As we enter the season of Advent, we invite you to join us in a time of joyful anticipation and reflection as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Advent is a special journey that brings us together as a community, full of hope, love, joy, and peace. Whether it’s lighting candles, sharing in song, or serving those in need, there are many ways to participate in the spirit of the season.
HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE:
Christmas Eve - Tuesday, December 24th
9:15 a.m. - One Combined Worship Service in the Sanctuary (No Sunday School)
Services of Candlelight and Holy Communion:
4:00 p.m. - Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
4:00 p.m. - Anchor Service in the Ministry Center
6:00 p.m. - Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
Sunday, December 29th
9:15 a.m. - One Combined Worship Service in the Sanctuary (No Children’s Church)
Epiphany of the Lord - Sunday, January 5
9:15 a.m. - Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
9:15 a.m. - Anchor Service in the Ministry Center
Baptism of the Lord - Sunday, January 12
9:15 a.m. - Traditional Service in the Sanctuary
9:15 a.m. - Anchor Service in the Ministry Center
Join our Sunday School classes at 10:30 a.m. as we begin a new church-wide study, Advent Conspiracy, for Advent.
Pick up your copy of the study book in the church office for $10.
Are you tired of how consumerism has stolen the soul of Christmas? Do you find yourself dreading Christmas a little? This year, take a stand!
Join the groundswell of Christ-followers who are choosing to make Christmas what it should be—a joyous
celebration of Jesus’ birth that enriches our hearts and the world around us, not a retail circus that depletes our pocketbooks and defeats our spirits.
Christmas can still change the world when you, like Jesus, give what matters most—your presence.
Volunteer Opportunities:
There are several ways to share your gifts during Advent. We’re looking for volunteers for activities such as:
Advent Children’s Gathering: December 1st
Join us as we welcome the Advent season with a special children’s gathering on Sunday, December 1st, from 10:30–11:30 a.m. in Room 101 of the Green House. Children ages 2 (as of September 1, 2024) through 5th grade, and their families, are invited to join them as they enjoy breakfast, crafts, games, and an interactive retelling of the birth of Christ in a fun, memorable way. We hope parents can join us and take a break from Sunday School for this one Sunday.
Please Sign up so we can plan accordingly. For questions, contact Beth Parr at (912) 663-7466 or bparr@iohumc.com.
Feast of Lights Nativity Scene: December 15th
Children ages 3 (as of September 1, 2024) through 5th grade are invited to participate in the Feast of Lights nativity scene on Sunday, December 15th, at 6:00 p.m. Here’s how roles will be organized:
- Ages 3-4: Animals
- Ages 5-7: Angels and shepherds
- Older children: Wise kings, Mary, and Joseph
This year, we’re asking all children to sing with the Hope Choir to simplify costuming. To prepare, each child must attend at least two choir rehearsals, held for 20 minutes at the beginning of Sunday School in the Choir Room. Rehearsal dates are November 10, 17, 24, or December 8. A dress rehearsal will take place on Wednesday, December 11, at 5:00 p.m. Sign-up by November 8. For questions, please contact Beth Parr at bparr@iohumc.com or (912) 663-7466.
Student Ministry Outing: December 8th
We will head over to Compassion Christian Church to experience The Journey. It is an interactive walkthrough following the road to Bethlehem to see the birth of Jesus. It's a great experience to see what life was like in biblical times. Bring a friend and let's start this holiday season with one of the greatest stories ever told. Registration deadline is November 30th. For more information, contact Andrew Parnell. (aparnell@iohumc.com)
Feast of Lights Choir: December 15th
Regular Wednesday night rehearsals for Feast of Lights will begin on Wednesday, November 6, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Just simply show up for rehearsal and we will get you music and a seat! Remember, if you can't make every rehearsal, it is NOT a problem! We will be making rehearsal tracks available to all participants for at-home practice! Please email Jared Wilson at jwilson@iohumc.com for more information.
Christmas Cookies and Carols: December 17th at 5:30 PM
Everyone is invited for a night of Christmas cheer! Join us in the Ministry Center on December 17th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. for a night of Christmas Cookies and Carols. Bring
your favorite Christmas cookies to decorate and share in a cookie swap as we all gather together to sing
our favorite songs of the season! Children are encouraged and invited to wear pajamas!
Blue Christmas: December 19th at 6:00 PM
For many, the Christmas season is not always merry and bright. The holidays often serve as a reminder of what’s missing from our lives. Whether we have recently suffered a loss or the season simply brings up old wounds, almost everyone has moments of darkness and sorrow during Christmastime. Join us in the sanctuary for a reflective, inspiring service of meditation and meaningful music to soothe the soul and lighten the spirit.
Advent: A Calendar of Devotions 2024
Sign up for daily devotions beginning December 1st to help you prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Each reading, from the first Sunday of Advent to Christmas Day, is based on the Revised Common Lectionary and includes the Scripture, a short devotion, and a brief prayer of practice.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE THIS DEVOTIONAL
Let’s make this Advent season a memorable and meaningful one together. For more information, or to sign up for any volunteer opportunity, please contact the church office.