Global Advent Traditions & Christmas Services At First Church United Methodist Kenosha

🕯️ An Advent Journey: Exploring Global Christmas Traditions

This Advent season, I invite you to join me on a unique journey. Together, we will explore how rich traditions from around the world shape our preparations for welcoming the Christ child.

Each Sunday, we will highlight a different cultural influence. Expect unique fellowship, delightful food, and meaningful worship experiences.

Week 1: Sunday, December 7 — Celebrating Italy

We begin our Advent series with the warm traditions of Italy.

• Fellowship: Please bring an Italian Christmas treat to share during our fellowship time. We will also celebrate Paul and Ginni Fennema’s 50th wedding anniversary with cake!

• Crèche Blessing: Bring along one of your personal nativity scenes (crèches) to share. We will have table space in the Great Room for display. A special Blessing of the Nativity Scenes will take place during worship before you take them home.

  
  

Week 2: Sunday, December 14 — Scandinavian Countries

Explore the captivating Christmas customs of Scandinavia (including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, etc.).

• Fellowship: Bring a Scandinavian Christmas treat to share.

• St. Lucia Procession: If you are ambitious, bake some St. Lucia Buns (recipes available at the Welcome Desk). All children are invited to participate in a special opening procession about Santa Lucia, wearing beautiful head wreaths they may keep.

  
  

Week 3: Sunday, December 21 — Moravian Lovefeast Tradition

Discover the influence of the Moravian Church, which strongly influenced the founders of Methodism (the Wesley family). Moravian traditions have a strong presence, especially in Door County, WI.

• Moravian Lovefeast: We will observe elements of a traditional Moravian Lovefeast. I invite you to bake Moravian rolls (recipes available at the Welcome Desk) or other Moravian Christmas treats to be served during worship.

  
  

✨ Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: December 24

Join us for one of our three special Christmas Eve Candlelight Services. Each service celebrates a different global tradition.

| Time | Service Focus | Global Tradition |

|------------|--------------------------------|---------------------------------------|

| 4:00 PM | Children and Family Service | Las Posadas (Hispanic/Mexican Tradition) |

| 7:00 PM | Communion and Message Service | Palestine (Bethlehem) |

| 10:45 PM| Traditional Service | Lessons and Carols with Ringing In Christmas |

This Advent season is a time for reflection and connection. Let’s come together to celebrate the diverse traditions that enrich our faith. I look forward to sharing these experiences with you.

Let’s embrace the spirit of Advent and prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Together, we can create a warm, welcoming community that reflects God's inclusive message.

For more information about our church and events, please visit First United Methodist Church Kenosha.

First Church United Methodist, 919 60th St. Kenosha, Wisconsin