Advent 2023

Join us this Advent and Christmas season as we worship, grow, serve, give and celebrate together — all in the hopes of becoming more like Christ in this holy season.

Click here to order poinsettias.

Click here for reservations for our annual Christmas dinner. 

WORSHIP

Sundays of Advent: The Angels of Christmas

Sundays, December 1, 8, 15 and 22   |  8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Angels are at the heart of the Christmas story, bringing the good, and sometimes scary, news of God’s work in the world.  Join us this Advent as we consider these messengers from God, the word they offer, and the response they elicit.  How is God calling us to listen and respond in this holy season?  How might God use us to bring good news in our time?

December 01 – Gabriel and Zechariah, Luke 1:5-25

December 08 – Gabriel and Mary, Luke 1:26-38

December 15 – An Angel and Joseph , Matthew 1:18-25

December 22 – The Angels and the Shepherds, Luke 2:1-14

Service of Hope and Consolation     Thursday, December 5  |  6:30 p.m.

We welcome everyone to a quiet service of scripture, prayer, music and the lighting of candles of remembrance.  For all the losses we have suffered this past year, we pause to reflect, accept how we are feeling, and seek God’s healing and hope in a community of grace.  

Christmas Eve Worship    December 24  |  4:00 and 6:00 p.m. 

Come celebrate Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m. with carol singing, children’s Nativity during the reading of the Christmas story, candle lighting and Holy Communion.  

Join us for a traditional service at 6:00 p.m. with music from our Chancel Choir and brass quintet, a homily, candle lighting and Holy Communion.  

Grow

Youth Advent Study

Advent Workshop    November 24  |  4:00-6:00 p.m.

Each year our church family gathers the Sunday before Advent to prepare for this special season through crafts, creating Advent wreaths, making wooden nativity pieces and more. All ages and stages are invited to join us in Carpenter Hall for this special night. Register HERE.

Advent Devotionals    Available Sunday, December 01

Pick up your free Advent Devotional, written by FUMC members and staff in the narthex to guide you in spending intentional time with God throughout this holy season.  

Advent Small Group   Tuesdays beginning November 26  | 1:30 p.m.

Serve

Feeding the Children (+Plus) 

We have expanded our Feeding the Children program to be a meal assistance program.  When we deliver this season, in addition to the lunch we will leave 2 grocery bags of food at the home. These 2 bags will provide food for breakfast, lunch and dinners on the days we do not deliver.  This provides the child with shelf stable foods into the weekend. This addition to our program will expand our volunteer opportunities.  You can sign up to cook and deliver as we have done in the past,  or sign up to pack the grocery bags to be delivered to homes.  You can sign up by calling Sharon Lochaby, our volunteer coordinator, at 704-608-2523 or click HERE to sign up.

Room in the Inn

Beginning December 7th we will begin our partnership with Christ UMC in Charlotte in serving the unhoused. There are many opportunities to serve in setting up, cooking and serving a meal to our neighbors.  We will use our mini bus to pick up our guests from a Roof Above in Charlotte on appointed Saturday’s to take them to the church where they will receive a hot meal and warm bed for the night. Check out the opportunities to serve like Jesus by clicking HERE.

 

Give

ZOE Alternative Giving    

What do you get a friend or family member who has everything for Christmas?  Give a gift that transforms the lives of vulnerable children.  A goat, maize seed, or even a cooking pot can empower a child to never need charity again.  Our Zoe Team will be available after worship to help you shop for your loved ones.  With a donation of $10 or more, an item to represent your gift will be complimentary for your gift recipient.  Handmade ornaments by children in Rwanda will also be for sale for a suggested donation of $20.  All donations will directly support our communities in Rwanda.

Sharing the Warmth

This Christmas we will keep our neighbors warm by collecting socks, mittens and hats for children, youth and adults who need help with adequate winter clothing.  Hang your donations on the Christmas tree designated in our narthex for the collection. All donations will be distributed through S.O.C.K.S. Crisis Ministry.  

 

Celebrate

Youth Event    December 8th  |  12:30 to 5:00 p.m.

Youth will be going to Frankie’s in Huntersville for an afternoon of rides and games.

Primetimers Dinner and Drive Through McAdenville  December 10th  | 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. 

Sign up to ride the FUMC Belmont bus through the McAdenville Christmas lights.  Dinner will be prior to the Christmas lights and it will be at “The Woodshed”- dutch treat.  Sign up to reserve your spot on the bus.  Seats will go fast.  RSVP:  doreen@fumcbelmont.org

 

The Gift of Christmas Concert and Dinner    Sunday, December 15  |  4:00 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of fun and beautiful Christmas music offered by our Chancel Choir, Alleluia Children’s Choir, Bellissimo Bells, and Worship team, along with soloists!  A delicious dinner follows.  Reservation forms are available here.