Advent at First Lutheran

December 1–24

The Jesse Tree:  God's Story of Love & Grace


Through a series of 25 Bible stories, we will experience one continuous story; the promise of God’s love and forgiveness is our very own story of grace through Jesus Christ. 


The history behind the Jesse Tree stories begins the passage in Isaiah 11:1-2:

  • "A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow up out of his roots.
    The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit     of wisdom and understanding,
    the spirit of counsel     and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord."


This prophecy in Isaiah says from the Family Tree of Jesse, there will be hope. Jesse was the father to King David, and it was said, that the Messiah would come through the family line of King David (see Isaiah 11:1-10)

28th Annual

LUNCH in the LOFT

Join us for midweek concerts of organ music and other accompaniment for the Holiday Season! This series of  short performances of seasonal music can be a fun way to relax a bit and get in the festive spirit of the season.

  • Dec. 4 - Robin Wagner
  • Dec. 11 - Jacob Sprengler
  • Dec. 18 - Brett & Marita Wolgast

Concerts begin at 12:05 p.m. and are free and open to the public. Seating is available in the balcony or floor level. We invite you to bring a bag lunch or favorite carry-out.  Cookies and beverage provided.

  • Visiting the Creche

    Online Christmas Reflections


    Online Reflections available when you are look into the individuals in the classic creche, or nativity scene, along with other "background characters" of the Christmas Story.

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  • Advent Reflections
    Wednesdays, Dec 4 – 18
    11 a.m. Rm 307


    You know the hymn; we sing

    it every Advent. But what

    do all those titles and names

    for Jesus actually mean? And

    what do they mean for us?

    Come and find out Wednesday

    mornings during Advent!

    Our time together will end

    at noon, so we can enjoy the

    musical blessings of Lunch in

    the Loft.

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  • Handel's Messiah
    Sat., December 14, 7:30 pm
    Sun., December 15, 2:30 pm


    Come and hear a choral masterpiece with over
    100 singers from the C.R. Concert Chorale and First Lutheran Church Adult Choir will present the Christmas portion of G.F. Handel's "Messiah", with organ and orchestra backing.


    Tickets: $18 in advance at CRChorale.org

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  • Blue Christmas Worship
    Sunday, Dec. 8, 2 p.m.

    Our losses and memories of painful past experiences can be overwhelming in a season that is supposed to be joyful. Through scripture, prayer, song, and ritual we will seek to reflect on God’s presence in our midst, to release our burdens and to receive God’s good gifts.

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  • Children's Christmas Celebration

    Sunday, Dec. 15,

    in 11 a.m. worship


    The story presents
    The Jesse Tree: Jesus' Family

    Tree. This is a simple and meaningful skit about the

    tradition of sharing the stories from the scriptures

    beginning with creation to the birth of Jesus.

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  • Vocal Artists of Iowa Christmas Concert


    Dec. 22 at 3 p.m.

    Enjoy the Sounds of Christmas from this semi-professional     choir with many music professionals in their ensemble.

    No cost; $25 suggested donation

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Christmas Eve Worship

December 24

Children & Family Oriented Worship Services
3 p.m. (Junior Choir)

Contemporary Service

5 p.m. (Celebration Band-led w/ Youth Choir & Bells)

Traditional services

  7 p.m. (Adult Handbells) and 9 p.m. (Adult Choir)


Extended preludes from organ, piano & ensembles will begin
30 minutes prior to the 3, 7, & 9 p.m. worship services.


All Services will be streamed live online at
firstlutherancr.online.church or youtube.com/firstlutherancr


Following Christmas Eve: 
Dec. 28-29; Lessons & Carols worship at 5 p.m. Saturday and only  10 a.m. Sunday. 

There will be no Wednesday Echo Worship on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.