Advent 2025
Advent is the four-week season leading up to Christmas—a time of expectant waiting and spiritual preparation. In the United Methodist tradition, Advent invites us to remember Christ’s first coming in Bethlehem and to look with hope toward Christ’s presence among us today and the promise of Christ’s return. Each week centers on a theme—hope, peace, joy, and love—guiding us to make room in our hearts and in our world for God’s transforming grace. From generation to generation, Advent calls us to prepare the way for Christ to be born anew in us and through us.
Looking for Giving Tree Angels
The Giving Tree will be ready to be de-tagged on Sunday, November 23 when everyone can choose a child and/or make a nursing home donation.
Last year, South Ridge Elementary School had 71 children (30 families) who needed our help to fulfill the children’s wish lists for a very Merry Christmas. We expect a similar number of requests this year. The school requests that each child receive 2 gifts and the total of the two gifts does not exceed $60. Also, the families receive grocery store gift cards which are provided through monetary donations. Sunday, Dec 7 is the deadline for returning the wrapped and tagged gifts to the church.
For Christmas 2024, Silver Heights nursing home recipients received Christmas stockings filled with their requested items. The Memory Care Unit at Brookside, asked and received dementia products including memory games, activity boards, puzzles and cognitive crafts. These items were acquired through monetary donations.
Donations gladly accepted! Indicate donation to “Giving Tree”.
Questions?
Marcia Schmid at schmid3@comcast.net
Bonnie Thompson at bjthompson1965@msn.com
Women’s Christmas
Celebrate Women’s Christmas – Saturday, December 6, from 10 am – 2 pm. 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 Ashley Franks and Rev. Brenda Lear.
Sign up at the Welcome Center or by emailing Rev. Brenda at
🌟 Let's Make the Season Bright: UWF Cookie Sale & Carol Sing! 🎶
We invite you to participate in one of the sweetest traditions of the season: the UWF Cookie Bake Sale on Saturday, December 7th!
Your involvement is key to our success:
Share Your Talent: We warmly invite our amazing bakers to bring their contributions to the kitchen on or before 8:00 AM. Every cookie counts!
Come Shop: Following the worship service, join us at 10:00 AM to select a festive array of cookies to take home.
Stay for Fun: Enjoy your sweet treats while we gather for a joyful Carol Sing-Along at 10:00 AM!
Join us for the Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 17th, at 6:30 p.m. This intimate service offers comfort and healing for those facing challenges or grief during the holiday season, providing a space for reflection and renewal.
Tuesday Morning Advent Bible Study
Tuesday Morning Bible Study will begin their Advent study on November 25th in the church library at 9:30 am. Materials for “Messages of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace throughout the Bible” will be provided. Per usual, we will use our own various Bible translations in seeking understanding. Bring your Bible and join in our discussion.
Contemporary Advent Bible Study
Book: What Do You Want for Christmas?:An Advent Study for Adults
By James W. Moore
In Person:
December 1 to December 22 6:30 to 8:00PM
On Zoom:
November 28 to December 19 6:30 to 8:00PM
Author James W. Moore invites you to explore these deeper longings in his enriching four-week study. Designed for both groups and individuals, this program gently guides you through the season of Advent with weekly lessons that focus on the gifts Christ brings into our lives.
Email Rev. Sarah for more info (here)
