ADVENT EVENTS

at 76 Bell Street

Tuesday, December 3  

7-9 pm   Advent by Candlelight: A Cup of Christmas Tea

By beginning the season with Advent by Candlelight, we hope that your Advent this year might be more peaceful and your preparations more Christ-centered.Come share this wonderful evening as our guests. You will enjoy beautiful music, delicious food, and warm fellowship.

RSVPs are appreciated. Call 440.247.6490 or stop by the Bell St. reception desk. If possible, plan to bring a sweet or savory treat to share. Finger foods are preferred (no nuts, please).

Sunday, December 8  

11:30 am-12:15 pm   Christmas Musical,  “The Wise Man’s Journey”

During worship service—Performed by Children’s Choir. Written by 7th grader Abby Goodman.

5-8 pm (Open House)   Search for the Christ Child: An Interactive Journey to Bethlehem              

You’re invited to come experience the Christmas story like never before! Follow a shepherd guide on a 20-minute interactive journey along Mary and Joseph’s trek to Jerusalem. Meet angels, wise men, King Herod, and other characters before ultimately arriving at a live nativity to behold the Christ child. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate during the short wait for the journey to begin. Small treat bags also provided to young children.

Appropriate for all ages and absolutely free for anyone in the community to attend! Please invite your friends. (Canned goods donations and a free will offering accepted.) This is Federated's fifth year putting on this stunning production and the first time we will hold it at Bell Street. You simply will not want to miss it! More info at fedchurch.org/SFTCC.

Wednesday, December 11  

6-8 pm   A Christmas Journey in Story and Song

Feed your Christmas spirit with music and storytelling! At this Wondrous Wednesday event, we’ll be treated to inspirational stories, followed by Christmas caroling accompanied by Randy Fusco. But first, holiday dinner of favorite Christmas foods. All free of charge!

RSVPs appreciated: Call 440.247.6490 or email katiesharbage@gmail.com.

Sunday, December 15  

10-11 am   J. S. Bach’s “Cantata No. 63” with choir, orchestra, and soloists

Join us for J.S. Bach’s festive and inspirational “Cantata No.63 (Christians, Engrave This Day!)” at the December 15 10:00 worship service. An 18-member orchestra will join the Federated Choir and guest soloists for the performance. The cantata celebrates the birth of Christ and the inevitable victory over darkness. Beginning and concluding with triumphant choruses, this cantata is sure to delight your Christmas season. Performed in memory of Bob Faroo, long-time choir member.

11:30 am-12:15 pm   Service of Scripture and Song

Wednesday, December 18  

7-8 pm   Service of Solace

Also sometimes called “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night,” the Service of Solace is a service that offers support, prayer and reflection for those experiencing loss, sorrow, pain, or anything making the holidays difficult. This is a service of comfort and hope through prayer, reflection and special music. Everyone is welcome to attend this service, those who are in need and those willing to offer support and compassion. If you know of someone who might want to attend, there are invitational cards available in the Narthex for sending.

The indoor labyrinth will be set up in Fellowship Hall that day starting at noon for meditative walking, prayer and reflection. After the service, there will be a time for fellowship and support with light refreshments. Any questions? Contact Kiersti Critchfield at kcritchfield@fedchurch.org or at 440.247.6490 ext. 103 for more information or for pastoral care.

Tuesday, December 24   4pm, 6 pm, 8:30 pm, 11 pm

Christmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Services

4 pm—Family Service: Familiar scripture and favorite carols. Childcare available.

6 pm—Music by RISE Band & String Quartet. Special music 30 minutes prior. Childcare available.

8:30 pm—Music by Federated Choir. Special music 30 minutes prior.

11 pm—Intimate service. Music by soloists. Special music 20 minutes prior.

Details on each service found below. 

Sunday, December 29    

10-11 am     Christmas Spirit in Action               

During 10 am worship service—Building hygiene kits for Homeless Stand Down. (No 11:30 service.)

This year our congregation will be putting together hygiene kits. Instead of having everyone shop for the items, we are asking that you please make a cash or check donation and we will buy everything in bulk to get the most for your donations. We hope to put together at least 100 kits for men and women. Please mark your donations for “HSD kits.” We will see you on December 29 for the “fill the bags” event.