Each year on the first Sunday of Advent, Westminster Presbyterian Church readies their sanctuary and church members for the season by the Hanging of the Greens service.

The service is based on the English tradition of decorating the home with wreaths, garlands, a Christmas tree and evergreens for Advent and Christmas. This year the service will occur at 6 p.m. on Dec. 2 in the church sanctuary at 1914 Shorter Ave., and everyone is welcome.

During the service, a church member uses scripture or readings to explain the meaning and significance of the colors used and each decorative item. Candles, the Advent Wreath, evergreens, holly, poinsettias and a nativity scene are brought in.

After each item’s explanation, there is an appropriate musical presentation by one of Westminster’s choirs, its youth, handbells or congregational singing. The last decorations are the Chrismons, ornaments which are simple designs of early or modern Christianity. These are placed by members and visitors on the sanctuary’s Chrismon tree, which symbolizes everlasting life.