Faith Comes Alive for Advent 2015 at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale (First Pres), 401 SE 15th Ave., invites all to worship and celebrate Advent. The 2015 Advent events and programming schedule includes the much-anticipated Hanging of the Greens, the annual Christmas concert, and many more opportunities to celebrate Advent, which marks the first season of the Christian church year, and the coming of the Christmas season.

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Advent 2015 at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale kicks off with Hanging of the Greens on November 29, 2015 at 5 p.m. in the newly renovated Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall.

"This year's Hanging of the Greens follows our annual tradition featuring a processional led by a full Scottish pipe and drum band that is often a thrilling and out-of-the-ordinary experience for all in attendance," said Robin L. McEachern, Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale. "It is no wonder that the Hanging of the Greens is one of our most anticipated events of the year for visitors of all ages, and we know this year will not disappoint."

The Hanging of the Greens family service will also include blessing of the newborns from the past year, music sung by the Children's and Youth Choirs and plenty of congregational Christmas carol favorites. Following the service, attendees are invited to enjoy refreshments and fellowship in Fellowship Hall.

First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale's 2015 Advent event schedule also includes:

"Celebrate! A Small Group Advent Experience" church-wide Advent Program
November 29 – December 23
This Advent season, First Pres will introduce Celebrate!, a small group study which will challenge participants to fill their Advent calendars with daily acts of mercy. The devotionals, readings and activities in these small groups are designed to help participants celebrate the Advent season through acts of mercy. For more information about the Celebrate! Small Group, contact Mona Petersen, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale's Adult Education Ministry and Small Groups Director, at (954) 598-9345 or [email protected].

"One Starry Night" Christmas Family Night 
December 15, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
This interactive experience brings the Christmas Story to life. The event begins with dinner and is followed by a walk through Bethlehem with Mary and Joseph, where grandparents, parents and kids will do more than just hear about the birth of Jesus - they'll see, touch, smell and taste what life was like during this miraculous time! The cost is $7. Contact Cindy Vason, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale's Children's Ministry Director, at [email protected] or (954) 598-9341 for more information or to RSVP.

Annual Christmas Concert
December 20, 2015 at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary
This year's concert will feature First Presbyterian's very own concert pianists, Jimmy and Kitty Woodle in a special composition dedicated to them by composer Joseph M. Martin, who will also be a guest artist and conductor. The Cathedral Choir will sing the second portion of the program, and members of the Symphony of the Americas will be the guest orchestra.

Christmas Eve Worship Services
December 24, 2015 in the Sanctuary
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale offers three worship services on Christmas Eve. The Family Candlelight service featuring the Children's Choirs begins at 5 p.m., and the Traditional Candlelight services, with Communion, featuring the Cathedral Choir and the Kirk Singer Alumni Choir at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. respectively.

For additional information about any of these exciting opportunities to celebrate the 2015 Advent season at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 462-6200 or visit www.firstpres.cc.

About First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale
Founded in 1912, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale is located on the banks of the New River in the historic Colee Hammock neighborhood in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. With more than 1,800 members, and a strong core of volunteers, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale prides itself in offering something for everyone, regardless of age. Since 1947, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale has operated Happyland Day School, a pre-school for ages two to Kindergarten that provides a quality Christian environment for the children of the community. Adult, youth and children choirs as well as youth groups offer ample opportunity for fellowship at any age. An Adult Activity Center is open to senior citizens and features weekly lunches, entertainment and monthly bus trips. First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale offers two regular Sunday services as well as special worship services held throughout the year to commemorate significant days. For more information, please visit the website at www.firstpres.cc.

MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT
Laurie Menekou, (954) 732-0754 (or)  
[email protected]

SOURCE First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale