Sunday, December 1                             

1st Sunday of Advent Worship | 10:00 a.m

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

“Making Room (Hope)” | Psalm 25:4-5, Jeremiah 33:14-16 (CEB)

​We usually associate fasting with Lent, but the Eastern Church observes a “Nativity Fast” in preparation for the birth of Christ, particularly fasts from gluttony. We are invited this year to an understanding of fasting as “making room” for the Holy. Let us create room for more hope in the world as we learn to reallocate and multiply resources in ways that are just and right. 

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Tuesday, December 3 

Blue Christmas Service  | 7:00 p.m.                      

A meditative service in the chapel for those who find the holiday season challenging, overwhelming, or experienced with grief.​​

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Sunday, December 8

 2nd Sunday of Advent Worship | 10:00 a.m.                                

                        “A Place at the Table (Peace)” | ​Baruch 5:1-5; Philippians 1:9-11 (CEB)

Like the childhood game of “musical chairs,” we are convinced there are not enough places at the table. So, we shrink the guest list just in case there is not enough, and we scramble to occupy the chairs first. And yet our sacred texts invite us to imagine and make real the gathering of all people to the table, robed in the garments of a Peace that comes with justice. This is what really matters– this is the fruit of what is right and good.

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Friday, December 13

Christmas Concert & Carol Sing-Along | FUMC Sanctuary | 7:00 p.m.                               

Our musicians will enhance our season with beautiful music and invite us to sing our favorite carols with them.

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Sunday, December 15

3rd Sunday of Advent Worship | 10:00 a.m.                                

“How Much is Enough? (Joy)” | Isaiah 12::2-6; Luke 3:10-14 (CEB)

As John baptized new converts, he invited them to live with “changed hearts and lives.” When asked how to do that, his answers all point to making sure no one is cheated or left without the basic necessities of life, including the right not to be harassed. A full life of joy, which the prophet Isaiah describes as an ever-flowing spring, is the birthright of all children of God. May we act to make it so.

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Sunday, December 22

4th Sunday of Advent Worship | 10:00 a.m.                                

“A Room with a View (Love)” | Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46-55 (CEB)

The Chancel Choir will present the Christmas musical “A Thrill of Hope” by Joel Raney. The music explores the themes of Advent through four musical settings: “A Thrill of Hope”, “A Gift of Love”, “A Prayer for Peace”, and “A Song of Joy”. The music features an array of familiar carols and hymns, all arranged in a wide variety of moods and musical styles, to create a riveting retelling of the Christmas story.

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Tuesday, December 24 

Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship | 8:00 p.m.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion                        

“The Inn” | Isaiah 9:2-7 & Luke 2:1-20 (CEB)

It is the night we celebrate the opening of the most precious gift of presence we know — the birth of the Christ Child, the Light of the World. As we celebrate Holy Communion and light our candles, we open our hearts to becoming part of the gift of light in the world.​

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Sunday, December 29

1st Sunday After Christmas Worship | 10:00 a.m.                                 

“Dwelling” | Colossians 3:12-17 (NRSV)

Developed in the 14th century, the word “dwell” became known as a “lingering” or “abiding.” It had connections to “in-habit”–another word developed at that time. After an Advent/Christmas season of focusing on housing the holy, how will we linger and abide in this habit of hospitality? What habits did you invite into your heart in this season that you desire to take with you into the new year? How might we sustain the dwelling places that feed, house, and clothe those who need it most?

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