This very special Candlelight Vesper service will include a beautiful string orchestra prelude, the great Advent Cantata by J. S Bach, Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme sung by the First Parish Adult Choir with guest soloists and accompanied by a string orchestra and organ. The service will also include wonderful Hanukkah Choral Music, hymns from both traditions, and a reflection on the common message of this Season. This musical service is our holiday gift to the greater community. Please let people in the community know about it and bring your friends and neighbors.  The music will be under the direction of Mike Pfitzer with Malcolm Halliday, organist and The Rev.Tom Rosiello leading worship.

Advent is a cry to wake up to the situation at hand.  It asks us to see clearly the way things are and then respond to the question, "With what we know of the situation, how do we respond?"  In the past few months several cases have forced us to awaken to the situation of young black  men and their relationship to the police in many communities. Like the Christian journey, the path of racial equality is a long one.  We will look at Ferguson Missouri and other troubling events in the past year and bring the teachings of our faith tradition to them.  Our worship will be led by the Rev. Tom Rosiello with our musicians offering beautiful music of the Advent Season.

We  will explore one of the most ancient of Bible stories -- the Story of Noah's Ark, and you might be surprised by the many lessons for living a good life that are found in that story.   At the 11 AM service we will have a special ceremony to begin our Coming of Age Program.  Worship at both services will be led by our minister, Tom Rosiello and music will be provided by our Music Director, Mike Pfitzer and Organist/Pianist, Sanghee Kim with the Adult Choir singing at the 11 AM service.  At the 9 AM service our young children will explore this great story with a fun song led by Pat Sorn and our Children's Choir.