Celebrate Advent with BUMC

*UPDATED TIMES DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS*

BRIGHT LIGHTS OF BROADWAY

The entire community is invited to join us for a free drive thru light display at our Greenwood Campus (5609 Scottsville Rd) from December 12-17. On Thursday, December 15th we will have a live nativity, a special visitor, crafts for the kiddos, and cookies inside our church from 5-7pm. If you would like to help support this event by donating an item, making a monetary donation, or shopping our Amazon wishlist for supplies, please below.

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EVERY MOMENT HOLY

It is good to enter the Advent/Christmas/New Year’s season with a conscious awareness of the expectations and hopes we carry—Some hopes that might be fulfilled, others that might lead to disappointment or a sense of grief; some hopes that might be shallow and trivial, and others that are deep longings of the soul. Some of our hopes are likely rooted in our own shallow desires for comfort, while others are rooted in the longing for restoration and for communion with our God.

To this end, and in the spirit of the Every Moment Holy purpose, we have made available a 4-week Advent journal and liturgy writing guide to follow the themes of the season.

Click to download the advent journal

click to download the liturgy writing supplement

A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

Join us on Sunday, December 11th for a morning of lessons and carols at all of our Melrose campus services. You don’t want to miss this special occasion.

WHEN CHRISTMAS HURTS SERVICE

The Christmas season can be hard for those dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after some major loss like divorce or unemployment or the pandemic, or living with depression and darkness. When Christmas Hurts is a special service of worship for those experiencing challenges during the holidays.

Greenwood campus Sanctuary – Wednesday, December 21 at 6:30 pm.

Purchase a Kit

KIDS ZONE FAMILY RESOURCE – ADVENT WREATH

The word Advent simply means “coming” or “arrival.” The season of Advent is a time for us to slow down, and take time to reflect on how incredible the coming of Jesus truly is! We hope our families will use this Advent wreath to spark a faith discussion with your children this holiday season as we wait the arrival of Christmas Day. For $15 you can purchase an Advent wreath kit for the whole family to enjoy.

BROADWAY CHRISTMAS STORE

Each year Broadway provides a Christmas Store for under-resourced parents to come and “shop” for their children at minimal cost from a selection of needed clothing items.  This ministry is only possible because of your generosity. Please consider signing up to donate or volunteering with the ministry this year using the button to the right.

Learn More About Our Christmas Store

EVENING VESPERS FOR ADVENT

As the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, we feel winter setting in. We long for connection and community now more than ever. In the church these weeks leading up to Christmas make up the season of Advent, a season of waiting. Join us as we gather for a time of reflection on the day and remember together the hope, love, joy, and peace that is ours because of Christ with us–Emmanuel.

You can watch our Evening Vespers from 2020 for Advent by checking out our YouTube channel at the button below.

Evening Vespers on YouTube

Click Here to Register for an Advent Growth Group

 

“The Journey” by Adam Hamilton

This book accesses historical and archaeological insights from the biblical story of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Class sessions will include a 10-15 min video vignette with Pastor Adam Hamilton that was filmed in the Holy Land, and Becky will draw on her recent trip to the Holy Land and anticipate the October trip with Pastor Adam. (Copies available)

Led By Becky Lashlee

Wednesdays at 10am in the Crusaders Classroom

“Light of the World: A Beginner’s Guide to Advent” by Amy-Jill Levine

This class digs into the biblical stories of Christmas and traces it through the stories of Zechariah/Elizabeth, Mary, the journey to Bethlehem, and the visit from the Magi. Professor Levine’s expertise in first-century Judaism provides helpful insights into the meaning the biblical stories had in their time and the implications they might have for Christians today. (Copies available)

Led by Scott Crutcher and Jason Herron

Wednesdays at 6 pm over Zoom

“Poor at Christmas”  Pathway-style Growth Group

Exploring different levels of poverty during the Christmas season.

Led by Wendell and Robbie VanValin

Tuesdays at 6 pm in the Cup of Hope

Dinner by Candlelight

Christmas Is coming! Feeling Anxious? Expect hope, love, joy and peace this Advent. Rekindle your anticipation of Christ’s birth with comforting conversation.  Each week participants will share a meal together by candlelight, while discussing short essays around the themes of Advent.

Led by Missy Cunningham

Thursdays at 6pm  at the Greenwood Campus

SPECIAL OFFERING RECIPIENTS: BUMC MISSIONARIES JUSTIN & ASHLEY GUEST
“I want to be someone when I’m older,” James told me as we played a board game at The Center one afternoon. He told me of his plans to move to another city after he graduates and pursue his dreams. “But I’m scared. High school is a scary place.” I asked what he meant, and he told me about the gangs, violence, and how many guns had been brought to school this year. He has big dreams, but he’s scared high school will change him. Stockton is a city full of gangs, poverty, and homelessness. The education system is severely lacking, and there isn’t enough support for children who “want out.” What can you and I do for kids like James who feel so hopeless?
The Center in downtown Stockton exists to provide an oasis of hope to children and families with minimal options.

Things have changed dramatically since we moved from Honduras to Stockton in June. We never imagined we would be missionaries in the United States. Still, we can see how God has been preparing us for the past decade! At The Center’s after-school program, we help children with homework, teach them Bible lessons, play games, and provide family intervention services. Almost weekly, someone who attended The Center years ago pops in to say thanks or to look for guidance. It has been incredible to hear their stories about how God has used this ministry to form and direct their lives. The potential to impact this city is enormous! We have such big dreams, but we need your help!
How can you impact these families’ lives?

You can pray. Prayer has been THE most important aspect of our ministry.

You can give. You can give at http://www.wgm.org/missionary/guest

You can come. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us about a visit or to schedule a work team!

Thank you for your love and support over the past 13 years. With your help, lives have been impacted throughout the world. We hope you have an incredible Christmas season, and we hope to see you soon!

 

With love,

Justin, Ashley, Micah, and Isaiah Guest