Free Advent Festival at First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell

Community residents are invited to close Thanksgiving weekend and open the Christmas season by participating in an Advent Festival at the First Presbyterian Church at Caldwell at 2:00 on Sunday, November 27. The free Sunday afternoon event offers the opportunity to prepare for Christmas by making ornaments and other decorations.

Fifteen craft stations will provide something for all ages and skill levels. All supplies are provided at no cost, and helpers will be on hand at each table. This year’s crafts include several wood projects, different snowman choices, and ornaments that reflect the season, among others. In keeping with the church’s participation in the GreenFaith program, recycled materials have been chosen where possible.

The crafting sessions will end at 4:00 and will be followed by a brief devotional time and a short carol sing led by church members Rey Mercado and Kris George.

Many church members have taken part in choosing the 2016 crafts and preparing the materials so that everyone will find it easy to create something meaningful and beautiful. Team members note that the church is happy to share the joy of the season with the community.

Parents are encouraged to work with younger children, as this is intended to be an opportunity to promote family togetherness. Older children, teenagers, and adults will also find it easy to participate alone or with a friend.

Although the event is free, attendees are invited to contribute a staple item for the emergency food pantry as a voluntary “admission fee.” So that enough materials can be prepared, pre-registration is necessary. Registration can be done at the 10:00 AM Sunday worship services, by calling the church office at 973-228-0310, or online at www.firstprescaldwell.org. The deadline for all types of registration is noon on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

The First Presbyterian Church is located at 326 Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, on the corner of Bloomfield and Roseland Avenues. The event will be held in the lower level Fellowship Hall, which is entered off Westville Avenue. An elevator is available for easy access to Fellowship Hall.