Advent 2023
November 25th-December 24th
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning "coming" or "visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the church year for Christians.
During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. Find out more about how Methodist Videw Advent (here)
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During Advent, we will offer many special events and worship experiences. There are many ways to connect. Check this page out and find out more.
Our Advent Theme: Experiencing Christmas
Everything seems different at the end of the year. We put lights on our houses to dispel the growing darkness, Christmas music floods local radio stations, apple cider and cranberry sauce are again on the menu, and wrapping paper and tape are always ready. Things just look, smell, and taste differently during the Advent and Christmas season, and these differences are a sign to us that God is about to do something radical and different. Christmas is when God surrounded the divine with senses of his own. That first noel was when God had eyes to see suffering, ears to hear our cries, and hands to hold those in need, and all of these senses were bundled in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. “This will be a sign to you,” the angel told the shepherds, and they traveled to Bethlehem and found a child. What signs do you see during the Advent and Christmas season that point you to the divine?
Advent Worship Times
Modern Worship at 9 a.m.
Traditional Worship at 10:45 a.m.
Both Services will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook you can find these links here:
https://linktr.ee/castlerockfumc
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During Advent, we will offer Holy Communion in between the services in the Library.
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Blue Christmas Service
December 20th at 6:30 p.m.
Find out about our Blue Christmas Service (Here)
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Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24th
9 a.m. Carols and Cocoa
5:00 pm. Modern Service
7:00 p.m. Traditional Service
11:00 p.m Midnight Service
December 31st
One Worship service at 9:00 a.m.
Advent Study Opportunities
Advent is a great time to attend one of our group studies. Below we have those opportunities for questions about these studies contact Pastor Matt or Pastor Sarah
Adult Contemporary Studies
Starting week of Nov. 27th Monday Night 6:30-8:30 p.m.
At the Church
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Friday Nights 6:30-8:30 p.m.
On Zoom Email Rev. Sarah for link
Book: Prepare The Way For The Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist by Adam Hamilton
For centuries, Christians have turned to the story and message of John the Baptist in the weeks leading up to Christmas. In Prepare the Way for the Lord: Advent and the Message of John the Baptist, best-selling author and pastor Adam Hamilton explores the Advent themes of John’s life and ministry, and how John calls all followers of Jesus to prepare our hearts for his coming.
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In each of the Gospels, the story of Jesus is intertwined with that of his cousin John, the one whom the prophets foretold would come to “prepare the way of the Lord.” When we hear the message of John the Baptist, it makes us and our world ready to receive Christ.
There will be a sign up sheet at the Welcome Desk
Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Tuesday's
Starting Nov. 28th
9:30-11 a.m.
At The Church
Book: Experiencing Christmas by Matt Rawle
Join us on Tuesday Mornings as we dive into the book that inspired our Advent Theme. We will reflect on the Theme for the week from the previous Sunday's Sermon.
Week One: Do You See What I See? (Chapter 1)
Week Two: Do You Taste What I Taste? (Chapter 3)
Week Three: Do You Hear What I Hear? (Chapter 2)
Week Four: Do You Feel What I Feel (Chapter 4)
Experiencing Christmas Online Vespers
Wednesday's Starting Nov. 29th 6:30 p.m.
On our Facebook and Youtube Channels
Pastor Matt will offer an online study experience through our Facebook and YouTube channels on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. Pastor will talk about the week's chapter and our response to
Experiencing Christmas Youth Study
Sunday's at 5 p.m.
at Pastor Matt's House 1700 McMurdo Trail Castle Rock, Co.
We will gather for food, fellowship, and study. All youth are invited to join us during this four-week study.
Experiencing Christmas Study Guide
You can download the Study Guide for Experiencing Christmas here
Saturday, December 2nd, from 10 am – 2 pm
Celebrate Women’s Christmas
All women are invited to celebrate Women’s Christmas. This is a time for women to take a few hours near the beginning of the holiday season to refocus, relax, and renew. Feel free to invite a friend. Lunch will be provided. The day will be led by Julie Bailey and Rev. Brenda Lear.
Sign up at the Welcome Center or by emailing Rev. Brenda at b.clear.72@gmail.com.
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Blue Christmas ServiceDecember 20th at 6:30 p.m.
The "Blue Christmas" service recognizes that for some, the holiday season can evoke painful memories and present challenges. Whether on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year's Eve, it can be overwhelming to cope with the pain and difficulties of life.​This service seeks to provide a space for reflection, prayer, song, and meditation. It offers an opportunity to confront and offer our pain to the Christ child while finding solace in the knowledge that we are not alone.
Other Schedule Events
November 26: Hanging of the Greens, Both Services
December 2: Women’s Christmas, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Fellowship Hall
December 3: Cookie Walk, 9 a.m.-12noon Christmas Sweater Sunday
December 4: Giving Tree gifts brought to the church
December 4: Last day to order Butter Braids
December 5: Community Kids Christmas Show, 5:30 pm
December 10: Colorado Brass ensemble at 9:00 a.m. worship
December 14: Little Blessings Christmas Show at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
December 16th is the Colorado Brass Concert, 7:30 p,m
December 17: Castle Rock Orchestra Concert. 3 pm