Advent at FUMC

During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for and need of forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward, anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.

We hope you'll join us throughout Advent at FUMC!

Calendar

We're excited to see you this Advent season! Click on each line below to read more.

Wednesdays: Chapel Services
On Wednesdays December 2, 9, and 16, a service of Holy Communion will be held in the Aldrich Chapel at 12:10 PM.
December 6: Advent Adventure
The FUMC Children’s Ministry invites you to experience the story of Christmas as a family through activities, crafts, food, and music at Advent Adventure. This event is from 4-6 PM at Galvez Plaza downtown. Candlelight carols will begin at 5:30pm. Invite friends and family!
December 13: Music Sunday
The 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 AM worship services will feature special music of the season. Join us at church or online! 
December 13: Gumbo Cookoff
Before the Downtown Pilgrimage, we will have a gumbo cook-off from 4:00-5:30 PM! Display your chef skills, or just come and eat! Potato salad and dessert chefs are also needed. Sign up here!
December 13: Downtown Pilgrimage
The Downtown Christmas Pilgrimage features a walking tour of several downtown churches. At each stop, music of the season is performed. The Pilgrimage begins at 5:30 PM at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church. Join us beforehand at 4:00 PM for gumbo!
December 20: The Longest Night Service
At this 5 PM service we honor the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, and offer healing, hope, and encouragement. This contemplative service speaks particularly to persons who have had a difficult year and to all of us who have unspoken concerns and needs. 
December 24: Christmas Eve Worship Services
  • The 11 AM service in the Sanctuary includes a puppet show, a nativity, and other fun elements for families. 
  • The 2 PM America Street service features contemporary music, communion, and a Christmas message.
  • The 4 and 6 PM Sanctuary services feature traditional Christmas hymns, communion, and a Christmas message.
December 27: One Service
This Sunday, we will have one church-wide service at 10 AM in the Sanctuary.

Order a pOinsettia

Click here

Ways to Serve

There are many ways to serve throughout the Advent season. Click on each line below to read more.

Cupcake Boxing
On December 21 at noon, help package cupcakes so children can sing happy birthday to Jesus on Christmas. Click here to sign up.
Food Boxes
This year, we will feed 200 families a holiday meal. There are two ways to help with food boxes this year:

1) Unload the food truck on December 18 at 10 AM at FUMC.
2) Assemble and deliver food boxes on December 19 at 9 AM at FUMC.
The Giving Tree
FUMC is working with Dufrocq Elementary to ensure that children receive gifts for Christmas! Sign up to buy gifts for a child here. Gifts are due back by December 13. 
Greet at Worship Services and Events
Welcome others to events and worship services this season. Sign up here! ​Questions? Contact Dr. Chelsey Geeting.​​​
Make Gumbo, Potato Salad, or Dessert
Before the Downtown Pilgrimage on December 13, we will have a gumbo cook-off from 4:00-5:30 PM! Display your chef skills, or just come and eat! Potato salad and dessert chefs are also needed. Sign up here!

Advent Devotionals

Advent: A Calendar of Devotions 2026 by Nicole Reilley offers brief, accessible readings for each day from the first Sunday of Advent through Christmas Day. Each entry includes a suggested Scripture based on the Revised Common Lectionary, a short devotion, and a closing prayer or practice—everything needed to keep hearts centered on Christ during this sacred season. Printed devotionals are available on the Resource Tables and at the entrances to the sanctuary. Those who would like a printed copy mailed to their home or a downloadable version can email Donna Robin by clicking the button below.
Get a devotional

Mission Focus

Beginning on Giving Tuesday 2026 and continuing through Christmas Eve, every dollar you give to the Century Fund will generate a dollar-for-dollar gift to the Baton Rouge nonprofit of your choice. Thanks to the generosity of a special donor, Century Fund gifts can generate up to $250,000 in additional support for our community. The Century Fund is a permanent endowment celebrating 100 years of worship in FUMCBR’s historic sanctuary. Each year, 4% of the fund will be given to a mission-aligned Baton Rouge nonprofit—in perpetuity.

Give $100 to the Century Fund, and $100 will be given to the nonprofit you choose.

Give $1,000, and $1,000 will be given.

Give $10,000, and $10,000 will be given.
Give Now

At home worship kits

Can’t join us in person for Christmas Eve worship? Our Online Worship Kits have everything you need to celebrate from home. Kits will be available throughout the week and on Sundays beginning November 29 at the America Street Welcome Desk, the Sanctuary Narthex, and in Ory Parish Hall. You may also request one to be mailed to you by contacting Dr. Chelsey Geeting by clicking the button below.
Get a worship kit