Christians have a special word for the four weeks before Christmas. It is Advent, which means “to come or arrive,” because this is the season when we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ arrival into the world at Christmas. We might be shopping, cooking, and decorating as we get our hearts and homes ready for Christmas. Most of all, we are waiting for the love that Jesus brings.
Christmas Eve
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
8:30PM | Worship after the Christmas Eve Breakfast | FLC Garrison Chapel
12:00PM | Worship and Holy Communion | EDU Murchison Chapel
3:00PM | Worship with Focus on Families with Children | Sanctuary
6:00PM | Worship with Candlelight and Holy Communion | Sanctuary
8:00PM | Worship with Candlelight and Holy Communion | Sanctuary
11:00PM | Worship with Candlelight and Holy Communion | Sanctuary
Details About Our CampUS
- Our Sanctuary Building is undergoing a significant renovation so that it is ready for the next century of worshipers to find a spiritual home here. That’s a good thing! It also means that it is surrounded by scaffolding. The main entrance to the Sanctuary is on Lavaca Street beneath the scaffolding. Ushers will be available to help you find your way in if this is your first time at First Church.
- Parking is available on the surrounding city streets and in the parking garage located on the southwest corner of 13th St. and Lavaca St. across from the Family Life Center. There is also a parking lot adjacent to the church that provides easier access to the Sanctuary for those who have small children or mobility challenges.
Our Christmas Offering
Black Mamas Village
This Christmas, strengthen community by helping Black Mamas Village (BMV) build bridges to health and belonging that change lives.
At a time when many families face housing insecurity, food shortages, and health disparities, Black Mamas Village provides connection, healing, and hope through its programs. The Village Place, BMV’s vibrant community hub in North Austin, serves hundreds of families weekly through a food pantry, resource navigation, and access to affordable childcare and mental health services.
Behind these numbers are powerful stories of transformation.
- One mother, battling postpartum depression, visited The Village Place and was able to entrust her baby to volunteers so that she could reset in our nap room. This simple act gave her the time and strength to face the challenges of working motherhood.
- Another mother, experiencing homelessness, found relief with a hot shower, library time with her sons, and housing support after escaping domestic violence.
- A third mother, a skilled massage therapist rebuilding after divorce, launched her business at The Village Place and now gives back by offering free wellness sessions to others.
Help First Church fund some of BMV’s most critical needs: a refrigerator and shelving for the food pantry, upgrades to the breastfeeding and nap rooms, event furniture, and a clothes dryer for the Free Store. Your gifts, marked “Christmas Offering,” may be brought to worship, mailed to or brought by the church office, or online by using the button below. Be sure to select “Christmas Offering” from the drop-down menu.
Diaper Collection
Now-Sunday, January 5
Sanctuary and FLC Foyers We are collecting diapers for the Austin Diaper Bank from Advent through Epiphany. A clean diaper means a happy, healthy baby, and recent studies say that nearly fifty percent of families with young children struggle to afford this basic need. Bring diapers of any size (sizes 4-6 are most needed) throughout this season in recognition of the fully human infant Jesus, and help us ensure that families have this essential for peaceful silent nights.
Special Events
Blue Christmas Service on the Longest Night
Saturday, December 21 | 4:00PM | EDU Murchison Chapel
Even in the midst of the wonder and expectation of Advent, many of us feel out of step with that joy and excitement. We have lost loved ones, faced disappointments or scary diagnoses, or just feel disconnected. If you are feeling blue because grief and depression do not disappear during the “happy holidays,” join us for this special worship service on the longest night of the year as we ask God to meet us in our grief and longing.
Cookie Baking for Christmas Eve Breakfast
Monday, December 23 | 9:00AM-12:00PM | FLC Great Hall and Kitchen
Cookies, coloring, ribbon, and more! Bring your favorite holiday apron to help with drop-and-bake cookies, assemble bags of cookies and gift bags, make placemats, write Christmas care notes, and other holiday preparations as we get ready to host our annual Christmas Eve Breakfast. For more information, contact Pastor Cathy Stone.
Christmas Eve Breakfast
Tuesday, December 24 | 6:30-8:30AM | Family Life Center
Start your Christmas celebrations with the gift of serving others as we host our unhoused neighbors for breakfast. Our guests will enjoy coffee and Christmas music beginning at 6:30AM, with breakfast served at 7:00AM. Many have made these volunteer opportunities a meaningful part of their Christmas traditions. Spaces fill fast so sign up now.