Advent & Christmas at First Pres

Advent is full of opportunities for connection, celebration, and worship at First Presbyterian Church Fort Worth. We hope our church will be a place for respite, reflection, and renewal this season. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

LUNCH & ADVENT WREATH WORKSHOP: november 30

Bring the whole family for a special day of fellowship and creativity! After worship, enjoy a free All-Church Lunch, hosted by the Stewardship Committee as a heartfelt thank you for your generous 2026 pledges. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Hall. Then, stick around for our Intergenerational Advent Wreath Workshop from 12:15-1:30 p.m. on the Third Floor Concourse (come and go as you like after you eat lunch). This hands-on experience is the perfect way to prepare for the Advent season together. All materials are provided, and everyone of all ages is welcome! Questions? Contact Ann.

WEEKLY ADVENT WREATH LIGHTINGS ON ZOOM: Nov 30-Dec 21

Sundays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21 at 6 p.m.
Celebrate the season of Advent from home! Each Sunday during Advent at 6 p.m., First Pres clergy will host a virtual Advent wreath lighting on Zoom. Gather on Zoom with your own wreath at home for a brief time of reflection and prayer as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. Click here to join the Zoom.

Advent Midday Prayer Services and Concerts: dec 3-17

Wednesdays, December 3, 10, and 17, at 12 p.m. in the Sanctuary
These 30-minute noon services include Scripture, music, prayer, and reflections by clergy on the spiritual impact of Advent as a season preparing us to celebrate Emmanuel - God with us.

Throughout the season of Advent, we invite you to pause in the middle of your week for our Advent Afternoon Organ Concerts. Following the Noon Advent service, each program offers 30 minutes of beautiful organ music in the Sanctuary, followed by a complimentary lunch and fellowship at 1 p.m. in the West Concourse.

December 3: Ahreum Congdon, First Presbyterian Church, Fort Worth
December 10: Owen Reid, Church of the Incarnation, Dallas
December 17: Mina Choi, Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ & Doylestown Presbyterian Church, Doylestown, PA

Follow the Star Live Nativity: december 14

Sunday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m. on the Penn Street side of First Pres
Celebrate Advent at First Pres! Experience the wonder of a live nativity, then warm up with a cozy come-and-go dinner featuring grilled cheese and tomato soup under the Great Hall’s covered entrance. All are welcome - don’t miss this festive evening! Questions? Contact Ann Nielsen at 817.335.1231, ext. 232.

Moravian Lovefeast: december 16

Tuesday, December 16, at 6:30 p.m. in the Great Hall
The Moravian denomination introduced the service of a Lovefeast in 1727, a simple meal with song and prayer, to encourage Christian fellowship and love. All are invited to come enjoy an evening of dinner, music, praise, and fellowship as we continue the tradition, hosted by Circles of Christ. RSVP here.

Christmas & Carol by Fort Worth Opera: december 20

Saturday, December 20 at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary
As we enter the final days of Advent and draw closer to the joy of Christmas, we are delighted to welcome the Fort Worth Opera back to the Penn Street Arts Concert Series for a special afternoon of music and celebration. Their program, Christmas & Carols, blends the beauty of classical vocal artistry with the familiar melodies we cherish during this holy season. This festive concert will feature beloved carols, stirring arrangements, and seasonal favorites that invite us to pause, listen, and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the warmth of our sanctuary and the gift of great music. All are welcome!

The Longest Night Service: DECEMBER 21

Sunday, December 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel and Zoom
During Advent and Christmas, the church focuses on the happiness of receiving the Christ child into the world. Yet there are many among us for whom Christmas is a season of grief. This service allows us to name and acknowledge feelings of grief, sadness, or loss that may be present in this season. We’ll come together for a moment of reflection for healing and self-care as we gather around Scripture, song, prayer, and acts of remembrance.
First Pres Digital Ministry Offering: The Longest Night Service is also being offered on Zoom for those who wish to participate in worship online. Online worshipers will be welcomed into this unique space and guided through the service by a First Pres staff member. Register here or contact Eric Varnon to sign up to receive the secure Zoom link.

FAMILY CAROLING: DECEMBER 22

Monday, December 22, 5:45-8:30 p.m.
Bring out those Christmas sweaters, jingle bells, and reindeer antlers! We will head out to sing carols at our homebound members' homes to bring them love and joy this season. 4th grade and older, may attend on their own.
RSVP here.

Christmas Eve: december 24

Christmas Eve Brunch
Wednesday, December 24 at 10 a.m. at Community Crossroads
Neighbors and friends are invited to enjoy a Christmas brunch together at Community Crossroads, then ride the bus (optional) to First Pres for the noon Christmas Eve worship service. This event is free and open to the public.

Christmas Eve Worship: Wednesday, December 24
12 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols (Sanctuary)
5 p.m. Service for families with children with candlelight (Great Hall)
7 p.m. Service with candlelight (Sanctuary and livestream)
9 p.m. Service with Communion and candlelight (Sanctuary)

Childcare provided at 7 p.m. The shuttle (providing transportation to and from Trinity Terrace) will be available for the 7 p.m. service.