WESTFIELD — First Congregational Church of Westfield (FCC) has announced its schedule of services in celebration of Christmas, while continuing its Advent worship and community service activities. Everyone is welcome to take part in all of these programs.
Advent worship will continue at the church this Sunday, December 17, at 10 a.m., featuring the theme “Wonder & Awe: Reclaiming the Magic of Christmas.”
“A Quiet Christmas” will be offered on Wednesday, December 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. This self-guided, meditational observance will include Reflection Tables set up in the sanctuary to guide attendees’ contemplation, and to offer hope and a chance to heal for when the season is not so bright. Participants can arrive anytime between 6 and 8 p.m., stay for as long as they like, and guide themselves through the tables.
Christmas Eve services on Sunday, December 24, will begin with 10 a.m. worship and a Children’s Pageant. Attendees will mark this fourth Sunday of Advent with the youngest members of the congregation recreating the story of the first Christmas in a pageant during an extended Moment for the Children, along with lighting the Advent Wreath, a Time of Prayer, and a special message from the pulpit. Children of all ages are invited to participate in the pageant. For more information and to sign them up, email the Reverend Kyle Reaka at kyle@fccofwestfield.org.
A 5 p.m. Candlelight Service that day will celebrate the “Wonder and Awe” of Christmas with classic Christmas carols, choir anthems, the Christmas story, and glimmering candles during the singing of “Silent Night.”
In addition to worship services, FCC has been engaged in service to the community during Advent with several outreach efforts in support of the students and families of PS-24 in Jersey City. FCC’s Board of Ministries is sponsoring a Christmas Giving Tree for PS-24 students. Interested persons are invited to take a tag off the Giving Tree in Patton Auditorium and bring gifts to the church by December 17.
All clergy-led services also will be livestreamed on Facebook. Links to the order of worship, including prayer and announcements, are provided. To participate, visit the FCC Facebook page (@FCCWestfield) or click the link on the church website, fccofwestfield.org. All services will be posted upon their conclusion on the FCC Facebook page for continued viewing and sharing.
First Congregational Church is located at 125 Elmer Street, Westfield. Anyone seeking a new spiritual home, or who knows someone who is, and would like more information on worship services, outreach efforts and programs for all ages, is encouraged to call (908) 233-2494, visit fccofwestfield.org or follow FCC on Facebook @FCCWestfield.
