Worship at First United Methodist Church of Glen Ellyn
Gathering for worship is a core value for First UMC of Glen Ellyn. In worship we experience the presence of God and the spirit of fellowship as we gather to give praise to God in prayer and song, hear the Word of God preached, and gather as God's family around God's Table. FUMC offers a unique worship experience, weaving together the ancient with the modern and contemporary. Whatever your worship style and preferences, you are sure to find what you're looking for at First Church, along with a community ready to welcome you with open arms and open hearts.
Sunday Morning Worship
We believe that worshiping God is the deepest activity of the human spirit. In fact, it lies at the heart of who we understand ourselves to be. Worship is our expression to what God is doing in and among us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
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Sunday morning worship services begin at 10:30 a.m. and are available both in-person and via Zoom. Our services are open to everyone, without condition. Children are welcome to participate in Children's Church or stay in worship; activity bags are provided at the back of the sanctuary to keep little hands occupied.
On the first Sunday of each month, we offer the sacrament of Holy Communion with non-alcoholic juice and a gluten-free option. At First Church, we believe the communion table is the Lord's table, and all are welcome.
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Lent at First Church
The Lenten season is one of reflection and renewal. We are invited to take stock of what is immediately behind us, what is around us in the moment, and look forward to anticipate what is ahead of us. The most important part of this holy season of renewal is to renew our relationship with God and with others.
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Lenten worship at First UMC begins with an Ash Wednesday service to prepare our hearts and minds for the 40 day journey we will take as we lead to Easter. Each Wednesday night of Lent, we come together for reflection and discussion. Those who can are invited to fast during this time together, focusing on connecting the physical with the spiritual.
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Palm Sunday is a time of celebration, song, and waving of palm branches. On Good Friday, we come together to experience the Passion of Christ with Tenebrae: Light of the World, a deeply moving musical offering presented by our Chancel Choir. The Lenten season concludes with the great joy and jubilation of Easter Sunday, when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the everlasting promise of our God. Join us!
Advent at First Church
Prepare for the birth of the Christ child with us! The season of Advent is one of expectantly waiting for the birth of Jesus. We are called to be an Advent people all year round, and by spending the 4 Sundays leading up to Christmas focusing on the gifts of the Spirit - hope, faith, joy, and peace - we can reconnect to the incredible love that God has for us and the gift that is the birth of Jesus.
The season of Advent at First Church is marked by celebration and fellowship! Members of the congregation light the candles of the Advent wreath with reflection and prayer. Our youth (and young-at-heart adults!) present a no-rehearsal Christmas Pageant that is always fun, entertaining, and provides a great lesson. The Chancel Choir delivers a Christmas Cantata with both word and song to tell the story of Christ's birth.
Our Christmas Eve services include a family service (sometimes with a special guest as you can see) and an evening service, both ending with the lighting of candles and singing of Silent Night.
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Celebrate the season of joy with us as we prepare the way for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
