Throughout the Christian year, there are various holidays, seasons, and special days we observe beyond weekly worship on Sunday mornings. Some examples of these services are outlined below. As always, contact us if you see something that speaks to you but you have questions about!
Advent
Advent is a season on the Christian calendar marked by waiting, watching, preparing, hoping, and reflecting on the love of God and the birth of Christ. Throughout Advent, we have our typical two Sunday morning worship services and each week has a focus — hope, peace, joy, and love, respectively. We also typically have an overarching theme for worship throughout the Advent season.
Christmas Pipes
Each year, we gather to sing Christmas carols with the organ! This free musical event always includes stories and some favorite songs and takes place in the Sanctuary.
Longest Night
Each year, the longest night of the year falls on December 21. We use this occurrence to come together and acknowledge the darkness we can feel even in the midst of what’s meant to be a merry holiday season. Sometimes we crave prayer and music, but are having trouble connecting with bright and bustling celebrations. People who are struggling with grief of any kind, loneliness, worry, or any other affliction during the holiday season are invited to come just as they are to this simple, short, soft, and down-to-earth service in the Chapel that recognizes and acknowledges hurt, yet still offers healing. Together we can create space for the wide array of all our experiences and situations during what can be the darkest time of the year, and still find hope, peace, joy, and love.
Christmas Eve Candlelight and Communion
Packed full with traditions like singing hymns in candlelight, taking Holy Communion, and hearing the Christmas story, our Christmas Eve service is one of the warmest and most hopeful services all year.
Christmas Morning Worship
Each Christmas morning, we have a brief, informal service at 10am to joyfully celebrate Christ’s birth!
Lent
Lent is another season on the Christian calendar marked by self-examination, reflection, change, preparation, and growth. Lent lasts for the 40 days (not counting Sundays) leading up to Easter. 40 days represents the time that Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing to begin his ministry on Earth. In the early church, Lent was a time for new Christians to prepare for their baptisms (which all took place on Easter) through education, practicing spiritual disciplines or habits, and so on. Lent is a time for all people to focus on growing in relationship with God in new ways by giving up something that has been hindering you or taking on an enriching practice.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. This service is meant to be a time for reflection, renewal, and the imposition of ashes as we remind ourselves of our fragility and dependence on God.
Maundy Thursday
This is our first service during Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter where we walk through Jesus’ passion, betrayal, and crucifixion.
The word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word, mandatum, used in John’s Gospel as Jesus commanded us to love others as he loves us, washed the disciples’ feet, and instituted the Lord’s Supper. We remember these things and reaffirm our call to love and serve others.
This year, our Maundy Thursday service is on March 28 at 6pm in our Chapel.
Good Friday
On Good Friday, we get together to meditate on and walk through the passion of Jesus Christ as he was betrayed, arrested, and crucified.
This year, we are collaborating with Avondale and Woodlawn UMCs and our Good Friday service will be on March 29 at 6:30pm at Avondale UMC.
Easter Sunday Worship
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ! We proclaim together that even death cannot separate us from the life and love of God and that we are able to have a full and personal relationship with God! We usually have our two services at their typical times, and people are encouraged to arrive early for special fellowship and taking photos in front of our flower cross. So bring some flowers to decorate!
This year, Easter falls on March 31.
All Saints Sunday
All Saints Day is observed on November 1 each year. Througout history, Christians have believed in “the communion of saints” which refers to the community of all living believers as well as those who have gone before us. On the Sunday following All Saints Day, we gather to remember the communion of saints and honor those who have passed away over the past year. This may include having their names read, lighting a candle in their honor, or another action to recognize the impact their lives had on us.
Weddings and Funerals
For more information on weddings and funerals, call the church at (205) 836-3201.