Advent Events at First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH INVITES COMMUNITY TO SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS

ELMHURST –  First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst invites the community to several special events during the four-week Advent Season, which begins Sunday, December 1 and concludes Tuesday, December 24 with Christmas Eve.  Advent is the season of “coming” or “arrival” and heralds the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.

Several special events include:

 ·        Advent Music Program & Dinner -- Reserve Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 p.m. for “Dancing With a Star,” as music ensembles will sing, perform, read and dance to music inspired by the illuminating star that showed the way to the Star, Jesus Christ, who brought the light to the world.  All First Church ensembles will perform: Cherub Choir, Youth Choir, Chancel Choir, Chapel Chimers and Chancel Players.  This is a beautiful holiday event and the community is warmly welcomed.  A delicious Italian Feast will be served immediately following the program; suggested donation $9 adults, $6 ages 3-12.  Please RSVP to the church office at 630-834-2440 by December 10.

 ·        Sunday Advent Study -- “A Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word and Art” will present the familiar story of Christmas as told in the gospels of Matthew and Luke as an Advent study.  Each Scripture passage is interpreted in the stunning artwork of John August Swanson, along with commentary by some of America’s premier Biblical scholars. John August Swanson is a contemporary American artist known for his Biblical imagery that combines the flat, stylized look of iconography with the bright palette and strong narrative sense of his background in Latin American folk art.  The study will be offered on Sunday mornings from 9:15-10:10 a.m. in the Aldersgate Room on the main level on December 1, 8, 15 and will be led by Anita Hindsley.  For info contact Ruth Zervas at ruth.zervas@umcelmhurst.org or 630-834-2440.

 ·        ADULT FORUM: “The Real Christmas” – Do you ever feel that December is like an over-filled Christmas stocking, bursting with concerts, parties, family events, shopping trips, craft and baking projects?  Do you sometimes feel that “the real Christmas” is elusive?  Please join First United Methodist Church parents in the Church Library on December 1, 8, and 15 at 9:15 a.m. and share your thoughts & ideas about keeping Christmas simple and meaningful.

 ·        FOR CHILDREN: “The Gift of Jesus”, a series of special Advent sessions for church school children in grades kindergarten through 7th grade, will be offered on December 1, 8 and 15 in their regular classrooms (9:15-10:10 am).   Stories, art, games, music will be included in the series.  Parents will enjoy "The Real Christmas" series at the same time.  

·        Sunday morning worship is at 8:10 a.m. and 10:25 a.m.  First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst is located at 232 S. York Road.  This year’s Advent theme is “I Wonder As I Wander.”  

 ·        Children’s Christmas Tree – Bring a smile to the face of a needy child this Christmas. Take a tag or two from the tree in the Narthex on December 1 or 8.  Leave one of the duplicate tags with your name and phone number on the back. When shopping, please include something warm to wear and something fun.  All wrapped presents with tags firmly attached are due back to First United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 15.

 ·        Christmas Eve Worship -- The community is invited to two candlelight Christmas Eve services on Tuesday, December 24 at 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.  The earlier 5:00 pm family service features the nativity scene joyfully acted out by children, and guests are invited to participate!  Please arrive at 4:30 p.m. for costuming.  The 9:00 p.m. traditional candlelight worship features Lessons, Carols, Word, and Communion.      

The community and guests are invited to attend any or all of these special events and services.  First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst is located at 232 S. York Road in Elmhurst.  For more information contact the church office at 630-834-2440.   

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