Scripture is a compilation of many forms of writing, including songs. In this series, called, “Songs of Advent,” we will examine selected songs from Scripture that talk about the baby Jesus – who He will be, what He will become, and why His presence in this world matters.
“Repeat the Sounding Joy” is a quote from the beloved carol “Joy to the World” and will be our motto this Advent season.
Service of Hope & Light – December 8
A Service of Hope & Light is a service to help bring hope & light to those who are struggling at this time of year. Some come because they are lonely, estranged or far from home. Others come suffering from illness or addiction or abuse. Some come who are overwhelmed with worry for loved ones or our world, grief, conflict. We are not alone. Come and rest in Hope & Light on Sunday, December 8 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary with refreshments afterward in Crossroads.
Christmas Cantata – December 15
On Sunday, December 15, the Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra will present “Journey of Promises” by Joseph Martin at 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Traditional Services. This moving work combines Old Testament prophecies with New Testament scriptures celebrating the coming of Christ. Join us to hear beloved carols alongside new anthems and celebrate this season of promises.
Christmas Eve – December 24
Join us to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at one of our Christmas Eve services on December 24!
*Livestream Services on YouTube
Sunday After Christmas – December 29
On Sunday, December 29, we will offer 2 worship services: 9:35 a.m. Contemporary and 11:00 a.m. Traditional.
Both services will be live streamed on YouTube.
Repeat the Sounding Joy: Songs of Advent
Go deeper this Advent season with our Repeat the Sounding Joy daily devotional booklet written by AUMC church members and staff. Beginning December 1, each daily reflection will build upon our Advent theme by helping readers find meaning in the season through the rich lyrics of our greatest Advent and Christmas carols. Each day will feature a different song, and a Spotify playlist will accompany the daily devotions so you can listen to each day’s song as part of your daily prayer time.
Repeat the Sounding Joy Bible Study
This 4-week Bible Study by Pastor Laura Johnson will expand on the Scriptures featured in worship each Sunday in Advent, discovering how the prophecies about Jesus and the proclamations surrounding his birth are indeed songs of great joy for all people. Each study will also feature a Scripture-based or theologically insightful Christmas carol and invite discussion around its meaning. Join any of the the following small groups or Sunday School classes to participate in this Bible study:
The Angels of Christmas
Sundays, Dec. 1-22, 6:30-8 p.m. Join Cheryl Batchelor for a video-based study by Susan Robb called The Angels of Christmas: Hearing God’s Voice in Advent. During this 4-week study you will explore the four angelic visits surrounding the birth of Jesus with Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds. You will also dive deep into the history of the angel Gabriel and other angels in the Old Testament. The messages of the angels hold meaning for listeners both then and now as you consider God’s presence in history and in our lives today. Sign up online.
Adventure Kids Extreme – December 6
This is an evening of fun for children and their youth leaders. This special Christmas edition on Friday, December 6 is expanded! We are inviting preschoolers (must have turned 3 years by 08/31/2024) through 5th grade and we’re playing longer, from 6:00 – 8:30 pm. Parents, it’s a great chance to get some shopping done or have a dinner date! All are welcome, even if you have not been attending Sunday School. $15 per child, $35 max per family. Register and pay online no later than December 2. For questions or financial assistance, email ellen.griffin@apexumc.org.
College Christmas Reunion – December 15
College students are invited to a reunion night on December 15 at 6:00 p.m. featuring dinner and worship led by fellow students. Information will also be shared about an international mission trip opportunity for the summer of 2025. Please RSVP here.
Encore Christmas Party – December 19
Join Encore (55+) for a Smithfield’s lunch and festive Christmas party with a fun white elephant gift exchange game on December 19, 12-2 pm. The cost for lunch is $12 per person. Please bring a wrapped gift of an item from your home for the gift exchange game – please don’t buy anything new, simply bring something useful, festive, or funny from your home that you are willing to part with. Register online by December 16.
Christmas Store
There are many families in southern Wake County who do not have adequate resources to purchase gifts for their children at Christmas time. They find themselves struggling just to make ends meet for the necessities of life. Additionally, there are many other people in this area who have abundant resources. They find themselves wanting to help their neighbors, but they do not know what the need is or how to help. The purpose of the Christmas Store is to bring these two groups together.
Beginning November 2nd you can take a tag from one of the Christmas trees in Crossroads, the CLC and the Discipleship Center. You purchase new toys/gifts appropriate to the age and gender on the tag and place the gift under the tree with the tag attached by December 8. The Store will be held this year at United Church in Apex on December 13 and 14. Parents will have the opportunity to “shop” for gifts for their children from the donations we help provide. This is a great opportunity to involve your kids in a generosity lesson for the holidays. Contact Mary Morris at marymorris115@gmail.com with questions. Thank you for your generous support.
The Semillas Trees
Semillas de Unidad (SdU) is a tutoring program that seeks to address the educational gap of underserved Hispanic/Latino students. Gifting trees will be in the crossroads December 2-December 31 with tags to collect. The tags include school supplies as well as various dollar amounts that will sustain the mission of this program. Through a collaborative approach Semillas creates cross-cultural support systems for Hispanic/Latino families. Thank you for your support.
Feed the Children
1 in 5 children in the Triangle go hungry every day. Feed the Kids (FTK) takes action against childhood hunger in our community by providing weekend meals and snacks to food insecure kids through several local schools. Not only does FTK help individuals become healthier children, but it also enables them to be fully engaged students. FTK currently delivers shelf-stable food to eight schools feeding 178 kids each week. Our ministry is constantly in need of individually packaged breakfasts, snacks, ramen, and canned meat. Please leave donations in the bin marked Feed the Kids in the traffic circle at Apex UMC (near Crossroads). If you would like to volunteer with Feed the Kids or for more information, please visit the website: feedthekidsnc.org! Thanks so much for your continued support.
Christmas Poinsettia
Order poinsettias to be displayed in our worship spaces this Advent and Christmas season in honor or in memory of loved ones. The deadline to place an order is 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. Plants are $15 per dedication.
Poinsettias will be placed in worship on Sunday, December 15.
Poinsettias may be taken home on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Questions? Contact Todd Arant at todd.arant@apexumc.org
Apex Rotary Christmas Parade
Apex UMC will be participating in the The Apex Rotary Club Christmas Parade again this year!
It is being held this year on Saturday, December 7, 2024 starting at 5:00 p.m.
We hope to see you there!
