ADVENT AT FIRST PRES
Advent is a season of anticipation and hope, a time when we prepare our hearts to welcome the Christ child. This year, with its chaos, challenges, and concerns, more than ever, our hearts long for hope! At the manger, we meet the God who comes near to us, to meet our hearts’ deepest longings and dreams.
Our Advent sermon series, Those Who Dream, is for the dreamer in all of us—those who dream of a deeper connection with God and those who dream of a better world. Join us as we journey alongside prophets and angels, Mary and the Magi—as we seek and sow God’s dreams for us and our world.
FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT
Worship
Sunday, November 29 at 10 am via Zoom
Those Who Dream…Keep Awake
Isaiah 64:1-9 & Mark 13.24-3
Contemplative Advent Retreat
Saturday, December 5 at 9:30–11:30 am via Zoom
Prepare your heart for walking the Way in the year ahead through prayer, reflection, and getting ready to continue our great pilgrimage with Christ. Co-sponsored with New College Berkeley. Fee $25. Click here to register by December 1.
SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT
Worship
Sunday, December 6 at 10 am via Zoom
Those who Dream…Prepare the Way
Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8
The Longest Night of The Year Service
Thursday, December 10 at 7–8 pm via Zoom (Click here to join)
Draw near in this safe and sacred space to share anguish, to plead with God to remember us, to pray for justice and restoration. May we even hope against hope, through our doubts and tears and fears, that “God will set things right all over the earth.” Pick up participation materials or click here for instructions to create your own at home. For more information contact David Wagner at davidw@fpcberkeley.org.
THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Worship
Sunday, December 13 at 10 am via Zoom
Those Who Dream…Sow Joy
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; John 1:6-8, 19-28
Young Adults Secret Santa Advent Celebration
Sunday, December 13
Sign up to be a Secret Santa and send/deliver a small gift to a fellow young adult and/or join us for light-hearted fun and candle-lighting liturgy. Contact Tori Bommarito at torib@fpcberkeley.org for more information.
High School Virtual Christmas Celebration
Thursday, December 17 at 6:30 pm via Zoom
We will celebrate Christmas together virtually with Christmas games, Secret Santa reveals, a reflection, and a Christmas movie. Hope you’ll join us!
FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT
Worship
Sunday, December 20 at 10 am via Zoom
Those Who Dream…Are Not Alone
Luke 1:47-55, Luke 1:26-38 4 10 am via Zoom
A First Pres Christmas Special
Sunday, December 20 at 6 pm
Click here to view on our YouTube Channel
Don’t miss this virtual celebration of the Advent season featuring music, lighthearted fun, the Christmas story, and more. Join us for this great event for the entire family. Thanks to all who contributed photo and video submissions to make this event special!
Christmas Eve Worship Service
Thursday, December 24 at 4 pm via Zoom
This Night We Are…Those Who Dream
Come to our traditional service of lessons and carols as we light candles, and welcome the newborn Savior into our hearts and homes.
Those Who Dream devotional art © a sanctified art | sanctifiedart.org
Gift World
Deadine Extended: Order by December 24
Give a gift that directly supports our local and global mission partners by shopping from our online Gift World catalog. Click here to view the catalog and order.
December 17–23
New College Berkeley has created a private prayer retreat for pandemic times. The last seven days of Advent, have been celebrated in evening Vespers services through the centuries by the singing of the “O Antiphons.” Click here to engage via hymns, images, poetry, Scripture, and the ancient “O Antiphons” to infuse your prayers.
First Pres Advent Devotional
In order to help you and your families and friends turn toward God with renewed focus this Advent season, we at First Pres have many wonderful opportunities for wonder and worship.
Click here to view and download an online copy of the Advent Devotional for families.
