CLOSE TO HOME: Advent Conversations
If you enjoyed the summer's “Backyard Conversations” or missed joining in those times, you now have another opportunity for conversation with members of your faith community. The Boards of First Congregational Church are pleased to sponsor a second round of conversations, the Advent Conversations. We hope you will join us on the four Sundays of Advent for conversations around the Advent theme, “Close to Home.” Each Sunday, following worship, a thirty-minute conversation around the Advent theme of the week will take place in the church sanctuary. Those who are online will be able to join via Zoom.
November 28 - Homesick: “As the deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God,” the psalmist wrote. As Advent begins, we are longing for our church home, for the familiar traditions of Advent and Christmas, for comfort and joy. Come and share the conversation as we move from nostalgia and longing to the Hope of Advent.
December 5 - Laying the Foundation: You might remember the story from your Sunday School days about the wise person who built a house upon a rock, laying a good foundation. The Faith Formation Board jumpstarts this week’s conversation on laying a good foundation. Following that conversation, you might want to try building your own house—a gingerbread house, that is! Kits with the supplies for the traditional “Christmas Presence” gingerbread houses will be available for pickup. Kits must be reserved by November 30. Or you can create a house from your own supplies. Then join us on Zoom at 4 pm to share your creation. Don’t worry. If your house falls down, like the one built upon sand, everyone will still enjoy seeing your efforts. (And the ruins could be delicious.)
December 12 - A Home for All: the Mission and Justice Board will lead this week’s conversation by sharing news from an exciting project they have been involved with. They have invited Halarie Echohawk to share an update on the Tiny Homes housing project for 55+ neighbors. “A Home for All” is not just a metaphor, but a real life work in progress in our community.
December 19: Seeking Sanctuary: Once again, our children will lead us in story as we explore the birth narratives of Jesus and the ways that light breaks into the world. While the children and youth will be the leaders, all ages will be invited to step forward and join the ongoing story of Christ taking form in the midst of the world. We seek sanctuary. We seek the Christ. We remember that our home is in the heart of God.
We hope you will join us—in conversation, in fellowship, in helping to make this Advent a season rich in joy and in God’s love.
