Tonight, Thurs., Dec. 19, 6:30 pmSanctuary If you can’t make it to tonight’s Blue Christmas service in the Sanctuary, you can hold your own sacred observance right at home! Click HERE for an order of worship to help you navigate your own big complex feelings in this season of the play between light and darkness.

Sun., Dec. 22, 2024 , 9:40 amSanctuary Join us in the Sanctuary at 9:40 am (before the 10 am worship service) on Dec. 22 to sing some of your favorite Christmas carols, accompanied by Elizabeth Forsyth on the organ.

Dedication deadline: on or before Thurs., Dec. 19, 5 pm If you’d like to honor and remember your beloveds this Christmas season in a tangible way, we’re trying something new. We invite you to “sponsor” a star or two on our Christmas service backdrop (see photo). Our youth will write the names of your loved one on a star. All …

Thurs., Dec. 19, 6:30 pm on the Chancel in the Sanctuary You are invited to a Blue Christmas service, which gives us room to acknowledge grief, overwhelm, loneliness, and other feelings that don’t ordinarily fit into the season of cheer. It will include prayers (silent, written, spoken), Scripture, music, and healing rituals. Also, a link to a do-it-yourself (DIY) version …

Sun., Dec. 15, 10 am – bring cookies to church Help us offer our Cal student neighbors some love during their finals week by bringing cookies to church, Sun., Dec. 15. Please provide a *list of ingredients* and especially mark any gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free cookies for those with allergies or preferences. Drop off your cookies in the Hall of Entrance …

This Christmas season, First Church will again provide assistance to our unhoused neighbors.  For the past several years, we have assembled Christmas Gift Bags to distribute across our area after the Christmas Eve services.  This year, the Justice & Service (J&S) Ministry along with the staff have decided to distribute gift cards to our unhoused neighbors, and you are invited to contribute in two …

Tues., Dec. 24, 2024, 4 pmSanctuary Calling all instrumentalists! Join our “Amazing Family Orchestra” as we accompany carols for the 4 pm Christmas Eve family service. The instrumental parts are relatively easy, and we can create sheet music that fits your needs! We’ll rehearse several hours before the service at 2:15 pm. If you haven’t participated in recent years, please …

Sat., Dec. 14, 9:30 am to 3:30 pmLoper Chapel, Pillar Room Gather with friends to slow down and experience deeper meaning during this season of Advent.  Join this year’s day-long Advent Retreat, hosted by Becky Wright & Kerrie Hein, on Sat., Dec. 14 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm (in-person) in Loper Chapel and the Pillar Room.  This year’s theme is “Becoming the Light in …

This season’s Advent Devotional, entitled The Mess in the Messiah and written by the United Church of Christ’s Stillspeaking Writers’ Group (Rev. Molly is a contributor), is now available! You’ll find print copies in the Hall of Entrance beginning Sun., Dec. 1 while supplies last. If you prefer a digital copy, you can purchase a .pdf here for $3. Copies …