SUNDAYS AT

WOODBURY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WORSHIP AT 10:30 A.M.

 DECEMBER 2024

DECEMBER 1                    THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, sung to the tunes of Christmas carols. The sermon “Time to Watch” based on Jeremiah 33:14-16, I Thessalonians 3:9-13 and Luke 21:25-36 on the theme of “hope,” is the first of series of five sermons entitled “Time to….”   Our Liturgist and Communion assistant is Carolyn Shay.  The Advent wreath will be lit by Carol Hennessey and Jane Hutter.  We will receive Woodbury Food Bank donations and an opportunity to give to the pastor’s discretionary fund will be offered.  After worship free blood pressure screenings will be offered by Andrew Styblo, EMT, in the Assembly Room.

 MONDAYS, DECEMBER 9 AND 16, NOON ADVENT STUDY ON JOHN THE BAPTIST

Please bring a bag lunch, beverage and dessert will be provided.  If you need a book, contact Pastor Brian

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2 – 4 P.M.

“Christmas Café and Holiday Handbells” offered as part of the “Woodbury Townwide Christmas Festival.” Music provided by “Chime In! Music With a Mission” from 2 -3:30 p.m.   Attend any portion.  Free-will donations appreciated.  Dessert, beverages and soup-to-go for purchase in Fellowship Hall from 2-4 p.m., provided by Family Nurture and Hospitality.  Tree lighting on the North Green at 4 p.m.

DECEMBER 8                    THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

A message on the theme of peace and preparation is entitled “Time to Get Ready” based on Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11 and Luke 3:1-6.  The Advent wreath will be lit by Patti and John Thomas, John Thomas and James Levario.   Our liturgist will be Bob Asman.

DECEMBER 15                 GAUDETE, THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

10:30 a.m.: A rose-colored candle distinguishes “Gaudete,” (from the Latin “Rejoice!”) as an anticipation of the joy of Christ’s birth.  The sermon on joy, “Time to Act,” will be based on Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 3:7-18.    David, Alyssa, Hailey, Jeff and Barb Hunt will light the Advent wreath.  Our liturgist will be Rynn Naylor. Confirmation Bibles will be presented to Liam McGrath and Esther Lin

2:30 – 4 p.m.:  Our 4^th Annual “Praise Band Christmas Program” will be held in our sanctuary.  Free-will offering benefits the Woodbury Food Bank, the Woodbury Energy Assistance Program, and scholarships for the spring, 2025 Mission to Ecuador.

DECEMBER 22            THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SUNDAY

Our annual Christmas Pageant will be the focus of worship as we recall the narrative of the birth of Jesus.  Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:39-55 will be the basis of the message “Time to Travel.”  Lighting the Advent wreath will be Christine, Dave, Anna and Matt Shupenis.

DECEMBER 24, 5 p.m.  THE NATIVITY OF THE LORD, CHRISTMAS EVE

Our traditional Christmas Eve worship of carols and candlelight with the message “Time to Marvel.”

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 10:30 A.M.

The Wesley Covenant Service, a Methodist tradition since 1755, will be the liturgy using the 1780 form from the Book of Worship.  The sermon on the theme of a child-like faith after Jesus’ example is entitled, “Kids!,” based on Colossians 3:12-17 and Luke 2:41-52.  Our liturgist will be Rynn Naylor.

Advance reading of the scriptures is an act of spiritual formation.