Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco in California will celebrate the Christmas holidays with a variety of events, starting with Advent services, which began on Sunday, Nov. 27, and will continue until Sunday, Dec. 18.

Christmas Events 

As they have in the past, the Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco will be cooking and serving meals to individuals who are in need. 

Everyone was encouraged to voluntarily contribute their time and efforts to the project. They will prepare the main entrée, sides, salads, and desserts in their homes in advance and bring them to the Canon Kip Center on Natoma Street to serve up to 24 guests.

Aside from this, the church will also hold a “Songs for Peace: Christmas Carols and Blessings,” on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 5:30 p.m.

According to the church’s post, they will be celebrating the holiday season with songs, carols, and meditations on peace, and they would like the community to join them in doing so. 

They will also celebrate the arrival of Christmas with a song, featuring members of the choir from the Swedenborgian Church as well as special guests. 

Per the post, the Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco extends an invitation to the community to participate in the Christmas Eve Services that will be held with candlelight on Dec. 24. 

Caroling will be part of the service that begins at 5 p.m. and is oriented toward families and children. Candles are lit for both the 7 and 9 p.m., and both include lessons and music.

With their Christmas Day service, it will be led by Rev. Lee at 11 a.m.

About Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco

Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco was founded with the mission of assisting individuals in becoming more receptive to the Lord's presence and guidance, promoting individuals' spiritual well-being, and working to heighten their awareness of the new age in which they now find themselves.

A regular Protestant Christian service begins at their church on Sunday at 11 a.m. and typically lasts for around 60 minutes to an hour. Following the service, they will serve free coffee and fellowship hour at the Parish House for anyone who would like to join them.

According to the church’s website, it was the first and only place of worship in the entire city of San Francisco to receive this distinction. 

It has been over 15 years since any structure in San Francisco was designated a Landmark, and Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco was the first privately held property to get this honor since the Bank of Italy in 1978.

On Aug. 18, 2004, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton designated it as a National Historic Landmark at the "Level Four" level.

In terms of new architectural imagery, integration with the site, garden design, and the utilization of natural materials, the Swedenborgian Church of San Francisco is a critically important example of the American contribution to the Arts and Crafts Movement.