On Dec. 2, as the First Congregational Church of Wiscasset opens its door to the public for hot chocolate and cookies, following the annual Town Christmas Tree Lighting at 4:30 on the Common. The Advent Season enters full swing as Christmas approaches!

On the first Sunday of Advent, Dec. 3, the service will feature the Hanging of the Greens, a tradition rooted in ancient civilizations to celebrate the winter solstice. During the 10am service, greens in the shape of a star, heart, cross, and circle will be presented, accompanied by the reading of Bible passages that highlight the meaning of the special greenery.

Also on Sunday, from noon to 2 p.m., an Advent Workshop will be held in Fellowship Hall where children and adults may make a gingerbread house, decorate cookies, create Christmas cards and tree ornaments, enjoy a holiday appetizer demonstration and tasting, and more!

During the Wiscasset Holiday Marketfest, the church will be the host site for a pop-up craft and vender fair on Friday, Dec. 8 and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The church’s Organ Society will be selling crafts as part of the fair; and fresh baked muffins, cookies, and homemade chili will be sold by the church.

Our Church School Children’s Program, telling the story of The Nativity, will take place during our 10am worship service on Dec. 17, with a special appearance from Charlie the Church Mouse.

On Dec. 24, at 10 a.m., the choir of the First Congregational Church will present the “Hodie Christus Natus Est” by J.P. Sweelink as we conclude the season of Advent and welcome Christmas. A traditional candlelight Christmas Eve service will  take place that evening at 7 p.m.

The Christmas celebration concludes on Sunday, Dec. 31 with a service of lessons and carols at 10 a.m.  

All services and events are open to the public. For more information, call 882-7544, email fccw@myfairpoint.net, or visit www.uccwiscasset.org.