Advent 2023

Advent is a season of preparation for Christmas, the birth of Christ, Our Lord's Nativity. We prepare our homes and hearts four weeks before this holiday. It also marks the beginning of a new liturgical season, concluding Ordinary Time and ushering us into the new church year with hope and patience in preparation for Christmas. Follow First Church's holiday worship service and special event schedule during this holy season to get ready for Advent 2023.

Sunday, December 3

First Sunday in Advent – Worship Service

Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Online stream

Sunday, December 10

Second Sunday in Advent

Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Online stream

Vespers Service Festival of Music for Advent – “Hodie”

Join us for our Vespers Festival of Music this Sunday, December 3rd at 4 p.m.

featuring Hodie by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Choirs and soloists join together for this vivid musical retelling of the Christmas story – accompanied by international concert organist David Briggs’ playing the world premiere of his organ transcription of Vaughan Williams’ original orchestral score! You are also invited to a reception which will follow this performance at 5:15 p.m. in the Great Hall!

This event is free to all, but for best seating, please arrive early!

If you have any questions regarding accessibility, please contact Aileen Caba.

Sunday, December 17

Third Sunday in Advent

Worship Service at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Online stream

Candlelight Carols

Join us at 4:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. With the Sanctuary bathed in candlelight, the First Church Choir leads this beautiful service of lessons and carols, this year based on the Great ‘O’ Antiphons – seven ancient ascriptions for Christ: Wisdom, Lord, Root of Jesse, Key of David, Radiant Dawn, Ruler of the nations, God with us. A festive carol sing on the north lawn (weather permitting) follows the service.

Online stream