Advent and Christmastide
Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.
Christmas Eve Services
Tuesday, December 24
5:30 PM – Children’s Service, Main Sanctuary
7:30 PM – Family Candlelight & Carol Service, Sanctuary & Livestreamed
An elegant telling of the Christmas story in carols and readings with music from the Senior Choir and featured music from brass, culminating in the singing of “Silent Night” in our candle-lit sanctuary.
10:30 PM – Communion and Candlelight Service, Sanctuary
Longest Night Service
Thursday, December 19
7:30 PM – Sanctuary
Although Advent is a joyful season for so many, we also know that this time of year can be drenched in fatigue, grief, and loneliness. We will gather as a community to honor that reality and draw near to God to allow space for healing and prayer.
Bring your grief. Bring your weariness. Bring your fatigue. We hope this time of worship can be a gift to individuals and communities alike, providing a calm, quiet, and healing space. May you find peace in your journey.
Mid-Week Advent Services
Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18
12:00 PM – Sanctuary
This Advent season, we invite you to a journey of reflection, worship, and connection inspired by Embodied Light by Melissa Tidwell. Embodied Light is a thoughtful exploration of the Christian concept of incarnation—God taking on human form in the person of Jesus, and focuses on how our bodies, as well as the material world, are sacred and central to our faith journeys. Then we will make a cozy journey to the Community Room to share a meal of soup and bread and reflect on some of our worship themes.
Weekly Gatherings:
- Worship: Brief, meaningful 20-minute services in the Sanctuary led by Pastor Kirstin.
- Fellowship: Services will be followed by a cozy soup lunch in the Community Room.
Come, let us embrace the beauty of our incarnate lives and prepare our hearts together for the mystery of Christmas.
Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship
Tuesday, December 26
3:00 – 8:00 PM
The beloved Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship returns this holiday season in Downtown Frederick. This special open house celebrates Frederick’s tradition of religious diversity, local history, and the holiday season.
MAIN SANCTUARY & COMMUNITY ROOM, 15 W. Church Street
Enjoy music and the Christmas Putz in the Sanctuary. A putz is a nativity scene, or creche, which tells the Christmas story with groups of figurines on a miniature landscape. A narration of the Christmas story accompanies the Putz.
In our Community Room, enjoy hospitality and refreshments.