LISBON — For many people, the holiday season begins with a long to-do list that continues to grow until it feels impossible. First Congregational United Church of Christ in Lisbon invites the community to slow down with Advent Unrushed, a two-part series offering time to plan with intention, let go of what no longer fits and make room to enjoy the season’s blessings.

The series is open to everyone. No church background or experience is needed, and participants do not need to attend both sessions, although the two are designed to complement each other.

Part I: Making Room will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. Participants will identify what is on their plates in the coming weeks, practice “subtracting before adding” and leave with a simple planning sheet and a written permission slip to do less. The session will include quiet reflection, short Scripture readings and small-group conversation.

Part II: Grace Enough will be held Thursday, Dec. 3, at 10 a.m. This quieter, contemplative check-in will take place after Advent has begun. Participants will revisit how the season is going, identify one thing they can set aside before Christmas and reflect on the blessings they have noticed so far.

“So many of us pile more onto an already long list until we feel defeated,” said Kathleen Hyde, pastor of First Congregational UCC Lisbon. “These sessions are about getting ahead of that and then coming back together when the season is in full swing, because permission to rest rarely sticks the first time. We all need to hear it more than once.”