Holiday Worship & Advent Season at Isle of Hope UMC
Celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas with us through worship, study, and fellowship.
Holiday Worship Schedule
Festival of Christmas
Sunday, December 14 – Ministry Center
Join us for a special service celebrating the joy of the Christmas season! Featuring the Isle of Hope Choir, Handbell Choir, Hope Kids Choirs, Anchor musicians, soloists, and guest instrumentalists. This is a service you won’t want to miss!
Christmas Eve – Wednesday, December 24
Services of Candlelight and Holy Communion:
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3:00 p.m. – Sanctuary
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4:30 p.m. – Ministry Center
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6:00 p.m. – Sanctuary
Sunday, December 28
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9:15 a.m. – Worship Service in the Ministry Center
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No Children’s Church or Sunday School
Epiphany of the Lord – Sunday, January 4
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9:15 a.m. – Worship Service in the Sanctuary
Baptism of the Lord – Sunday, January 11
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9:15 a.m. – Worship Service in the Ministry Center
Church-Wide Advent Study: On the Way to Bethlehem
Begins Sunday, November 30 · 10:30 a.m.
Join our Sunday School classes for a meaningful church-wide Advent study, On the Way to Bethlehem, by Rob Fuquay.
The journey to Christmas begins in Rome, with a decree that sets the stage for Christ’s birth in Bethlehem. Explore the geography, history, and people of Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem through weekly reflections that prepare our hearts for the wonder and joy of Christmas.
Books are available in the church office for $10.
Family Gingerbread Nativities
Sunday, December 7 · 10:30 a.m. · Ministry Center
All children and their families are invited to gather during Sunday School for a special time of sharing the Christmas Story and creating Gingerbread Nativities.
Please register at www.iohumc.com and let us know how many from your family will attend so we can have plenty of gingerbread and decorations for everyone. Last year’s event was full of laughter and creativity—this year promises to be just as fun as we decorate our gingerbread nativity scenes together!
Wesley Community Center Christmas Adoption Program
November 30 – December 10
Share the love of Christ this Christmas by helping children in our community. Choose an ornament from one of the Missions Christmas trees—located in the main hallway or in the Ministry Center—and purchase a Christmas gift for a child in one of Wesley’s programs.
For more information, contact Julie Vann at jvann@iohumc.com.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
As part of our Christmas giving this year, we are offering a new and additional opportunity to bless children in our community. During our Great Day of Service in February, we will partner with Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) to make 30 beds by hand for children who do not have one of their own.
Each bed will also include a Bed in a Bag (sheets and comforter). Look for SHP ornaments on the Missions Christmas trees in the hallway and Ministry Center to:
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Purchase a Bed in a Bag through the church’s registry (to ensure consistency), or
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Make a donation toward the cost of building the beds.
For questions, contact Julie Vann at jvann@iohumc.com.
Blue Christmas Service
Thursday, December 18 · 6:00 p.m. · Sanctuary
For many, the Christmas season is not always merry and bright. The holidays can serve as a reminder of loss or longing. Join us for a reflective, inspiring service of meditation and meaningful music designed to soothe the soul and lighten the spirit.
For more information, contact Rev. Meg Procopio at mprocopio@iohumc.com.
Decorate the Family Tree
Beginning November 30 – Ministry Center
Help us decorate the Ministry Center Christmas Tree with ornaments that represent your family!
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Bring a meaningful ornament—something special, not a leftover.
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We’ll fill the tree by December 14 for our Festival of Christmas service.
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Ornaments can be picked up after December 28, or we’ll store them safely for next year.