The Garland
Worship with us this Advent
Sunday, November 29 - 1st Sunday of Advent
Scripture Lesson: Mark 13:24-37
Sermon "When The End Is Not The End!" Rush Otey
Music Selections:
"My Jesus is My Lasting Joy" - A solo cantata by Dietrich Buxtehude performed by Jeffrey Price and a chamber orchestra.
"Wake up Sinnah" by Lloyd Larson, archival recording by the Sanctuary Choir

Sunday, December 6 - 2nd Sunday of Advent
Scripture Lesson: Mark 1:1-8 with Communion
Sermon by Rachel Vogado
Music Selections:
Selections from "Messiah" to include "Comfort Ye" and "Every Valley" performed by Jeffrey Price and a chamber orchestra.
"E'en So Lord Jesus Quickly Come" by Paul Manz, archival recording by the Sanctuary Choir

Sunday, December 13 - 3rd Sunday of Advent
Scripture Lesson: John 1:19-23
Sermon "Prepare the Way" Rush Otey
Music Selections:
"Christmas Day" by Gustov Holst, performed by the Sanctuary Choir
"True Light" by Keith Hampton, archival recording by the Sanctuary

Sunday, December 20 - 4th Sunday of Advent
Scripture Lesson: Luke 1:26-55 (selections)
Sermon "Mary's Songs - And Ours?" Rush Otey
Music Selections:
"Breath of Heaven" (Mary's Song) by Sandi Patty, performed by Joy Cook
"Exultate Deo" by Antonio Scarlatti, archival recording by the Sanctuary Choir

Be sure to look for the Virtual Christmas Pageant as the Youth share some Advent joy and tell the Christmas story. The video will be shared via email or you will be able to find it online.

Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
5:00 p.m. Online video - traditional Christmas Eve Service
Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20
Sermon "A Child Is Born" Rush Otey
Music Selections:
"O Holy Night" performed by Jennifer Preslar Newton
Various Christmas Carols performed by the Sanctuary Choir and soloists
"Hallelujah" by Handel, archival recording by the Sanctuary Choir

First Sunday of Christmas, December 27
Scripture Lesson: Luke 2:22-40
Sermon "Simeon and Anna" Rush Otey
Music Selections: "What Kind of King" by Michael Larry Parker (Sanctuary Choir archival recording)

Epiphany Service, January 3
Scripture Lesson: Matthew 2:1-12
Sermon "Following the Best Light" Rush Otey
Music Selections: "Mary's Little Boy Child" by Jester Hairston (Jeffrey Price, soloist)
Pray with us this Advent

Advent at Home Kit
This year join First Presbyterian Church in celebrating Advent at home with a special kit for you and your family to learn more about the lessons of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. This kit is an opportunity for families to to take time each week during the Advent season to be intentional and focus on their faith through devotions, advent wreath, and calendar practices, creative expressions and mission opportunities. Be sure to sign up for your kit in the weekly Banner newsletter to deepen your faith in the Advent season.

Prayer Wall
The Christian Education Committee has created a new way for you to pray this Advent. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent, November 29, you will see an outdoor prayer wall in front of the sanctuary. If you are walking or driving by the church, you are invited to stop and add your prayer to the wall, as many times as you would like. This could be a wonderful weekly or even daily prayer practice. There will be a prompt for you to lift up a prayer for hope, joy, peace, and love and you will tie your prayer to the wall. Throughout the Advent season you will see the prayers of our congregation and community create a vision of Advent hope.       
Special Giving Opportunities this Season

  • Virtual Christmas Joy Gift Concert We are pleased to have our Sanctuary Choir help us celebrate our Joy Gift Offering on Sunday, December 6, at 1:30 p.m.
  • Virtual Angel Tree The Virtual Angel Tree Program allows our church community to sponsor a child of a prisoner for $22.00. Details are in the weekly Banner.
  • Cooperative Christian Ministry continues to provide food for those in need accepting your donations as outlined each month in the Banner.