our Advent Art Brunch Series – an imaginative journey of art and spirit with Waverly Matthews. Through the lens of a mysterious Renaissance nativity, we are exploring how the Christmas story calls us to notice the Christ child within. Join Waverly for an encounter with the beauty, mystery, and meaning of this sacred season. A light brunch will be served.

The LGBTQ+ and Allies Ministry will be having their annual Christmas Party on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. If you are new to First Cong and would like to join us, please email Linda and she will send you the off-site location and other information. Merry Christmas!

As we prepare to welcome many friends and neighbors on Christmas Eve, we would appreciate your help. Ushers are needed for both the

4:00 p.m. Family Service and Christmas Pageant and the 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Service. If you’re able to extend the warmth and share in the gentle glow of this holy night, we’d be grateful to have you join the team of greeters! Sign up here.

Join us for our 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service and bring the story of Christmas to life in our intergenerational pageant! Children, youth, adults, and whole families are encouraged to participate. Rehearsal will be held on December 21 after the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Don’t miss this chance to share the joy and wonder of the season – sign up today! Can’t make the rehearsal? Sign up anyway and we’ll figure out how to help you be ready!

Bring joy to The Family Learning Center children and families for Christmas. Choose a child’s name from the tree in the Link, shop for the gift(s) ($25 or less), return the gifts to the tree by Tuesday, December 16th. If you would like to make a monetary donation directly to The Family Learning Center before December 16th, click here. A $200 gift covers the entire family, but any amount will help. Merry Christmas to The Family Learning Center!

A Homeless Memorial Service honoring those in the community experiencing homelessness who passed away in 2025 will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 3:00 p.m. at the Boulder Bandshell. This service is hosted by a collaboration of service providers, faith communities, City of Boulder, and concerned citizens. All are invited to honor and remember our unhoused siblings who died.

Advent shimmers with twinkling lights and cheerful music, yet for many, the season also brings shadows – grief, loneliness, weariness that can make the joy of Christmas feel distant. On this evening near the Winter Solstice, the Longest Night, we gather in gentle community to honor the fullness of our hearts, both bright and blustery. Surrounded by Scripture, poetry, soft carols, and the glow of candlelight, we make space to name our pain, seek hope, and embrace healing together. A simple soup supper follows in the Standish Room.

4:00 p.m.

Family Worship with Pageant and Congregational Strings

7:00 p.m.

Candlelight Worship with Chancel Choir and Congregational Bells

6:45 Musical Prelude

9:00 p.m.

Candlelight Worship with Brass Ensemble

8:45 Musical Prelude

We need volunteers to help us create a beautiful welcoming Brunch Church event on 1/4: cooks to bring in a dish prepared at home, a set-up team, and cleanup folks. A favorite Epiphany event at First Cong, Brunch Church brings us to Plymouth Hall to worship together around a shared meal of cinnamon rolls, baked frittatas, and fruit. We need your help to make it happen by baking the egg casseroles (easy recipe provided), bringing a fruit bowl, arranging tables, chairs, and place settings, or cleaning up afterwards. (Rolls and GF pastries will be made by Brunch Church coordinators.) Go now to our Sign-Up page to join the team.

Study Series to prepare for Mackenzie Lecturer, Erica Chenoweth – Register Here! Pick up your copy of the book, Civil Resistance in the Link this Sunday.



SOULCOLLAGE® – A Fun, Positive Way to Gain Insight

Register Here!

The Narrative Project of The Christian Century

Register Here!

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