For more than 35 years a group of volunteers travel to Birkhead mountain located near Mt Magazine to gather the greens.

Some are placed in charge of bringing down a few larger trees in order to harvest just the top.  Click here to see how it is done.

Of course the important thing with cutting down trees is to get out of the way when they fall.

Others are put in charge of cutting smaller trees and given the task of remembering we are just gathering GREENS

If you forget and leave a scarf hanging in a tree, just come back next year and it will still be there.

This is an action shot.  Unclear what the action is in the background.

The greens are placed on a tarp and dragged back to the open area to be loaded.

This method works better with a partner.

The trailer is filled to capacity.

Finally, the load is secured for the trip back to FCCDOC in Fort Smith.

Back at the church, experts teach novices the art of wreath making.

Only the finest branches are selected.

The rejects end up in a scrap pile which may still be used as accent pieces.

Another time honored tradition is the ringing of Hand Bells.  Some of the members of the current Disciples Bell Choir first started ringing bells at FCC as kids. 

Each Sunday an Advent Candle is lit.  Here we see the lighting of the second Advent Candle "The Bethlehem Candle" by the Bebensee Family

Chismons (monograms of Christ) are a type of Christmas Tree decoration used to represent a variety of Biblical and Theological concepts.  The ones used at FCCDOC are white and gold.

Disciples Choir is usually at its best during the Advent season.  Blue bows help decorate the church.

This "tree" is made up entirely of poinsettias.  More poinsettias accent the pulpit and are dedicated to special people in our lives.

The congregation decorates the Christmon Tree.

Window candles are lit.  Notice more ribbons and fresh greens. "We decorate our house with garlands of pine whose leaves are ever living, ever green." 

Please join us as we continue the tradition of celebrating the season of Advent at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fort Smith, Arkansas