Advent & Christmas 2024
Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church
year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we
know it spins madly on. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small,
personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new.
Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King
Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with
endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a
path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.
You are invited to join us at Trinity for an Advent filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and
again as we begin a new season, as we imagine the words Mary would speak to her newborn son.
What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he
grew? Our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality,
these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults. They may sound like the messages
we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies or sacred rituals. We intentionally selected
scriptures that may be frequently used in weddings, ordination services, or baptisms. And so, we
invite you to enter this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to
the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead.
As we journey through this season together, may we find words for belovedness and hope. May we find
words for beginning again. For no matter what we are facing, no matter what this new day brings,
love is our beginning.
year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we
know it spins madly on. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small,
personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new.
Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike—all the while, King
Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with
endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a
path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.
You are invited to join us at Trinity for an Advent filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and
again as we begin a new season, as we imagine the words Mary would speak to her newborn son.
What scriptures and stories would she impart to him? What lessons would she teach him as he
grew? Our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality,
these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults. They may sound like the messages
we impart to loved ones during special ceremonies or sacred rituals. We intentionally selected
scriptures that may be frequently used in weddings, ordination services, or baptisms. And so, we
invite you to enter this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to
the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead.
As we journey through this season together, may we find words for belovedness and hope. May we find
words for beginning again. For no matter what we are facing, no matter what this new day brings,
love is our beginning.
Our friends at A Sanctified Art, the creators of this Advent theme, have created a daily devotional for your use.
CLICK HERE and enter the password given in worship or found in your email newsletter to access an e-reader version
(Formatted for computers and mobile devices).
Print versions will be made available on request.
CLICK HERE and enter the password given in worship or found in your email newsletter to access an e-reader version
(Formatted for computers and mobile devices).
Print versions will be made available on request.
Week 1- 12/01: "You are a Blessing"
Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:26-38
Week 2- 12/08: "We Can't Go Alone
Ruth 1
Ruth 1
Week 3- 12/15: "Grief, Love, & Rejoicing"
Luke 3:7-16
Luke 3:7-16
Week 4- 12/22: "Hope is Worth the Risk"
Matthew 1:18-25 | Luke 1:46-55
Matthew 1:18-25 | Luke 1:46-55
Week 5- 12/29: "Don't Forget to Laugh"
Luke 2:10 | Matthew 2:10 | Isaiah 9:2-3 | Psalm 148
Psalm 126:1-3 | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 | Isaiah 55:12-13
Luke 2:10 | Matthew 2:10 | Isaiah 9:2-3 | Psalm 148
Psalm 126:1-3 | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 | Isaiah 55:12-13
Additional Ways to Worship and Reflect this Advent:
Saturday, December 21st at 5 PM-
Blue Christmas Worship Service
"Blue Christmas" services are quiet, contemplative services that are typically held on the evening of December 21, the winter solstice. This day, which has the longest night and the shortest day, is symbolic of our darker nights when we find ourselves grieving, lonely, or longing for something better.
The Holidays can be challenging... especially for those who are experiencing loss or depression. You are not alone. We hope you will join us.
Blue Christmas Worship Service
"Blue Christmas" services are quiet, contemplative services that are typically held on the evening of December 21, the winter solstice. This day, which has the longest night and the shortest day, is symbolic of our darker nights when we find ourselves grieving, lonely, or longing for something better.
The Holidays can be challenging... especially for those who are experiencing loss or depression. You are not alone. We hope you will join us.
esday, December 22nd at 6 PM-
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service
Join us for a magical Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of Christ through an intimate and joy-filled worship service designed for all ages.
Experience the wonder of Christmas through:
- The sharing of Holy Communion
- Special moments with our children
- Traditional carols and beloved Christmas hymns
- Our signature candlelight ceremony
As our service draws to a close, we'll gather in unity to sing "Silent Night" by candlelight. Then, in a beautiful gesture of bringing Christ's light into our community, we'll process together into the streets, carrying our candles as symbols of hope and love into the world.
This meaningful celebration welcomes everyone, from lifetime members to first-time visitors, from the youngest children to our wisest elders.
Come be part of this special evening as we remember the holy night when hope was born in a manger!
No reservations needed. All are invited and all are welcome at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion Service
Join us for a magical Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of Christ through an intimate and joy-filled worship service designed for all ages.
Experience the wonder of Christmas through:
- The sharing of Holy Communion
- Special moments with our children
- Traditional carols and beloved Christmas hymns
- Our signature candlelight ceremony
As our service draws to a close, we'll gather in unity to sing "Silent Night" by candlelight. Then, in a beautiful gesture of bringing Christ's light into our community, we'll process together into the streets, carrying our candles as symbols of hope and love into the world.
This meaningful celebration welcomes everyone, from lifetime members to first-time visitors, from the youngest children to our wisest elders.
Come be part of this special evening as we remember the holy night when hope was born in a manger!
No reservations needed. All are invited and all are welcome at Trinity United Methodist Church.
"An Unlikely Advent": A Five Week Bible Study
Sundays at 11:15; 12/01-12/22
We all know how Mary fits into the Christmas Story... and Joseph... and the angels... and of course Jesus. But how well do you know the details about the "background characters"? Elizabeth and Zechariah?
What about the Magi and the Shepherds? What about... Herod?? As Rachel Billups says, "These B-Players usually emerge as 'extras' in God's story, but I could not help but wonder if they might have more to teach us about the intersection of God's story with ours."
This five-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.
We hope you will join us on Sundays after worship (about 11:15) for lively discussion! Please contact Pastor Jen with questions or to reserve your book at: [email protected]
Cost is $10 each and Pastor Jen will have them this Sunday in church.
We hope to see you there! Invite a friend!
Contact Pastor Jen with questions.
Sundays at 11:15; 12/01-12/22
We all know how Mary fits into the Christmas Story... and Joseph... and the angels... and of course Jesus. But how well do you know the details about the "background characters"? Elizabeth and Zechariah?
What about the Magi and the Shepherds? What about... Herod?? As Rachel Billups says, "These B-Players usually emerge as 'extras' in God's story, but I could not help but wonder if they might have more to teach us about the intersection of God's story with ours."
This five-week Advent study focuses on the experiences of four sets of often overlooked characters in the Nativity story. During this Advent season, Rachel Billups guides readers through the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace by sharing the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Each set of unexpected characters has something to teach about living faithfully on the journey to Christmas.
We hope you will join us on Sundays after worship (about 11:15) for lively discussion! Please contact Pastor Jen with questions or to reserve your book at: [email protected]
Cost is $10 each and Pastor Jen will have them this Sunday in church.
We hope to see you there! Invite a friend!
Contact Pastor Jen with questions.