Advent 2025
We often find waiting to be difficult, yet it is a reality we must face! The word "Advent" comes from Latin "adventus" meaning "the arrival." We awaith His coming, joining Christians worldwide in celebrating a season observed for over 1,700 years. This year's readings from the Gospel of Matthew emphasize Jesus' kingship, arrival, and His eventual return. All worship services will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Plan to attend!
Advent Study: An Unlikely Advent by Rachel Billups
Join us for a four-week Advent study focusing on the overlooked characters in the Nativity story. We will explore the themes of Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace through the stories of Elizabeth and Zechariah, Herod, the Magi, and the shepherds. Meetings will take place on Monday evenings from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The books are sold out at the church, but you can find a digital version on your computer that will be just perfect.
Sunday, November 30, 2025-Matthew 24:36-44 "Are We There Yet"?
Hold on a moment. Take a deep breath. We've arrived at the start of Advent-again! Advent teaches us to focus on what to do while eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Christ child. Week one emphasizes being ready for Christ's kingdom. Even though we've just celebrated Thanksgiving, let's get our Advent spirit in gear!
Monday, December 1, 2025 6-7 p.m.-An Unlikely Advent: What If I Missed It?
Sunday, December 7, 2025-Matthew 3: 1-12, "We're Still Not Ready"
Here we meet John the Baptist, that locust-and-honey-eating prophet living in the wilderness, who calls people, both then and now, to repent. John invites us to change our story, to redefine our "once upon a time" in light of the good news he hoped for but had not yet seen.
Monday, December 8, 2025-6-7 p.m.-An Unlikely Advent: Playing the Villain
Sunday, December 14, 2025-Isaiah 35: 1-10. "Prepare Yourself for Hope and Joy"
The Third Sunday in advent, known as Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday, presents a paradox. Despite being in the midst of Advent's darkness, we are called to rejoice! Lighting the pink candle reminds us to sing and embrace joy, which is essential on our journey, especially when facing darkness.
Sunday December 14, 2025, after worship-The Christmas Social
Join us for the second annual "Christmas Social" at SGIUMC! Wear your favorite tacky Christmas sweater or festive tie to church. Enjoy a potluck lunch and games with prizes for the best costumes! Participants are asked to bring a wrapped present valued at $10 or less for a "White Elephant" gift exchange. We hope to see you there.
Monday, December 15, 2025, 6-7 p.m.-An Unlikely Advent: A Curious People
Sunday, December 21, 2025 during the 10 a.m. worship service-Choir Cantata-Sing We Now of Christmas
Monday, December 22, 2025, 6-7 p.m.-An Unlikely Advent: When God Shows Up
Christmas Eve-Candles, Carols, and Communion
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 at 6 p.m.-The Sanctuary
Luke 2: 1-4 "Share the Story"
Christmas Eve is centered around home and family and emphasizes "making room" for the Christ child in our lives. Let's celebrate together the arrival of our King in a worship service featuring candlelight, a special sermon, and Holy Communion.
Sunday, December 28, 2025-Matthew 2: 13-23, "The Whole, Holy Mess of Christmas"
The Gospel of Matthew includes one of the most challenging stories in the New Testament. It serves as a reminder that we're called to 'make room" for Jesus.
Epiphany Sunday, January 4, 2026-Matthew 3: 13-17 "The Baptism of the Lord"
Sunday, January 11, 2026-Parsonage Open House 1-4 p.m.
Join us for "Chips and Chat" fellowship at the parsonage, located at 1023 Porter Street, St. George Island. All invited. Come as you are.