Advent 2025

Worship

10:45 - Adult Sunday School

Advent is a season of endings and beginnings and Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living and loving. In many ways, pregnant Mary was surrounded by endings—large and small, personal and political. When we ourselves navigate seasons filled with endings and beginnings, we need reminders. We need words that can feel like steady ground, like a path for our feet to find as we step forward into the unknown.

2nd Sunday of Advent

12/7 - You are a Blessing

3rd Sunday of Advent

4th Sunday 0f Advent

12/21 - Hope is Worth the Risk

Christmas Eve

12/24 - Love Knows Your Name

Sunday After Christmas

12/28 - Don’t Forget to Laugh

Epiphany Sunday

1/4 - The Road Isn’t Straight

During the 1st Sunday of Advent worship service the St. Matthew’s community comes together to decorate the sanctuary for the Christmas season with the Hanging of the Greens.

Adding to this special service will be the beautiful sounds of the church’s Handbell Ringers

Join us as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child on Christmas Eve. At 5pm, experience a dynamic and interactive service designed for families of all ages and abilities. For those seeking a more traditional atmosphere, service begins at 8pm. Both services include communion and candle lighting, offering a meaningful way to embrace the spirit of Christmas. 

Christmas Eve Family Service
5 - 6 PM (In-person)

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
8 - 9 PM (In-person/Live-stream)

BLUE CHRISTMAS

With so many problems occurring in our world and difficulties that may be occurring in our lives, the Blue Christmas service focuses on God's help and hope. The right amount of blue is soothing, calming, and stands for what is positive. It also connects us with nature–God's creation. Please connect with God and our coming Savior by joining us online for Blue Christmas, a Service of Hope.

Celebrate

Kick-off the Christmas season with St. Matthew's 3rd Annual Christmas Festival. We'll have free food & activities for all ages, including an interactive nativity experience, family crafts and more!

Each year Midtown Parish United Methodist Church collects toys to be distributed to children in Philadelphia. As in previous years St. Matthew's conducts a Toy Drive in support of Midtown's wonderful service. Contact Janice Conner

St. Matthew's invites you to donate unwrapped toys for boys and girls ages 1-12 as well as $5-$10 Dunkin' Donuts, McDonald's, Target and Walmart gift cards. Donations of wrapping supplies (especially tape) are also appreciated.

For over 50 years, St. Matthew’s and Midtown Parish UMC of Philadelphia have celebrated the Christmas season by enjoying a meal together followed by a worship service where we praise God for all of his blessings. Contact Eleanor Carroll with questions.

Please visit Midtown Parish’s Website or visit Midtown’s Facebook Page for more information about our sister church.