38
2014 Worship Guide
A Lincoln Daily News.com Publication
Advent vespers: A Saturday Night Spiritual Formation Opportunity
Advent Vespers: A Saturday Night Spiritual Formation Opportunity - Each
Saturday night during the season of Advent (
12/13, 12/20
), you are invited to
participate in the communal practice of contemplative waiting. Centered on
silence, with readings from many Christian traditions, we will gather around
an advent wreath to prayerfully and reflectively consider that for which we are
waiting: the arrival of Emmanuel, God with us. The service begins at 5 p.m. and
will last 45 minutes. Each service will be held in Union Chapel located inside
First Presbyterian Church at 301 Pekin St. in Lincoln, Illinois.
Longest Night/Blue Christmas Service
The Christmas season is often marked by expressions of joy, excitement, and
happiness. It’s a time for family to gather and for churches to worship pointing
to the hope that is found in the coming of the Christ child. However, this time of
joy and expectation can often overshadow the pain and hurt many experience
during this season, when the world’s merriment puts their grief and sorrow in
stark relief.
Traditionally centered on the Winter Solstice [
12/21
—the longest night of
the year] our service will be held on Wednesday, December 10th at 7pm in
Union Chapel, which is inside First Presbyterian Church. This service will
provide time and space, through readings from Scripture and song, for God’s
people to reflect both on the pain this time of the year can invoke, while also
remembering that God is there, and that light will soon return. Refreshments
will be served immediately following this 45-minute service.
First Presbyterian Church Christmas Cantata
During worship on
December 21st at 10am,
the choir will be presenting their
annual cantata. The service will include instrumentalists and narrators to retell
the story of Christ’s birth and to present a reminder of the comfort and joy
we have in the miracle of grace. Mark your calendars and plan to attend this
special service of music and praise.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
The Advent season culminates on this night: join us at 7pm at First Presbyterian
Church as we celebrate the nativity of the Christ child. We welcome you to our
Christmas Eve service, as our hopeful waiting becomes a fulfilled promise that
God was, is, and always will be among us!
First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln
