advent events
Our Advent Theme is Angels Among Us: #DoNotBeAfraid
The angels that appear in the story of Jesus’ birth would have been very comfortable in our world of tweets and hashtags. Their messages were often short and to the point–their favorite line being #DoNotBeAfraid. As we look at the stories of these winged messengers to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds and their reactions to them, we will contemplate what messages we can offer that will counteract a culture of uncertainty and bring #morehope, #morepeace, #morejoy, #morelove, #more light to the world.
November 29 Make Ready a People: #morehope
Isaiah 64:1-4; Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
December 6 Nothing is Impossible: #morepeace
Luke 1:26-56
December 13 Do Not Be Afraid: #morejoy
Matthew 1:18-25
December 20 This Will Be a Sign: #morelove
Luke 2:1-20
Angels of Advent, an original Christmas drama written by Elizabeth Walton will premier during the Sunday, December 20 worship service. The drama will also be available as a video as well as in worship.
Blue Christmas Service, Monday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.
On this longest night of the year, we gather to remember that the light of Christ shines even in the darkness. We come to acknowledge the losses of the year, the losses of our lives. In the presence of Christian community, we receive the comfort of God’s presence with us always. This will be a time of readings, music, prayer, and sharing. All are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81304815947?pwd=OUR5SGI2cGtEOWpLMWp5UW1ac0VLdz09
Meeting ID: 813 0481 5947
Passcode: 2150
To join by Phone, Call 1-669-900-9128, Meeting ID 81304815947#, Passcode 2150#
December 24 The Light Which Enlightens: #morelight
Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14
Two prerecorded services are offered: a contemporary service and a traditional service. The links will be available at www.fumcsantarosa.org on Dec. 24.
December 27 – Simeon and Anna, Luke 2:22-40
January 3 Get up and Go: #morelife
Matthew 2: 1-23
Advent Devotional Guide – Maya Angelou and the Freedom Poetry of Advent
We will reflect upon scripture and the poetry of an angel who was among, Maya Angelou. The guide includes practices that deepen our Advent waiting for Christ to be born anew in our hearts and in our world.
This guide is available as a PDF on our website to download for free (https://www.fumcsantarosa.org/401/login.php?redirect=/advent-devotional.html) [contact church office for the password] or a paper copy can be mailed or delivered to you. Call or email the church office or a staff member to receive a paper copy.
Our Christmas Offering will be shared with two local organizations supporting those experiencing homelessness. Contributions may be payable to First United Methodist Church, designated “Christmas.”
The angels that appear in the story of Jesus’ birth would have been very comfortable in our world of tweets and hashtags. Their messages were often short and to the point–their favorite line being #DoNotBeAfraid. As we look at the stories of these winged messengers to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the Shepherds and their reactions to them, we will contemplate what messages we can offer that will counteract a culture of uncertainty and bring #morehope, #morepeace, #morejoy, #morelove, #more light to the world.
November 29 Make Ready a People: #morehope
Isaiah 64:1-4; Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
December 6 Nothing is Impossible: #morepeace
Luke 1:26-56
December 13 Do Not Be Afraid: #morejoy
Matthew 1:18-25
December 20 This Will Be a Sign: #morelove
Luke 2:1-20
Angels of Advent, an original Christmas drama written by Elizabeth Walton will premier during the Sunday, December 20 worship service. The drama will also be available as a video as well as in worship.
Blue Christmas Service, Monday, December 21, 7:00 p.m.
On this longest night of the year, we gather to remember that the light of Christ shines even in the darkness. We come to acknowledge the losses of the year, the losses of our lives. In the presence of Christian community, we receive the comfort of God’s presence with us always. This will be a time of readings, music, prayer, and sharing. All are welcome.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81304815947?pwd=OUR5SGI2cGtEOWpLMWp5UW1ac0VLdz09
Meeting ID: 813 0481 5947
Passcode: 2150
To join by Phone, Call 1-669-900-9128, Meeting ID 81304815947#, Passcode 2150#
December 24 The Light Which Enlightens: #morelight
Luke 2:1-20; John 1:1-14
Two prerecorded services are offered: a contemporary service and a traditional service. The links will be available at www.fumcsantarosa.org on Dec. 24.
December 27 – Simeon and Anna, Luke 2:22-40
January 3 Get up and Go: #morelife
Matthew 2: 1-23
Advent Devotional Guide – Maya Angelou and the Freedom Poetry of Advent
We will reflect upon scripture and the poetry of an angel who was among, Maya Angelou. The guide includes practices that deepen our Advent waiting for Christ to be born anew in our hearts and in our world.
This guide is available as a PDF on our website to download for free (https://www.fumcsantarosa.org/401/login.php?redirect=/advent-devotional.html) [contact church office for the password] or a paper copy can be mailed or delivered to you. Call or email the church office or a staff member to receive a paper copy.
Our Christmas Offering will be shared with two local organizations supporting those experiencing homelessness. Contributions may be payable to First United Methodist Church, designated “Christmas.”
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The Living Room is the only day center in Sonoma County exclusively serving homeless and at-risk women and their children. Under normal conditions, The Living Room is a day shelter for women and children from Sonoma County who are experiencing homelessness. They provide a respite to homeless women and their families, a place where they can relax, have access to services, take showers, do laundry, and enjoy two hot meals a day. The Mission is to ease adversity and promote stability, dignity and self-reliance for women and children who are homeless, or at-risk of homelessness, in Sonoma County. During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Living Room is operating as a crisis center, providing a hot meal, pet food, hygiene products, and information services to anyone who is in need.
The Family Support Center provides shelter for families who are in need of a safe a secure place to stay. They use a housing-focused philosophy to provide a safe place for homeless individuals to get help. They ensure that people get their primary housing needs met first, then assist in providing steps toward food security, healthcare, housing and long-term stability. FUMC is a sponsor of one of the larger rooms at the 138-bed Family Support Center in downtown Santa Rosa. |
Advent Study: Making Room by Ed Robb
Learn how to make room in your heart for God and neighbor this Christmas.
One of the things we love most about Christmas is gathering with dear family members and close friends to celebrate Christ’s birth. That’s an important part of the season, but Dr. Ed Robb, author of Making Room, says if we look at the Advent story we’ll quickly learn that the focus of the coming of the newborn king is outward. This four-week study explores the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with the Holy Family, the shepherds, and the magi. The story of Christ’s birth encourages us to widen our borders and increase our sense of community—and make room for others.
For information contact Norm Bryan (707) 483-4153 nlbryan@earthlink.net
Learn how to make room in your heart for God and neighbor this Christmas.
One of the things we love most about Christmas is gathering with dear family members and close friends to celebrate Christ’s birth. That’s an important part of the season, but Dr. Ed Robb, author of Making Room, says if we look at the Advent story we’ll quickly learn that the focus of the coming of the newborn king is outward. This four-week study explores the warmth of welcome at Christmas following interactions with the Holy Family, the shepherds, and the magi. The story of Christ’s birth encourages us to widen our borders and increase our sense of community—and make room for others.
For information contact Norm Bryan (707) 483-4153 nlbryan@earthlink.net
