Advent
During this Advent season, we are filled with awe and wonder as we look back on when God stepped into the world in the person of Jesus, and we look ahead to the return of Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Advent at Marvin is filled with opportunities to experience the Christmas season in the most memorable ways. You and your family are invited to join us during this special time of year as we celebrate the love of Christ together and as we relish in the wonder of it all.
First Sunday of Advent
Sunday, Dec. 1
Our message series The Wonder of It All begins. You can pick up an Advent devotional booklet from around the church. If you are subscribed to Messenger, you will receive the daily devotional in your email.
Baby's First Christmas
Sunday, Dec. 1
9-10:30 a.m.
Garden Room
All babies and their families who are celebrating their first Christmas are invited for a reception and family photo. Each baby will receive a Christmas keepsake book.
Sweets for the Soul
Wednesday, Dec. 5
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Drop off individually packaged homemade baked goodies for the Rose City Christmas Parade.
Methodist Children's Home Foster Kids Party
Saturday, Dec. 7
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Discovery Science Place
Help us spread the joy of the season by volunteering to help us host the party and/or sponsoring a child's gifts. For more information about this event and sponsoring a child, visit the Christmas tree in the atrium.
Christmas Joy
Wednesday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 6
Noon-5 p.m.
Fair Gymnasium
Thursday, Dec. 5
Noon-6 p.m.
Fair Gymnasium
We will bless the lives of children and families in the Tyler area. Each child will receive three new toys, a handmade stocking filled with goodies, and a stuffed animal. Each parent will receive a family gift, spiritual encouragement and prayer, and an invitation to join the Marvin family for our Christmas programs and services. There are many volunteer opportunities available.
Night at the Nativity
Sunday, Dec. 8
5-7 p.m.
Marvin Kids will share the nativity story at A Night at the Nativity from 5-6 p.m. in Herd Auditorium, followed by a time of fellowship and celebration from 6-7 p.m. in Pirtle Hall. During our time of fellowship and celebration there will be cookies, hot chocolate, Christmas ornament crafts, and Christmas carols.
Christmas Downtown
Wednesday, Dec. 4, 11, & 18
12:05 p.m.
Sanctuary
Head downtown and celebrate Christmas at Marvin. Each Wednesday in December, excluding Christmas Day, join us in the sanctuary for holiday music performances by Tyler Junior College Choirs (December 4); Robinson Handbells (December 11); and The Story's and Friends (December 18). Immediately following the performances there will be a $5 lunch served in Pirtle Hall.
A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
Sunday, Dec. 15
8:30 and 11 a.m.
Sanctuary
Experience the tradition of A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at 8:30 and 11 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15 during our traditional worship service. During this service, the nine lessons are told through Scripture readings from Genesis, the prophetic books, and the Gospels. The lessons tell of the fall of humanity, the promise of the Messiah, the birth of Jesus, and the Great Commission to preach the Good News. Each lesson is followed by a carol, hymn, or choir anthem that reflects on the lesson's message.
Hiway 80 Christmas Parties
10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Gateway to Hope
Noon
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Triumph Village
We will serve in our local shelters and provide food and fellowship to the clients. We will have Christmas cards and stamps available for clients who would like to send a holiday card to family or friends.
Christmas Poinsettias and Blankets
Friday, Dec. 13 (order deadline)
Poinsettias will decorate the sanctuary and blankets will be distributed by local agencies to people in need. Order forms can be submitted at the Welcome Center or by ordering online.
Missions Serve Night
6 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 16
Pirtle Hall
Help us assemble backpack filled with items for the homeless. Benefitting the Tyler Salvation Army.
Christmas Eve Service
Tuesday, Dec. 24
5 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m., Traditional Worship
4 p.m., 6 p.m., Core Worship
This Christmas Eve, we warmly invite you to join us for a special evening of worship, music, and celebration as we come together to honor the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Be a part of our Christmas Eve services by serving communion or as an usher in CORE, or as a church-wide greeter. Click below to sign-up. Make sure to select the correct tab at the top of the sign-up page.