Advent & Christmas Eve 2025
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Wednesday, December 24th
3pm | Family Worship + Pop-Up Children's Pageant
Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under)
Pop-Up Children's Pageant open to all children in worship - no rehearsal required!
5pm | Service of Song and Light
Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under)
7pm | Traditional Worship
Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (no nursery available)
Livestream will be available for 5pm & 7:00pm services (CLICK HERE)
Live nativity animals from 3:30pm - 7:00pm on the Front Lawn
Special Advent & Christmas Events
Advent Book Study with the Pastors
Join the Pastors for an Advent book study!
Nov. 20th, Dec. 4th, Dec. 11th, Dec. 18th | 7:00pm
Aldersgate UMC | Church Library
"Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus," by Andy Langford and Ann Langford Duncan
Join Pastor Bill and Pastor Sherry as we explore
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, by Andy Langford and Ann Langford Duncan.
Each week we will take a pilgrimage journey through the beloved stories of Christmas.
Through this study we hope to explore new aspects of scripture that lead us deeper into our relationship with Jesus.
We will meet 11/20, 12/04, 12/11, and 12/18.
Participants will need to purchase their own books. We will discuss Chapter 1 at our first meeting.
Please click here to register.
Please reach out to Pastor Sherry with any questions.
Join Pastor Bill and Pastor Sherry as we explore
Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus, by Andy Langford and Ann Langford Duncan.
Each week we will take a pilgrimage journey through the beloved stories of Christmas. Through this study we hope to explore new aspects of scripture that lead us deeper into our relationship with Jesus.
We will meet 11/20, 12/04, 12/11, and 12/18.
Participants will need to purchase their own books.
We will discuss Chapter 1 at our first meeting. Please click here to register.
Please reach out to Pastor Sherry with any questions.
Wednesday Night Zoom Bible Study
On the Way to Bethlehem, by Rob Fuquay
Wednesday evenings starting on Dec. 3rd - Jan. 7th at 7:30pm-9:30pm
Via Zoom
Bible Study Group
The Wednesday Evening Zoom Bible study group will begin the Advent study ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM by Rob Fuquay on Dec 3 at 7:30. This four-week study will conclude on Jan. 7, 2026.
Please contact Shari Van Buren for the Zoom link.
Please get a copy of the book if you would like to join us for this study.
The journey to Christmas begins in Rome.
On the Way to Bethlehem follows the long journey to Christmas. The story begins in Rome with a decree issued from the seat of worldly power for a census, setting into motion events leading to the birth of the Savior of the world in a town that represents the very opposite of worldly power, Bethlehem. Author Rob Fuquay provides insight into the geographical and historical significance of Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, along with the important characters through whom the Christmas drama unfolds. You will be drawn into those places in a way that helps you experience the spiritual truths each location holds. The reflection we give in these places prepares the heart and soul to
experience wonder, awe, mystery, and joy.
The Wednesday Evening Zoom Bible study group will begin the Advent study ON THE WAY TO BETHLEHEM by Rob Fuquay on Dec 3 at 7:30.
This four-week study will conclude on Jan. 7, 2026.
Please contact Shari Van Buren for the Zoom link.
Please get a copy of the book if you would like to join us for this study.
The journey to Christmas begins in Rome.
On the Way to Bethlehem follows the long journey to Christmas. The story begins in Rome with a decree issued from the seat of worldly power for a census, setting into motion events leading to the birth of the Savior of the world in a town that represents the very opposite of worldly power, Bethlehem. Author Rob Fuquay provides insight into the geographical and historical significance of Rome, Jerusalem, Nazareth, and Bethlehem, along with the important characters through whom the Christmas drama unfolds. You will be drawn into those places in a way that helps you experience the spiritual truths each location holds. The reflection we give in these places prepares the heart and soul to experience wonder, awe, mystery, and joy.
Caroling on the Corner
Carols, scripture, cocoa, and joy!
Sunday, December 14th | 4:30pm
Aldersgate UMC Front Lawn
Everyone welcome!
Join us in song as we sing carols, sip hot cocoa, stand by the fire, and hear scripture in celebration of the season of Advent!
This is a rain or shine event, so please dress accordingly!
