In Advent, we celebrate the arrival of Jesus. But in the midst of Christmas celebrations, we can forget a simple, essential truth: Jesus came because we need Him. Advent is about the light of the world breaking into the darkness—not after the darkness is gone, but right in the middle of it. The same is true today. Jesus comes to us in the reality of our lives, not in some idealized version of them. In waiting and disappointment, He offers hope. In chaos and anxiety, He brings peace. In sorrow and emptiness, He surprises us with joy. And in all things, He is love. If you find yourself longing for the presence of Jesus in real life more than the sentimentality of the holiday season, I invite you to open the Scriptures and encounter afresh the light of the world.
Advent is for all who need it.
Advent is for all who need it.
FAMILY ADVENT NIGHT
November 30th @ 5:30PM
Celebrate the start of Advent with Kids Ministry! Families will decorate their own mini Chrismon trees to take home and learn the meaning behind each symbol. Enjoy dinner and fellowship with your family as we kick off this season of anticipation and hope, shining Christ’s light into the world together. Kid’s advent books are available in the Fellowship Hall lobby. Journey through the beauty of Advent with Heaven and Nature Sing. Explore the wonder of God’s creation, enjoy hands-on activities, and discover how all of heaven and earth point to the joy of Jesus’ coming.
November 30th @ 5:30PM
Celebrate the start of Advent with Kids Ministry! Families will decorate their own mini Chrismon trees to take home and learn the meaning behind each symbol. Enjoy dinner and fellowship with your family as we kick off this season of anticipation and hope, shining Christ’s light into the world together. Kid’s advent books are available in the Fellowship Hall lobby. Journey through the beauty of Advent with Heaven and Nature Sing. Explore the wonder of God’s creation, enjoy hands-on activities, and discover how all of heaven and earth point to the joy of Jesus’ coming.
MORAVIAN LOVEFEAST AND CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
DECEMBER 7TH @ 6:00PM
The Moravian Lovefeast and Candlelight Service will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 5:00 PM. Sweetened coffee, prepared in the Moravian tradition, and Moravian buns are served. Seasonal music and Christmas carols set a festive tone while the congregation enjoys the “feast.” Handmade beeswax candles decorated with a red paper frill are distributed to each worshiper. While the Lovefeast dates back to 1727, this service has been a tradition at First Methodist Church since December 1988.
DECEMBER 7TH @ 6:00PM
The Moravian Lovefeast and Candlelight Service will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 5:00 PM. Sweetened coffee, prepared in the Moravian tradition, and Moravian buns are served. Seasonal music and Christmas carols set a festive tone while the congregation enjoys the “feast.” Handmade beeswax candles decorated with a red paper frill are distributed to each worshiper. While the Lovefeast dates back to 1727, this service has been a tradition at First Methodist Church since December 1988.
CHANCEL CHOIR CANTATA
DECEMBER 14TH @ 8:30 AND 11:00AM
On Sunday, December 14, our Chancel Choir will present the world premiere of Mary McDonald’s compelling three-movement original work, a soaring expression of praise to “God alone, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” Gloria offers a vibrant and fresh contribution to the Latin sacred repertoire and will be shared during both the 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM worship services.
DECEMBER 14TH @ 8:30 AND 11:00AM
On Sunday, December 14, our Chancel Choir will present the world premiere of Mary McDonald’s compelling three-movement original work, a soaring expression of praise to “God alone, the Author and Finisher of our faith.” Gloria offers a vibrant and fresh contribution to the Latin sacred repertoire and will be shared during both the 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM worship services.
KIDS CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
DECEMBER 14TH @ 6:00PM
Join us for a heartwarming evening as our Kids Choir presents Uncertain Poor Shepherds, a delightful Christmas musical that retells the birth of Jesus through the eyes of humble shepherds who discover hope, joy, and purpose in the manger. Come support our children as they share the message of Christmas through song, story, and celebration. Bring your family and friends and enjoy Cookies and Cocoa after the show!
DECEMBER 14TH @ 6:00PM
Join us for a heartwarming evening as our Kids Choir presents Uncertain Poor Shepherds, a delightful Christmas musical that retells the birth of Jesus through the eyes of humble shepherds who discover hope, joy, and purpose in the manger. Come support our children as they share the message of Christmas through song, story, and celebration. Bring your family and friends and enjoy Cookies and Cocoa after the show!
MERRYTIME COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
DECEMBER 15TH @ 6:00PM
Enjoy a beautiful evening of music as the MerryTime Community Orchestra, under the direction of Felicia Sink, presents a Christmas concert. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the Christmas season. All are welcome. Bring a friend and come enjoy this wonderful community performance!
DECEMBER 15TH @ 6:00PM
Enjoy a beautiful evening of music as the MerryTime Community Orchestra, under the direction of Felicia Sink, presents a Christmas concert. Celebrate the joy and wonder of the Christmas season. All are welcome. Bring a friend and come enjoy this wonderful community performance!
CHRISTMAS CHEER DELIVERY DAY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20TH AT 10:00AM
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. In addition to the gifts purchased, we furnish a box of food for each family. Participate in Delivery Day on Saturday, Dec 20th.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20TH AT 10:00AM
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. In addition to the gifts purchased, we furnish a box of food for each family. Participate in Delivery Day on Saturday, Dec 20th.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
DECEMBER 21ST
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 21ST
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.