Restoration Song: An Advent Message from Pastor Chis
What are we waiting for?!
That’s the question framing Advent; the season leading up to the Christian celebration of Jesus’ birth at Christmas. This year we’ll engage this season of anticipation and hope through the Psalms. These were the songs that Jesus knew. They help us, as they did him, connect with our longing for the arrival of God’s kingdom and kindom in the midst of a world that seems not to know what that might mean.
Advent is traditionally a season that insists we Christians don’t hurry too quickly into the sparkly sentimentality and festivity of Christmas. We pause first. We reconnect with the longing of God’s people for
rescue and renewal. It’s sort of a little Lent–even getting back into the color purple. When we feel disconnected from God is when we crave restoration, redemption, reconciliation.
Advent begins Sunday, November 29th, this year. Bring your gaps–all those places in you where you hold out hope for God to bring wholeness from brokenness. We’ll journey weekly through peace, hope, joy, and love as we rediscover and reclaim what it means that God is with us. Let’s sing out together!
Advent Events
We welcome everyone to our church to celebrate the Advent season with us this year! From family events to sweeping choral performances, there are many ways to enjoy Advent at Littleton United.
ADVENT FESTIVAL & HANGING OF THE GREENS
November 29th @ 4:30 p.m.
Bring family and friends to enjoy dinner, crafts, caroling, and a visit with Santa. Then we'll move to the Sanctuary to decorate the tree and usher in the Advent season where we'll prepare our hearts for the arrival of the Christ child.
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH'S ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BRUNCH
December 5th @ 10:00 a.m.
Join us in Grant Fellowship Hall for a free brunch followed by a performance by the Legendary Ladies!
GREAT ESCAPE CHRISTMAS MUSIC PROGRAM
December 10th @ 6:00 p.m.
Join us in the Sanctuary to witness cuteness overload from our Great Escape Early Learners!
A FESTIVAL OF CAROLS
December 13th@ 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
The most inspiring music of the Christmas season will be performed in these two special morning worship services. Littleton UMC’s choirs and a festival orchestra will perform beloved Christmas carols. Come experience the mystery and majesty of the season through poetry, scripture, and music, and lift your voice to the newborn king.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
December 13th @ 9:45 a.m.
Please join us in Grant Fellowship Hall to support the children as they tell the story of Baby Jesus! A Cookie & Cocoa Reception will follow.
CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNITY MEAL
December 25th @ 12:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome for a light meal and community in Grant Fellowship Hall. Check in with old friends and make some new ones as we celebrate the day together.
CELEBRATING BABY JESUS' BIRTHDAY
December 27th @ 9:45 a.m.
Family Ministries will celebrate the birthday of Baby Jesus in the Fellowship Hall between services from 9:45-10:45. We'll have games, treats, and fellowship as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!
Christmas Eve Service Times
Do not miss this time to celebrate Christ’s birth through lessons, carols and a moving candlelight service. Bells, harp and brass music will accompany the singing of traditional carols as we gather to celebrate this holy night together in the serene beauty of the LUMC sanctuary.
5:30 PM Service (simultaneous livestream)
This candlelight service will feature brass, harp, handbells, and music from our choir. Childcare is available for those who need it.
7:30 PM Service
This candlelight service will feature brass, harp, guest musicians, and music from our choir. Childcare is available for those who need it.
11:00 PM Service
This candlelight service will feature live harp, high school women and alumni, and Holy Communion. Childcare is not available for this service.