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Birmingham, Asbury UMC — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Asbury UMC. Photo via Asbury UMC

The sights and sounds of the Christmas season fill Asbury United Methodist in Birmingham this month. Mark your holiday calendar with exciting upcoming events, including a Christmas Cantata on December 16 and four Christmas Eve Candlelight Services on December 24.

The Beginning of Advent

Asbury kicked off the Advent Season on December 2 with Asbury’s Children’s Ministry telling the beloved story of Jesus’ birth through humor, mystery, and music in a performance of The Very Important Christmas Pageant. The following weekend, families made handmade crafts for and sang Christmas carols to residents at Somerby St. Vincent’s One Nineteen. Now, celebrate the spirit of the season at Asbury with even more special Christmas events. But first, who is Asbury?

Asbury, located just a hop away from Birmingham, is a thriving United Methodist Church with a vibrant congregation and enthusiastic pastors. Having served the greater Birmingham area for over 30 years, Asbury offers traditional and contemporary worship, along with dynamic programs for adults, families, children and youth.

Asbury United Methodist invites all who seek to know God. The pastors prepare their sermons carefully and thoughtfully to answer the big questions pressing on today’s modern congregation. It is a warm and a welcoming place to worship with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Learn more.

A Christmas Cantata—December 16

On Sunday, December 16, the Music Ministry at Asbury United Methodist has something special planned for you this holiday season—a Christmas Cantata!

“Music speaks to the heart and it’s something everyone can relate to, no matter how old you are or where you worship,” Amy Gonzalez, Asbury’s Communications Coordinator said. “Asbury is blessed to have an incredible music ministry and our chancel, orchestra and handbell choirs have been practicing since September to prepare for this cantata. This Sunday over 100 musicians will perform for the glory of God and it’s the biggest, best music event of the year.”

During the performance, hear Asbury’s Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir and Orchestra perform beloved and familiar carols as well as lesser-known African American spirituals. All align with Rev. Dr. Kip Laxson’s Advent series “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow” and celebrate the coming of Christ.

The Christmas Cantata will take place in Asbury’s sanctuary during the Sunday morning Traditions services held at 8:30AM and 11:00AM. No tickets are required.

The Celebration—December 24

On Monday, December 24, Asbury United Methodist will celebrate Christmas Eve with four candlelight communion services at 4PM, 6PM, 8PM and 11PM. One is sure to fit your family’s busy schedule. Here’s a closer look at each.

Traditions Services

“Unto Us a Child Is Born. Who is this child? Why has he come? We celebrate Christmas every year but we mustn’t forget who Jesus is and why his coming matters more than 2,000 years later,” Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Kip Laxson said. “In the United Methodist church everyone is welcome at Christ’s table and that table will be spread on Christmas Eve.”

Three traditional candlelight communion services will be led by Pastor Kip Laxson in the sanctuary. Asbury’s Music Ministry will vary its performances for each service:

Times:

4PM – Asbury Children’s Choir
8PM – Asbury’s Chancel Choir
11PM – String quartet and soloists

The Bridge Service

Interested in a more upbeat, modern service this Christmas Eve? Then attend Asbury United Methodist for a Bluegrass Christmas during their contemporary service—The Bridge. Led by Rev. Kelsey Grissom, The Bridge will feature Asbury’s Worship Team performing bluegrass-style Christmas music. The service will be held in William Chapel at 6PM.

The Bridge at Asbury UMC. Photo via Asbury UMC

An Invitation to Celebrate the Christmas Season with Asbury United Methodist

Visit Asbury United Methodist Church during the month of December to celebrate the Christmas season. You can also help Asbury give back to the community at large by participating in missions projects like Rise Against Hunger, taking place Sunday, December 16 at 5:30PM.