Advent begins on December 1 and continues through Christmas Eve. Keep reading to learn about some of our Advent decorations and traditions, the worship theme “The Word made flesh“, and the special worship services and events that are planned.
It’s beginning to look like Advent!
Food Angels
FUPC supports Cooperative Emergency Outreach. Many of our members volunteer there and our Outreach and Service Ministry works to make sure it is easy for the congregation to donate needed items. During Advent, these Food Angels can be found in the Courtyard waiting for canned food donations.
Chrismon Tree
Our Chrismon Tree is a giant tree covered with white and gold ornaments called “Chrismons” — Christ’s monograms. Each Chrismon has a meaning. For example, the angel reminds Christians of the angels announcing Jesus’s birth and can represent the second coming of Jesus.
Wandering Wiseman
As Advent marks the anticipation and time of waiting to celebrate Christ’s birth, we will slowly make our way toward the Sanctuary and will be closest on Epiphany, January 6th (January 5th on our worship calendar.) Look for a clue near the water fountain in the Gathering Place and then use the clue to find us each week.
Hat, Sock and Mitten Tree
The Hat, Sock and Mitten Tree can be found in the Gathering Place. It serves as a place to donate hats, socks and mittens to Fayetteville Public School students in need and their families. If you donate, please take a felt ornament from the tree as a “thank you.”
Outdoor Nativity
If you are out admiring Christmas light displays in the community, include driving by our outdoor nativity scene. It is life-sized and was hand painted by a local artist. Like the Magi, you are invited to bring a gift – canned food to put on the Food Angels’ shelves for our community.
Advent Wreath
On every Sunday of Advent and on Christmas Eve, we light a candle during worship. The lit candles symbolize the hope and light that Christ brought to the world. The evergreen wreath reminds us of God’s infinite, everlasting love. An Advent wreath is a beautiful reminder of the true reason for the season. We hope you will observe Advent with us!
Our Advent Theme “The Word Became Flesh”
In this worship series for Advent, we are reminded that Jesus came to us in the flesh and revealed his divine nature to us in physical elements we find on earth. The theme verse for the entire series is: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
December 1- Bread of Life: Jesus is born in Bethlehem, the House of Bread, to nourish and strengthen us in our faith and feed us with his Word of truth to fill our lives.
December 8- Salt of the Earth: Jesus calls us to flavor the earth and to savor the good things that come from Him through His birth.
December 15- Rock of Ages: Jesus is our rock, a solid foundation on which to build a life of joy.
December 22- Light of the World: Jesus brightens our lives through His birth, dispelling the darkness of sin to bring forgiveness to light.
December 24- Born in a Manger: On Christmas Eve, we celebrate and ponder the humble birth of Jesus as he rests in a manger bed of straw, though He is the Son of God.
Advent Worship Services and Special Events
December 4
From 6:00pm-7:30pm, there will be an Ornament Creation Night for families to do together- with Advent centerpiece as one of the options. A light dinner of make-your-own sandwich, chips and dessert will be provided. (In Upper Witherspoon)
December 8
There will be one worship service at 10:30am. The service will be full of beautiful Christmas music. Music will be provided by the Handbell Choir, the Chancel Choir, our Choral Interns and an ensemble of our children and youth.
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December 8
At 4:00pm, the annual children’s Christmas play– Celebration at the Manger will take place in the Sanctuary. It is always fun to see the children perform, and it will be another opportunity to hear Christmas music! After the play, there will be a cookie reception in The Gathering Place.
December 21
At 7:00pm pianist, Garth Smith presents “A Sacred Christmas 2024” with Choir and Orchestra. This is a multimedia concert being presented for free for the NWA community. Refreshments will be served following the concert.
December 22
Brunch will take place between the worship services. Bring your favorite breakfast or brunch dish to share. Sausage gravy, sausages and biscuits will be provided. There will be a special card making activity for children during the brunch. These cards will go with us in the afternoon, to be given out as we carol.
December 22
Meet at the church at 2:15pm. We will travel by “Car Caravan.” to sing for some FUPC friends who are not able to partake in events on the church campus. There will be a stop for cookies and cocoa along the way. Rhythm instruments and festive attire are welcome.
December 23
Come to Upper Witherspoon, at 10:00am to decorate cookies together as a family. We will have all the cookies, icing and decorations and teach a couple techniques. Cheese and crackers will be served. Families will go home with several decorated cookies for Santa or for a special gathering.
December 24
At 5:00pm our Calvin Street Band will be playing Christmas music in the Gathering Place, and there will be refreshments. The Christmas Eve worship service will begin at 5:30pm and will conclude with singing “Silent Night” by candlelight.
