Advent 2025
Light in the Darkness
"What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people." 1 John 1:3-4
We wait with anxious hearts for the arrival of Christmas. Not just for the joy of presents and celebrations, but for the beacon of light that tells us we are not alone. Christmas is the annual reminder that God comes to us, bringing light to the dark places, hope to a weary world, and peace that endures all things.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5
Christmas Eve Worship
Christmas Pageant
11am* - Sanctuary
Modern Worship
1pm & 3pm - Worship & Arts Center
Traditional Worship
5pm, 7pm*, 9pm - Sanctuary
Communion will be offered in the 9pm service.
*Livestream available 11am Pageant & 7pm Traditional: fumcr.com/online
Online Worship
On Demand - youtube.com/fumcr
Coat and Toy Drive
Collecting: Through Dec 8
Sorting: Dec 9, 9am-12pm, Ogden Fellowship Hall
The church at-large is invited to participate in Senior Adult Ministry's annual coat and toy drive. New and gently used coats in all sizes as well as new toys will be collected, organized, and distributed to Network of Community Ministries and other local agencies to meet the needs of adults, children, and youth.
Collection bins are located behind the Welcome Desk and in the Shawver Welcome Center.
All are welcome to join us for sorting. No sign up needed.
Santa's Village 2025 - Ornament Factory
Dec 6-21, 6-9pm, Huffhines Park
FUMCR is honored to host the Ornament Factory at the City of Richardson's Santa's Village again this year! Bring your family to this free event, and stop by the Factory to make an ornament.
Santa's Village is open:
- Dec 6-7
- Dec 11 adaptive night
- Dec 12-14
- Dec 19-21
Sign up to volunteer by Dec 14
More info about Santa's Village
Christmas Bake Sale
Sun, Dec 7, 8am-12:30pm, Concourse
Enjoy holiday treats that are extra sweet! Support United Women in Faith's missions ministry through your purchase of cakes, pies, cookies, breads, and savory snacks that are perfect for sharing this season.
Christmas Poinsettias
Honor or remember loved ones while helping to decorate for Christmas with a donation that will go toward beautiful poinsettias.
Donations can be made Nov 30-Dec 14 in $15 increments.
A list of honorees and donors will be available during Christmas Eve services.
Children's Choir Christmas Musical
Sun, Dec 14, 3-4pm, Worship & Arts Center
Come and celebrate the season with the children's choir of FUMCR as they present the nativity story in When Jesus Was Born!.
Children's choir includes children in kindergarten through 6th grade.
All Youth Christmas Party
Sun, Dec 14, 5:30-7:30pm, Coelman Famiy Hall
7th-12th graders, join us for our annual FUMCRYouth and JYC Christmas party! This fun night includes a Christmas sweater contest, holiday games, a sing-along, yummy food, prizes, and a gift exchange. Please bring a gift valued no more than $15 (gently used items are great, too). We will start the night with dinner in the gym, and end it in Coleman Family Hall.
Service of Hope
Sun, Dec 21, 5pm, Sanctuary & Livestream
In this season of expectation, decorations, and parties, the sense of loss can be profound. In this service, we look to God for light and comfort, for the Spirit’s presence even in our empty places, and for hope.
Additional Resource
Faith & Grief has shared some helpful coping strategies as well as ideas for taking care of yourself if you're grieving a loss this holiday season. View/Download
Advent Offering
Our special Advent offering will be given to these dynamic organizations who are working passionately every day to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families.
Methodist Children's Home
Methodist Children’s Home seeks to equip children, youth, and families by offering hope through Christ-centered relationships and support via a residential program, transition care, parenting education, and foster caregiver support. Learn more about MCH
Network of Community Ministries
Network of Community Ministries works to care, coach, and empower our neighbors in need as they seek an improved quality of life. Learn more about Network
Dec 28 Worship
Our worship schedule is a little bit different on December 28. We hope you'll join us!
Blended Worship - 9:45 & 11am in the Sanctuary
No Sunday school, no nursery care. Children are welcome in worship.
Online Worship - 9:45 & 11 am at fumcr.com/online + on demand at YouTube
International Christmas Market Shares Available
Shares are financial donations to a non-profit agency or FUMCR ministry bought as a tribute to a loved one. It's a gift that reaches beyond giver and receiver to benefit and serve those in need. We're featuring 10 ministries and agencies this year.
Shares are available online through December 31. Ordering cards is available through December 19.
CHOOSE ONE OR MORE OF THESE RECIPIENTS:
• Ark House provides low-cost, fully furnished apartments to persons and their caregivers who come to Dallas area hospitals for long term medical care.
• Heifer Project International provides livestock and training that transforms the lives of 23 million hungry and impoverished men, women, and children.
• H.E.R.O.E.S. programs provide therapy, recreation, social development, and vocational training for children and young adults with special needs.
• Impact Global Health Alliance partners with the UMC conferences and health boards to deliver sustainable and measurable health improvement programs that focus on women and children.
• Kafodzidzi School serves 650 students in Ghana. Shares will support ongoing projects and needs of the school.
• Manos Juntas - Establishes ministries such as medical clinics, scholarship programs, and community development projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Panama Medical shares will provide supplies, medicines, and vitamins to be distributed during FUMCR medical mission trips.
• Prison Entrepreneurship Program focuses on overcoming the challenges faced by individuals reentering society after incarceration through education, mentorship, and housing stability.
• Richardson Area Interfaith Habitat provides quality housing for stable, low income families.
• Skuinskloof School in South Africa serves over 200 students and has need of new lavatories, new roofing in the original school building, and remodeling a structure to house teachers.
• Youth Mission Trips serve others across the U.S. through home & community improvement projects.
