Tis the season! Our AWAB Member churches are ready to welcome you and your family home for the holidays. Know that these churches are here to fully embrace you as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
Below is a list of our LGBTQ+ welcoming and affirming churches and a listing of special holiday events from Advent through the New Year. Be sure to check back regularly for updates throughout the month of December!
The list below is curated for holiday events, but you can find our complete list of welcoming and affirming churches HERE.
Alabama
Baptist Church of the Covenant – 2117 University Blvd. Birmingham, AL 35233
December 1 – 9:00 AM – First Sunday of Advent Worship – “You Are a Blessing” – Mary is described as “blessed among women.” She is neither wealthy nor powerful, and yet she is chosen to bear God’s child. Her story begins with blessedness, and so does ours, for the prophet Isaiah declares that we are claimed by a God who calls our name. We are a blessing because we belong to God. When blessedness if our beginning, we begin to see the world – and others – through the eyes of a God who says, “You are precious in my sight.”
December 4 – 6:00 PM – Wednesday Night Fellowship – Reindeer Games – Wear your tackiest Christmas outfit and come prepared to play Reindeer Games with your church family. This intergenerational evening will include games and making a Christmas snack.
December 8 – 9:00 AM – Second Sunday of Advent Worship – “Do the Good That Is Yours to Do” As John the Baptist is teaching about bearing good fruit, the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers ask him, “What, then, should we do?” His answer to each group is slightly different, but ultimately the same: “Do the good that is yours to do.” We can each bear good fruit through acts of justice and righteousness. We can all be what Isaiah calls “repairers of the breach” by satisfying the needs of the afflicted.
December 8 – 3:00 PM – Embellishments Handbell Ensemble Concert – The Embellishments Handbell Ensemble under the direction of Phyllis Kirk will present their fall concert Christmas Favorites at BCOC on Sunday, December 8. This is an exciting program of arrangements of some of your favorite Christmas tunes, both sacred and secular. Embellishments is an auditioned handbell ensemble comprised of ringers from Birmingham and the surrounding areas.
December 14 – 5:00 to 8:00 pm – Parent’s Night Out/Kids Christmas Party – BCOC Youth will provide 3 hours of child-care to include supper; holiday crafts; packing Take What You Need bags, and games galore.
December 15 – 9:00 am – Third Sunday of Advent – We Can’t Go Alone – One of life’s most essential lessons is that we are never meant to go alone. Beloved community is a gift of God. The Covenant Choir will remind us of the preciousness of this gift through their presentation of The Many Moods of Christmas, arranged by Robert Shaw and Robert Russell Bennett. This arrangement of our favorite carols will warm our hearts and open our eyes to the love we share.
December 18 – 6:00 PM – Wednesday Night Fellowship – Christmas Pageant – Intergenerational Christmas pageant complete with costumes and props. Hot chocolate bar after.
December 22 – 9:00 AM – Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship – Hope Is Worth the Risk – Hope is vulnerable and can feel like a tremendous risk, especially if you’ve experienced loss or trauma. But Mary shows us a resilient hope that takes risks – she risks her body to bear a son who will become the hope of her people. Similarly, Joseph makes a risky choice to stay with Mary; dismissing her quietly would have kept him safe. But instead, he chooses hope. He chooses to trust the angel, and it makes all the difference. It can feel safer and easier to be a cynic, but the world doesn’t need more cynics. It needs people who say, “It can be better” and make it so.
December 24 – 4:00 PM – Christmas Eve Worship – Love Knows Your Name – Christ’s birth makes the vastness of God personal. The God who made the seas and the stars is also the God who made your beautiful hair and striking eyes. The God of creation takes on flesh, which means you are fully known. When the angels visit the shepherds in the fields, their message is global but also personal; “To you…a savior is born.” This birth is good news for everyone, especially those who are ignored or disenfranchised. On this night, God is born, and this God of love knows your name.
December 29 – 10:00 AM – First Sunday of Christmas Worship – “Don’t Forget to Laugh: A Lessons and Laughter Liturgy” – The birth of Christ brings good news of great joy to all people which is cause for celebration. On this Sunday after Christmas, we encourage you to be playful, to not take yourself too seriously, to laugh. For laughter is like hope – it has a ripple effect. It’s one of many ways we live and share the good news.
January 5 – 9:00 am – Epiphany Sunday Worship – The Road Isn’t Straight – Too often we’ve been told that a successful life is a linear one. But in reality, our lives unfold with many unexpected twists and turns. The Magi follow a star, embarking on a long journey into a foreign land in order to honor the newborn Christ. Instead of returning to Herod as commanded, they trust their dreams and go home by another way. Their road isn’t straight, but God “makes a way in the wilderness” as they follow their intuition and diverge from the expected path.
