ADVENT 2025

We are once again journeying with the creative team from A Sanctified Art. This Advent, we ask ourselves, what do we fear? And then, we support one another by insisting on hope.

The team from A Sanctified Art develops the theme from Luke’s Gospel, noting that the story of Jesus begins with this opening line: “In the time of Herod...” This detail may seem minor to modern readers, however, it reveals layers of information about the fearful world Jesus entered, one filled with rampant oppression, economic disparity, uncertainty, and instability. A world not so unlike our own. And yet, throughout the stories of Christ’s birth, we hear the whispers of angels delivering a surprising message: “Do not fear.” In our own time, we might ask: is it even possible to be fearless in a fearful world? When Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the magi are each called into God’s redemptive story, they do not deny their fears—they move through them. They ask questions, hold fast to courage, trust in good news, and say, “Here I am, Lord.” When we find ourselves in fearful times, can we acknowledge our fears while also insisting on hope? *

-- Rev. Cathlin 

Advent Book Study Group

“For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional” by Hanna Reichel

Meeting on both Sundays after church and Thursday evenings by Zoom

Please join Reverend Cathlin, Woody Bowman and Nancy Ameen for a prayerful discussion of our Advent book entitled: "For A Time Such as This: An Emergency Devotional” by biblical scholar and theologian Hannah Reichel. Through meditations on scripture, reflections on historical precedents including the Confessing Church’s resistance to Nazi Germany, and portraits of inspiring figures who maintained their integrity in the face of oppression, Reichel guides readers toward their own Christian response to the present moment.

We will meet on Zoom from 5:30-6:30pm on December 4, 11 and 18 and after church in Cathlin's office on December 7, 14 and 21. We are ordering 10 copies of the book for those who wish to participate. They are available for purchase for $20 in the office (cash OR check made out to FCCOWT with "Book Study" in the Memo). Click here to attend the Zoom sessions, or use Meeting ID: 840 9299 9445 and Passcode: 262909. (By Phone: 312-626-6799).

Kairos Bible Study for Advent - with Rev. Vicky Hanjian

Wednesdays December 3, 10 & 17 @ 10:30 am in our Sanctuary

Kairos Bible study will explore the meaning of Incarnation and the often repeated Biblical injunction "Do not fear...!" using the familiar Biblical texts that lead us toward Christmas and the celebration of the Incarnation. All are welcome! No previous experience required! For more information call or email: Vicky Hanjian - 508-696-8225 or armenvicky@gmail.com

Advent Devotional Booklet

WHAT DO YOU FEAR?: Insisting on Hope this Advent

This Advent devotional takes seriously the angels’ message and trusts that Christ’s birth truly is good news of great joy for all people. The weekly art and reflections look closely at the fear and terror looming in the background during the time of King Herod and invite us to consider the fears we hold now. Fear can divide and paralyze us and even be used as a tool for oppression. But what if we formed a different relationship with fear? Can we acknowledge fear without letting it rule us? Might we catalyze our fears into love and action? What if naming our fears helps us see more clearly how God is breaking in and where God is at work?

Each week of this devotional offers art, reflections, poetry, and hymns to give you hope in a fearful world. As you journey through this season, may your hope become gritty and resilient. May you remember: hope that trembles is still hope. This season, let us insist on hope and trust that good news is greater than fear.

Printed copies will be available in the black mailbox to the left of the Music Street door as of today. You can also pick one up in the Narthex on Sundays. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office.

If you would like access to an online reader, compatible with digital reading devices such as Kindle, etc., click her

ADVENT ANGELS — SHOW LOVE & CARE DURING CHRISTMAS

Looking for angels to help share love during this Advent season. No skills are needed for this annual Care Team outreach - just being kind and ready to spread some holiday cheer to members of our church family. This can be done by making a phone call, mailing a holiday card, visiting or delivering baked goods - whatever you feel comfortable doing.

To become an Angel, pick a numbered card or two off the Angel Tree in the Parish Hall. Contact Elliott Bennett via email or phone 508-733-1241 to find out who corresponds to the number you picked, and this will be your chosen recipient of your Angel "gifts." Thank you for your spirit of giving!

ALTAR ARTS

Our new Altar Arts Team invites you to bring in a candle or candlestick and help build an altar display that will get brighter and brighter with light as we strengthen our commitment to hope this season.

ADVENT CALENDARS

We have printed up some “What Do You Fear” Advent Calendars that explore daily breath activities. In anxious and troubled times, we can find our center and discover hope by connecting with our breath, the Spirit of God that moves through us. Advent Calendars are available on Sundays in our Narthex or Parish Hall for pick-up.

KIDS’ PACKETS

We have special kids’ bulletins, stickers and coloring materials available each week in our Narthex or Sunday School area in the Parish Hall, with fun activities.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Here you can find collected hymns and songs that accompany A Sanctified Art's What Do You Fear Advent theme. Click here to access the playlist.