CAMDEN — The First Congregational Church of Camden will host several festive events during “Christmas by the Sea” weekend in Camden, December 3 - 4, 2021.

Following CDC recommendations, all events taking place at the First Congregational Church require the wearing of KN95 masks, which will be provided to individuals at the door. The handbell concert on Saturday requires pre-registration; see details below.

On Friday, December 3, at 12 noon, the Church kicks off ‘Christmas by the Sea’ weekend with a fun and festive lunchtime concert of holiday selections featuring piano, organ, voice, flute, a dramatic reading, and more, lead by Director of Music, Matthew Mainster. This concert will be presented free of charge courtesy of First Congregational Church’s Friends of Music program. Donations will be welcomed in support of the Friends of Music program. No pre-registration is required.

On Saturday, December 4, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Holiday Craft Fair will be held in the Pilgrim and Mayflower Rooms, featuring a variety of fine crafts made by local artisans. Come shop for jewelry, natural handmade ornaments and holiday decorations, quilted and needle felted gifts, wreaths, soap, candles and more. No pre-registration is required. The number of shoppers inside the building may be limited at times to avoid excessive capacity.

Also on Saturday, December 4, from 4 pm to 5 pm, the church will host the “Ringing in the Season” handbell concert. Music will be provided by Choral Bells of the First Congregational Church of Camden, Penobscot Bay Ringers of Camden, and the Maho Hisakawa family trio (flute, piano, violin), also hailing from Camden. This concert is free of charge, with donations welcomed in support of the Knox County Homeless Coalition. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m.

IMPORTANT NOTE: For the handbell concert only, in-person audience will be limited to 100. Call or email the church by 4 p.m. on Friday, December 3 to reserve your seat: 207-236-4821 or churchoffice@camdenucc.org. The handbell concert will also be live streamed for those who can’t be there in-person. That link will be available at Facebook.com/PenobscotBayRingers.

Come and enjoy the crafts, music, and holiday cheer in downtown Camden.

For more information about these events, please contact The First Congregational Church at 236-4821.