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 2020 are November 29, December 6, 13 and 20
Advent Theme: "Do Not Be Afraid"
The inspiration for our theme comes from the angels’ message in the first two chapters of the Gospel of Luke: “Do not be afraid!” This phrase is an instruction God gave to God’s people throughout their history, and it’s a message God continues to give to us today. This Advent, we invite you to explore what it looks like to hold hope when life feels really uncertain, to bring peace in the face of fear, to practice joy when everything seems burdensome, and to choose love, when sometimes, it’s just really hard. You’ll be invited to wonder more deeply about this classic story, to imagine some of the details that aren’t filled in for us, and to make connections to your own context this season.

Advent Night - Wednesday, December 2
Get ready for a new twist on a favorite Church Family Tradition!
You won't want to miss this opportunity to enjoy all of your favorite activities like gingerbread house building, Advent wreath making, Christmas Carol singing, Family Craft making, and even more prayerful activities like reading special Advent Devotions, practicing Random Acts of Christmas Kindness, and lighting a candle on Christmas Eve - all from the safety of your home!  We'll kick off the evening with a special video presentation of stories, songs and lighting of our Advent Wreath.  The video will premiere on our Facebook Page at 5:30 p.m. on December 2.

CLICK HERE to reserve your Advent Night in a Bag.
Suggested donation is $10/bag, with the proceeds supporting Central's Youth Mission Team and United Methodist Women.

VIRTUAL Messiah Sing - Sunday, December 6 at 4:00 p.m.
Central United Methodist Church will be presenting a virtual encore performance of last year's Messiah Sing featuring soloists: Laura Osgood Brown, John Bragle, and Keith Brown. Also featured will be NMC's Grand Traverse Chorale and the CUMC Chamber Orchestra under the baton of Jeffrey Cobb. The performance will include images from the past 40 years of CUMC's Messiah Sing. You can view the encore performance on Central United Methodist Church's Facebook page.

Did you miss the premiere of the performance?  Tune in during one of the times below to hear this year's live recording, generously sponsored by the WTCM Radio Family.

• Radio Rebroadcast:
  • Thursday, December 24
    6:00 p.m. on WCCW - FM 107.5
  • Friday, December 25
    8:00 a.m. on WTCM - AM -580 and 12 noon on WCCW - FM 107.5

VIRTUAL Jazzy Christmas Concert - Sunday, December 13, at 4:00 p.m.
Central United Methodist Church will be presenting a virtual encore performance of last year's Jazz Christmas featuring: the Trillium Quartet, Voices 4, Sashay, Central’s Christmas Combo, soloists Amy Wallace-Cork and Brenna McGurn, and accompanists Susan Day and Candice Wallace.  Opportunities to donate to Central Methodist’s Homeless Outreach Program will be available during the broadcast. You can view the encore performance on Central United Methodist Church's Facebook page.

VIRTUAL Christmas Eve Worship - Thursday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. 
Central United Methodist Church will offer its Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight and Carols service in a VIRTUAL format.  This live recorded service will feature the Christmas Story, as told through scripture and song, including a Silent Night sing-along to end the evening.  The service will be available at tccentralumc.org/sermons or on the Central United Methodist Church Facebook page.