Sunday
Christmas Eve Services
“Silent Night”
Candlelight Communion Services
Midday Candlelight Service
11:00 am | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
Offering the same special First Church Christmas Eve worship traditions as our 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 pm evening services, including communion, candlelight, and special music, this midday service provides an earlier alternative to our evening services.
Family Candlelight Services
3:30 & 5:00 pm | Sanctuary
Dr. Tim Bruster & Mister Mark Burrows
Come join us for an evening filled with all our cherished traditions — candlelight, Christmas carols, Communion, and the wondrous story of Jesus’ birth. We’ll also have our kid-favorite Christmas Eve puppet show.
Traditional Candlelight Services
7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 pm | Sanctuary | Dr. Tim Bruster
The traditions of Christmas and the beauty of this night are enhanced by uplifting music and proclamation of the Word, celebrating Holy Communion, singing carols, and lighting candles. The Sanctuary doors will open 20 minutes prior to each service, and special music will be performed by First Church Brass and our own Peggy Graff on organ.
Christmas Eve Connections
10:15 – 11:00 am
2:45 – 3:15 pm & 4:15 – 4:45 pm
6:15 – 6:45 & 8:15 – 8:45 pm | Cellist Dace Sultanov
10:15 – 10:45 pm | Wesley Hall
Arrive early before the Christmas Eve services to get a good parking place, visit with your friends, and beat the rush! Join us in Wesley Hall for refreshments and beautiful music while waiting for the Sanctuary to open. The doors will open 20 minutes prior to each service.
Valet Parking
Complimentary Valet Parking Assistance will be available from 10:30 – 11:00 am and 3:00 – 10:30 pm for anyone with mobility issues. Just turn into the Justin Building lot from 7th Street, and then come straight through to 5th Street where you’ll find the Valet Parking stand. You can drop your car off and take the ramp straight into the Sanctuary for all services. The doors will open 20 minutes prior to each service.
More Ways to Worship
Live Stream
Watch our traditional Christmas Eve services live online at 11:00 am and 9:00 pm and the Family Service at 5:00 pm.
WRR Radio
Listen to each previous week’s sermon and music on Sunday mornings at 7:30 am on WRR 101.1 FM.
There will be no adult, youth, or children’s Sunday School classes on Sunday, December 24. The nursery will be available for 0 – Pre-K.
News
Holiday Hours
Monday, December 25 | Closed
Tuesday, December 26 | Closed
Wednesday, December 27 | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Thursday, December 28 | 8:00 am – 5:30 pm
Friday, December 29 | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Monday, January 1 | Closed
Sunday, December 31
One Worship Service
11:00 am | Sanctuary
Join us as we combine our Traditional Worship, DiscipleChurch, The Gathering, and eleven:eleven celebration services to wrap up the year as one worshipping community.
There will be no adult, youth, or children’s Sunday School classes on Sunday, December 31. The nursery will be available for 0 – Pre-K.
The dawn of a new day. When the first glimmer of light makes its presence known.
The dawn of a new spiritual reality. When the first rays of God’s Incarnation in Christ herald the potential for new beginnings:
Hope’s poetry.
Love’s most precious gift.
Joy’s defiant smile.
New possibilities for Peace.
Through God’s love, just when our night seems darkest — dawn breaks anew. First Light.
“The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” — John 1:9
New Member
Baptism
Hospitalizations
Chuck Meneke
Hennon “Gil” Gilbert
Lela Mohrbacher
Leola Gochnour
Mary Ann Stegall
In Memoriam
Bobby “Blake” Cox
Elaine Brown
Memorial Gifts
Feed the Flock in Memory of:
Joseph Plocica by Kathryn Ann Plocica
First Street Methodist Mission in Memory of:
Duncan Manning by Debbie Manning
Lou Friese by Joan and William Lanford
Rev. Sarah Andrews by Leigh Marks
General Fund in Memory of:
Dick Bayless by Dee and Carl Williams
W.L. “Bill” Hailey by Margaret Patison
Want to honor a special person or accomplishment?
Feel moved to make a gift in memory of someone you care about?
This year, I admit, I didn’t give anything up and didn’t take on a specific spiritual discipline, but I did come away with one thing: a feeling of deep gratitude.
The long lead up to, and the whole day’s events, (especially the halftime show!) is a fast-paced, three-ring-circus extravaganza. Now I like circuses, and watched most of the event last week, including the commercials. On one level, and for so many, it is the epitome of excitement and celebration of “winning” in our culture.
Antonio is a man who was 58 years old at the time, worked in the city government’s offices, and was there for a good part of his life. Antonio and his wife have three children: two girls and a boy.
I remember that, during the Sunday service in my home church, there was a time for some members to participate with a brief testimony of gratitude to God for something or to sing a special song.
My boldness is paying off. Today I am living a joyful Christ-filled life that overflows with blessings as numerous as the stars in the heavenly skies.
I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3