Advent
You Belong Here!
This Advent, join us in a journey where questions are valued and community is cherished. Together, let’s find joy and meaning in the anticipation of the season, building a community that resonates with inclusivity, justice, and faith. Your story, your identity, your doubts, and your beliefs are all welcome and celebrated here at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. Come, be a part of our community this Advent season!
Christmas Eve Services
You're invited to Christmas Eve at NYAPC! Our services are filled with music, community, and warmth, perfect for embracing the season's true spirit. Whether you are a long-time member or a first-time visitor, you’ll find a welcoming space to reflect, rejoice, and renew your spirit.
10 am | Communion Worship
Our morning Christmas Eve service will include music by NYAPC Sanctuary Choir and our Professional Christmas Brass Quartet, a special Children’s Time, and communion. Join us for an extended carol prelude with brass beginning at 9:50 am.
5 pm | Traditional Candlelight Worship
Our evening Christmas Eve service will include music by NYAPC Sanctuary Choir and our Professional Christmas Brass Quartet, a special Children’s Time, and candlelight. Join us for an extended carol prelude with brass beginning at 4:50 pm.
Christmas Eve FAQ
We are located in the triangle formed by New York Avenue NW, H Street NW, and 13th Street NW, two blocks east of the White House, close to McPherson Square and Metro Center stations.
Free self-parking is available in the garage next to the church at 1399 New York Avenue NW. Please park in any non-reserved space.
There is also a bike share station right around the corner!
There are two ways to get to the Sanctuary. If you come up the outside stairs, you will enter in the back of the Sanctuary. You are also welcome to come through the entrance on the New York Avenue side and take the elevator or stairs to the second floor, where you then enter at the front of the Sanctuary, on either side of the pulpit.
Our Christmas Eve Worship Service lasts about an hour and fifteen minutes.
Yes! Our nursery is available at through worship on the 3rd floor for families with children up to 4 years old who choose to use it. Our nursery is staffed by paid and background–checked nursery workers.
We understand the importance of privacy and comfort. While our worship services are livestreamed, we have a designated off-camera section for those who prefer not to be shown on the livestream. Your choice is respected, and we want you to be able to fully engage in the worship experience. If you have any concerns, please speak with our staff. Your comfort is important to us!
Yes! Everyone’s welcome, and not only that, everyone’s celebrated just the way they are. NYAPC is a part of the More Light Presbyterians, “working toward the full participation of LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA) – and in society,” and part of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.
For those seeking a gender–neutral restroom, there is one on the 2nd floor, just outside the Sanctuary doors on the New York Avenue side of the building.
Absolutely! At NYAPC, we warmly welcome individuals from all walks of life, including those experiencing homelessness. Our church community is a place of inclusivity and compassion, where everyone is valued and respected. We recognize that homelessness is a challenging circumstance that some members of our community may face, and we are committed to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for all. You can expect to see individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who are currently unhoused, as we strive to create a community where everyone feels accepted and embraced. If you have any specific questions or would like to learn more about the resources and support we offer, please feel free to reach out to our church staff. We are here to ensure that everyone who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging and finds the love and care they deserve.
Up to you! Our members and visitors dress in a variety of ways, from “Sunday Best” to blue jeans and T-shirts.
Children are welcome, including all their excitement and noises. There is a dedicated children’s space in the back of the sanctuary with supplies and space for kids to wiggle. At each sanctuary entrance, there are brightly colored worship kits that children may borrow and use throughout worship at their seats. During worship, there is a children’s moment when children are invited forward to the front pew.
An accessible entrance is located on the New York Ave side of the building. There is elevator access to all floors of the building.
Assisted Listening Devices are available at the back of the sanctuary. The system consists of a small wireless receiver and headphones. You may also connect your t-coil equipped hearing aid to the receiver using an adapter. Please ask an usher for assistance.
Advent Sermon Series
Jesus was born into a weary world. King Herod ruled the land with a legacy of ruthlessness. The Romans treated the people of Israel with contempt, imposing harsh taxes and land seizures that forced many into subsistence farming. Poverty and destitution were pervasive. And yet, Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy for all people.
As Advent comes again to a weary world, we will seek a “thrill of hope” in our hurting world through stories from the first three chapters of the Gospel of Luke. We will create space for acknowledging the weariness of our world while celebrating God’s presence and the promise it brings with great joy. We will welcome joy—even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find many ways to rejoice in God’s good news this Advent.
Advent Events
Connect With Us This Advent
Have questions or need guidance?
We're here to help you navigate this special season. Reach out to us anytime!