the glory of god
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “the glory of God?” Radiant light, blaring trumpets, the impression of overwhelming might? When the shepherds heard the announcement of Jesus’ birth, “an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them.” And yet this angel was not announcing the arrival of a dominating army, a wealthy ruler, or a powerful king. Instead, the glory of God comes to us vulnerable, weak, needing care – as one destined for the cross. This Advent, join us in worship and community as we consider the glory of God in the body of a baby. Let us bring all our assumptions of what glory looks like and turn them upside down, into a manger.
first sunday of Advent: November 30
Christian Meditation @ 10
10:00 – 10:45 a.m., Harter Room
Join us for a special fifth Sunday program of Christian Meditation. Noël Grisanti will lead us in a time of silence and reflection, drawing from the rich tradition of Christian contemplative practices. As we enter into the joyful and bustling season of Advent, we hope you will join us to take a moment to pause, breathe, and ground ourselves in the love of God together.
Advent Workshop
12:30 – 1:45 p.m., Margaret Jewett Hall
On the first Sunday of Advent, plan to join us after worship for a variety of arts and craft activities to prepare for the season. Bring your Advent candle ring to decorate with greens (new candle rings and candles will be available until we run out). Choose among other crafts, including beeswax candle-dipping, ornament-making, and more. Enjoy a soup and bread lunch as you take in the creative energy around you. All are welcome!
Second sunday of advent: December 7
Coat Boston & Holiday Shop Collection
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary
On the second Sunday of Advent, First Church will collect new coats for children, as well as new toys for holiday gifts. All unwrapped gifts and coats will be blessed in our worship service, alongside the offering. Particularly wanted are dolls representing people of color, superhero figures, books, games, and sports equipment (especially soccer balls). All will be distributed in the Greater Boston area by Coat Boston and The Holiday Shop. Learn more at: coatboston.org/donate/
We ask that all adult coats be donated to our own Friday Café.
Alternative Christmas Fair
12:30 – 2:00 p.m., Margaret Jewett Hall
Please join us for First Church’s Alternative Christmas Fair, where we help our non-profit vendors raise money for their organizations and clients by doing our holiday shopping at their tables. And bring your friends as well!
Third sunday of advent: december 14
Special Music Sunday
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and via livestream
On the third Sunday of Advent, December 14, the First Church Choir will sing selections from the beloved Gloria by Antonio Vivaldi with a baroque orchestra. We will rehearse on two Thursday evenings, December 4 & 11, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., as well as on the morning of December 14. If you would like to sing, please contact Music Director Peter Sykes.
fourth sunday of advent: december 21
The UnPageant
11:00 a.m., Sanctuary and via livestream
On the fourth Sunday of Advent, we gather for our untraditional take on the Christmas pageant: the UnPageant! The UnPageant is First Church’s unrehearsed, low-stress, multigenerational telling of the story of Jesus’ birth. Come hear the age-old texts and sing the cherished carols as we celebrate the wonder of God’s love among us.
Festive Christmas Coffee Hour
12:15 – 1:00 p.m., Margaret Jewett Hall
We invite everyone to contribute a favorite holiday treat for a festive time of fellowship after the UnPageant. Whether it’s a batch of your sought-after Christmas cookies or a holiday veggie plate in the shape of a snowman, we want to see it and eat it! Plan to drop off your offering in the Kitchen before worship, and then come ready to enjoy a mini-feast of snacks for the season.
other ways to celebrate the season at first church
Youth Group: Holiday Cookie-Baking and Card-Writing
Friday, December 5, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Kitchen and Hastings Common
First Church teens are invited to gather for a cozy evening of cookie baking and crafting holiday messages for church members, and we’ll order pizza to sustain us as we work. Hang out with friends, and help spread some sweet joy in the Advent season!
Advent Poetry & Prayer
Mondays, December 8, 15, and 22
5:30 – 6:15 p.m., via Zoom
Join Pastoral Associate Emma Mitchell for an online Advent gathering for community, stillness, and spiritual grounding as the days grow shorter. Together on Zoom, we will read a poem, listen for how it speaks to our lives in this season of Advent, and share prayer in real time. Come as you are – walking the dog, cooking dinner, settled into a quiet corner with a candle. Join us for one session or for all. All are welcome – feel free to invite friends and family.
Young Adults: Christmas Party & Hymn Sing
Friday, December 12, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Home of Angela & Phil Servello-Jones
Come celebrate the season by singing carols, drinking cider, and sharing fellowship with other Young Adults (20s-30s). RSVP by emailing: youngadults@firstchurchcambridge.org or letting Angela or Phil know. Whether you’re brand new to First Church, or have been here your whole life, you’re welcome to join the party. Keep an eye out for monthly Young Adult gatherings in 2026!
Christmas Poinsettia Donations
If you wish to donate poinsettias in celebration, honor, or memory of loved ones this Christmas, please send the names of those to be recognized to Bruce Dillenbeck in the First Church office by Monday, December 15. Contributions of $20 to help defray the cost of flowers can be made online or by check in the offering basket (payable to First Church in Cambridge, with a memo line of “Poinsettias”). Please send an email to Bruce with the names, even if you pay by check through the offering basket or online; this way we can make sure no one is missed. The list of names will appear in the UnPageant bulletin on Sunday, December 21.
Gift Cards for Shelter Guests
In this holiday season, the Shelter Oversight Committee is inviting donations to help ensure each of the 14 Shelter guests receives $25 in gift certificates.. Providing gift certificates allows Shelter guests to select and choose what they want and need: health and hygiene items, snacks, socks, and more. If you would like to donate gift cards or contribute towards their purchase, contact Shelter Director Jim Stewart.
Warm Hands, Warm Hearts: The Friday Café’s Winter Glove Drive
Share the gift of warm hands this holiday season by giving a pair of winter gloves to a neighbor in need! If you wish, add a personal message to the recipient. Bonus: Consider making a gift in honor of someone on your holiday gift list!
- Donate gloves: suggested donation $10 per pair. Optional: add a personal message for free.
- Make a gift in someone’s honor: suggested donation $25. Includes glove donation and a card to your honoree.
Make a Festive Dish or Dessert for The Friday Café on December 26
Our weekly Friday Café menu is created potluck-style, with volunteer cooks cooking or baking in their own kitchens. Visit our signup link if you’d like to help make our day-after-Christmas meal even more special than usual!