This season, Make Room for Jesus with First Methodist Church. As we enter into this time of Advent and preparation, let's reflect on the importance of making space in our hearts and lives for the one who brings hope, peace, joy, and love into the world.
Through worship, service, and community, First Methodist invites you to join in the spirit of anticipation and celebration. Together, let's prepare not only our homes but also our hearts for the coming of Christ. Whether you're seeking a place to belong, grow in faith, or share in the joy of the season, there is room for you here.
Make room for Jesus—through prayer, acts of kindness, and by opening yourself to the transformation He offers. We look forward to walking this Advent journey with you.
Join us this season at First Methodist Church.
Through worship, service, and community, First Methodist invites you to join in the spirit of anticipation and celebration. Together, let's prepare not only our homes but also our hearts for the coming of Christ. Whether you're seeking a place to belong, grow in faith, or share in the joy of the season, there is room for you here.
Make room for Jesus—through prayer, acts of kindness, and by opening yourself to the transformation He offers. We look forward to walking this Advent journey with you.
Join us this season at First Methodist Church.
FAMILY ADVENT NIGHT
DECEMBER 1ST @ 5:00PM
It’s time to journey through the season of Advent! Advent means “coming,” and during this special season, we prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of Christ. We invite you to join us for Family Advent Night, where we will come together to create an Advent wreath that your family can take home and use as part of your Advent celebrations.
As we gather, we’ll focus on the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace—the core messages of Advent. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the season and create lasting traditions for your family.
We look forward to seeing you there!
DECEMBER 1ST @ 5:00PM
It’s time to journey through the season of Advent! Advent means “coming,” and during this special season, we prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of Christ. We invite you to join us for Family Advent Night, where we will come together to create an Advent wreath that your family can take home and use as part of your Advent celebrations.
As we gather, we’ll focus on the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace—the core messages of Advent. This will be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of the season and create lasting traditions for your family.
We look forward to seeing you there!
MORAVIAN LOVE FEAST AND CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
DECEMBER 8TH @ 5:00PM
You're invited to the Moravian Love Feast and Candlelight Service held in the Church Sanctuary, Sunday, December 8th at 5:00 PM. Warm mugs of sweetened coffee, prepared in the Moravian tradition, and authentic Moravian buns are served to the congregation. Seasonal music and Christmas carols set a festive tone while the congregation enjoys the “feast.” The candle portion of the service began as a Moravian children’s service. Handmade beeswax candles decorated with a red paper frill are distributed to each worshiper. The beeswax candles have been variously described as symbolizing the purity of Christ and the sacrifice of Christ as the light of the world. The candles are lit while the worship space is darkened except for a large illuminated Moravian Advent Star. Often led by a child, worshipers sing the antiphonal hymn, Morning Star, O Cheering Sight. After the last hymn, the worshipers carry their lighted candles out into the world. While the Love Feast dates back to 1727, this service has been a tradition at First Methodist Church since December 1988.
DECEMBER 8TH @ 5:00PM
You're invited to the Moravian Love Feast and Candlelight Service held in the Church Sanctuary, Sunday, December 8th at 5:00 PM. Warm mugs of sweetened coffee, prepared in the Moravian tradition, and authentic Moravian buns are served to the congregation. Seasonal music and Christmas carols set a festive tone while the congregation enjoys the “feast.” The candle portion of the service began as a Moravian children’s service. Handmade beeswax candles decorated with a red paper frill are distributed to each worshiper. The beeswax candles have been variously described as symbolizing the purity of Christ and the sacrifice of Christ as the light of the world. The candles are lit while the worship space is darkened except for a large illuminated Moravian Advent Star. Often led by a child, worshipers sing the antiphonal hymn, Morning Star, O Cheering Sight. After the last hymn, the worshipers carry their lighted candles out into the world. While the Love Feast dates back to 1727, this service has been a tradition at First Methodist Church since December 1988.
CHANCEL CHOIR CANTATA
DECEMBER 15TH @ 8:30 AND 11:00AM
From the shimmering opening chords to the final climactic finish, O Holy Light carries singers and listeners through a journey of the celebration of The Light of the world. Filled with beloved carols and exciting songs from the inimitable Mary McDonald, this cantata captures the many moods of Christmas with a fresh voice. The narration explores God’s Light contrasted with the world’s darkness, and how the Holy Light of Jesus will never be quenched. Join us in the Sanctuary.
