Advent Events and Christmas at KUMC


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You are Always Welcome at Kirkwood United Methodist Church! 


Drop in for Christmas concerts, bring your family to some of the fun activities planned this season, and join KUMC for weekly worship for our Advent Worship Series, "How Does a Weary World Rejoice?"   We look forward to welcoming you to Christmas Eve Worship on Sunday, December 24th at any one of our four different worship times. Choose the worship time and style that suits you and come celebrate Christmas Eve at KUMC!  All are invited, and ALL are welcomed! 


Advent Sermon Series: How Does a Weary World Rejoice?   


Christ was born into a weary world. King Herod ruled the land with a legacy of ruthlessness. The Romans treated the people of Israel with contempt, imposing harsh taxes and land seizures that forced many into subsistence farming. Poverty and destitution were pervasive. And yet, 

Christ was born, bringing good news of great joy for all people. 


This season, we'll be looking closely at the details in the opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke to discover where joy is sprinkled throughout the narrative. We'll identify the moments when joy arrives-despite trepidation, fear, or grief. And consider how joy can be a companion to you this season, for our joy is rooted in the truth that we belong to God. Can you tether yourself to that deep truth? You deserve to feel joy-fully. 

The world needs your joy, even if you are weary. May each week of Advent offer you rhythms for rejoicing-through acknowledging your weariness, finding joy in connection, allowing yourself to be amazed, singing stories of hope, making room, rooting yourself in ritual, and remembering your belovedness. 


And so, this Advent, let us hold space for our weariness and our joy. Let us seek a "thrill of hope" in our hurting world. Let us welcome joy-even and especially if, like the prophet Isaiah, we cry out for comfort (Isaiah 40:1). In this weary world, may we find Many ways to rejoice! 

Celebrate Advent in Weekly Worship at  KUMC

Here are the ways you can Worship at KUMC or from home online on Sundays with KUMC during Advent.

  • Sunday Advent Worship: 

    How Does a Weary World Rejoice?

    Sundays, 9:00am Contemporary & 10:30am TraditionaL

    You're invited to attend worship on Sunday mornings in person at either 9am Contemporary Worship in The Commons or 10:30am Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary.  Or, join us wherever you are streaming live on KUMC's Facebook Page at 9am or 10:30am on Sundays. You can also find our weekly Sunday sermons on our Sermons Page. 


    Watch Worship Live at 9 am and 10:30 am on KUMC's Facebook Page circlefacebook 

    Weekly Sermon Page circlerightarrow


    Kids Worship & Childcare Available During Both Worship Times,  8:45am - 11:30am

    Childcare (for infants - 3 yrs) and Kids Worship for ages 3 yrs (and potty trained) - 5th grade is offered during both worship times. Check infants and toddlers into rooms 203 & 204, and Kids into Kids' Worship in KUMC's gym, ten minutes before the start of the worship service you are attending.  

  • THE WELL Advent Worship

    Wednesdays at noon in The Chapel in December

    This contemplative mid-week worship service led by Pastor Katie Trinter is 30 minutes and includes time for reflection, readings, prayer, and music in The Chapel. By midweek it is easy to feel drained and stressed. This Advent season, you are invited to take a break; 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.

  • HOw Does A Weary World Rejoice

    A Daily Devotion Book, and Daily Calendars for Advent

    This Devotion book is desgined to help you practice joy in a weary world. Each week offers are, reflections, poetry, and hymns. Journey through these pages at your own pace to look closely at the details in the opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke. Discover where joy is sprinkled throughtout the narrative, and cosider how joy can be a companion to you this season! Pick up a copy at church at the Connection Center, or at the church office. 


    You can also follow along in the Devotion Book with  this online version circlerightarrow 


    A Daily Devotion Calendar is also available with this series, one for Adults and Youth and another coloring version for children. You can pick up copies at the Connection Center on Sundays, or during weekly office hours. Or, download a copy here: 


    Adult& Youth Daily Devontion Calendar  circlerightarrow


    Children's Daily Advent Coloring Calendar circlerightarrow

  • Christmas Poinsettias for the Sanctuary

    Order by December 17

    Order poinsettias in honor or memory of loved ones to decorate KUMC's Sanctuary for Christmas.  You will be able to deliver your poinsettia to someone or take it home to enjoy at the end of the holiday season. Place your order now using your Realm account. All orders are due before December 17. There will be space for you to fill out your dedication information on the order form.