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We are seeking additional Scripture readers and horn/wind players. If interested in participating in those roles, please sign up here. If you have questions, please reach out to the Engage Team.
Join us in song as we sing carols, sip hot cocoa, stand by the fire, and hear scripture in celebration of the season of Advent!
This is a rain or shine event, so please dress accordingly!
--------
We are seeking additional Scripture readers and horn/wind players. If interested in participating in those roles, please sign up here. If you have questions, please reach out to the Engage Team.
Christmas Cookies & Karaoke
Tribe Time & Youth Group join together!
December 14th | 5:00pm
Children in grades 5th - 12th grade invited to join!
Decorate cookies and sing-along with the Youth Group and Tribe Time! Open to 5-12th graders.
Decorate cookies and sing-along with the Youth Group and Tribe Time! Open to 5-12th graders.
Longest Night Service
Seasonal memorial service, all are welcome.
Sunday, December 21st at 5:30pm
Aldersgate UMC | Founders Hall
Seasonal memorial service
The Longest Night Service will be held on
December 21st at 5:30pm in Founders Hall.
All are welcome to attend as we hold space for those grieving or experiencing loneliness during this Christmas Season. It is an opportunity to grieve and to remember those who are no longer present in this season of family and relationship, or if you are simply going through a time of hardship.
The Longest Night Service will be held on
December 21st at 5:30pm in Founders Hall.
All are welcome to attend as we hold space for those grieving or experiencing loneliness during this Christmas Season. It is an opportunity to grieve and to remember those who are no longer present in this season of family and relationship, or if you are simply going through a time of hardship.
Giving this Advent & Christmas Season
Alternative Christmas Giving
Welcome to Aldersgate United Methodist Church’s 23rd annual Alternative Christmas Giving to benefit the missions and the United Methodist Church in Cambodia. We sponsor this event during Advent to give folks an opportunity to honor Jesus’s birth by giving gifts of love to serve the poor as we seek to carry out Christ's commandment to “go and make disciples.” Shoppers make contributions to mission projects in Cambodia in the name of loved ones as an alternative to buying material goods.
This ministry was established and lovingly run for over two decades by Juanita Csontos. We continue this annual ministry in memory of Juanita and her passion for serving others.
Alternative Giving Volunteers will be at a table in Wesley Hall during Fellowship Time on November 30th, December 7th, 14th, and 21st to accept your gifts for the Cambodian Christians.
You may purchase online, or you may fill out the shopping list and either turn it in at
the Alternative Giving table or mail it to the church at:
1301 Collingwood Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308.
Please make checks out to Aldersgate UMC and indicate "Alternative Giving" on the memo line.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Julie Pfister.
Epiphany Tree
Epiphany is the day Christians remember the coming of the Magi to visit Jesus, bringing their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. It occurs on January 6th every year and marks the end of the Christmas season.
The word "epiphany," from the Greek word epiphania, means appearance or manifestation. The arrival of these visitors was a sign that the incarnation of God in Christ had been made known and was recognized by the heavens to the whole world, so that even Gentile wise men from the East came to pay him homage. This is an observance of great majesty, solemnity, and awe. Just as the Magi brought gifts to Jesus, we invite you to bring a gift for a baby, toddler, or new mother.
You can place these donations (unwrapped) in the box under the Epiphany Tree in the Narthex (outside the sanctuary). We will collect baby and toddler gifts throughout Advent and Christmastide, all the way up to Epiphany Sunday. In January, we will donate the gifted items to Second Story for Young Mothers, a Transition Living Program in Northern Virginia that helps pregnant or parenting moms ages 16 to 24 attain safety, stability, and independence.
Learn more about Second Story for Young Mothers at here.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Molly Johnson.
Thank you for being a blessing to others less fortunate.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
Sunday, December 24th
3pm | Contemporary Worship + Pop-Up Children's Pageant
Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under)
Pop-Up Children's Pageant open to all children in worship - no rehearsal required!
5pm | Contemporary Worship
Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (nursery available for 3 & under)
7pm & 9pm | Traditional Worship
Candlelight Worship Service with Communion (no nursery available)
Live stream will be available for 5pm & 7pm services (CLICK HERE)
Live nativity animals from 3:30pm - 7:00pm on the Front Lawn
Come see Chewy the Camel!