Throughout Advent, the community and congregation are invited to participate in a special daily Advent meditation with the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset. From Dec. 1 through Dec. 24,  a special email with a link to a video message from Rev. Josh Fitterling will focus on and highlight a seasonal hymn. The 3-to-5 minute daily meditation is accompanied by background organ music played by church organist Linda Adams. A message by Rev. Fitterling, a time for silent reflection, a prayer, and the musical offering will take a few moments to be mindful in this often busy time of the year.  To participate, submit your email address to the church at www.uccwiscasset.org and click on the “Songs of the Season Advent Journey” tab. Your email address will not be shared and will be used only during the 24-day meditation journey.

The Advent Season at First Congo Church of Wiscasset begins on Dec. 1 , Hope Sunday,  with the traditional Hanging of the Greens representing Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.  On each Sunday in Advent, a candle on the Advent Wreath will be lit. 

On Peace Sunday, Dec. 8, during the regular 10 a.m. service, the choir will sing Christmas selections from around the world. From noon to 2 p.m., an Advent workshop will take place in Fellowship Hall.  Activities will include  decorating gingerbread men cookies,  decorating with greens, creating a holiday ornament, singing carols, and more.

The third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 15, features Joy, and the third candle will be lit.  Following the service, the Organ Society’s annual cookie sale will take place during Coffee Hour.  Plates of mixed holiday cookies, wrapped and tied with a bow, will be sold at $5 per plate. At 6 p.m., a Blue Christmas service will emphasize remembrance of loved ones lost and dealing with the blues during the festive season.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 22, features Love. The fourth candle on the Advent wreath will be lit.

The center candle on the Advent Wreath will be lit Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The candlelight service will begin at  7 p.m.  A second service beginning at 11:30 p.m. will usher in Christmas Day with a ringing of church bells at midnight.  The church offering at both services will supplement the Special Needs fund to help with fuel, housing and other emergency needs for our neighbors in need during the year. 

A service of lessons and carols will be held on Dec. 29 at 10 a.m. Scripture verses telling the story of Jesus’ birth and traditional hymns including “Joy to the World” and “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing” make up the regular service.

On Jan. 5, Epiphany Sunday, marking the arrival of the Three Wise Men to the Stable where Jesus was born, is the church’s traditional White Gift Sunday.  Gifts wrapped in white, or checks in white envelopes, are solicited for the Midcoast Humane Shelter (formerly called Lincoln County Animal Shelter), a home heating fund, and the St. Philip’s Food Pantry, as designated by the giver.

The church is an open and affirming Church.  Whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.

 

For more information, please call the church office at 28 High St. at 882-7544; visit the church web page at www.uccwiscasset.org, or Facebook page at First Congregational Church of Wiscasset UCC.