ADVENT AT A GLANCE

Advent at First Community
Prepare Your Heart. Welcome the Light. Celebrate the Season

As we enter this sacred season of anticipation and hope, you are invited to journey with us through Advent at First Community. These weeks leading up to Christmas offer a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and open ourselves to the wonder of God’s love made new in our lives.

From meaningful worship services to festive music, family-friendly gatherings, and spaces for quiet reflection, Advent at First Community is filled with opportunities to pause, connect, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Whether this is your first Advent with us or a treasured tradition, we hope you’ll join us for all the services and events that make this season so beautiful.

Come, experience the hope, peace, joy, and love of Advent—together.

DREAMING WITH THE ANGELS

This Advent, we invite you to pause, breathe deeply, and listen for the dreams of God stirring within and around us. Before the angels sang and shepherds ran, before Mary whispered her yes, God was already dreaming—a world remade by grace.

Our Advent series, Dreaming with the Angels, written and preached by Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, invites us to join in that holy imagination. Each week, Glen will guide us through the dreams of hope, peace, joy, and love—the divine longings that still take shape in our world through Christ.

Together we’ll light candles, share stories, and open our hearts to the God who is still dreaming through us.

Come and dream with us this season as we follow the starlight toward Bethlehem, trusting that the same God who dreamed creation into being continues to awaken love in every heart.

Worship with us beginning Sunday, November 30, and each week of Advent as we dream with the angels and prepare our hearts for Christmas.

CAROLS FOR cHRISTMAS

The 51st Annual Carols for Christmas
Saturday, December 6 | 4 pm | North Sanctuary

Celebrate the season with one of First Community’s most beloved musical traditions! Join us for the 51st Annual Carols for Christmas concert, featuring the Cambridge Choir, Chancel Choir, Whitechapel Ringers, and Marble Cliff Singers. This festive afternoon of choral and instrumental music will lift your spirit and fill your heart with the beauty and joy of Christmas. Bring your family and friends to share in this inspiring holiday tradition.

HARMONIES FOR HOPE

Wednesday, December 10 |
Dinner at 5:30 PM | Concert at 6 PM | FC North

Join us for Harmonies of Hope: A Common Grace Christmas Worship Concert — a joyful evening of music, community, and celebration. This special night will feature inspiring contemporary and traditional Christmas music led by the Common Grace Band, along with a festive sing-along for all ages.

Enjoy supper at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, where we’ll serve warm French toast casserole, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a bright medley of fresh fruit, offering a delicious start to an evening of shared community. Concert begins at 6 PM. Bring your family and friends to share in an evening that lifts the spirit and celebrates the true hope of the season!

CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP

Christmas Workshop
Wednesday, December 10, from 6–7:15 pm

We hope your child will join us for the 72nd Annual Christmas Workshop at  First Community North on Wednesday, December 10, from 6–7:15 pm. Enjoy supper at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, where we’ll serve warm French toast casserole, perfectly seasoned sausage, and a bright medley of fresh fruit, offering a delicious start to an evening of shared community.

This cherished tradition is a joyful evening where children create handmade gifts and Christmas decorations for family and friends. It’s a wonderful way for them to experience the true spirit of Christmas—learning that giving from the heart is just as meaningful as receiving. 

Christmas Workshop projects are designed for elementary-age children, but younger children are welcome to participate with a grown-up helper. 

Please register by December 7 so we can prepare materials for your child. We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you! 

yOUTH cHRISTMAS mUSICAL

“Camel Lot”
Sunday, December 13 | 4 PM | FC North

Join us for a joyful Christmas musical presented by our Youth Choir! This year’s production, Camel Lot from Little Big Stuff Music, takes us on a hilarious and heartfelt journey to the royal stables of Bethlehem—where young camel keepers learn that no one is too small for God’s big plans.

Through catchy songs, creative storytelling, and a few unforgettable camels, our children will remind us that the greatest gift of all isn’t found in a palace, but in a humble stable where love was born.

Bring your family, invite your friends, and come ready to smile, sing, and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas together!

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE

Longest Night Service
December 17 | 5:30 PM Supper | 6 PM Service | FC North 

Join us for a special Longest Night service on December 17 at 6 PM at First Community North, Sanctuary, as we come together to acknowledge the complexities of the season. While many celebrate joy and light, others may experience loss or struggle, and this service offers solace and hope through reflection and connection. Enjoy supper at 5:30 PM in Wing Grace Hall, featuring chicken, mac and cheese, salad, dessert, as we nourish both body and spirit in fellowship. Everyone is welcome in this special service as we create a space of healing and hope this holiday season. We look forward to seeing you there!

CHRISTMAS EVE

4 pm South, Sanctuary - Traditional Children's Service

Join Early Childhood Director Leigh Anne Easterling and Rev. Sarah Kientz for this special children's service where you will hear the Christmas story and see the holy family.

5 pm North, Wing Grace Hall- Family Service

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, and the Common Grace band for this contemporary family service.

6 pm South, Sanctuary - Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, and choir for this traditional lessons and carols service.

8 and 10 pm North, Sanctuary - Lessons and Carols

Join Rev. Dr. Glen Miles, First Community Clergy, combined choirs, and orchestra for this traditional lessons and carols service.