Photo gallery

The Sanctuary readied for Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve is a special service for the Christian tradition, as the faithful gather to remember the night of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. The First Baptist sanctuary is a sacred space, and many hours of preparation went into deciding and designing what would help attune worshippers to the season of Advent, which precedes Christmas, and the "finale" of the time of preparation known as Christmas eve.

Fire Place

As part of our Christmas Eve observances, a time of hospitality follows the service. We gather around the warm fire built by our sexton for the occasion. Many congregants and guests find this gathering time a good opportunity to reconnect and share holiday and holy day greetings with one another.

Musicians at work

Stephen Williams, the organist, performs alongside guest musician Sue Green, local trumpter and music educator.

Ready for Worship

The altar area features a variety of visual reminders of the season: a banner proclaims the prophet's word of a Child to be born, the Advent candles and Christ candle summon us to a faith that "waits, watches, and prays", and the trees and Nativity help complete the picture. A small wooden box, decorated by the children, helps our youngest worshippers remember the humble birth of Jesus.

Behindthescenes

Behind the scenes, a deacon and the cameraman check out the bountiful table being readied for the reception.

Behind the Scenes 2

The minister helps prep the young couple who will read the Luke 2 chapter, aka "the Nativity narrative, during the service.

Floral memorials and tributes

The congregation gives money during the holidays to remember and honor loved ones. The proceeds underwrite "the greenery fund" utilized by the church's altar guild throughout the rest of the year. Interested in giving? Please contact the church office at fboffice@sover.net to arrange a donation!

BehindtheScenes 3

Last minute franticness! The banner is askew! The minister teeters high above, fixing the banner as the altar guild says, "No, just a bit to the left...No! My left!"

The minister @ the pulpit

The minister prepares to preach the Christmas Eve sermon, known in the biz as "the long winter's nap" for the congregation....