Aren’t we all a bit unmoored this year? Unsure of what might come at us next? Will there be comfort and joy? If so, when, and how and for whom? This year we hear John the Baptist, the prophets’ calls to make right that which has gone terribly wrong, and Jesus’ admonition to be on the lookout for signs of God’s radical inbreaking as the sun and moon and stars fall from the sky. Read Jill’s introduction to the season.
Week One, December 1-7
December 1, First Sunday in Advent
- Newton Cowan preaches on Comfort & Joy? Give Me a Sign, with scriptures Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36. Rejoice! at 9 am, sanctuary at 11 am and livestreamed.
- Advent: Anticipation and Expectations. Chip Bristol will begin a four-week series based on his new devotional about the experience of assembling a family nativity, 10 am in the Garden Room. Member Kelly Rightsell did the illustrations. Copies are available at the reception desk in the Welcome Center, $25. Proceeds go to Crayons Matter. Book signing at beginning and end of classes each week.
- Pajama & Movie Day for K-5: Watch A Charlie Brown Christmas in the theater room (Corl 305) at 10 am
Tuesday, December 3
- Circle of Friends: Christmas fellowship for young adults and Peacehaven Farm friends. 6:30-7:30 pm in the Solarium.
Thursday, December 5
- Service of Remembrance: Pastoral Care offers a time of solace amid grief and loss for anyone who seeks it, noon to 1 pm in the sanctuary.
Week Two, December 8-14
December 8, Second Sunday in Advent
- In worship, Jill Duffield preaches Comfort & Joy? Clear the Way with scriptures Malachi 3:1-4 and Luke 3:1-6. Rejoice! at 9 am and Sanctuary at 11 am.
- Advent: Past and Present. Chip Bristol continues the series based on his new book of meditations with artist and member Kelly Rightsell. 10 am in the Garden Room.
- Journey to the Manger: 10 am, Life Center. Hear scripture, sing carols, eat cookies, and put together our life-sized nativity figures.
- Coffee & Discipleship: Come to the Solarium during Sunday School for an informal chat with Rev. Newton Cowan.
- Kids Disciple Club Christmas Party: Grades 3-5 meet in the Life Center 3-4:30 pm.
- A Little Advent Music: Raleigh Ringers, 5 pm in the sanctuary. This Emmy-nominated group will open our annual music series at 5 pm in the sanctuary. Free.
Monday, December 9
- Monday Book Club book share for Christmas, 10:30 am, Garden Room.
- Presbyterian Women Christmas Luncheon, noon, Life Center. Preschool children will share a Christmas program. $10, make a paid reservation by December 4 at fpcgreensboro.org/signup, 336-478- 4799, or the Welcome Center desk.
- Grimsley Madrigal Singers Caroling and Cocoa, 7-8 pm in the sanctuary.
Tuesday, December 10
- Tuesday Book Club book share for Christmas, 1:30 pm in the Garden Room.
Wednesday, December 11
- Do It for Dolly Food Drive-by: Donate canned food for Urban Ministry in memory of the Rev. Dolly Jacobs. In front of Redhead Hall, 11 am to 1 pm.
- Community Service Group Christmas Luncheon, noon in the Garden Room.
Thursday, December 12
- Weekday Preschool Christmas program, 11 am, Life Center.
Week Three: December 15-21
December 15, Third Sunday in Advent
- Jill Duffield preaches Comfort and Joy? Back to Basics. Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Luke 3:7-18. Rejoice! at 9 am and Sanctuary at 11 am.
- Intergenerational Birthday Party for Jesus, 10 am in the Life Center.
- Advent: Ours and Mine. Led by Chip Bristol based on his new book of meditations with artist and member Kelly Rightsell. 10 am in the Garden Room.
- A Little Advent Music: A Service of Nine Lessons & Carols. This beautiful service, rooted in the late 19th century, combines short scripture readings with carols and anthems. With orchestra, Chancel Choir, Canticle Choir, and handbell prelude, 5 pm.
- Youth Christmas Party, Middle School, 5-6:30 pm in the Life Center; High School, 6:30 pm at the Bristols’ home. Info: Lisa Witherspoon.
Wednesday, December 18
- Christmas Chapel for preschoolers, 9:30 am.
Fork & Faith Christmas Luncheon: Special Christmas music with Sarah Womack and
Amana Matthews playing violin. RSVP by December 13 to Dolly Jennings, dj6871202@
gmail.com or 336-854-2663.
Week Four: December 22-29
December 22, Fourth Sunday in Advent
- Jill Duffield preaches Comfort & Joy? Updended for all Generations. Scriptures: Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:39-55. Rejoice! at 9 am and Sanctuary at 11 am.
- Advent: Then and Now. Chip Bristol concludes the series. 10 am, Garden Room.
- Christmas in Redhead Hall: Carols, solos and duets, with Julie Celona-VanGorden, Anne Albert, Ralph Davison, Will Edwards and Lane Ridenhour. 10 am, Redhead Hall.
- A Little Advent Music: Organ Recital with John Alexander, 5 pm.
Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Christmas Eve
- Family Nativity, 10 am
- Candlelight & Communion, 5:30 pm
- Candlelight & Communion, 11 pm
Christmas Day
- Caroling and Communion, 10 am
