Advent is a season observed in many Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.  The term is a version of the Latin word meaning "coming".
Practices associated with Advent include keeping an Advent calendar, lighting an Advent wreath, praying an Advent daily devotional, decorating a Christmas tree or a Chrismon tree, as well as other traditional ways of preparing for Christmas,
such as setting up Christmas decorations, including a hanging of the greens event.  Traditionally, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve make up the Advent Season.

Sundays of Advent 2021 are November 28, December 5, 12 and 19
Advent Theme: "Close to Home"
When something hits close to home, it affects us deeply. During the Advent and Christmas season, we journey through scriptures and rituals that are tender, heavy with emotion, and vulnerable. We carry the memories and truths of this season close to our hearts. Close to Home acknowledges the “already but not yet” tension of our faith: Emmanuel is with us, and yet, God’s promised day—our everlasting home—is not fully realized. It names our deep longing for God to come close to us.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Advent Book Study: Faithful: Seeing Christmas Through The Eyes of Joseph by Adam Hamilton
Meets Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. via ZOOM only
November 18, December 2, 9, and16
We’re not that different from Joseph. True, we may not be part of a story that will be remembered for all time, but like Joseph, we encounter circumstances that we’d never choose for ourselves. At times, it can be tempting just to walk away, but Joseph provides us a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don’t understand, faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Darcy Dewling will facilitate this 4-week discussion group. Books are available for purchase on Amazon or Cokesbury.

CLICK HERE to join the Zoom meeting

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Shine Christ's Light: Neighboring During the Pandemic
Troubled with the want to be out there doing something for neighbors who are in need during the holidays? Wondering how to keep family safe while making a difference in your neighborhood and community?  Below is a list of opportunities for you and your family to love your neighbors in extraordinary ways during the Advent Season.

Drive-Thru Donation Drop Off Days at Central Church (back parking lot)
9:00 am. - 12 noon
Saturdays November 27,  December 4, 11, & 18

• Winter Socks and New Underwear for Father Fred Foundation
• Non-Perishables for NWMI Food Rescue
• Dog and Cat Food for Cherryland Humane Society
• Gently Used Weather Resistant Coats and Boots for Jubilee House
• Diapers for the Grand Traverse Baby Pantry

SPECIAL COLLECTION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 ONLY
Homemade Cookie Bake for Healthcare Workers
Bring 1 or 2 dozen homemade holiday cookies INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED (ziplock baggies work great!) to Central UMC on Saturday, December 18th, between 9 am and Noon. These specially baked goodies will be delivered to Munson Healthcare Workers during Christmas week.

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Advent Book Study: The Redemption of Scrooge by Matt Rawle
Meets Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.  Online via ZOOM
December 2, 9, 16 and 23
Is redemption possible for Ebenezer Scrooge? Pastor and author Matt Rawley believes so, as he discovers the teaching of Jesus in the words of the Charles Dickens class, "A Christmas Carol". Rawle dives deep into the the dark, sad, greedy world of Scrooge and discovers a man in dire need of a second chance.  Pastor Chris Lane and Carol Larson will facilitate this 4-week discussion group.  Books are available for purchase in the church office for $9, or on Amazon.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION VIA ZOOM

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Annual Messiah Sing - Sunday, December 5 at 4:00 p.m.
Central United Methodist Church will present the 43rd Annual Messiah Sing, featuring soloists: Laura Osgood Brown, John Bragle, and Keith Brown. Also featured will be NMC's Grand Traverse Chorale accompanied by organist Tom Bara, and the CUMC Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Jeffrey Cobb. 

A replay of the event is available on the Central Church  Facebook page and on the Church Website via YouTube. If you'd like to sing along at home, you can download a FREE PUBLIC DOMAIN copy of the musical score here.

You can also tune in via radio during one of the times below to hear this year's live recording, generously sponsored by the WTCM Radio Family.

• Radio Rebroadcast:
  • Friday, December 24
    6:00 p.m. on WCCW - FM 107.5
  • Saturday, December 25
    10:00 a.m. on WTCM - AM -580 and 12 noon on WCCW - FM 107.5

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Contemplating Christ - A hands-on contemplative and creative opportunity
Meets Wednesdays 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. the the Chapel at Central Church
December 8 and 15
Pastor Linda Stephan will lead these two offerings meant to help us with gathering together silently in prayer, meditation and exploring different forms of spiritual expression.  For the first 15 minutes, Pastor Linda will lead us in a contemplative circle practice. After the circle, participants will be invited to continue their contemplative practice and spiritual expression through journal writing, creating Christmas cards and other artistic opportunities.  Journal prompts, art and cards will be provided and you're welcome to bring your own journals, art or other quiet art activity. All participants will be asked to enter and leave the space in quiet contemplation.

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Longest Night Solstice Walk - Tuesday, December 21
5:30 - 6:30 pm     Meet at the open area near the gazebo at the Grand Traverse Commons in front of Spanglish & Left Foot Charlie.
Join Pastor Chris Lane for a solstice night hike on the beautiful trails at the Commons.  Bring a headlamp or flashlight. During the hike, Pastor Chris will offer a prayer and blessing as we celebrate the conclusion of the darkest day and shift toward more light-filled days ahead.  All ages welcome. Well-behaved and leashed pets are also welcome.

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Christmas Eve Worship Experiences- Friday, December 24 

10:00-11:00 a.m.     Outdoor Nativity Story Walk for children and families
Join Children's Ministry Director, Erica Kozlowski and others for a Story Walk of "Twas the Evening of Christmas" by Glenys Nellist. We will share moments of awe and wonder as we read this beautiful story while walking the perimeter of the church parking lot.  After you finish your story walk, you'll have the opportunity for a time of quiet reflection in front of the nativity, to sing Silent Night by candlelight and finish your experience with a cup of hot cocoa.  The book, "Twas the Evening of Christmas" is available for purchase at Brilliant Books in downtown Traverse City.

5:00 & 7:00 p.m.     Traditional Services of Lessons and Carols in the Sanctuary
Central Church will once again welcome the community into the sanctuary for two identical services featuring the Christmas Story, as told through scripture and and song.  Each service will culminate with a Silent Night sing-along by candlelight.  In-person seating will be limited, but both services will be streamed LIVE on the Central Church Facebook page and on the Church Website via YouTube.  PLEASE NOTE: Masks are mandatory at all times while inside the Central Church building, and social distancing is encouraged.

COVID PROTOCOLS FOR THIS EVENT:  Pre-registration REQUIRED, COVID vaccine required, masks mandatory.  Registration will open at 12 noon on Wednesday, December 22, and will be limited to the first 250 attendees at each service. Thank you for your cooperation.

9:00 p.m.                 Outdoor Carols and Candlelight Service
Pastors Chris Lane and Linda Stephan will lead this brief outdoor experience that will include a short carol sing, a retelling of the Christmas Story and culminate with a Silent Night sing-along by candlelight.  Please dress in weather-appropriate clothing, service length will be approximately 20-30 minutes.

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Lessons and Carols Across Michigan- Sunday, December 26

A special virtual presentation created by United Methodist Churches across the state, including Northern Waters District Superintendent Jodie Flessner and Central's Chancel Choir, under the direction of Jeffrey Cobb.  This special presentation will be aired during the 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. worship hours on Sunday, December 26.  You can view the service on the Central Church Facebook page and on Church Website via YouTube. PLEASE NOTE: Central Church will not hold in-person worship on Sunday, December 26, so that our staff and pastors may enjoy a time of sabbath with their families.