Rev. Dr. Boyung Lee reminds us:
“Hope that trembles is still hope. Fear doesn’t disqualify us – it’s part of the process. And God walks with us every step.”
This Advent, hope isn’t about certainty or wishful thinking – it’s about moving forward even when we’re afraid.
The lantern is often used to light our way through the dark, steadying our steps. Its flame, like the Holy Spirit, reminds us that hope cannot be contained – it shines outward, spreading and growing. For this reason, we have choosen the lantern as our symbol for the season.
Our guiding question this year: “What do you fear?”
Watch this video to learn a little more about our Advent Series:
The holidays can be joyful, but can also be a very stressful time of year. Maintaining your mental health and practicing self-care can be critical this time of year. Check out the great tips to help when the season doesn’t feel calm or bright:
Advent “Pause and Reflect” Prayers
With the excitement, anticipation, and “busyness” of Christmas, it can be easy to overlook Advent, the season of preparation for the soul. Christmas can also be a difficult time of year that holds wearying emotions and feelings of loneliness or sadness. Wherever we find ourselves in this spectrum, God is with us. Take time each day to pause, reflect, pray, and listen to God’s voice by visiting our Advent page at wscongo.org/Advent to access daily Advent prayers.
It is a cherished tradition at First Congo to support our mission partner, Breakthrough Urban Ministries, by providing Christmas gifts for the children served by their organization. Breakthrough partners with people to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunities in the East Garfield Park community.
Purchase a Christmas poinsettia to decorate the altar this Christmas!
- Make an online purchase via REALM or
- Download an order form and return it, along with a check made payable to The First Congregational Church of Western Springs, to the church office by Dec. 12. Please note “POINSETTIA” in the memo line.
WE ALSO NEED VOLUNTEERS to deliver poinsettias on Dec. 25. If you are interested, please indicate your wish where indicated on the same form or contact Meredith@wscongo.org.
ADVENT SEASON EVENTS:
Advent Candle Liturgy
Various Sundays
Would you like to read the Advent Candle Liturgy during a Sunday service this Advent? You can participate with your family or join with others to help lead our congregation in this meaningful tradition.
Please sign up below or reach out to Hope@wscongo.org with questions.
Nov. 29: Deck the Halls
9AM
As the saying goes – Many hands make light work. So, please come out and help Diaconate decorate the church for the Advent season.
Nov. 30: 1st Sunday of Advent
8:45AM and 10AM in the Sanctuary
What Do You Fear? In the time of Herod, we long for God to break in.
“I called on your name, Lord… You came near when I called you, and you said, ‘Do not fear.’” (Luke 1:5-13, Lamentations 3:55-57) Matthew and Luke ground their gospels in Herod’s reign, pointing to God’s hope in times of fear and longing.
Nov. 30: Advent Wreath-Making
9AM-Noon in Plymouth Hall
Begin the Advent season with wreath-making after both services! Registration required. While you are here, create an Angel Collage (no registration required) with your family as a joyful reminder that God’s light shines brighter than whatever scares us.
Mens Bible Study
Dec. 1 and Dec. 15 at 7PM offsite
Rev. Chrissy will lead this 2 part Bible study where men will discuss the stories of Jesus’ birth as told in the Gospels.
Dec. 4: Woman’s Society General Meeting
12:30PM at Plymouth Place
All are welcome to join us at Plymouth Place as we enjoy a special performance by Cantate, a choral group whose repertoire spans Broadway, sacred, folk, swing, and holiday favorites. Known for their joyful spirit and audience engagement, they’re sure to delight!
Dec. 5: “Manel: A Panel of Men Talking to Moms”
9AM in the Seim Room
Join us for MANEL—an honest, uplifting panel where men share insights on parenting, partnership, and faith. Hosted by Moms in Faith.
Childcare is available.
Dec. 6: Bemis Wood Brushcutting with our Green Team
9AM-Noon
Get outside this Holiday season and help remove invasive and non-native trees and shrubs with our Green Team Leaders.
Registration is appreciated.
Dec. 7: 2nd Sunday of Advent
8:45AM and 10AM in the Sanctuary
What Do You Fear? When we’re running out of hope, God is at work.
Even the faithful can doubt, as John asked, “Are you the one who is to come?” (Matthew 11:3). Jesus reminds us, “The blind receive sight… the good news is proclaimed” (Matthew 11:5). Though we may not see the full harvest, God is at work. This season, we are invited to notice and nurture hope.
And in Sunday School this morning, children will create luminaries, a reminder that light can shine even in times of fear.
