First United Methodist Church of Alexandria invites the community to celebrate the Advent and Christmas season through worship, music, fellowship, and special services centered on this year’s theme, Wild Voices, Holy Night.
The season begins Sunday, November 29, with the First Sunday of Advent and the Hanging of the Greens. Sunday worship begins with Grace Life Casual Worship at 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the special Fifth Sunday Celebration at 10 a.m. A potluck and time of fellowship will follow.
On Sunday, December 6, the Second Sunday of Advent, Grace Life Casual Worship begins at 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the 11 a.m. worship service featuring the message “The Virgin’s Song.” Later that afternoon, at 3 p.m. in the Chapel, FUMCA will hold its Blue Christmas Service. This service offers a space for those navigating grief, loss, or loneliness during the holidays.
One of the season’s highlights will be the Christmas Cantata, “The Promise Draws Near,” on Sunday, December 13, at 10 a.m. This combined worship service will feature FUMCA’s Chancel Choir, special guests from the congregation, and guest musicians from across the state. The lyrics for this year’s musical narrative were written by Senior Pastor Rev. Kennon Pickett, inspired by the Advent theme and the traditional Irish carol “Wexford Carol.” Following the Cantata, everyone is invited to a special Christmas reception in Fellowship Hall, hosted by various church groups and ministries. It will be an opportunity to enjoy the music and share fellowship with the community.
On Sunday, December 20, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Grace Life Casual Worship begins at 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the 11 a.m. worship service featuring the message “The Suffering Servant; Glory to the Cross.”
Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24, offers two opportunities to celebrate. The traditional service begins at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary and includes Scripture, Christmas carols, Holy Communion, and music from the Chancel Choir, including “O Holy Night.” The service closes with “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World.” At 7 p.m., families and guests are invited to “PJs, Carols, & Cocoa” in Fellowship Hall. This casual Christmas Eve gathering includes Scripture, familiar Christmas carols, and Holy Communion.
The celebration continues Sunday, December 27, with Grace Life Casual Worship at 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the Christmas Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at 11 a.m. Led by Rev. Jean Sanders, the service features nine Scripture readings and accompanying carols that trace the story of Christ’s coming, from Genesis through the opening of the Gospel of John.
The holiday season concludes with Epiphany Sunday on January 3. Grace Life Casual Worship begins at 8:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall, followed by the 11 a.m. worship service celebrating the revelation of Christ to the world and featuring the Chancel Choir’s presentation of “We Three Kings.”
Whether you come for the music, the traditions, a quiet moment of reflection, or the fellowship of the season, FUMCA welcomes you to take part in these opportunities to worship and celebrate together.
First United Methodist Church of Alexandria is located at 2727 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana. For more information, visit fumca.org.