Visit http://www.baptistchurchofthecovenant.org for more information or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bcoc.bhm/
Alaska
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Arizona
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Arkansas
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California
Colorado
Calvary Baptist Church of Denver, 6500 E Girard Ave, Denver, CO, 80224
12/3 – 6:30 pm – Blue Christmas Service
12/22 – 4 pm – Calvary Christmas Concert & Reception – After the concert, a reception, children’s crafts, and a members market will be available.
12/24 – 4 pm – Christmas Eve Service
Visit calvarydenver.org for more information or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CalvaryBaptistChurchofDenver/
First Baptist Church of Denver – 1373 Grant St., Denver, CO 80203
12/24 – 7 pm – Non-Traditional Christmas Eve Service
Follow on Facebook @FirstBaptistDenver for more information.
Connecticut
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Florida
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Georgia
Milledge Avenue Baptist Church – 1690 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30605.
12/1 – 11 am – “Let the Whole World Sing” – worship service led by our choir featuring music from around the world as well as familiar carols.
12/15 – 10 am – Church-wide Christmas Brunch & Carols
12/24 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Service
For more information, visit our website at http://www.milledge.org or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MABCAthens
Oakhurst Baptist Church – 222 East Lake Dr, Decatur, GA 30030
12/7 – 10 am – Noon – Children’s Advent Festival – A Christmas Around the World event for children to welcome in the Advent season.
12/15 – 6 pm – Moravian Love Feast – An Oakhurst tradition since 1979, this simple service includes carols, music offerings, candle lighting, and baked love buns. The service is designed to include children.
12/22 – 6 pm – Longest Night/Blue Christmas Service – A contemplative service for anyone who might be experiencing grief or hardship during the season.
12/24 – 6 pm – Christmas Eve Service – A Service of Carols, Communion, and Candlelighting
12/25 – 3 pm – Eclectic Christmas Dinner
For more information, visit https://www.oakhurstbaptist.org/events Or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064618279252 or on Instagram: @oakhurstbaptistchurch
Hawaii
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Idaho
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Illinois
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Indiana
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Iowa
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Kansas
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Kentucky
Buechel Park Baptist Church – 2403 Hikes Lane – Louisville, KY
Every Sunday in Advent – Advent Worship – 10:55 AM
12/18 – 6 pm – The Longest Night: A Winter Service of Healing and Hope – There’s an Advent tradition within Western Christianity of inviting people to come together for the Longest Night, a night around the time of the winter solstice, when there are more hours of darkness than light. It’s a time to come together for prayers and laments, to mourn the losses and griefs of the year, to let the tears flow for the hurting places in our own lives, as well as for our country and our world. Known also as “Blue Christmas,” Longest Night is a safe and sacred space to share anguish, to pray for justice and restoration, even to hope against hope, through our doubts and tears and fears, that “God will set things right all over the earth” (2 Samuel 2:10).
12/24 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion
Visit www.bpbaptist.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/buechelpark for more information
Crescent Hill Baptist Church – 2800 Frankfort Avenue Louisville, KY 40206
12/1 – 10:45 am – First Sunday of Advent – Hope
12/8 – 10:45 am – Second Sunday of Advent – Lessons and Carols, Peace
12/15 – 10:45 am – Third Sunday of Advent – Joy
12/22 – 10:45 am – Fourth Sunday of Advent – Love
12/24 – 5:30 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Follow Cresent Hill on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CHBCKY/ or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crescenthillbaptistchurch for more information
Faith Baptist Church – 116 Pocahontas Tr. Georgetown, KY 40324
Christmas Eve Service – 5 PM and 11 PM
Visit www.familyoffaith.net or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/faithbaptistky/ for more information.
Louisiana
Northminster Church – 2701 Lamy Ln. Monroe, LA 71201
12/15 – 6 pm – Children’s Program and Chili Supper – This is an annual tradition. We gather for chili and celebrate the season!
12/24 – 6 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Visit http://www.northmin.org for more information or follow on Facebook @Northminister
Maine
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Maryland
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Massachusetts
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Michigan
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Minnesota
University Baptist Church, Minneapolis – 1219 University Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
12/24 – Christmas Eve Service – 4:30 pm
1/11 – Spencer LaJoye Concert – 7 pm – Spencer is playing at the Roots Cellar, a folk/alternative venue in the basement of University Baptist Church
Mississippi
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Missouri
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Montana
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Nebraska
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Nevada
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New Hampshire
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New Jersey
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New Mexico
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New York
Brockport First Baptist – 124 Main St, Brockport, NY
12/24 – 4 pm – Christmas Eve Service
Visit http://www.brockportfirstbaptist.org or https://www.facebook.com/brockportfirstbaptist for more information.
