Words for the Beginning:
Advent Reminders for New Seasons
December 1 - January 5
This Advent series, created by Sanctified Art, is filled with blessings, with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. They creators took inspiration from the words they imagined Mary would speak to her newborn son and the scriptures and stories she might impart to him. They wondered what lessons she would teach him as he grew. And so, our weekly themes may feel like the lessons we teach to children, but in reality, these are lessons we continue to learn and relearn as adults. Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year begins. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving; and yet, the world as we know it spins madly on.
In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings — large and small, personal and political. But Mary proclaimed hope in a God who was and is making all things new. Christ’s birth offered a beautiful new beginning for shepherds and Magi alike — all the while, King Herod tried to bring Christ’s story to an end. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find
as we step forward into the unknown.
Tile Painting Project: We have a table set up in The Commons with paint supplies and tiles with the quilt icons traced onto them. Each week corresponds to a specific theme and quilt tile in relation to our Advent sermon series. You are invited to pick the pattern that speaks to you, or take a blank one. Use colors that represent what the theme means to you. Be creative and personal! Fill in the pattern, adding your unique touch. Think about how the theme inspires you as you work. Click below to check out the themes and learn more about the series and how the quilt theme ties into it. At the end of the Advent season, we'll put all of the tiles together to create one large masterpiece, just like a quilt!
Advent Series Info
To help enrich this time, we have several other opportunities for you to mindfully engage as a disciple with your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
Family Christmas Tree: Bring in an ornament that represents you, your family or “framily” to hang on the Family Christmas Tree! This is one of our favorite traditions and each and every ornament tells the story of ALL of us. Don't have an ornament to hang on the tree? We'll have ornament kits for you to use on December 1! Feel free to grab one from our Advent Resources Table.
Yule Logs and Candles: We continue to offer this tangible centering piece that you can pick up for yourself or a friend or neighbor. Every time you eat a meal, light a candle each week as we move towards Christmas to remember the light of Christ that has come into the world that the darkness can never overcome. Feel free to grab one from our Advent Resources Table.
Series Resources
Daily Advent Devotional: Pick up a daily devotional to read through on your own or with your family. This devotional contains scripture, commentary, poetry, visual art, hymns, and reflection prompts that pair with our sermon series, Words for the Beginning.
Children's Activites: Use these interactive worship bulletins for each Sunday in our series.
Children's Advent Calendar: Find the daily word in the quilt design. When you find it, color in that shape. With an adult, talk about what the word means and try to use it throughout your day!
Adult's Photo-a-Day Challenge: For each day of Advent, take a photo inspired by the word of the day. Share your daily photos on social media (and tag @sanctifiedart and @firstumcauburn) along with the words that inspired them.
Daily Social Media Reflections: Connect with us on our social media accounts @FirstUMCAuburn on Instagram or Facebook as we share excerpts from the daily devotional. We want to hear your thoughts and reflections!
Digital Resources
Events
Merry Mini Golf Family Event
Wednesday, December 5 | 4:30-6:30 pm
Get ready for a “hole” lot of fun at our Miniature Golf event! Join us anytime between 4:30 and 6:30 pm for an exciting afternoon of mini golf featuring over-the-top, Christmas-themed holes that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of the North Pole. The course will take about 45 minutes to an hour to complete, and dinner, provided by the Wednesday night meal team, will be available for pickup from 5 to 6 pm. You can enjoy your meal at the church or take it with you after mini golf. This go-at-your-own-pace event is perfect for bringing your family and friends together for a day filled with laughter and holiday cheer. Don’t miss out on this unique Christmas experience!
Birthday Party for Jesus
Sunday, December 15 | 11:00 am
We love this party every year because we celebrate Joy Sunday and Jesus with you! Join us on December 15 at 11 am for very participatory worship and cake.
Christmas Eve Services
Join us on Christmas Eve as we celebrate the birth of Jesus with three unique services, each ending with a special rendition of ‘Silent Night’:
4:30 Family Service - in Fellowship Hall
A relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with interactive storytelling and glow sticks for ‘Silent Night.’
7:30 Communion Service - in the Sanctuary
A traditional service with Christmas carols, a message, and open communion for all.
11:00 Cantata Service - in the Sanctuary
Our highlight of the season, featuring a full choir and orchestra, culminating in a beautiful ‘Silent Night’ at midnight.