Advent at BUMC
ADVENT 2022
November 27 – 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
The Angels of Christmas Bible Study
Tuesdays starting November 29 - December 20, 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., BUMC Tabernacle
Join Rev. Jonathan Andersen for an exploration of the angelic visits that took place during the first Christmas! In this 4 week study, you'll explore the important messages these angels delivered to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds 2,000 years ago and how God still wants to speak to you today. The study will be based on Rev. Susan Robb's new book, which attendees are asked to purchase before the first class.
Registration has closed for this study.
For Kids and Youth
Family Advent Festival
Saturday, November 26 // 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. Registration is closed. Please contact BUMC Kids with questions.
Youth Advent Concerts
Sunday, November 27 // 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Kick off the Advent season with the Sonshine and Jubilation Choirs along with special guest Asbury Choir. This time of music and fellowship will prepare your hearts as we await the Christ child.
Manger Sunday
Sunday, December 4 // 9:45 a.m.
BUMC Kids will collect unwrapped toys for The Manger during their Sunday School hour!
Thanks to you, BUMC Kids donated 2 bins full of toys for The Manger 2022! Thank you!
Student Ministry Progressive Dinner
Sunday, December 4 // 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! Registration is closed. Please contact Student Ministry with questions.
Advent Concerts
Youth Advent Concerts
Sunday, November 27 // 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Kick off the Advent season with the Sonshine and Jubilation Choirs along with special guest Asbury Choir. This time of music and fellowship will prepare your hearts as we await the Christ child.
Music City Bronze
Monday, December 5 // 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.
Children's Choir Concert
Wednesday, December 7 // 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 this year’s theme of “God loves the world.”
Festival of Carols
Sunday, December 11 // 6:30 p.m., BUMC Sanctuary
Enjoy the sounds of Advent as the Chancel Choir and Festival Orchestra present the Magnificat. This free concert is a great way to get in the holiday spirit with friends and family!
A Technicolor Christmas with JoySound Orchestra and BUMC Ringers
Tuesday, December 13 // 7 p.m., BUMC Sanctuary
Celebrate the Christmas season coming to life in technicolor with the JoySound Orchestra and the BUMC Ringers. At this free concert, you can enjoy music from timeless classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Burl Ives.
Slightly Acoustic Christmas
Sunday, December 18 // 7 p.m., BUMC Chapel
Enjoy an evening of some acoustic and non-acoustic Christmas music led by some of the members of our Worship Band. This concert will prepare you for the week leading up to Christmas as the excitement for the birth of Jesus fills our souls.
Ways to Serve This Advent
2022 Advent Decor Days
November 22 and 26, December 2 and 16
We're so excited to invite you to join us in decorating for Advent as we enter into a spirit of reflection on the pillars of hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ's birth brought to us. All are welcome! Come on out and join us for some fun and fellowship with your family and friends!
Youth Advent Concert Greeters
Sunday, November 27 // 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m.
Hear joyful music and spread holiday cheer as a greeter for the annual Youth Advent Concerts featuring the BUMC Sonshine Choir (6th-12th grade) and BUMC Asbury Choir (3rd–5th grade).
Harvest Hands Christmas Store
Through December 2
The Harvest Hands Christmas store provides families a place to shop for gifts for their children at a price that fits their budgets. Harvest Hands is looking for volunteers to help sort gift donations the week of December 5!
The Manger at GraceWorks
Through December 11
The Manger provides parents who are served by GraceWorks the ability to shop for Christmas gifts for their families. Donate a gift to stock the Manger at GraceWorks Christmas store from GraceWorks' Amazon wish list!
The Manger is also recruiting volunteers to help parents shop for Christmas. Sign up below to serve at The Manger!
Christmas Food Baskets
Orders yours through December 11
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.
As we have done in the past, we will share your donations with our community partners who will ensure local families have food on the table for their Christmas celebration! Each Christmas Food Basket is $110. You can also donate a half basket for $55.
Donations have closed. Thank you for your generosity!
Festival of Carols Greeters
Sunday, December 11 // 6:30-8 p.m.
We would love for you to serve as a festive greeter for an evening of joyful and gentle songs by the Chancel Choir, Treble Choir, and Festival Orchestra. Contact Haley Durham to volunteer.
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.
Christmas Eve Greeters, Ushers, and Communion Servers
Saturday, December 24 // 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m.
There are many ways you can help create a welcoming presence on Christmas Eve! We know there are many people who will be coming back to the church building for the first time in awhile – or ever – on Christmas Eve, and you can help us create a welcoming space for all to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! Volunteer to be a greeter, usher, or Communion server at one of our 5 services.
Worship Services
The Longest Night
Wednesday, 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 noon 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
Christmas Poinsettias
Order yours through December 11
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 25 following the 11 a.m. service or December 28.
Orders have now closed.
Christmas Food Baskets
Order yours through December 11
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.
As we have done in the past, we will share your donations with our community partners who will ensure local families have food on the table for their Christmas celebration!
Each Christmas Food Basket is $110. You can also donate a half basket for $55.
Donations have closed. Thank you for your generosity!
Harvest Hands Christmas Store
Through December 2
The Harvest Hands Christmas store provides families a place to shop for gifts for their children at a price that fits their budgets. Harvest Hands is looking for volunteers to help sort gift donations the week of December 5!
Sign ups have closed. Thank you for your generosity!
Manger Sunday
Sunday, December 4 // 9:45 a.m.
BUMC Kids will collect unwrapped toys for The Manger during their Sunday School hour!
Thanks to you, BUMC Kids donated 2 bins full of toys for The Manger 2022! Thank you!