Advent at UPC
The journey to Bethlehem unfolds!
Prepare
For centuries, Christians have observed a time of spiritual preparation leading up to Christmas, called Advent. By “letting every heart prepare Him room,” we make the celebration of Christmas, when it arrives, more meaningful. Join us on the Journey!
Celebrate
When the sun goes down on December 24, the time for celebration has begun! The Twelve Days of Christmas are December 25 – January 5, with the Feast of the Epiphany (the Manifestation of Christ) right after that. Come and celebrate!
Reflect
From Epiphany through Shrove Tuesday (a.k.a. Mardi Gras, “Fat Tuesday,” the day before Lent begins), we reflect on what it means to bear the Light of Christ into the world.
Advent
Advent Worship
Advent is a season that looks forward to the Second Advent of Christ while also looking back to the time before Christ was born, to those who longed for his First Advent. Join us as we rediscover the Season of Joyful Waiting.
Dec 1, 8, 15, and 22, 2024
Advent Vespers
Vespers (Evening Prayer) on our YouTube Channel on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of Advent at 6:30 PM (Central). This service features scripture, Psalms, canticles, and prayer. A quiet, reflective way to end the Lord’s Day.
Dec 1 and 15, 2024
Crèche Display
You’ll be inspired and delighted by this huge collection of over 300 crèches from our church community and the broader Fort Madison community too! Click the link above for hours.
Dec 1-6, 2024
Community Caroling
Do you love singing the great songs of the season? Then join us as we spread joy of by going and singing to those who are homebound. We’ll meet at the church at 5:00 PM and then set out. Afterward, we’ll return to the church for seasonal treats.
Dec 22, 2024
Christmas
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
Don’t miss this annual service of singing the beloved hymns of Christmas, hearing the Christmas Story, celebrating the Sacrament Holy Communion, and lighting candles to remind us that we each bear the Light of Christ into the World!
Dec 24, 2024
Christmas Day (Online)
Worship with us wherever you are on this Christmas Day! The service will premiere on YouTube at 10:00 AM CST, but it will be immediately archived, so you can tune in any time on Christmas Day.
Dec 25, 2024
5th Day of Christmas
Christmas didn’t end on Christmas Day: Christmas has barely BEGUN! Today is only the Fifth Day of Christmas! Come join us as we worship our new-born Savior and Lord.
Dec 29, 2024
12th Day of Christmas
Today is the Twelfth Day of Christmas, which means tonight is Epiphany Eve or Twelfth Night. Come worship Christ with us as we close out the Season of Christmas. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated at this service.
Jan 5, 2025
Epiphany and Beyond
Worship: Baptism of the Lord
As we celebrate the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, we also remember our own baptisms and give thanks to God for the grace of regeneration–new life in Christ! Come join us for this special occasion.
Jan 12, 2025
Worship: Candlemas
Candlemas, also known as the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, is 40 days after Christmas and in many traditions is the official end of the Christmas season. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated.
Feb 2, 2025
Transfiguration Sunday
Transfiguration Sunday is the last Sunday before Lent begins. We’ll remember how Christ showed his glory on the mountaintop before he made his way to Jerusalem. The Sacrament of Holy Communion will be celebrated in this service.
Mar 2, 2025
Scots Bannock Night Pancake Supper
We bid farewell to the winter cycle of holy days with one last celebration: a traditional Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Scottish Style. There will even be several different kinds of Louisiana King Cakes on hand to end the festive season in style!
Mar 4, 2025
Click on any items above for more information. If you have any questions, please click the button below.