We have a variety of wonderful programs and activities planned for the Advent season. From outdoor celebrations to meaningful prayer services, we hope that everyone joins us to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!
2023 Memorial Poinsettias
Memorial Poinsettias for the Advent Season are now on sale. You can purchase one in memory of a loved one and have it displayed during the season. The flowers will be distributed to our homebound friends after each Advent worship service. For more information, contact Lisa Rahmlow (804) 358-5458 ext. 129.
EVENTS
Christmas Village
December 2 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Enjoy the Richmond Christmas Parade and then head down the street to FBC for music, craft vendors (great for Christmas gifts!), food trucks, games and so much more. Santa will even make an appearance.
Hanging of the Green
December 3 | 6 p.m.
The joyous time of worship is led by our children, youth, and choirs. During the service, the sanctuary is transformed into a beautiful and worshipful space. Watch as poinsettias, chrismons, greenery, and candles fill the sanctuary.
Classics and Cocoa In The Courtyard
December 4 | 5:30 – 7 p.m.
Our neighbors and friends are invited to join us for a firepit, cocoa, and the Christmas classic “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” This event is a gift to the community and is free to all who attend.
Advent Contemplative Service
December 6 | 6 p.m.
We invite you to prepare your heart for the season of Advent during this very peaceful service. It will be held in the chapel of Richmond’s First Baptist Church.
Ladies Christmas Tea
December 9 | 2-4 p.m.
Come experience the beautiful tablescapes and joyful fellowship during this highly anticipated tradition. Expect a full high tea service while delighting in the holiday themes carefully crafted around the room.
Adult Choir Concert: “Let Heaven and Nature Sing”
December 10 | 7 p.m.
The sonorous 70-voice Adult Choir and Ensembles of Richmond’s First Baptist Church present an evening of stunning Christmas music and familiar carols with a full orchestra in the church’s sanctuary. This holiday tradition is free and open to everyone!
First Family Around the Fireplace
December 13 | 6 p.m.
Join us for this interactive celebration of the season. The choir, event attendees, and Sunday School classes will find themselves immersed in the play “Starry Noisy Night.” We ask that those who participate bring a $10 Walmart gift card or cash to donate to our Compassion Ministry.
Adult Christmas Luncheon: “Joy To The World”
December 14 | 11:30 a.m.
Celebrate the season around the table with other members of the community and Richmond’s First Baptist Church. Make sure to wear a festive outfit to really get into the holiday spirit! Lunch will be served by FBC staff and entertainment will be provided by the renowned Hanover Harmony singing group.
Youth Christmas Pageant
December 17 | 6 p.m.
The youth of Richmond’s First Baptist Church write, direct, and act in this wonderful (and typically very humorous) reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ. This event is free and open to the public
One Accord at Bruton Parish Church
December 19 | 8 p.m.
Our fabulous, auditioned adult chamber choir will present a 45-minute concert of Advent and Christmas choral music in the Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg. The concert is free and open to the public.
Service of Remembrance
December 20 | 7-8 p.m.
In the midst of the joyous season, we take time out to remember those loved ones we have lost this year.
STUDIES AND PROGRAMMING
Advent Book Study: “Light of the World” by Amy-Jill Levine
This year’s Advent Book Study is called “Light of the World” by Amy-Jill Levine. This four-week study focuses on different characters in the Advent narrative. The author is Jewish and is a Professor of the New Testament at Vanderbilt. Her unique perspective will help us see the birth of Christ from the perspective of early Jews. A weekly discussion of the book will be available on Zoom Thursday evenings, as well as in some Sunday School Classes.
Art In The Hallway
All are invited to create artwork for our main hallway that depicts the themes of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. You can share your personal interpretation of the following:
Advent: Waiting, Anticipating
Christmas: Christ is Born
Epiphany: Where in the world does Jesus make an appearance?
For more information on how to participate, click the link below.
WORSHIP
Advent Services
Every Sunday Beginning December 3 | 11 a.m.
*There will be an 11 a.m. service on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
5 p.m. – Although children are welcome at either service, the earlier service is more “child friendly.”
11 p.m. – Communion will be offered during this service.
