First United Methodist Church Graham

each sunday of advent during worship

advent sermon series

Advent begins in darkness – echoing Israel’s journey into exile. Advent invites us to sit and reflect on the world’s brokenness. Advent calls us to consider the sin that infects our own lives and reminds us that we needed a savior to call us “out of darkness and into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). In light of all that is going on in our community, our nation, and the world, let’s not “rush to the manger.” Let’s acknowledge that for many people in our church, family/community, life is hard – painfully hard. Scripture calls us to bear one another’s burdens, and that means being in solidarity with those who are hurting and walking with them. During Advent, we will look at four gifts that we are called to receive:

November 30 – The Gift of Hope

December 7 – The Gift of Judgment

December 14 – Unexpected Gifts

December 21 – Unwanted Gifts

12.7.25 @ 5:00 p.m.

christmas party!

This year, the youth group and the children's ministry have decided to host a Christmas party...and all the church is invited. We will open our time together with some Reindeer games, then transition into a time of singing together. Pastor Duane has volunteered to lead us in singing carols! After that we will enjoy a meal together, and close out the party with cookie decorating. It starts at 5:00 p.m. and is hosted in Stafford Hall.

each sunday of advent

advent bible study

Join us for a study of Advent Conspiracy: Making Christmas Meaningful (Again) .Starting November 30, this 4-week study will be held on Sundays at 4pm in the

TJ Whitehead classroom (Rm. 132). You can order the book online. NOTE: Please be sure to get the updated edition. Advent Conspiracy shows you how to substitute consumption with compassion by practicing four simple but powerful, countercultural concepts: Worship Fully (because Jesus frees us); Spend Less (and free your resources for things that matter); Give More (of your presence, your hands, your words, your time); and Love All (the poor, the forgotten, the marginalized in ways that

make a difference).

12.14.25 @ 7:00 p.m.

christmas concert

On Sunday, December 14 at 7pm, our church will host the 34th Festival of Carols. Once again our choir and minister will join with the choirs and ministers from First Baptist Church and Graham Presbyterian Church to present the Christmas story through scripture and music. This year there will be a lot of familiar carols including an Advent version of “Abide With Me,” “Go Tell it On the Mountain,

” “Fum, Fum, Fum” (with different words), “Angels From the Realms of Glory,” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”. In addition, you will have a chance to join in singing a medley

of well-known carols. Bring family and friends and join with our Graham neighbors as we celebrate Jesus’ birth together.

for worship spaces

poinsettia orders

Once again, we will be decorating our worship spaces with poinsettias during the Advent and Christmas season. If you would like to purchase one or more of these plants, please download the form below. Hard copies of the form will be in your bulletins on November 23, November 30, and December 7. Deadline for purchasing is noon, December 8.order here