Advent & Christmas 2024:
Close to Home
The world is not as it should be. Many have lost their physical homes, many feel alone, and many are isolated. Many of us feel as if we are wandering with no clear way forward. This season of Advent speaks to our deep longing—for our home to be made whole, made right, and made well. With deep longing, we watch for God. Thankfully, God enters a homesick world and promises to be with us. We invite you to join us every Sunday in December at either the 9:30am classic worship service or the 11:45am Common Ground service. Additionally, consider joining us for any of the special events below. We can't to watch for God together!
See Christmas Eve Service Times Here!
Wednesday, December 4th @ 10am
It's time for the senior adult holiday brunch on Wednesday, December 4th from 10am to noon. All senior adults are invited to connect and celebrate the season through music, yummy brunch food, and singing and learning about Christmas carols from our own Chuck Prestinari. You are invited to bring cleaning products and/or hygiene items as our service project to help provide for our food pantry guests. Please email Pastor Donna at dgoings@fumcb.org to register.
Saturday, December 7th @ 10am
On Saturday, December 7th at 10:00AM all UWF members and their guests are invited to celebrate the birth of Christ, and the significant work we accomplished together this year. Please join us in the Great Hall for a lovely breakfast, uplifting music, and warm fellowship! Please RSVP ASAP to Fran Klinger for childcare needs at fling53@hotmail.com.
Sunday, December 8th @ 4pm
From 4pm-5:30pm we'll have an Advent & Christmas mini-VBS with crafts, music, and games. Then we'll have pizza together at 5:30pm, and a practice for the Christmas Eve service at 6pm for those who are involved.
Tuesday, December 10th @ 7pm
The Christmas season can be a difficult time for so many, and we need a space and time in which to acknowledge our sadness and concern. The Blue Christmas service provides that opportunity using music, scripture, silence, reflection, healing prayer, and candle lighting to experience God's comforting presence. All who attend are invited to a time of light refreshment and fellowship after the service. The service is scheduled for in person on Tuesday, December 10th, at 7:00pm in the sanctuary, and it will also be live-streamed. Invite a friend to join you.
Sunday, December 15th @ 9:30am
The Chancel Choir will lead a special service of scripture lessons, carols, anthems, and congregational hymns.
Sunday, December 15th @ 1:15pm
Join us for a Christmas party celebrating our East African congregants! All are welcome for music, dancing, praise, and a pitch-in dinner.
Tuesday, December 24th - Christmas Eve
Join us on Christmas Eve for a variety of services at different times!
5:00pm - Family Christmas Eve Service
This service is great for families with elementary age children and younger. We’ll have special music for children and battery-powered candles for everyone to use when we sing Silent Night. Join us for cookies afterwards in the Gathering Place! This service will also feature nursery care for children five years old and younger.
7:15pm - Communion Service in Chapel
8:00pm - Lessons & Carols
This service is your classic Christmas Eve service with all the carols. Please note, there will be no nursery care for children at this service.
11:00pm - Candlelight Communion
This service is a quiet, contemplative service to welcome the official start of Christmas Day.