Lent & Easter 2026
Smoke & Mirrors
“You have heard it said...” What have we been hearing? Culture tells us truths that shape so much of our lives but don’t satisfy what our souls need. In this season of Lent, we will prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter by turning down the volume on the world’s declarations to refocus on Christ, who tells us “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
We invite you to scroll through the special opportunities below and choose some that will help you experience the season more fully.
Journey Youth Choir Greenery Fundraiser
Order through Nov 3
It's that time of year again! Time to order your fresh, beautiful, Sherwood Forest Farms holiday evergreens and support the annual Youth Choir Tour. Wreaths, centerpieces, and garlands will smell amazing and last all holiday season long.
How to order:
- Visit the table on the Concourse Oct 4, 11, 18.
- Order online through Nov 3
- Order directly from a youth choir member
The greenery will be delivered to the church the first week in December for pick up, or you can choose to have it shipped directly to your house.
Thank you for supporting these amazing singers!
Coat and Toy Drive
Collecting: Through Dec 14
Sorting: Dec 15, 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.
International Christmas Market
Nov 13-15, Coleman Family Hall and Concourse
Fri, Nov 13, 5-8 pm, First Choice Night - $10 entry ($5 for volunteers) and desserts
Sat, Nov 14, 10am-4pm
Sun, Nov 15, 8:30am-1pm
Find special and unique gifts for your loved ones amongst the many fair-trade goods and crafts made by artisans around the world as well as the "shares" of agencies and ministries that serve others. All money spent at the Market goes outside FUMCR to help others provide better lives for themselves and their families. The International Christmas Market is open to the community, so invite your friends to come with you!
Willing to help during Market? SIGN UP
Market Merchandise
Bean Soup & Chili Mixes
Equal Exchange Coffee and Chocolate
Fair Trade Winds - fair-trade crafts and goods
Fair & Square Imports - fair-trade crafts and goods
Marfa Ministry - art prints and custom puzzles
Global Mamas – fair trade gifts
Angel Tree
The Angel Tree will provide Christmas gifts for low-income seniors in our community who participate in the Network of Community Ministries Seniors’ Net program. We will also collect $25 Walmart gift cards for Wesley Rankin.
The Angel Tree will be available from Nov 13 through Dec 1. Take an ornament from the tree. Purchase the designated items or gift cards. Return unwrapped gifts and gift cards by Tues, Dec 1. Designated drop-off boxes will be by the Welcome Desk and in Shawver Welcome Center. Gift cards will be collected at the Welcome Desk.
Shares
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 11 ministries and agencies this year.
GIVE ONLINE - link coming Nov 16! Open Nov 16 - Dec 31
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 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.
• Neighbors in Need offers short-term financial assistance to individuals and families facing temporary crises, helping cover essential needs like rent, utilities, and medical expenses.
• Manos Juntas - Establishes ministries such as medical clinics, scholarship programs, and community development projects along the U.S.-Mexico border.
• Kafodzidzi School serves 650 students in Ghana. Shares will support ongoing projects and needs of the school.
• 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.
Angel Tree
Nov 13 - Dec 1, Shawver Welcome Center
The Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for low-income seniors in our community who participate in the Network of Community Ministries Seniors’ Net program. We also collect $25 Walmart gift cards for Wesley Rankin.
Please return all gifts and gift cards by Monday, December 1.
To participate:
1. Take an ornament from the tree.
2. Purchase the designated items or gift cards.
3. Return the unwrapped items no later than Monday, December 1.
Designated drop-off boxes will be by the Welcome Desk and in Shawver Welcome Center. Gift cards will be collected at the Welcome Desk.
Countdown to Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration of Candlelight Worship and Preparing Our Hearts for Jesus
Sun, Nov 29, 2-4pm, Worship & Arts Center and Coleman Family Hall
The countdown to Christmas is on! Join us as we kick off the Advent season with a special family celebration filled with worship, wonder, and creativity to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.
We’ll begin with family worship, singing the songs of Christmas, lighting candles, and journeying together through the story of Jesus’ birth. Along the way, we’ll discover how Advent invites us to slow down, make room for Jesus, and celebrate the hope, joy, peace, and love of the season.
Following worship, families will enjoy hands-on activities and create a meaningful Christmas treasure to take home. Each one will help tell the Christmas story and remind us of God’s love throughout the Advent season.
Come ready to worship and make memories together as we count down to Christmas and celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus!
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
Christmas Concert
Fri, Dec 4, 7pm, Sanctuary
Celebrate the season of anticipation and joy with the timeless majesty of the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah. This beloved masterpiece beautifully mirrors the winter season, charting a musical journey out of deep darkness and into the glorious, triumphant light of hope. The Chancel Choir, soloists, and orchestra capture the profound awe of prophecy and the radiant celebration of fulfillment. It is a transcendent experience that perfectly embodies the true, illuminating spirit of the holidays.
Santa's Village 2026 - Ornament Factory
Dec 5-20, Huffhines Park
FUMCR is once again honored to be part of the City of Richardson's Santa's Village this Christmas season, hosting the Ornament Factory! Bring your family to this FREE event and stop by the Ornament Factory to make an ornament!
Santa's Village is open:
Dec 5-6
Dec 10*-13 (*Adaptive Night)
Dec 18-20
Sign up to volunteer
All shifts will be 5:45-9pm.
Holiday Bake Sale
Sun, Dec 6, 8:30am-12pm, 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.
All-Church Men’s Dinner
Sun, Dec 6, 6-7:30pm, Coleman Family Hall
Men of all ages are invited to gather for an evening of dinner, fellowship, and encouragement as we celebrate the Christmas season! Enjoy an inspiring guest speaker, connect with friends, and learn more about Men of Faith at FUMCR. Whether you're new to the ministry or already involved, we hope you'll join us and bring a friend.
No registration is required. A $5 dinner fee will be collected at the door. Come hungry and ready to be encouraged!
FUMCR Preschool Christmas Program
Tues, Dec 8, 6-6:30pm, Sanctuary
Celebrate the joy and wonder of Christmas with FUMCR Preschool! Our preschoolers have been busy preparing special Christmas songs and are excited to share the story of Jesus’ birth. Join us for a sweet program as their little voices remind us of the true meaning of Christmas and the beautiful story of God’s love.
Community Movie Night
Fri, Dec 11, 5:30-8:30pm, Coleman Family Hall and Worship & Arts Center
All ages are invited to watch "A Muppet Christmas Carol" on the big screen! Dinner provided; please RSVP by December 10 so we can save you a seat!
Donations of girls and womens' socks and undergarments for Network of Community Ministries are encouraged.
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 13 in $15 increments.
A list of honorees and donors will be available during Christmas Eve services.
Service of Hope
Sun, Dec 20, 5-6pm, 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.
Christmas Eve Eve Worship
Wed, Dec 23, 5pm, Sanctuary
Join us for Christmas Eve Eve worship! This service will follow a similar format to our traditional Christmas Eve services, including the opportunity to receive Holy Communion.
Christmas Eve Worship
Christmas Pageant
11am* - Sanctuary
Modern Worship
3pm & 5pm - 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
Dec 27 Worship
Our worship schedule is a little bit different on December 27. 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
