Advent at BUMC

ADVENT 2023

December 3 – December 24

The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. At BUMC, we have a number of programs and events for your whole family to participate in during the Advent season as we wait in anticipation for the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Advent Studies

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The Songs and Sweets of Christmas

Tuesdays starting December 5 - December 19, 6-7:30 p.m., Room A291

Join us on Tuesday evenings in December as we explore the rich stories and theology behind our favorite Christmas and Advent songs. Each week a different pastor will dive deep into their favorite tune. And as an added bonus, we'll be indulging in their favorite Christmas treats! While there's no preparation required for each session, we do ask that you register to save your spot and to make sure we have enough sweets for everyone.

For Kids and Youth

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Family Advent Festival

Saturday, December 2 // 9:30-11:30 a.m.

BUMC Kids is excited to host the annual Family Advent Festival at BUMC again! Bring your family out the Saturday after Thanksgiving to make seasonally-themed crafts and get your Advent wreath.

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Youth Advent Concerts

Sunday, December 3 // 4 p.m & 6:30 p.m.

Kick off the Advent season with the Sonshine and Jubilation Choirs! This time of music and fellowship will prepare your hearts as we await the Christ child.

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The Manger at GraceWorks

Through December 10

The Manger provides parents who are served by GraceWorks the ability to shop for Christmas gifts for their families. BUMC Kids is collecting new board games for the Manger through December 10.

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Student Ministry Progressive Dinner

Sunday, December 10 // 5-8 p.m.

All 7th–12th graders are invited to Student Ministry’s Progressive Dinner! We will start off at BUMC before going for an outside visit to a home-centered member in our congregation. Everyone will then travel to homes for appetizers & dinner and then all end up back at BUMC for dessert. This is a great night of service, fellowship, fun, and lots of food! Students are asked to bring a book for the GraceWorks Manger Store. Registration is now closed.

Advent Concerts

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Youth Advent Concerts

Sunday, December 3 // 4 & 6:30 p.m.

Kick off the Advent season with the Sonshine and Jubilation Choirs! This time of music and fellowship will prepare your hearts as we await the Christ child.

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Music City Bronze

Monday, December 4 // 7 p.m., BUMC Chapel

Enjoy a free concert by Music City Bronze, Nashville’s premier handbell choir, as they ring in the Christmas season! The concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Chapel. All concerts are free and open to the public.

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Children's Choir Concert

Wednesday, December 13 // 6:30 p.m., BUMC Sanctuary

Get a glimpse into what our children’s choirs have been working on this school year! This year’s program will feature the Angel Choir, Agape Choir, Asbury Choir, and Rhythm & Bells. Enjoy an evening of music as these children share their joyful noise.

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Christmas Festival

Sunday, December 17 // 7 p.m., BUMC Sanctuary

Enjoy the sounds of Advent as the Chancel Choir and Festival Orchestra present this year's Christmas Festival. This free concert is a great way to get in the holiday spirit with friends and family!

Ways to Serve This Advent

There are many ways to serve this Advent by serving our neighbors or making our Christmas Eve services special.

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Harvest Hands Christmas Store

Through December 8

The Harvest Hands Christmas store provides families a place to shop for gifts for their children at a price that fits their budgets.

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The Manger at GraceWorks

Through December 10

The Manger provides parents who are served by GraceWorks the ability to shop for Christmas gifts for their families. BUMC Kids is collecting new board games for the Manger through December 10.

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Christmas Food Baskets

Make a donation through December 24

An important part of the holidays is sharing a meal together with loved ones. Each year, Brentwood United Methodist Church partners with GraceWorks, Harvest Hands, and other local partners to provide Christmas Food Baskets for families in need of a holiday meal.

By donating to our Christmas Food Basket initiative, every BUMC family can help another Middle Tennessee family cover their basic household needs this holiday season! Our goal is to impact 2,000 under-resourced households in Middle Tennessee this Christmas. Your Christmas Food Basket donations will help families that we know by name and are in community with our ministry partners. Donations made after December 12 will not be included in our dedication list on December 17. We will have dedication cards available at the Connection Point desk on December 17 and 24 for you to pick up.

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Room In The Inn

Through February

Room In The Inn will be at BUMC on various Tuesdays and Fridays starting in December. Room In The Inn’s Winter Shelter program provides safe shelter, warm meals, and fellowship for our neighbors experiencing homelessness during the coldest months of the year. Sign up your small group or Sunday School class to spend a winter evening with a neighbor in need or shop the Room In The Inn Amazon wishlist.

Worship Services

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The Longest Night

Thursday, December 21 // 12 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Christmas brings up memories of joy for many, but for some the holidays are a reminder of loss or the search for home. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people in our community. The Longest Night is a time for healing and hope in the midst of brokenness. Held on the Winter Solstice – the longest night of the year – this service offers space to find comfort in the loving arms of God. The service will include Communion and lighting of candles (both optional) with pastors and Stephen Ministers available for anyone seeking additional support.

The Longest Night will be offered at 12 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the BUMC Sanctuary. The 6:30 service will be available on our Online Worship page.

Contact our Caring Ministries Team at caringministries@bumc.net to learn more about the Longest Night or to seek care.

Ways to Give This Advent

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Christmas Poinsettias

Order yours through December 10

Honor a loved one by donating a beautiful poinsettia to decorate the Sanctuary and Chapel on Christmas Eve. Poinsettias are $25 each and can be taken home on December 24 following the 4 p.m, 6 p.m, 8 p.m., and 11 p.m. worship services.

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Christmas Food Baskets

Make a donation through December 24

An important part of the holidays is sharing a meal together with loved ones. Each year, Brentwood United Methodist Church partners with GraceWorks, Harvest Hands, and other local partners to provide Christmas Food Baskets for families in need of a holiday meal.

By donating to our Christmas Food Basket initiative, every BUMC family can help another Middle Tennessee family cover their basic household needs this holiday season! Our goal is to impact 2,000 under-resourced households in Middle Tennessee this Christmas. Your Christmas Food Basket donations will help families that we know by name and are in community with our ministry partners. Donations made after December 12 will not be included in our dedication list on December 17. We will have dedication cards available at the Connection Point desk on December 17 and 24 for you to pick up.

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Harvest Hands Christmas Store

Through December 8

The Harvest Hands Christmas store provides families a place to shop for gifts for their children at a price that fits their budgets.

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The Manger at Graceworks

Through December 10

The Manger provides parents who are served by GraceWorks the ability to shop for Christmas gifts for their families. BUMC Kids is collecting new board games for the Manger through December 10.

Christmas Eve

Candles & Communion

Sunday, December 24 // 2 p.m, 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m.

Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with Brentwood United Methodist Church! Spend Christmas Eve with us at one of our 5 worship times. All services except the 4 p.m. Chapel and 11 p.m. Sanctuary services will be available online.