DECEMBER 15TH @ 8:30 AND 11:00AM
From the shimmering opening chords to the final climactic finish, O Holy Light carries singers and listeners through a journey of the celebration of The Light of the world. Filled with beloved carols and exciting songs from the inimitable Mary McDonald, this cantata captures the many moods of Christmas with a fresh voice. The narration explores God’s Light contrasted with the world’s darkness, and how the Holy Light of Jesus will never be quenched. Join us in the Sanctuary.
JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
DECEMBER 15TH
Christmas is a time of journeys. Long ago a young couple journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem - To welcome a child who had journeyed from the riches of heaven into the poverty of a manger - On a mission to redeem the world. On December 15th, you are invited to make a journey with us here at First Methodist. Begin the walking journey in the Fellowship Hall at 4:00 pm pausing at scenes of the first Bethlehem journey - seeing and hearing the announcements of the prophets, God’s words to Joseph and Mary, the busy Bethlehem Inn, the shepherds in the field, the angels, the wisemen, and of course, the little baby lying in a manger. Family groups will be setting these scenes; remember and celebrate the Journey to Bethlehem.
DECEMBER 15TH
Christmas is a time of journeys. Long ago a young couple journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem - To welcome a child who had journeyed from the riches of heaven into the poverty of a manger - On a mission to redeem the world. On December 15th, you are invited to make a journey with us here at First Methodist. Begin the walking journey in the Fellowship Hall at 4:00 pm pausing at scenes of the first Bethlehem journey - seeing and hearing the announcements of the prophets, God’s words to Joseph and Mary, the busy Bethlehem Inn, the shepherds in the field, the angels, the wisemen, and of course, the little baby lying in a manger. Family groups will be setting these scenes; remember and celebrate the Journey to Bethlehem.
CHRISTMAS CHEER
First Methodist adopts 50 families from Project Christmas Cheer each year. They are adopted by individuals, Sunday School classes, and other groups. Those not adopted are shopped for by the church shoppers. In addition to the gifts purchased by the persons who adopt the family, we furnish a box of food for each family. What can you do? 1)Adopt a family or child. 2) Give to the Christmas Cheer Fund to purchase food and gifts for those not adopted. 3) Help Deliver on December 21st.
First Methodist adopts 50 families from Project Christmas Cheer each year. They are adopted by individuals, Sunday School classes, and other groups. Those not adopted are shopped for by the church shoppers. In addition to the gifts purchased by the persons who adopt the family, we furnish a box of food for each family. What can you do? 1)Adopt a family or child. 2) Give to the Christmas Cheer Fund to purchase food and gifts for those not adopted. 3) Help Deliver on December 21st.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
DECEMBER 22ND
Sing the carols and share the joy of the season as we travel from home to home. All are welcome. We will gather at the church just before 3:00 and divide into small groups and drive in our separate cars to 5-8 houses per group and sing! This is a gift of joy and love sure to bless both those in their homes and those singing. Fa la la la la la la la la...
DECEMBER 22ND
Sing the carols and share the joy of the season as we travel from home to home. All are welcome. We will gather at the church just before 3:00 and divide into small groups and drive in our separate cars to 5-8 houses per group and sing! This is a gift of joy and love sure to bless both those in their homes and those singing. Fa la la la la la la la la...
POINSETTIAS
We invite you to donate a poinsettia in honor of or in memory of a loved one this Christmas season! The poinsettias will be used in our decorations for the Christmas season. Please complete the order form below by December 16th. Thanks!
On Christmas Eve, come celebrate the birth of Jesus with First Methodist Church in a joyful and meaningful way. Our Christmas Eve services are designed for everyone, including families and children, to come together in worship and awe of the miracle of Christ's birth.
Come make this Christmas Eve a time to remember—join us for worship, fellowship, and the wonder of Christ’s birth.
Merry Christmas from First Methodist Church! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
- The Rise Children's Service: A special service for young hearts, where children can participate and experience the true meaning of Christmas through stories, songs, and battery operated candles.
- Sanctuary Children's Service: Join us for a beautiful time of singing beloved carols that tell the story of Christ's coming, followed by the touching tradition of the candlelight service, symbolizing the light of Christ entering our world.
- Sanctuary Candlelight Service: Experience the beauty of the season through beloved carols and the timeless tradition of lighting candles to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
- Sanctuary Candlelight and Carols Service: This is a night to reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that the birth of Jesus brings to all.
Come make this Christmas Eve a time to remember—join us for worship, fellowship, and the wonder of Christ’s birth.
Merry Christmas from First Methodist Church! We can’t wait to celebrate with you.