Advent 2025
Worship
Sunday Morning Worship
We gather each Sunday for meaningful worship, prayer, and music led by Pastor Katie Trinter and our talented music team. You’re welcome to join us in person or online—wherever you are, you’re part of the community.
9:00am · Contemporary Worship (The Commons)
10:30am · Traditional Worship (Sanctuary)
Watch the Online Livestream available on Facebook and YouTube. Browse past messages anytime on our Sermon Page.
The Well Contemplative Worship
Wednesdays (starting Dec. 3) | Noon
The Well is a 30-minute mid-week Advent Worship service on Wednesdays at Noon. Pastor Katie will lead a time for reflection, readings, prayer, and music in the Chapel. During the holidays, it can be easy to feel drained or stressed.
This Advent season, take a break from the frenzy and drink in the Holy as we contemplate Christ's hope, peace, joy, and love at The Well on Wednesdays. Begins next Wednesday, December 4th!
Christmas Cantata
Dec. 21 | During Both Services
You are invited to our Christmas Cantata, presented by KUMC's Chancel Choir and Wesley Handbells on December 21, at both the 9 and 10:30 a.m. services. Enjoy some beautiful holiday music at Kirkwood UMC, as we all prepare our hearts for the celebration of Christmas!
Longest Night Service
Dec. 21 | 7 p.m.
The truth is not all of us feel merry and bright, and it’s a gift to be a part of a community that’s honest about that. If you are struggling this season and need a safe place to bring your grief, your disappointment, your overwhelm, or whatever else you may be feeling we hope you will join us for this special worship service. Together we’ll pray honest prayers, hold our hearts tenderly, and be held by God’s love. Together we’ll light candles in the long, dark night.
Christmas Eve Services
Dec 24 | 3, 5 & 11 p.m.
You are invited to Kirkwood United Methodist Church for Christmas Eve Worship. Each worship includes Communion and the singing of "Silent Night" in candlelight. Come hear the good news and share in the hope of Christmas Eve at KUMC!
Journey Youth Choir + Alumni | 3 p.m.
Children’s Choir + Live Nativity on the Plaza | 5 p.m.
Chancel Choir + Handbells | 11 p.m.
(Pre-service Music at 10:30 p.m.)
Music
Keyboards & Carols
Dec 7 | 4-6:00 p.m.
Our Keyboards and Carols concert returns! Join us on Sunday, December 7, for a concert with four grand pianos, a pipe organ, and our KUMC Chancel Choir. Featuring favorites such as Carol of the Bells, O Holy Night, The Little Drummer Boy, Mary Did You Know?, Sleigh Ride, and many more! This concert is free to enjoy.
St. Louis Wind Symphony & ReBellion Concert
Dec 13 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Join us for a holiday performance with the St. Louis Wind Symphony and ReBELLion Handbell Ensemble on Saturday, December 13
Each group will perform a few songs separately, and a few together until the show-stopping finale of "Sleigh Ride".
The concert is free, but donations are welcome!
Journey Youth Choir Christmas Coffee House
Dec 14 | 4 - 6:00 p.m.
Come and listen to holiday music favorites while enjoying yummy desserts, coffee, and hot chocolate. Seating will be at festively decorated tables. So invite your friends and family to this fun, festive Christmas event.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased on Realm.
All proceeds support the Summer Music Mission trip.
Family Events
Breakfast with Santa
December 6 | 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
On December 6, from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m., Santa will be at KUMC to eat pancakes and take photos. We will take donations at the door to benefit KUMC Youth Mission. The time you sign up for is the time of your photo with Santa. We will have breakfast (pancakes, sausage, coffee, orange juice and water, craft, and gift for kids. Questions, please email Pastor Kyle at pastorkyle@kirkwoodumc.org. Thank you!
Parents Night Out
Dec 12 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Parents, are you looking for some extra time to get some Christmas shopping done while your children have a great evening? Parents Night Out is here to help!
Service + Justice
LifeWise Holiday Market
Spread a little cheer during LifeWise STL’s Holiday Market December 5-12, 2025.
Donate
Donations play a crucial role in the success of our market. If you’re considering contributing, you can refer to their Holiday Market Wish List or their Amazon Wish List.
Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities associated with this affordable holiday market include set-up (which includes transforming a gym into a retail space, complete with tables and clothing racks); filling the store with gifts (clothes, toys, books, bikes, etc.); and also serving as personal shoppers, cashiers, and someone to help participants out to their vehicles with their purchases.
LifeBridge Christmas Dinner Boxes
LifeBridge Christmas Dinner Boxes - The LifeBridge Market will offer Christmas Dinner Boxes to help families celebrate the season while staying within budget. The box will contain a choice of meat, fresh produce, and holiday favorites. Ways to support this effort:
1. Donate non-perishable food items. Select an ornament from the bulletin board in the lobby that lists a specific item, or click here (insert link to the list below) to view the wish list. Deliver items to the basket under the bulletin board by Sunday, Dec 14
Christmas Dinner Box Wish List
Box Stuffing (Cornbread type preferred)
Velveeta - 16 oz
Elbow Macaroni - 16 oz
Hot Cocoa Mix
Hawaiian Rolls (do not return before 12/14 to maintain freshness)
Christmas Paper Plates & Napkins
Christmas Candy
Foil Roasting Pan
2. Help LifeBridge reach its $3000 fundraising goal to cover the cost of the fresh food items. Online donations can be made through the following link: (insert link from Katie Medina...I will edit form once I get it)
3. Volunteer to help with preparing the boxes and distribution by clicking on the link to the Sign up Genius or registering to serve at the Connections Center.
Questions? Email Julie Sherwood at mission@kirkwoodumc.org