Advent 2023
And the angels sang: “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” – Luke 2:10-11
The music, Scriptures, sights and sounds of the Advent season tune our hearts to a new song of God’s loving presence and intention for our lives and for our world. God is sending out angels, Mark’s Gospel reminds us, singing a new story.
Here at First UMC, from the Christmas Concert to the lighting of the candles in the Advent wreath, to opportunities for outreach and Mission through Alternative Christmas and Angel Tree, and opportunities for fellowship at the Advent Brunch and UWF Christmas Boutique, we’ll hear the ancient/new melodies stirring in our hearts and lifting our spirits to the broad reach of heaven’s skies. The angels are there, singing, singing a new song of comfort and joy.
December 3 marks the beginning of Advent 2023. We invite you to celebrate the season, inviting new life to be born in you at this time when we need it most. It is the gift of God’s grace, bringing salvation to all. This year we celebrate the theme “Sing A New Song!”
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES:
Christmas Eve Service of Lessons and Carols
The annual worship service of music and word. In-person and online.
Sunday, December 24, 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Family Service
A “No Muss, No Fuss” Christmas Pageant for all ages. Costumes will be available
at the door for all children to participate. In-person and online.
Sunday, December 24, 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Special choir music and candlelight. In-person and online.
Sunday, December 24, 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary
If you’re celebrating with family and friends on Christmas morning, remember that you can access the worship services LIVE, or through the week ahead on these platforms: Our Facebook Page, YouTube, on the website, or the First UMC app.
Advent Devotional – 2023
The 2023 Advent Devotional booklet will be available in print and online on the first Sunday of Advent, December 3. The devotional is written by First UMC congregants and provides a wonderful opportunity to share Advent with family and friends.
Click button below to sign up to receive Advent Devotion daily emails,
beginning Sunday, December 3.
Audio devotions will be include in the emails from Sunday, December 17 thru Monday December 25.
Below is a list of ways to engage and move through the holiday season at First UMC:
Walk the Labyrinth / Chapel Open for Prayers
The Labyrinth is open every first Friday of the month from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., in Simkins Hall. If you’ve never walked the Labyrinth before, there are printed instructions to help with your walking meditation. For those unable to walk, we have finger labyrinths. A finger labyrinth is similar to a full sized labyrinth you would walk except it is on a much smaller and more portable scale. The First UMC Chapel will also be open for prayers that day from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Friday, December 1, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. in Simkins Hall and the Chapel
First UMC Christmas Concert
The First UMC Music Department is pleased to announce the Christmas Concert will be back this year in the Sanctuary! Featuring Haydn: Te Deum; Vaughan Williams: Fantasia on Christmas Carols; and the ever popular Carols, Etc. Chancel Choir with guest singers, orchestra & Mark Twain Alumni Ringers. No admission charges – freewill offering will be taken. Reception in Simkins Hall to follow performance.
Sunday, December 3, 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary
- For those who can’t attend Sunday night, you may observe the Concert rehearsal Saturday morning (December 2) at 9 a.m. at no charge. Carols and readings rehearsal begins at 11 a.m. Out of courtesy to the musicians please no cell phones; families with babies/small children may listen from the Narthex.
Angel Tree Project
Angel Tree is back and is again being chaired by church member, Chris Ruud. This church/community project provides new household items to families of Family Place/Upward Bound House with new things for Christmas. Celebrating her 20th year coordinating this fundraiser, Chris is excited that she has a table in the Alcove after worship to take sign-ups. If you worship online, or can’t make it to church, please call or email Chris (310 393.3255, chr10is@yahoo.com) for info on what you can do to help.
Sundays thru December 17, in the Alcove
Alternative Christmas: In-Person and Online
Sponsored by the Mission Council, the Alternative Christmas Fair is a way to support mission projects and programs in the community and around the world, by giving a financial gift in the name of a loved one. After worship for two Sundays, visit the tables in the Alcove celebrating this year’s featured missions:
The People Concern
The Wesley Foundation
CYFC (Children Youth and Family Collaborative)
Upward Bound House
Vietnam Clinic
Harvest Home
InnerChange
Homeboy Industries (new this year!)
To find out more about each group, and to donate through December, visit the website: https://santamonicaumc.org/alt-christmas23/
Sundays, December 10 & 17 in the Alcove
United Women in Faith: Peanut Brittle Sales, and Christmas Boutique
United Women in Faith are gearing up to sell their hand-made peanut brittle and Christmas Boutique items on the Sundays of December 10 and 17, after worship in the Alcove. All proceeds benefit the missions supported by the UWF.
Sundays, December 10 & 17 in the Alcove
December Mid-Week Recital
Listen to beautiful music this Advent Season! The December Mid-Week Recital features: Cristina Montes Mateo, harp. Read bio
How to watch: • Facebook Live • YouTube Live • Website – www.santamonicaumc.org/livestream
• The App – download the app at the App Store, search FirstUMC_SM
Wednesday, December 13, 12:10 p.m. Livestream
Available to watch anytime afterwards on the above platforms.
Preschool Christmas Concert
The First UMC Preschool is excited to have the Preschool Christmas Concert back in the Sanctuary this year! All are welcome to watch the adorable Preschoolers perform their holiday songs.
Friday, December 15, 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Poinsettia Dedications
Beautiful poinsettias will grace our sanctuary for the December 24, 10 a.m. Service of Lessons & Carols; the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Family service; and the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service. Order at the Sunday Welcome Table, in the church office, or online here: www.santamonicaumc.org/flower-fund Each plant is $15, and may be picked up after 7 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Deadline to order is Friday, December 15
Advent Brunch
Save the date for a special Advent Brunch following worship on Sunday, December 17, hosted by Fellowship and Events. Activities will include seasonal crafts, caroling, and a special visit from Santa. Let’s celebrate the season together! We also take time to highlight the Missions featured in the Alternative Christmas Fair, the UWF Christmas Boutique, and Angel Tree, happening in the Alcove.
Sunday, December 17, after worship in Simkins Hall
First UMC Creche
We invite you to our courtyard to view our Nativity scene, or creche, with the Holy Family–Joseph and Mary, and the animals that shared their shelter and warmth. We celebrate God’s love that comes to be with us, bringing peace, hope and joy for all. The display will be on view through December.