    Order Christmas Poinsettia(s) on Realm circlerightarrow


LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21,  7PM, in the SANCTUARY

Longest Night Worship is for those experiencing loss or grieving during the holiday season. You're invited to come to this special worship opportunity in the sanctuary at KUMC on the longest night of the year to remember those special to you during a time that can be so difficult without them. 

Christmas Eve Worship

Sunday, December 24

You are welcome to come and worship on Christmas Eve in the Sanctuary at Kirkwood Methodist Church. 

All worship services will include Communion and end with the singing of "Silent Night" by candlelight. 


Childcare: 

Nursery will be offered only during the 10AM worship time. 

Kid's Worship will not meet on the 24th. 


10AM: Jazzy Morning Worship

Start your day on Sunday at worship on Christmas Eve morning. This year offers the unique opportunity to start your

Christmas Eve Day with Sunday worship at 10 am. 


Watch Live on Facebook at 10 am circlerightarrow


3PM: Early Traditional Worship with Journey Youth Choir

Early Traditional Worship will feature Journey Youth Choir. 

Alumni members of Journey Youth Choir and their families are encouraged to attend this time

so that they may join in several anthems during worship. 


Watch Live on Facebook on 12/24 at 3pm circlerightarrow


5PM: Family Service with the Children's Choirs

Family Worship will feature KUMC's Children's Celebration and Cherub Choirs. 

This is the perfect time for families with young children to engage their interests and be home by the early evening.


Watch Live from home on Facebook on 12/24 at 5pm circlerightarrow


11PM: Traditional Worship Featuring The Chancel Choir and Handbell Choir

The 11 PM Traditional Worship will feature the Chancel Choir, accompanied by KUMC's Handbell Choir. 

Prior to the 11PM Worship at 10:30PM, there will be pre-service music provided by the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choirs, Organ, Piano & Flute


Watch Live on Facebook on 12/24 at 11pm circlerightarrow

Christmas Concerts This December at KUMC

Come and hear the joyful sounds of Christmas at any of the concerts at KUMC this December. Admission is free to any of the concerts, and you will have the opportunity to leave a donation or "retiring offering" if you wish to show your appreciation and support the music ministries of KUMC and other performing artists and groups. 

  • Community Gospel Choir OF St. Louis

    Saturday, December 9, at 4 pm

    You're invited to a free Gospel Concert at Kirkwood United Methodist Church. featuring Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis. This year’s annual Christmas concert will be their biggest and best yet. In addition to the choir’s 60 amazing voices, there will be a full jazz ensemble, dancers, featured soloists, and other surprise guests. Come and welcome the holiday season in a concert that will get you on your feet and clapping to this amazing music in KUMC's Sanctuary at 4pm. 

  • ReBELLion Handbell Ensemble & Saint Louis Wind Symphony

    Saturday, December 16, 4pm in the Sanctuary

    ReBellion Handbell Ensemble along with St. Louis Wind Ensemble will present a Christmas Concert entitled Christmas Traditons at KUMC. This show allows for each of the groups to play a few songs together, and then a few song separately until they come together for the show stopper "Sleigh Ride" for the finale! Save the date for a fabulous afternoon of music right here at KUMC! You are also welcome to catch ReBELLion Handbell Ensemble in concert at any other the other dates listed at the other venues too!

  • KUMC CHancel CHoir Christmas Cantata

    Sunday, December 17 at 9am &10:30am Worship

    KUMC's Chancel Choir Christmas Cantata will be presented at both worship services on Sunday, December 17. This presentation will include other special musicians and be something you will not want to miss! Please plan to join KUMC for worship on this special Sunday to put the gift of music into your heart and mind, and let the music carry some of that holiday stress away!

  • Journey Youth Choir Presents: 

    "A Dickens of a Christmas"

    SUnday, December 17, at 4 pm in the Commons

    Come and enjoy a delightful musical adaption of the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, set in 2023! Bring the whole family and enjoy a Christmas sing-a-long as well! No tickets are required, but a free-will offering will be taken to support Journey's Summer Music Mission trip.