Advent and Christmas

We celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and watch with expectant hope for his coming again.



Beginning December 1, 2024

Worship Services in Advent

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December 1, 2024

First Sunday of Advent

8:30 AM in the Chapel and 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online 
Sacrament of Communion
Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt, preaching

Begin the season with the lighting of the Advent candles.

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December 8, 2024

Advent Lessons and Carols

11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online (Prelude begins at 10:45 AM)

A special service led by choirs of adults, youth, children, and handbells. The 8:30 AM service in the Chapel is the traditional service at that time with Rev. Dr. Jacob Bolton, preaching.

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December 15, 2024

Third Sunday of Advent

8:30 AM in the Chapel
11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online 
Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward, preaching

At the conclusion of the 11:00 AM service, our children will present a short retelling of the Christmas story with our annual Christmas Pageant.

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Friday, December 20, 2024

Longest Night

7:30 PM in the Chapel
Led by Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt

We continue our Advent tradition of acknowledging that all is not merry and bright. Grief, pain and despair shroud our world in darkness, yet Christ’s light shall shine within and among us.

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December 22, 2024

Festival Sunday

11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online (Prelude begins at 10:45 AM)
Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward, preaching

The Westminster Choir, Choristers, Ringers & Brass lead us in joyful celebration. The 8:30 AM service in the Chapel is the traditional service at that time.



Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Christmas Eve Services

At each of our services, proclaim the joy of our Savior’s birth by hearing the story of Christmas and singing familiar Christmas hymns, including “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.” Children are welcome at all our services; the 4:00 PM service is our “family-friendliest” service.

11:00 AM in the Sanctuary & online

Rev. Patrick Hunnicutt, preaching

A traditional service featuring congregational singing and preaching. 

11:00 AM Livestream

11:00 AM Worship Bulletin

4:00 PM in the Sanctuary & online

Led by Rev. Jacob Bolton

A candlelight service with children and youth liturgists, interactive storytelling, and congregational singing.

4:00 PM Livestream

4:00 PM Worship Bulletin

8:00 PM in the Sanctuary & online

Rev. Larry Hayward, preaching

A candlelight service of Christmas Lessons & Carols with choir, string quartet and organ. A prelude will begin 15 minutes prior to the service.

8:00 PM Livestream

8:00 PM Worship Bulletin

11:00 PM in the Chapel

Rev. Olivia Patterson, preaching

A simple, quiet, and intimate candlelight service with communion.

Mission & Service

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Alternative Giving Bazaar

Share gifts with loved ones that help those in need and donate to the agencies and projects supported by our local, national and international missions committees, including the United Orphanage and Academy in Kenya. 

Learn more
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Christmas Flowers Mission Project

Make your dedication by Sunday, December 15

Honor or memorialize loved ones with a dedication to the Christmas Flowers Mission Project. In addition to providing flowers in the Sanctuary during the Christmas services, donations will provide Christmas gift cards to seniors without kin at the Ladray Building, a low income housing unit managed by the city of Alexandria. No minimum/maximum donation required. Please mark your gift for “Christmas Flowers.” 

Make a dedication
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Christmas Joy Offering

This PC(USA) Offering is shared by the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides critical assistance to Presbyterian church workers and their families; and Presbyterian-affiliated racial ethnic schools and colleges, which enable students to develop their gifts and find their calling. Remember our support to these two vital services as we seek to honor every child of God this Christmas season. Please mark your gift for “Christmas Joy Offering.” 

Make a gift

Christian Formation & Congregational Life

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Joy for All Ages! Christmas Edition

Sunday, December 1, 3-5 PM in Fellowship Hall

Youth & seniors are invited to a festive time of fellowship on the first Sunday of Advent! Together we will create ornaments, decorate cookies, sing carols, and celebrate this season of hope. RSVP if you can to help us plan supplies.

RSVP
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Boxwood Workshop

Tue, Dec 3 & Wed, Dec 4 | 9:30 AM-noon or 7:30-10 PM in Fellowship Hall

Come to one session or all four to make boxwood wreaths, centerpieces, tabletop trees, candlestick arrangements, kissing balls, and more. Cost of making items from $20-$50. Extra materials, bows made to order. Email Madeline Ramsey at crafts@wpc-alex.org to reserve or with questions.

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Boar's Head Feast

Saturday, December 14 at 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall | RSVP required by December 8

Sometimes called a “Madrigal Dinner,” this is a festive, fun-filled meal with entertainment for all ages. Members of the Westminster Choir will be dressed in Medieval and Renaissance attire and provide us with an evening of laughter and song! At the end of the evening, we join our voices in singing familiar carols to celebrate the season. Cost: $28/adult, $10/child (financial assistance available).

RSVP
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Weekly in Advent

Advent Devotional

Read online or pick up a paper copy at the church

Use this weekly devotional to prepare for the celebration of Christ’s coming into the world. Written by the staff and members of Westminster, experience Advent through Scripture, art, and prayer. Sign up on the website to receive each week’s devotion by email.