Be Not Afraid
Across the stories of Advent and Christmas, angels show up and say “Do not be afraid”—not because there’s nothing to fear, but because in fact, the opposite is true: there is much to be afraid of. But fear never gets the final word. In this season, we learn that courage is not the absence of fear, it is being afraid and doing the scary thing anyway. Through stories of ordinary people finding their courage and doing scary things, we discover the good news that was there all along.
As we near the season of Advent – a time of waiting, reflection and preparing – we invite you to join Faith Lutheran in the following events as we prepare for and celebrate Christmas.
Weekly Advent Emails
Each Monday of Advent we will share an email with a reading and a musical advent calendar. To receive these emails, contact communications@flcva.org.
Poinsettia and Greenery Dedications
Each year we decorate the sanctuary during Advent and Christmas. Place your order using this link to dedicate the poinsettias that beautify the sanctuary at this festive time of year. You also may make a donation to offset costs for other holiday decorations. This year’s deadline for dedications is Friday, Dec. 18th.
Gifts for Arlington Foster Care
We are collecting gift cards for Arlington Foster Care (Target, Walmart, DSW, Amazon…) to be distributed to children and youth in foster care at their annual holiday party in early December. The deadline to drop off cards is Sunday, Dec. 6th. Gift cards can be left in collection plates at both entrances to the sanctuary during worship or under the church office door during the week. Arlington Foster Care ensures children who cannot stay in their homes because of abuse, neglect or other family circumstances have a home and a family to support them. The program recruits, trains and supports foster parents providing critical services in the child and family’s time of need. Thank you for helping to ensure each child feels loved and appreciated this holiday season!
Sunday Night Sustenance: Soup, Service & Prayer
We will come together for Soup, Service & Prayer on Sunday, Dec. 6th, 13th and 20th at 6-8 pm. We’ll begin the evening with a fun service project, followed by a delicious soup dinner from 6-7 PM. We’ll conclude each evening with prayer and singing. If you can’t make the dinner, stop by for prayer and singing at 7 PM. RSVP with this form.
Sunday School Christmas Program
The Sunday School Christmas Program is Sunday, Dec. 20th during the worship service, followed by a church-wide party after the program in the Fellowship Hall.
Blue Christmas
Faith’s Blue Christmas will be held Sunday, December 20th at 7 PM. In the church year, Advent is a season of hope. But in the midst of holiday preparations and celebration, it’s common to struggle with feelings of grief and loss, and yet those who struggle often feel like they are the only ones.
This will be a shared event with Georgetown Lutheran Church and Resurrection Lutheran. We will come together for prayer and song, seeking healing and room to share grief, sadness, or loneliness – to acknowledge the darkness we feel, and to remember together the promise of light that shines in the darkness. Childcare will be provided.
Decorate the Sanctuary
We will dress the Sanctuary for Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 19th at 7:30 PM. This involves lots of ladder work so teens and older are encouraged to come! More hands make light work!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
Celebrate the nativity of our Lord with Faith Lutheran! There are two service times on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 24th – 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM. The 4:30 PM service will be more family friendly and streamlined while 7:30 PM will be more traditional. Both services will include candle lighting and special music.
Lessons and Carols Unity Worship
We will have one worship service on Sunday, Dec. 27th at 10 AM (with livestream), which will feature Christmas lessons and carols with holy communion.