Greetings Topeka First UMC,

I hope that you are having a great week!

Advent has arrived! As we begin this season of preparation and expectation, we are preparing to spread the good news of Christ. On Saturday night from 5 pm - 5:30 pm Cookies and Carols happens at Evergy Plaza. Note this is earlier than we were aware of last week. If you are helping hand out cookies, find me at Evergy Plaza at 4:45 pm. We could definitely use some more volunteers to hand out cookies! Additionally, some of our church members will be singing Christmas carols with our choir! This year, there is are new Christmas vendors on the plaza; the Mayor lights the Christmas Tree at 5:30 pm; and parade starts at 6:00 pm.

Sunday is another chance to be the presence of Christ to our community on White Gift Sunday. All gifts given are for those in need at the Topeka Rescue Mission. Here is the list of gifts that are still needed. 

In worship Sunday, we will celebrate all the white gifts at the end of the service. Our Advent sermon series is called, "The Gospel According to Elf." The theme this week goes right along with our gifts, "The Gift that Keeps on Giving!" Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." 

On Sunday, we will celebrate God's gift in his son Christ Jesus, and celebrate the many ways we give in response.

Finally, the Children's Christmas program is Sunday at 4:00 pm. De and the kids have worked really hard these past months to put together a spirited holiday program. I hope that you will join us!

See you Saturday and Sunday,

Pastor Brad

A Night in Bethlehem is an event for all ages of folks! 

We will start the night by adding your name to the census and then head over to the Bethlehem Clothing Rental Store, to dress up as Mary and Joseph did. (Optional) In Fellowship Hall, you will find the City of Bethlehem., filled with fun for all to enjoy. We will have a food court, crafts, games, and demonstrations from that time. We will have wood cravers, basket weaving as well as a loom to watch how they may have done their craft years ago. Feel free to wander around the city taking in the sights and sounds. Pastor Brad will finish the night by reading the story of the Birth of Jesus.

• Dec. 5, 7:00 pm: Community Handbell Choir Christmas Concert
• Dec. 6, 5:15 pm - 5:45 pm: Carols & Cookies on Kansas
• Dec. 7: White Gift Sunday
• Dec. 7, 4:00 pm: Campfire Carols Children's Christmas Program
• Dec. 8, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm: Young Adult Christmas Party
• Dec. 10, 6:00 pm: Youth Christmas Party
• Dec. 12, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: A Night in Bethlehem
• Dec. 12, 7:00 pm - Dec. 13, 8:00 am: Youth Christmas Lock-In
• Dec. 14, 12:15 pm: Caring Committee meeting
• Dec. 21, 10:30 am: "The Brass" before the 10:45 am service.
• Dec. 24, 6:00 pm: Family-centered Christmas Eve service led by the Praise Band with special music from our kids
• Dec. 24: 11:00 pm: Traditional Christmas Eve service led by the Choir & Bell Choir in the Sanctuary

We will have Confirmation in the spring of 2026 for any 6-12th graders! Confirmation is a special step in a young person’s faith journey where they publicly affirm the promises made at their baptism and make a personal commitment to follow Christ. Our TFUMC pastors will lead these classes starting Sunday, February 18 after church. After 10 sessions, we will finish in May 2026. Please contact Pastor Grace letting her know if you can participate as a mentor or confirmand by Dec. 15, 2025.