Advent & Christmas

2021

Women's Advent Event
A visit with a dear friend can really lift your spirits.  Time spent with a friend helps us figure out how to  manage all the things we are trying to balance.  Our friends provide us with clarity in moments of chaos and frenzy -- anytime,  but especially during the holiday season or a particularly unusual time.  This year, we will be part of a visit between Mary and Elizabeth as they discuss their rather extraordinary pregnancies. And we will have time to reflect on how our special bonds are a gift.  Join us on Tuesday, November 30 at 6:30 PM in the Sanctuary and via livestream.  Following the program, we will enjoy the fellowship of friends with a light reception and be able to enjoy the talents of our First Quilters.  

Church Family Christmas Dinner and Sing-a-Long
Join us for our Wednesday night program at 5:00 PM on December 15, where we will have a delicious supper prepared by Mr. and Mrs. Prosser.  During the meal, our secret judges will judge our tacky sweater, fun socks and goofy head ornaments contest and we will close out the evening with a sing-a-long around the piano.  You will NOT want to miss out on the fun!  RSVP to the office by  December 8.

Blue Christmas
The darkness of winter can amplify our blueness, even when we are at our best.  However, there is always light with our Father.  John, Chapter 1  reminds us that this light is for us – not just out of the real darkness but out of our blueness.  We are never alone.  We will have a Blue Christmas service on the longest night of the year, Tuesday, December 21.  While that night may bring us over 14 hours of darkness, know that through our faith in the things unseen, we will come out of the longest night with hope and light.  The service will begin at 6:30 PM and will be livestreamed.

Gift Tags - A Special Christmas Sermon Series

We are accustomed to the look of Christmas presents -- festive wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, and some sort of gift tag. Each present features some indication of who is giving the present and to whom it is being  given. "From" and "To" are essential elements in gift-giving.  And so it was with the very first Christmas. The prophets and apostles of the Bible help us to hear and to see the amazing "From" and the beautiful "To" of the original Christmas gift. During this year's Advent Season, Pastor David will preach a special Christmas Sermon Series, titled, "Gift Tags."

Christmas Eve

One of the true highlights of the year at First Church is our  celebration of Christmas Eve!  
Once again this year, our church family will enjoy three Christmas Eve opportunities at 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.  
The 3:00 and 7:00 PM  services will be identical in theme and format. The Bell Choir will offer special music at the earlier service and the Sanctuary Choir will sing at the later service.  
Our theme for the two services will be, "What Shall We Do With Jesus?"  
Join us for a beautiful and  memorable hour of music, Scripture, meditations, and  singing.  And, as always, our services will conclude with our breathtaking candle lighting ceremony.  

Fontanini Christmas

MY FONTANINI COLLECTION  by Craig Berken
Fontanini figurines are made of polymer and are unbreakable.  They have been created and produced by the Fontanini family in Italy for over 110 years.  Emanuele Fontanini (born 1880) started the company in 1908. Emanuele and Stephano Fontanini (fourth generation) continue the business today.  Each year one or both visit stores in the United States during November to meet fans and sign figurines.  All figurines are hand painted by villagers in the Tuscan town of Bagni di Lucca.  Fontanini Nativity figurines currently come in sizes of 3½”, 5”, 7½”, 12”, 18” (all polymer) and 27” and 50” (all marble-based resin).  The buildings are designed by Fontanini and are made in China of resin and are breakable.  Roman, Inc. is the lone importer/wholesaler of Fontanini products for the past fifty-seven years.  Under the base of each figurine I have written the name that Roman, Inc. staff have given to each piece.  There is also a Story Card written by Roman for each figurine (see the three binders on the table).  Fontanini products are available all year round at Seroogy’s in Ashwaubenon and De Pere, at the Cathedral Bookstore (Green Bay), Tannenbaum in Sister Bay and Kristmas Kringle Shoppe in Fond du Lac.  I have brochures (business cards) available from each store.  They are also available seasonally at Taylor Creek in Green Bay. I have Fontanini brochures and a limited supply of the 2021 Fontanini catalogs.  My Fontanini collection at home includes 1½” 2½”, 3½”, 4”, 4½”, 5”, 6¼”, 7½”, and 12”.  My 5” collection displayed here includes all Nativity figurines ever imported by Roman. This display is open from December 22 through January 2nd.  Please note the dates have changed from past years.  Call Craig at (920) 619-0210 for additional viewings.

Over 425 figures and over 35 buildings of a 5” Fontanini Nativity will be on display. 

Dates and hours for viewing:
Wednesday, December 22:  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday, December 23:  9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday, December 24:  following Christmas Eve services  Sunday, December 26:   following the 8:45 AM service
Tuesday, December 28:  9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday, December 30:  9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Friday, December 31:  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Sunday, January 2:   following the 8:45 AM service

Bell Ringing

In years past, the Men's Advent Night (MAN) group has encouraged us to serve the community by ringing bells for the  Salvation Army.  Those of us who have participated in the past have truly enjoyed the experience.  It is really fun to go with friends and family!  You can easily socially distance and you may choose to wear a face mask.  If you wish to ring this year, please go to this website: https://www.registertoring.com/default.aspx

Select "I am ringing with a group"
Select "Find a group"
In the search bar, type "First United Methodist Church"
Select "First United Methodist Church 54301"
Select a date range, store, and area where you prefer to ring.
Make your selection.
Username: FUMCBELLRINGERS
Password: MANBELLS1
Confirm your shift(s). Add names of additional ringers if others are going with you.
Confirm shifts.
You will receive an email confirmation.