Advent at BUMC
ADVENT 2024
December 1 – 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
Rediscovering Christmas
Mondays, December 2 - December 16, 12-1 p.m., Room A291
Are you tired of feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, and empty during the holiday season? Ready to slow down, catch your breath, and rediscover the true beauty of Christmas instead of getting caught up in the hustle and bustle? Join us for a lunchtime Advent study based on "Rediscovering Christmas" by AJ Sherrill, led by Rev. Jonathan Andersen. In this three-week study, we'll re-ignite wonder as we explore ancient context and see Christmas in a new light and engage in meaningful spiritual practices so that Christ, not consumerism, and the Holy Spirit, not hurry, become the centerpieces of our celebrations. Registration for this study has closed.
For Kids and Youth
Advent SMAM
December 1-22
Bibles, carols, and gingerbread houses, oh my! So much Advent spirit when in the AM with Student Ministry. We will be combined in the Tabernacle for the four weeks of Advent diving into Jesus' birth story and how we are following the star.
Student Ministry Progressive Dinner
Sunday, December 8 // 5-8 p.m.
One of our 6-12th grade students' most beloved traditions is Progressive Dinner! We combine our missional living and community core values in one night to celebrate Christmas. We will progress through our holiday cheer home, appetizer, dinner, and dessert portions of the night to spread holiday cheer and fellowship with our discipleship groups. This event costs $20 per student and we ask each youth to bring a book for the Graceworks Manger (any reading level is appreciated but books for older students are preferred). Registration for this event has closed.
Flapjacks Final Fiesta
Wednesday, December 11 // 3:30-5 p.m.
Scientists say that when you eat while you study you can increase cognitive function and make your studying more productive. We don't know if this applies to big-as-your-face flapjacks, but we certainly are willing to continue the experiment! Students are invited to join us in the Youth Cafe for coffee house vibes and syrupy goodness.
Advent Concerts
Youth Advent Concerts
Sunday, December 1 // 4 & 6:30 p.m., BUMC Chapel
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.
Behold the Lamb of God Concert
Sunday, December 8 // 3 p.m., BUMC Chapel
Join us for a performance of Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God, a musical experience telling the full story of Jesus’ coming through the sounds of Nashville’s music scene. This performance will feature James Wells, Ashton Gibbs, and Jeff Wood with the support of a choir, bluegrass band, and string quartet.
Children's Choir Concert
Wednesday, December 11 // 6:30 p.m., BUMC Chapel
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.
Music City Bronze
Thursday, December 12 // 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.
Christmas Festival: A Christmas Menagerie
Sunday, December 15 // 7 p.m., Family Life Center
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.
Room In The Inn
December 13 & 20
Room In The Inn will be at BUMC December 13 and 20. 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 to spend a winter evening with a neighbor in need.
We are also collecting new or gently used men's winter coats with hoods, backpacks, hats, gloves, flannel shirts, hooded sweatshirts, jeans, new boxers, t-shirts, new undershirts, and shoes for our unhoused neighbors being served by Room in the Inn. All sizes are needed. Items may be dropped off in the red collection bin at the reception desk.
Worship Services
The Longest Night
Tuesday, December 17 // 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 near the date of 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 service will be offered at 6:30 p.m. in the BUMC Chapel. The 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 15
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 collected following each Christmas Eve service on December 24. Dedications will be shared in the December 22 bulletin.
Christmas Baskets
Make a donation through December 25
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 Baskets.
By donating a basket in honor or memory of a loved one, you can make sure a fellow Middle Tennessee family has their basic household needs met this holiday season. Each basket is $100, and dedications will be shared in the December 22 bulletin.
Donations made after December 15 will not be included in our dedication list on December 22.
Mission Partner Wishlists
As you're shopping on Amazon this Christmas for your own family, we hope you'll consider adding an item to your cart to help a neighbor in need. This Advent season, Brentwood United Methodist Church will be partnering with GraceWorks, Isaiah 117, Launch Pad, Open Table, and Harvest Hands.
Partner With a Local Family Through Angel Tree
Select a family from the tree in the Narthex Sunday mornings through December 8
Your gift donations will help families we know by name and are in community with our ministry partners have a memorable Christmas. Each ornament on the tree will include details about the family or child, and directions on how to participate.
Christmas Eve
Candles & Communion
Monday, December 23 // 4 p.m., 6 p.m.
Tuesday, December 24 // 11 a.m., 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 8 worship times over two days.
Childcare is available at all services except 8 and 11 p.m.