ADVENT SEASON

November 29 — December 24

Advent is more than a countdown to Christmas. It’s a season of longing and hope for what God is still bringing into the world. This year at AHUMC, our Advent observance is entitled “Still Longing For —”

Over four weeks, we’ll explore how we are still longing for direction, healing, liberation, and intimacy. Come light the candles, sing the songs of waiting, and name your own longings alongside a community that’s hoping with you. Wherever you are on your journey, there’s a place for you. Join us this Advent!

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

Order November 22 — December 10

Each year for our Christmas Eve services, we adorn the Sanctuary and the Christian Life Center (CLC) with poinsettia plants alongside our beautiful Christmon trees.

Poinsettias can be given in memory or honor of a beloved family member or friend. Envelopes for giving will be available at the reception desk, at the entrances of the Sanctuary and the CLC, and in the pews of the Sanctuary.

DAILY ADVENT CALENDAR

November 22 — December 25

Take a journey with us this season with our Daily Advent Calendar. Each day includes scripture, a short meditation, and a poem.

These devotionals are a great way to start your day with a moment of grounding and begin a conversation with others about this special season, whether at home or on our campus.

ADVENT CANDLE READERS NEEDED  

November 29 — December 24

Beginning November 29 and running throughout the month of December, we are in need of worshipers to light the Advent wreath candles and help us tell the story of the coming Christ.  

No experience or writing required. Volunteer to participate in a Modern or Sanctuary worship service that works for you, your household, or small group.

MANGER COLLECTION DRIVE 1

November 29 — December 5

Be the miracle this Christmas by donating toys that will benefit children in Piedras Negras, Mexico. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference.

Donations can be left in any of the mangers from Sunday, November 29 through Saturday, December 5. Mangers will be located in the Atrium, Christian Life Center, and Sanctuary.

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKET

November 29 — December 13

Each year, AHUMC partners with local mission and ministry initiatives to create the Alternative Christmas Market. Each donation comes with a beautiful Christmas Card that you can give to someone and let them know a donation has been made in their honor. 

Come by the market in the Atrium on Sundays from November 29 through December 13 and learn how your donation will help serve and love others.

ADVENT TAIZÉ SERVICE

December 2

Join us on Wednesday, December 2 at 6:30 p.m. as we celebrate Advent in the Style of Taize at Alamo Heights United Methodist Church.

The candlelight service will be held in the Garden Chapel with music provided by the AHUMC Taize Ensemble. Holy Communion will be available to all.

JOURNEY TO THE MANGER

December 5

Join us for this multi-sensory experience into the story of the birth of Jesus. Make an advent wreath, visit the manger animals, and create a nativity set.

This hands-on, guided experience is a beautiful way for families of all ages and sizes to Journey to the Manger together.

All are welcome.

MANGER COLLECTION DRIVE 2

December 6 — 12

Be the miracle this Christmas by donating new towel sets that will benefit the mothers and children escaping violence through  Magdalena House. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference.

Donations can be left in any of the mangers from Sunday, December 6 through Saturday, December 12. Mangers will be located in the Atrium, Christian Life Center, and Sanctuary.

HOT COCOA TO GO

December 6

AHUMC Youth is hosting a hot cocoa to go fundraiser on Sunday, December 6. Our youth are working to raise funds for their annual summer camp.
 

Purchases can be made in-person on the day of the sale. So, get ready to grab some a delicious and warm treat in the Atrium and support our youth!

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY

December 6

AHUMC Youth will celebrate together in the Youth Wing with warm pajamas and hot cocoa on December 6 at 5 p.m.

MANGER COLLECTION DRIVE 3

December 13 — 19

Be the miracle this Christmas by donating approved curriculum text books for the students served by Project Transformation. Any donation, big or small, can make a difference.

Donations can be left in any of the mangers from Sunday, December 14 through Saturday, December 20. Mangers will be located in the Atrium, Christian Life Center, and Sanctuary.

NEW ZION HOLIDAY BAKE SALE

December 13

The New Zion Youth Choir will host a bake sale on Sunday, December 13. The group is working to raise funds for their annual summer mission trip.

Purchases can be made in-person on the day of the sale. So, get ready to grab some sweet treats in the Atrium and support these youth!

LESSONS & CAROLS

December 13

Join us for a special Lessons & Carols worship service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

This musical celebration of Advent includes a full orchestra and all of the AHUMC choirs.

THURSDAY LUNCH BUNCH HOLIDAY DELIGHT

December 17

Join the Thursday Lunch Bunch this event that's sure to be full of joy, amazing food, and great company.

Meals are only $6 per person. This year's menu includes: Chicken with White Wine Sauce, Rice, Green Beans Almodine, Sister Schubert's Rolls, Carolina Christmas Wassail, and Red Velvet Cake.

Reservations must be made by Thursday, December 10. Reserve online or contact Leah Jayne.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

December 17

Not all of us enter the seasons of Advent and Christmas with anticipation and happiness. This service is a refuge from holiday cheer that offers a different and compassionate space.

If you are in need of a time for reflection, lament, or quiet, please join us. All are welcome.

ONE SERVICE AT THE END OF THE YEAR

December 27

Join us for a special final worship service of 2026! We will worship together in the Sanctuary at 11 a.m. before the new year begins.

While Sunday School classes will not meet, the nursery will be open for childcare.

EPIPHANY KING CAKES

Order by January 1, 2027

Please consider supporting the New Zion Youth Choir in their efforts to raise mission trip funds by purchasing Epiphany King Cakes. Whole or individual cakes are available for purchase.

Orders can be placed until Saturday, January 1. Cakes will be available for pick up on Sunday, January 3 in the Atrium. There will also be extras made for purchase on pick-up day!

Please contact Nona Schwab with any questions.