Emmanuel Baptist Church, Albany – 275 State Street, Albany, NY
Sunday(s) Dec 1, 8, 15, 22 – 10 am – Advent Worship – How Does a Weary World Rejoice?
12/24 – Chrismas Eve Service – 7:30 pm – Theme: How Does a Weary World Rejoice? We Make Room
Visit https://www.emmanuelalbany.net/ for more information or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EmmanuelBaptistChurchAlbany
First Baptist Church of Rochester – 175 Allens Creek Rd, Rochester, NY 14618
12/15 – 10 am – Christmas Cantata – Original Christmas Cantata written by Henry Griffin
12/24 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Service – Traditional Christmas Eve Service
12/29 – 10 am – Jammies and Jingles – Come dressed in your jammies, ready to sing traditional Christmas Carols in community.
Visit rochesterfbc.org or follow on Facebook @ FirstRochesterNY or Instagram @rochesterfirstbaptist for more information.
North Carolina
College Park Baptist Church – 1601 Walker Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27403
12/4 – 6 pm – Blue Christmas Service – This is a service to hold space for grief in the Christmas season.
12/11 – 6 pm – Lovefeast – This is a Baptist version of the Moravian Lovefeast, with readings and carols.
12/24 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Service
Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/collegeparkchurch or on Instagram @collegeparkgso
Greenwood Forest Baptist Church – 110 SE Maynard Road Cary, NC 27511
12/18 – 6 pm – Service of Lament – A service to mourn losses during the holiday season.
12/22 – 11 am – Service of Lessons and Carols – A traditional holiday service with readings and Christmas Carols
12/24 – 8 pm – Christmas Eve Service
12/24 – 11 am – Children’s Christmas Eve Service – Intended for younger children, but adults are also welcome!
Visit http://gfbccary.org or follow on Facebook @greenwoodforestcary or Instagram @fbccary for more information
Providence Baptist Church – Providence House, 1215 Oakland St, Hendersonville, NC
12/7 – 3-5 pm – Church and Community Christmas Party – Music, food, and holiday cheer. All are welcome!
Fridays, 12/6, 12/13, and 12/20, – 11 am – Advent Bible Study led by Marcy Mynatt – Bring a bag lunch if you would like!
12/24 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Lovefeast and Candlelight Service – A service inspired by the Moravian tradition including music and scripture,along with a simple meal of sweet buns and coffee.
Visit https://wwwprovidencecongregation.org for more information
St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church – 1600 Norris Ave – Charlotte, NC 28206
12/1 – 10 am – Sunday Morning Worship- World Aids Day/First Sunday of Advent
12/8 – 3 pm – The Gospel of Christmas: Christmas Musical
Follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube at @StLukeCLT
North Dakota
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Ohio
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Oklahoma
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Oregon
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Pennsylvania
First Baptist Church, Pottstown – 414 High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464
12/24 – 7:30 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Lessons and Carols – A joyful, welcoming, and inclusive celebration of the birth of Jesus! Kid-friendly, neuro-diverse sensitive.
Visit http://fbcpottstown.org for more information or follow on Facebook search First Baptist Church, Pottstown, Pa
Royersford Baptist Church – 452 S. Lewis Rd Royersford PA 19468
12/15 – 9:30 AM – Christmas Cantata “Appalachian Winter”
Held during our regular Sunday morning worship, our Christmas Cantata is a special event with vocalists, instrumentalists, readings, and more. Join us as we worship together through the music of “Appalachian Winter” – all are welcome! There will be a reception afterward.
12/24 – 7 pm – Christmas Eve Service – A family-friendly candlelight service.
Visit rofobaptist.org or Facebook.com/rbcabc for more information
The Baptist Church of West Chester – 221 S High St, West Chester, PA
12 / 11 – 7 pm – Blue Christmas Service – This will be a reflective and interactive service for all those experiencing any type of grief or loss.
12/24 – 7 pm – Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols Service
Visit http://bcwc.org for more information or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079647278931 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bcwestchester/
Rhode Island
Phillips Memorial Baptist Church – 565 Pontiac Ave, Cranston, RI 02920
12/15 – 6:30 pm – Candlelight Christmas Concert – All are welcome! Phillips ensembles will perform, including Children’s Chime Choir, Bass Clef Carolers, Sanctuary Ringers, Chancel Singers, and the JOY Praise Team. Anne Diamond, flutist, and Roberta Ricci, cellist, will join on some of the selections. The concert is free and open to the public. A reception in Fellowship Hall will follow the concert.
