ADVENT AT FPC

Advent Services

Christmas Pageant & Service of Lessons & Carols
Sunday, December 4th during the 11 a.m. Worship Service in the Sanctuary

Service led by our children and choirs


Carols by Candlelight
Sunday, December 11th at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Click here to join by livestream if you can't join us in person. Click here to follow along with the bulletin.


Blue Christmas Service
Wednesday, December 14th at 6 p.m. in the Westervelt Warner Chapel
This service names & holds space for the sadness that accompanies the holidays. It is a service of hope for the community to hold burdens collectively with opportunity for communion, candle lighting, & blessing.


Christmas Eve Services

Join us on Friday, December 24th in-person or on tv/virtually. 

  • Watch our broadcast-only service on Comcast Cable TV Channel 21 at 5 p.m. You can also catch it at 5 p.m. or any time after on our website at www.fpctusc.org/tv. We encourage you to gather bread and juice for communion and some candles to join us as we light them.
  • Join us for our in-person services which include communion and candlelight.
    • 3 p.m. – First Pres Deutsch in the Westervelt Warner Chapel
    • 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary (nursery available for families with young children but all ages are welcome to attend the Worship Service)
    • 11 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Christmas Sunday

Sunday, December 25th - One Worship Service only at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary

New Year’s Sunday
Sunday, January 1st - One Worship Service only at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Advent Devotionals

We will use Prophets and Promises: Devotions for Advent & Christmas 2022-2023 our Devotional this year. You can pick up a printed copy at the church or click here to purchase a copy to read on your Kindle/Nook/Tablet


In ancient times prophets announced God’s promises of a deliverer to the Hebrew people. As you read this devotional, look for these ancient promises, even in the Gospel of Matthew. Also watch for the different ways in which Joseph, the magi, and King Herod respond to the arrival of Jesus. Marvel at the power of God’s promises, and the mystery of God with us in a newborn child. Prophets and Promises continues the Christian tradition of setting aside time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth and to anticipate his return. The Advent season of preparation then unfolds in the joy of the twelve days of Christmas and the day of Epiphany. You will find daily devotions here for the first Sunday of Advent (November 27, 2022) through Epiphany (January 6, 2023). Each devotion features a scripture reading (many from Matthew), accompanied by a photo, a quote to ponder, a reflection, and a prayer. The book also offers household blessings and prayers (see pages 86–94) to enrich your preparations and celebrations. May God’s lasting promises give you hope, and the good news of Emmanuel’s birth fill you with wonder and peace.


Devotional for Children & Families

We invite our children and their families to use Journey to Christmas Advent Devotional. You will find printed copies around the church and digital versions to download in your email and on our website.

This resource is designed to be adaptable, so you can choose activities that resonate with your family. Some households may want to simply read the scripture and light an candle. Others may want to try suggested activities. Let this devotional booklet be an encouragement to set aside a special time to celebrate Advent with your family each week.


Click here to download your own copy.

Giving During Advent

Angel Tree

Our Angel Tree adoptions are open! Gifts are due by Sunday, December 12th. Click here to learn more.


Alternative Gift Market

This year you can donate to our Alternative Gift Market online or in-person! Visit the table in Warner Hall on Sundays, November 27, December 4, 11, & 18 to purchase your annual gifts from the Alternative Gift Market or click here to do it all online!

Poinsettias

Order your poinsettias online this year. They will be placed in the Sanctuary in mid-December and you can pick them up on Christmas Eve. Click here to place your order now!

Other Advent Activities

“Christmas Night” Celebration
Wednesday, November 30th at 6 p.m. in the Dining Hall (5:30 p.m. Dinner & 6 p.m. Cookie Decorating)
Menu: Strawberry Salad, Beef Vegetable Soup and Double Noodle Chicken Noodle Soup, Cinnamon Pears & Peaches, Cornbread, and Vanilla Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Pecan Frosting. Be sure to visit fpctusc.org/gather to make your dinner reservation.

West Alabama Christmas Parade
Monday, December 5th at 6:30 p.m. - Join us on the front lawn of FPC to enjoy the parade!

Advent Workshop
Sunday, December 11th during Sunday School in the Faucett Family Life Center

Youth Christmas Parties
Sunday, December 11th from 5-7 p.m. - Middle School at Home of Thomas & Graham Patton and High School at Home of Maddy & Ella Crissey

M&M's Christmas Luncheon
Friday, December 16th at 11:30 a.m. - Catch the bus from FPC at 10:15 a.m. RSVP to the church office by Sunday, December 11th.

Hot Cocoa Fellowship

Sunday, December 18th at 9:45 a.m. in the Faucett Family Life Center - All ages are invited to come for the intergenerational gingerbread house building and fellowship.

FPC Caroling & Communion
Sunday, December 18th following 11 a.m. Worship - Meet for lunch in the Dining Room and then travel in the church bus to go caroling.

Christmas with “Southern Harmony, Family, and Friends”
Sunday, December 18th at 3 p.m. in the Westervelt Warner Chapel