Holidays can get complicated - especially for busy families. Amid the decorations, gifts and parties, we celebrate one simple message: A child was born and the world was forever changed. Maybe it’s been a while since you were in church, and that’s okay. Now is the perfect time to share Christmas with your family.
November 26th - December 10th
Giving Tree
We reach out in love this season as we provide Christmas gifts to children, youth, and adults who are in need. Bring the gifts back, wrapped, with the name on the outside of the gift. We will deliver these gift, just in time for Christmas.
December 3rd
First Sunday in Advent & Holy Communion
Worship 8:00 am & 10:30am
“A Carpenter Named Joseph” - Matt 13:54-56
Advent Workshop - 2:00-4:00 pm
All children, youth, and adults are invited to gather for a time of fellowship and to make crafts for home decorations or gifts. Join us as we make Advent wreaths, Christmas tree ornaments and decorations. Childcare will be provided upon request for the very youngest children.
Festival of Lessons and Carols - 4:00 pm
Choral Arts Society of Southeastern Wisconsin will present a Festival of Lessons and Carols. Bask in the wonder of the Christmas story as it is told through ancient readings and inspiriting music. Baritone Nicholas Barootian will be the featured soloist in works by Cornelius and Howells. You’re warmly invited to join us in some of the area’s most beautiful venues. Listen, sing along, and share fellowship as we welcome in the Advent season of hope and love.
December 9th
United Methodist Women’s Cookie Walk - 9:00 am – noon
The Christmas Cookie Walk is a long-standing tradition for the organization of United Methodist Women. It is our largest fundraising event for missions near and far. UMW members bake dozens of Christmas cookies to sell. Members, guests, and friends of our congregation select and purchase cookies for the holidays. Coffee and Kringle is offered to customers and Strom Hall is alive with Christmas decor and music.
Worship and Reception
1:00 pm in Chapel
Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved family member or friend who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult. We need space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone.
Come and join us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture and music that acknowledge God’s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle. God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background is welcome. The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship.
December 10th
Second Sunday of Advent & Food Drive Sunday
Worship 8:00 am & 10:30 am
“Whose Child is This?” – Matthew 1:18-19
United Methodist Women’s Christmas Tea - 2:00 pm
Members of UMW will visit Brookside care center where two of our members reside. Christina Rios will provide music with her children’s bell choir and UMW members will give readings from scripture and Christmas poetry and prose. Christmas cookies will be served. It is a way for us to touch the lives of UMW women who are no longer able to participate as they have in years past. We bring UMW to them.
December 17th
Third Sunday of Advent
Worship 8:00 am & 10:30 am
“Raising a Child Not Your Own” – Matthew 1:18-21
Fine Arts at First - Messiah Sing-A-Long - 6:00 pm
Join your voice with director Gregory Berg, soloists, and the Festival Arts Chamber Orchestra for our 13th Annual Community Messiah Sing-Along. Enjoy the glittering lights, candles, and Handel’s glorious music. Bring your own score, or we/ll provide one. This will be a highlight of your holiday season!
December 24th - Christmas Eve
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Worship 8:00 am & 10:30 am
“The Journey to Bethlehem” – Luke 2:1-5
4:00 pm
Children’s Musical - “Follow the Star”
A fun and joyous reminder of why the wise men of the Christmas story sought after Christ and why we still do today. Children from 4k though High School are welcome rehearsals December 20-23 1:00-5:00 pm
7:30 pm
Communion & Candlelight
10:45 pm
Lessons & Carols with Adult Vocal and Handbell Choirs & Candlelight
December 31st
New Year’s Eve Sunday
Worship 8:00 am & 10:30 am
Dedicating our lives, faith, and year in God’s grace.
January 4th - 7th
Bible Read-A-Thon The Entire Bible in 72 hours!
We will read the entire Bible, in the sanctuary, out-loud, in 72 hours. Please sign-up for one or more 30 minute time slots. More information and will be posted on our website.
January 7th
Epiphany
Worship 8:00 am & 10:30 am
Worship Series “The Book of Revelation”
We will examine one of the most confusing and beautiful books of the Bible.