12/22 – 6:30 pm—Christmas Eve (Eve Eve) Service—This is an interactive service of song, candle-lighting, and our youngest members of the PMBC family presenting the Christmas story to us. Hot chocolate and cookies will follow.
Visit phillipschurch.org for more information or follow on Facebook @PhillipsChurch
South Carolina
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South Dakota
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Tennessee
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Texas
Royal Lane Baptist Church – 6707 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX, 75230
12/1 – 9:45 am – Eventful Advent – An opportunity for children, youth, and families to create an experiential Advent box.
12/1 – 12:15 pm – Missions Stocking Stuffing for Hope Supply
12/4 – 12:00 pm – Lunch + Learn, Scott Ayers, “A Keyboard Christmas”
12/5, 12/12, 12/19 – 6:00 pm – Advent Bible Study on Malachi
12/8 – 11:00 am – Hanging of the Green
12/11 – 12:00 pm – Lunch + Learn, Glenn Hummel & SimonSex Brass. “Sounds of the Season”
12/13 – 5:30 pm – Posada y Piñata & Holidy Parents Night Out
12/18 – 12:00 pm – Lunch + Learn, Alison Read, “Holiday Harp”
12/18 – 6:00 pm – Mourning Light
12/20 – 6:00 pm – Youth Christmas Party
12/21 – 4:00 pm – Krist-mas with Ken Medema
12/22 – 11:00 am – Worship featuring Guest Artist, Ken Medema & Choir
12/24 3:00p Children’s Nativity Service
12/24 6:00p Carols, Candlelight, & Communion
Visit https://royallane.org/resources/events/calendar/ or follow on Facebook: Royal Lane Baptist Church, or Instagram: royallanebaptist for more information
Seventh & James Baptist Church – 602 James Avenue Waco, TX 76706
12/15 – 6:30 pm – Messiah Sing-Along
Visit https://seventhandjames.org/advent/ or follow on Facebook or Instagram @SeventhandJames for more information
Utah
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Vermont
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Virginia
Ginter Parke Baptist Church (Chamberlayne Heights UMC )- 6100 Chamberlayne Rd, Richmond VA 23227
12/4 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Worship – Communion and Candlelight Service
Visit http://www.ginterparkbc.org or Facebook – Facebook.com/ginterparkbaptistchurch, or Instagram – @ginterparkbc for more information
Ravensworth Baptist Church – 5100 Ravensworth Road Annandale, VA 22003
Sunday(s) Dec 1, 8, 15 & 22 11 am — Advent Services — We’ll be celebrating Advent with our theme of “Words for the Beginning” through poetry, music, and art inspired by quilts.
12/24 – 4 pm – Christmas Eve Service – Join us for a service for all ages as we celebrate Christmas Eve through poetry, music, and Scripture.
1/5 – 11 am – Epiphany Observed Service – We’ll be celebrating the observance of Epiphany and drawing our star words (a special word to help inspire us in personal growth) for the new year.
Visit www.ravensworthbaptist.org or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RbcVA
for more information
Williamsburg Baptist Church – 227 Richmond Rd. Williamsburg, VA 23185
12/24 – 5 pm – Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship Service
Follow on Facebook @williamsburgbaptist1828 for more information
Washington
Seattle First Baptist Church – 1111 Harvard Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122
12/8 – 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Celebration of Light and Joy
All are welcome to Seattle First Baptist Church for our 5th Annual Celebration of Light and Joy! We welcome our members, friends, and neighborhood to join us on Sunday, December 8 at noon for a Lunch with Santa followed by a Christmas Carol-Sing in our beautifully decorated Sanctuary! Children and youth are especially welcome to take a photo with Santa and share in the joy of the season!
12/24 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service –
For more information, visit http://seattlefirstbaptist.org or check out @seattlefirstbaptist (Facebook and Instagram)
West Virginia
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Wisconsin
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Wyoming
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International Ministries
First Baptist Church, Guelph (Ontario, Canada) – 255 Woolwich St., Guelph, ON
12/11 – 7 pm – Yuletide Stories and Songs – Collaboration with the Guelph Guild of Storytellers and our own musicians. Free event open to everyone, featuring stories, songs and refreshments.
12/24 – 5 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service – Candlelight service celebrating Christmas Eve. Everyone welcome.
Visit https://fbcg.ca/upcoming-events/ or follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistchurchguelph/ or on Instagram @fbcguelph