Join us on a sacred journey through the Christian season of Advent, a time of anticipation, reflection, and joy. As we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ, we invite you to share in the warmth of community and the light of hope. During our regular Worship service each week, we’ll gather to light a new candle, symbolizing the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Our church has many special events designed to help you celebrate and sometimes mourn during this season. Come experience the richness of tradition, the beauty of music, and the fellowship of kindred spirits. Let’s embark on this meaningful journey together, embracing the spirit of Advent and the promise it holds. Your presence will truly enrich our celebration.
Cookie Walk and Bazaar
Saturday, December 2
9am – 1:30pm
Choose from many varieties of homemade holiday cookies, candies, and other baked goods sold at $7/pound. There will also be a selection of gifts and Christmas items that make wonderful Christmas gifts. Click here for more info.
Heaven and Earth Sermon Series
Sundays, December 3-24
11am
Each Sunday, Pastor Wayner will be sharing a message of hope based on the Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation series by Will Willimon. During this season we are waiting as we anticipate the one coming who will bring healing and new life into the world. It is the one who will bring God into the world: Emmanuel. Click here for more info.
Women’s Christmas Dinner
Tuesday, December 5
6pm
This is the time for the men to organize a dinner to celebrate the women who have done so much hard work for our church to enjoy many successful meal gatherings including breakfasts, lunches, and suppers over the year. This year we will be celebrating at the beautiful Hemlock Inn. Reservations are required. Click here for more info.
Living Nativity
Friday & Saturday, December 15-16
6 – 8pm
The story of Christmas comes to life through this outdoor production in the front parking lot of the Bryson City United Methodist Church. Visitors will receive the old traditional gift of a paper bag filled with an apple, an orange, candy, nuts, and something extra special for the children. We will also be making s’mores by a fire. Click here for more info.
PIOC Community Christmas Dinner
Tuesday, December 19
5-6:30pm
We will have an all-you-can-eat buffet in the United Methodist Church fellowship hall. Gathering around the table creates a relaxing atmosphere with friends. And you don’t have to cook or clean up after the meal! Dine in or call-in a to-go order. Click here for more info.
Blue Service
Thursday, December 21
6pm
Blue Christmas services have a quieter, more somber feel than a traditional Christmas worship service. Scripture, music, and meditations focus on the comfort God offers during dark times. There will be an invitation to light a candle which represents your burdens, griefs, sorrows, and/or all the things that make Christmas a “blue” time for you. Click here for more info.
Brunch with Jesus
Sunday, December 24
11am
Join us for a festive Christmas Eve Brunch at our church in the place of our regular 11am Worship Service. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall for a brunch catered by Everett Street Diner. We will have a variety of delicious food and drinks available for you to enjoy. Please RSVP by December 20th so we can plan accordingly. Donations will be accepted but not required. We hope to see you there! Click here for more info.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 24
6pm
The Christmas Eve Candlelight Service celebrates the light that has broken into our world. We will sing Christmas hymns, look at the birth of Christ and remember that God is with us, celebrate Communion, and go out carrying the light into the world. This is our favorite service of the year for the whole family! Join us and feel God’s love at Christmas. Click here for more info.