All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:22-23
Advent is always a special time for followers of Christ. At First Presbyterian Church, we look forward to Advent worship services, focusing on the anticipation of the arrival of Jesus. We also enjoy times when we can gather as a community to celebrate our faith and our fellowship. Please join us.
These dates are for the 2025 Christmas Season.
Advent
Advent is the four week period prior to Christmas during which Christians celebrate the promised arrival and birth of the baby Jesus. This year’s sermon series for Advent is entitled, “The Promise Fulfilled.” All are invited to attend and participate in our Sunday Advent worship services.
FPC Lakeland provides both in-person and online worship experiences each Sunday at 8:15 am and 10:30 am.
Classic Worship Services
8:15 am & 10:30 am | Sanctuary
Modern Vine Service
10:30 am | Loudon Hall
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Christmas Eve services at FPC are an annual tradition for many families. We have three services, all with candlelight and seasonal hymns. Childcare will be available during the 5:30 and 8 pm services for children ages 0-5.
Wednesday, December 24
5:30 pm Family Service | Loudon Hall
8:00 pm Classic Service | Sanctuary
11:00 pm Communion Service | Sanctuary
Hanging of the Greens
Sunday, November 23
Following the 10:30 services
We will join together as a church family to decorate the building for Christmas following the 10:30 am services. We’ll have cookies and carols and fun. Be sure to RSVP!
Glory of Christmas
Monday, December 1
7 pm | Sanctuary
This annual musical event is the official beginning of the Christmas season for many in our community. Part of the church’s Fine Arts Series, Glory of Christmas highlights the talents of many local musicians. The concert is free and open to the public. With the concert beginning at 7 pm, doors will open at 6 pm. The concert will also be streamed via the church’s YouTube channel.
Women’s Jingle & Mingle House Party
Tuesday, December 2
6:30 pm
All women of FPC are invited to the Jingle & Mingle House Party. This festive event will feature dinner and an ornament exchange. Please bring one wrapped ornament. Location will be provided after registering. You may register for the event with the button below.
Family Movie Night
Wednesday, December 10
6:00 pm | Loudon Hall
Our last night of Kids Club and Surrender Youth Grow Nights before Christmas will be on Dec. 10, and it will be a Family Movie Night in Loudon Hall. Everyone is invited. The evening starts at 6 pm. Let’s celebrate the holidays together with a movie “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
OAM – December SOS Luncheon
Friday, December 12
10 am | Room A
Our Older (50+) Adult Ministry (OAM) is holding their December Spirit of Service (SOS) luncheon. The Christmas program will be provided by the Little Shepherds students.
The program will be followed by lunch (optional) at a cost of $12. RSVP for lunch by calling the church office at 863-686-7187 or emailing Sandie@fpclakeland.org by Sunday, December 7.
Children’s Christmas Workshop
Saturday, December 13
9:30 – 11:30 am
The annual event has been a highlight of our children’s holiday fun for years. All children ages 4 – fifth grades are invited to spend the morning with us. We’ll have crafts, hot chocolate, cookies, and fun. There might even be a surprise visitor. Preschoolers and inclusion friends must have a parent or guardian remain with them for the workshop.
Caroling
Tuesday, December 16
5:00 pm | Meet in the Youth Hall for Pizza
Join us as we go caroling to the homes of some of our homebound members. We’ll deliver some holiday joy to some of our special members, and we’ll share that joy with one another as we share and sing.
Please RSVP by December 15.
Give a Gift
We have several ways that you can give to create a meaningful impact this season.
Purchase Your Poinsettias
November 23 – December 7
Each year, we decorate our worship spaces with poinsettias. You may purchase a plant (or several) and make a dedication to a loved one through the purchase. We combine all of the dedications into a special brochure for Christmas Eve. You can take your plants home with you after the 5:30 pm Family service in Loudon Hall or after the 11 pm Classic service in the sanctuary.
Please purchase by December 7.
Christmas Joy Offering
Month of December
Our church, along with other PCUSA Presbyterian churches, receive the Christmas Joy offering during December. This is a way that we lift up past, present, and future leaders of the church.
This offering provides support for Presbyterian church workers and their families in times of need as well as leadership development and education for communities of color at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.
Please see our giving page to participate in these opportunities.