Advent is the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It is a season of waiting and preparations. Explore the categories below to see how you can grow closer to God during Advent.
Advent Events
Jingle Jam for Jesus Friday, December 1 6:00- 8:00 PM Jingle Jam for Jesus is the kickoff event of the Holiday Season! Designed for all ages. Get into the holiday spirit with worship music by the FUMER praise band Chalice and then enjoy interactive activities in the Fellowship Hall with cookies, hot cocoa and coffee. This is a free event open to our entire community!
Christmas By Candlelight Monday, December 4 7:00 - 9:00 pm Celebrate the birth of Christ with the women of FUMER at the annual Christmas by Candlelight program and dessert reception. Program will feature musicians from FUMER and guest acapella group “Fleetwood Four.” Following the program enjoy desserts in the Fellowship Hall offered by table hosts at seasonally decorated tables. RSVP is recommended by calling 517-663-3524.
Hometown Holiday Concert Sunday, December 10 4:00 pm Ring in the Holiday season with the sounds of Christmas! FUMER chancel choir joins the Eaton Rapids High School Chamber Choirs and the FUMER Allegro Bell Choir for a “Hometown Holiday Concert.’ Concert takes place in the sanctuary.
Advent Services
Sundays in December 9:00 am 10:30 am This four-week series tells the Christmas story through a topical lens. Jesus’s birth was the catalyst for the believer to find hope in difficult times, true belonging, peace, and eternal heart change through a right relationship with God. Each week, a popular Christmas song will be used as an illustration of the passage and the sermon’s big idea.
Blue Christmas Saturday, December 23 6:00 pm Sometimes the sights and sounds of the holiday season can be overwhelming and difficult depending on life situations and circumstances. Grief, mental illness, strained relationships and so much more can bring more sorrow than joy. Blue Christmas is a service designed for those needing time to reflect and remember. It's more quiet and somber but still brings the good news of Christ’s birth.
Christmas Eve Services
Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 Let’s Sing! God arriving on earth as a human is worth celebrating! So we will sing, we will love, we will celebrate his holy name! Combined Service: A sunday morning Christmas Eve service. Family Service: A casual service for the whole family to enjoy! Families take an active role in telling the birth of our savior. Kids will receive a Christmas goody bag to take home and everyone will celebrate Jesus' birthday with cake after the service. Music is casual in style and led by our praise band "Chalice." Music is also provided by our Kids vocal and bell choirs. Traditional Service: A Christmas Eve service filled with all the sights and sounds of the season. Music is organ led and provided by our Chancel Choir and our bell choir "Allegro." Traditional hymns are enhanced with a special brass ensemble accompaniment. Scripture readings are woven throughout the service and the service ends with a candle light singing of "Silent Night." Drama Service: A late night, candlelight service with dramatic retelling woven throughout.
Advent and Christmas Resources
Holiday Grief Group Wednesdays through December 6:00 pm During the holidays, grief can become especially challenging. Feelings of loss and loneliness are amplified amongst the Joy, Peace, Hope and Love all around us. FUMER offers a special group to support those struggling with loss during the holidays at a weekly grief support group. Meetings are held in the church library located on the main level.
Exploring Our Faith Online Advent Study Resources
Visit our special "Exploring Our Faith: The Season of Advent" page to learn more about Advent and different ways to grow closer to God during this season of preparation. Click the image to learn more!