Celebrate Christmas with

First United Methodist Church!

Bring the whole family to First United Methodist Church this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. During our special seasonal events you’ll enjoy special music, candlelight, and messages of hope to impact our daily lives. No matter how long it’s been, or why you visit, you are welcome here! We would love to celebrate this special season with you and we hope you will join us!

Sunday Mornings in December  

8:15 AM Traditional Worship - Sanctuary

9:30 AM Contemporary Worship - Celebration Center

9:30 AM Sunday School for All Ages

10:45 AM Traditional Worship (Livestreamed) - Sanctuary


Jr. church at 8:15 and 10:45 for children ages 3-5th grade

*Nursery Available at All Three Services


Christmas Cantata

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7

8:15 and 10:45AM

"The Winter Rose" by Joseph Martin


This beautiful cantata combines traditional carols and newly composed anthems, presenting the birth and life of Christ from prophecy to passion. A great opportunity for our community to come together and experience this joyful and powerful story with orchestra, our Chancel Choir all under the direction of Brian Norcross.


Candlelight Services


DECEMBER 23, 7 PM

CONTEMPORARY CHRISTMAS


Come as you are and enjoy a casual, joyful atmosphere featuring live music, beloved carols, an uplifting message, and a warm candlelight experience. After the service, stay for a time of fellowship with cocoa and cookies—a perfect way to savor the Christmas spirit and connect with friends, family, and neighbors.


This early Christmas service is designed for those looking for a meaningful time of worship without the rush of Christmas Eve. Join us to experience the joy of the season in a way that’s fresh, fun, and focused on the true meaning of Christmas.


DECEMBER 24

A FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND LIGHTS


4:00 PM Service

Chancel and Chapel Choirs

Orchestra

Special Guest: John Darrenkamp

(Livestreamed)


7:00 PM Service

Carol and Cherub Choirs

Orchestra

Special Guest: John Darrenkamp

(Livestreamed)


10:00 PM Service

Chancel and Chapel Choirs

Orchestra

Special Guest: John Darrenkamp




Celebrate the wonder of Christmas with an unforgettable evening of music, light, movement, and storytelling. This heartfelt event brings to life the beauty and mystery of Christ’s birth, featuring our choirs, orchestra, guest soloist, and stunning visuals reminiscent of our epic Easter Eve worship concert. Under the direction of Brian Norcross, with visuals and scenery by Brian Lehman, this third annual celebration weaves powerful narration, candlelight, and sacred artistry into a worship experience that warms the heart and lifts the spirit.


This year's service invites the congregation into a rich and worshipful journey through the Christmas story. Beginning with the gentle candle-lit procession of Mary and Joseph and continuing through the choir's entrance, the sanctuary comes alive with growing light and expectant hope. Children and dancers help create moments of wonder—flowing movement during Gabriel’s Obo, angelic fabrics, and tender solos that echo the awe of that holy night. Meditations throughout the service offer space for reflection, while soft imagery of our church family serving others reminds us that the Incarnation continues through acts of love and compassion. As choirs and children join in “Angels Making Their Rounds,” the story comes alive not only through music but through the shared life of our community.


The evening culminates with the passing of the light and the beloved carols of Christmas. Gathered around the manger, the choir forms a radiant frame of worship as Mary and Joseph present the Christ child. Candlelight fills the sanctuary for “Silent Night” and rises into the joyful celebration of “Joy to the World,” followed by the triumphant “Festival First Nowell.” With music from our choirs, orchestra, and soloist John Darrenkamp, this Christmas Eve promises to be a moving and unforgettable celebration of Emmanuel—God with us. 



CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF ALL EVENTS THIS DECEMBER.

John Darrenkamp

A member of First UMC, John has performed with the NYC Opera for nine years and the Metropolitan Opera for 22 years. His musical career has taken him around the world.