Advent & Christmas at First Lutheran
ADVENT | Unwrapping the Names of Jesus
November 26 – December 24
Advent means “coming” and is a season when we prepare to celebrate the first coming of Jesus while we anticipate his second coming. During our Advent sermon series, we will be “Unwrapping the Names of Jesus”. Each week we will look at names or titles that have been used for Jesus in the Bible to better understand who Jesus is and why we celebrate his coming.
ADVENT | Book & Small Group Resource
Grab a copy of the book that will guide our Advent series at the Welcome Center for $10. You can participate multiple ways: with a small group, with your family, or on your own.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
Poinsettias will adorn our sanctuary for Christmas worship services. If you wish to honor or remember a loved one by purchasing a poinsettia, please click HERE or fill out the order form at the Welcome Center. Plants are $25 and payment is required with your order. Orders must be received by noon on Monday, December 18 to be acknowledged during Christmas Eve worship.
ADVENT OF GRATITUDE
This year’s Advent of Gratitude project will support the ELCA Good Gifts. This program provides more than 50 different gift-giving options that grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives. Some examples of gifts include chicks, goats, cows, honeybees, water filters, latrines, microloans, and more!
To participate, take an ornament off the tree, fill out the back side, and place the ornament and corresponding donation in the locked container next to the tree.
LIVING NATIVITY
Sunday, December 3 | 4:30-6:30PM | Drive-Thru
Join us as we bring the Christmas story to life! This is a great event for people of all ages – invite your friends & load up your vehicle!
Children’s Memorial Service
Sunday, December 10 | 4:00pm
This is a special service held for families who have experienced the death of a child of any age. All parents, grandparents, and other loved ones who are grieving this loss during the holidays are invited to attend. Candles will be lit in remembrance of the children and the service includes special music and poems for healing. Childcare will be available.
CHRISTMAS FAMILY MUSIC CLASS
Friday, December 15 | 9:00am | Room 1A
Celebrate the nativity story with singing, movement, instruments, and fellowship! Paula Odland will be leading this event for kids ages 18 months – 5 years old joined by a parent or caregiver. There is no cost to attend, but we will be collecting music-inspired toys or books for a local toy drive. This event is open to the community – you are encouraged to sign up at the Welcome Center or by calling the church office at 320.762.2196.
CAROLS & CANDLES
Saturday, December 16 | 5:00pm
Carols and Candles is a Christmas tradition at First Lutheran. Join us for this annual musical event featuring the Chancel Choir, Alleluia Ringers, and other special music features.
FIRESIDE SING-A-LONG
Thursday December 21 | 6:30pm | Gathering Space
Join us as we sing Christmas songs led by Paula Odland, Pat Kalina, and Virginia Hegre. Bring your friends and family and enjoy cider, cookies, and Christmas cheer!
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Sunday, December 24
Children’s Service – 10:00am
Candlelight Services – 2:00pm | 4:00pm | 6:00pm
Facebook Live – All services.
Radio – KXRA 100.3FM – 7:00pm
TV – Public Access Channel 181 – 7:00pm
