Posts tagged Christmas

Sticky Jesus by The Skit Guys: As a mother and son unpack the Christmas decorations they also unpack some less than happy memories involving the manger scene and some peanut butter covered fingers.

Happy Geeky Christmas!  

Happy Geeky Christmas!  

The Advent Conspiracy - What is it?

Why Should We Care About Advent?

Rob Bell explains why this time of year is all about the waiting.

Jenny Oaks Baker - Silent Night (Oiche Chiuin) ft. Alex Sharpe of Celtic Woman - from NOËL

Blue Christmas/ The Longest Night Worship Service - December 21st at 7:30 PM:  Christmas can be a joyless “blue” time for those who find the season difficult because of the many reminders the carry of what they lost or never had.  The loss of loved ones or friends, financial insecurity, broken relationships, ill health, the loss of a beloved pet and many other factors can leave us feeling “blue” in this season of celebration and good cheer.  During this special service, we will acknowledge losses that sometimes darken our holidays and help us to experience the wonder and hope of Christmas in the midst of our grief.  We hope you will invite friends and neighbors who would appreciate and benefit from this worship opportunity.

Blue Christmas/ The Longest Night Worship Service - December 21st at 7:30 PM:  Christmas can be a joyless “blue” time for those who find the season difficult because of the many reminders the carry of what they lost or never had.  The loss of loved ones or friends, financial insecurity, broken relationships, ill health, the loss of a beloved pet and many other factors can leave us feeling “blue” in this season of celebration and good cheer.  During this special service, we will acknowledge losses that sometimes darken our holidays and help us to experience the wonder and hope of Christmas in the midst of our grief.  We hope you will invite friends and neighbors who would appreciate and benefit from this worship opportunity.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus:  “All of creation, all of God’s story, all of us, long for Christ’s coming. Watch this moving piece that illustrates how all of history culminates in the birth of Jesus.”

Join us for our many activities happening this Advent season at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Annandale, VA.

Join us for our many activities happening this Advent season at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Annandale, VA.

The Christmas Story:  “The story of Christmas told by preschool & kindergarten students from Hilltop Preschool & Kindergarten.”

The Christmas Story: ”The story of Christmas as told by the children of St Paul’s Church, Auckland, New Zealand.”

The St. Matthew’s Children’s Council is hosting a Parent’s Night Out on Friday, Dec. 14th from 6 to 9 PM.  No Need to RSVP - just sign up on arrival.  Parents,  here is a chance for you to have a date night with your spouse or finish up your Christmas shopping!  Drop your kids off for night of pizza, a Christmas movie, and games. **FREE OF CHARGE**

The St. Matthew’s Children’s Council is hosting a Parent’s Night Out on Friday, Dec. 14th from 6 to 9 PM.  No Need to RSVP - just sign up on arrival.  Parents,  here is a chance for you to have a date night with your spouse or finish up your Christmas shopping!  Drop your kids off for night of pizza, a Christmas movie, and games. **FREE OF CHARGE**

You’re invited to a holiday handbell concert given by the St. Matthew’s Peace Ringers this Sunday, December 2nd!  The Peace Ringers are an advanced adult handbell choir and they will be performing at Arlington United Methodist Church at 4:00 PM.  Everyone is welcome, the concert is free of charge and is a great way to kick off the Christmas season.

You’re invited to a holiday handbell concert given by the St. Matthew’s Peace Ringers this Sunday, December 2nd!  The Peace Ringers are an advanced adult handbell choir and they will be performing at Arlington United Methodist Church at 4:00 PM.  Everyone is welcome, the concert is free of charge and is a great way to kick off the Christmas season.

Senior Adult Christmas Party:   The Sr. High UMYF will host a Christmas Party for St. Matthews Senior Adults on Sunday, December 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in Room 302.  The Youth hope the Senior Adults will join them for supper, fun and fellowship.  Each Youth and Senior Adult should bring a wrapped unisex gift for gift exchange (the gift should be a value of $5 or less).  Senior Adults should R.S.V.P. to Sandy and Darold at 703-425-4470 or email sdplate@verizon.net.   

Senior Adult Christmas Party:   The Sr. High UMYF will host a Christmas Party for St. Matthews Senior Adults on Sunday, December 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in Room 302.  The Youth hope the Senior Adults will join them for supper, fun and fellowship.  Each Youth and Senior Adult should bring a wrapped unisex gift for gift exchange (the gift should be a value of $5 or less).  Senior Adults should R.S.V.P. to Sandy and Darold at 703-425-4470 or email sdplate@verizon.net.   

St. Matthew’s Alternative Giving Market - Starts Dec. 2nd

St. Matthew’s UMC will be hosting an Alternative Giving Market each Sunday during Advent (beginning December 2).   This is a new way to give here at St. Matthew’s UMC. We are sponsoring this event during Advent to give folks an opportunity to shop for special gifts of love -  gifts we believe Jesus would want us to give -  during the holiday season.  Shoppers make contributions to mission projects and local community programs in the name of loved ones as an alternative to buying material goods.  We want to serve as Jesus served.  Every purchase is a gift of love for people in need that can bring joy to the hearts of those who live on the margins.  A personalized gift card announcing the donation comes with each purchase as a special present for you to give to those being honored on Christmas Day.  Come find us in the information hallway between services starting on December 2nd.

St. Matthew’s Christmas Basket Donations

Christmas are times for gathering with loved ones, sharing warm memories, and being grateful for the year’s blessings. Share your blessings and be a part of someone’s holiday memory this year - give the gift of cranberry sauce, stuffing mix, gravy, mashed potato mix, canned vegetables or a frozen turkey. You may also sponsor a full basket monetarily with a donation of $50. The Food Closet is accepting regular and holiday food donations, as well as monetary donations, for our annual Christmas Basket drive.