Dec. 7: Gifts of Hope Alternative Market
9AM-12PM in Plymouth Hall
Gifts of Hope is an alternative gift market featuring more than 20 nonprofit “merchants” offering symbolic gifts. This year, we’re excited to continue our matching-gift program: purchases will be matched up to $10,000, doubling the impact of your generosity.
To purchase your gift until Dec. 31, click below:
During the morning, our Middle School Youth Group will present special “Beacons of Hope” gifts to all our mission partners.
Also, if you missed making Angel Collages on November 30th, stop by the kids table to create a unique collage to bring home.
Dec. 9: The Sister Project: Care Less, Cozy More
6:30PM Music, 7PM Live Podcast in the Sanctuary
Join us for a special holiday LIVE podcast presentation from The Sister Project, filled with warmth, wit, and wisdom for the season. Come early for festive music starting at 6:30PM, and settle in for an evening that invites you to slow down, let go, and lean into cozy.
Dec. 10: Advent Taize Service
6:30PM in the Chapel
All are welcome to attend a peaceful candlelit service of scripture, prayer and song.
Dec. 12: Red Cross Blood Drive
9AM to 2PM in Plymouth Hall
Give the gift of life this season! Visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule your appointment at church. Questions? Contact Nurse Jean at jean@wscongo.org.
Dec. 14: 3rd Sunday of Advent
8:45AM and 10AM in the Sanctuary
What Do You Fear? Even in our fear, we are called forward.
Like Mary, we may feel unworthy—“Do not be afraid… you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30). Like Jeremiah, we may feel too small—“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’… I am with you” (Jeremiah 1:7–8). Yet even when hope feels distant, God is already at work, inviting us to respond with quiet courage.
Dec. 14: Crammin’ at Congo
3Pm to 5PM in the Seim Room
The Youth Ministry Committee hosts a quiet, welcoming space for high school students to study solo or with friends. A cereal bar and drinks provided. Open to all high schoolers preparing for final exams! No registration required.
Dec. 14: Words & Music
5PM to 7PM
Crazy Quilt of Love is the theme as we find that each quilt patch is joined by careful stitches, just as each act of love and grace reminds us how God mends our fragmented world through Christ. Stay for soup and fellowship as we celebrate the warmth and connection of this Advent season! Look for the registration link in the weekly email to help us plan.
Dec. 21: 4th Sunday of Advent
8:45AM and 10AM in the Sanctuary
What Do You Fear? When you’re afraid, give me your hand.
Joesph shows that fear can lead to connection. He stood with Mary—“Joseph… did what the angel commanded” (Matthew 1:24). “Do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you” (Isaiah 41:10). In love and courage, we find strength together.
Dec. 21: Live Nativity
3:30PM on the front lawn
Join us on the front lawn for carols, cocoa, and community! See the live nativity and pet live stable animals at 3:30 PM, then sing along with our brass and wind ensemble from 4–5PM. Want to play in the band? Email Ray Klemchuk at ray@wscongo.org. All are welcome, bring a friend!
Dec. 21: Longest Night Labyrinth Walk
6:30PM to 8:30PM in Plymouth Hall
This unique, contemplative event takes place during the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, offering participants a serene, meditative experience as they walk the labyrinth illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, accompanied by the soothing melodies of a harp.
Christmas Pageant
We invite all your performers from Pre-K to High School to participate in sharing the Christmas story during our Christmas Eve services at 3:30PM and 5PM.
If your child is interested in being part of this magical experience, please register them below.
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve
3:30PM and 5PM in the Sanctuary
Our youth lead the early Christmas Eve services with carols from the All-In Band and a whimsical Christmas Pageant retelling Christ’s birth.
8:30PM AND 10PM in the Sanctuary
Christmas invites us to proclaim joy that overcomes fear and shares God’s peace. “Do not be afraid… I bring you good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Like the shepherds and angels, we’re called to witness and praise (Luke 2:15, 20).
Dec. 28: Church and Breakfast
10AM in Plymouth Hall
Enjoy a light continental breakfast together, share in community, and experience an uplifting worship service and discussion. We will also assemble care packages for the unhoused. Perfect for families, friends and neighbors. No registration required.
High School Youth Service Day
Noon-3:30PM
The tradition continues. Join us and be part of this ongoing relationship of care and connection with those in need at San Lucas UCC. Let Lisa@wscongo.org know you are coming.
Our pastoral care team recognizes that the holiday season may be especially tender for some – those who are grieving, those who may feel alone or isolated, those with fractured relationships. Whatever you are feeling, we are here for you and welcome you to contact us. Please reach out to Pastors Chrissy and Meredith.
