Advent and Christmas at St. Matthew
Toda la Tierra Espera -- All Earth Is Waiting
Advent is the time of waiting, of longing, of anticipating the coming of the Christ Child. Wherever you are on your journey to the manger, whether you’re looking for worship experiences, music, service opportunities, or spiritual studies, we have a place for you!
As always, no matter who you are, what you’re wearing, whom you love, or even what you believe, ALL activities at St. Matthew are open to you. You are a child of God, and you are welcome here!
Worship
Advent is the beginning of a new year of waiting, but it is an active and watchful waiting. It is tapping into the world’s longing for redemption, salvation, and transformation. November 30 is the first Sunday of Advent when we turn our attention toward preparation for the coming of Christ. Our Advent worship theme this year is All Earth Is Waiting, from the hymn “Toda la Tierra” and its first line, “Toda la tierra espera al Salvador/All earth is waiting to see the Promised One,” hymn #210. This hymn, and indeed the worship series, is a reminder of what is at stake. “All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty” in the first verse allows us to look back to the story of the Incarnation and to look forward to the coming of the kingdom of heaven, when the will of God will be done on earth as in heaven. All of earth is waiting for this fulfillment. In worship, we can see the signs of the nearness of Emmanuel, God with us.
Sunday, November 30 First Sunday of Advent: “Signs & Times” Matthew 24:6-44
9:00 a.m. Worship
Stop. Take a moment. Breathe deeply. We have arrived—again—at the beginning of the journey. That’s the strange thing about this season. Advent sits us down in the liminal space of God’s already-and-not yet kingdom and asks us to wait.
9:00 a.m. Worship
Stop. Take a moment. Breathe deeply. We have arrived—again—at the beginning of the journey. That’s the strange thing about this season. Advent sits us down in the liminal space of God’s already-and-not yet kingdom and asks us to wait.
Sunday, December 7 Second Sunday of Advent: “Signs & Story” Matthew 3: 1-12
9:00 a.m. Worship and Choir Cantata: Night of the Father’s Love
This Advent, experience the greatest story ever told—the birth of Christ— through music, narration, and worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Ensemble of St. Matthew United Methodist Church as they present Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that captures the wonder, beauty, and truth of God’s story of love.
9:00 a.m. Worship and Choir Cantata: Night of the Father’s Love
This Advent, experience the greatest story ever told—the birth of Christ— through music, narration, and worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Ensemble of St. Matthew United Methodist Church as they present Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that captures the wonder, beauty, and truth of God’s story of love.
Sunday, December 14 Third Sunday of Advent: Signs & Truth Matthew 11: 2-11
9:00 a.m. Worship
In today’s scripture passage, John the Baptist wants to know the truth about Jesus, and Jesus replies with (paraphrased), “Well, what do you notice? What am I actually doing? The truth of who I am is in what I do.” So, what do you notice? What is Jesus doing among us? What is the truth about God that we need to witness in this season of Advent?
9:00 a.m. Worship
In today’s scripture passage, John the Baptist wants to know the truth about Jesus, and Jesus replies with (paraphrased), “Well, what do you notice? What am I actually doing? The truth of who I am is in what I do.” So, what do you notice? What is Jesus doing among us? What is the truth about God that we need to witness in this season of Advent?
Sunday, December 21 Fourth Sunday of Advent: “Signs & Faithfulness” Matthew 1: 18-25
9:00 a.m. Worship
In these last few days before Christmas Eve, we, like Joseph, receive a call to faithfulness, to notice the signs before us, listen to the messengers among us, and follow. We must wonder when the significance of the choice to believe and follow the angel’s directions sank in with Joseph. Clearly, he acted immediately, but when did the action gain meaning for him, for Mary, for the world?
9:00 a.m. Worship
In these last few days before Christmas Eve, we, like Joseph, receive a call to faithfulness, to notice the signs before us, listen to the messengers among us, and follow. We must wonder when the significance of the choice to believe and follow the angel’s directions sank in with Joseph. Clearly, he acted immediately, but when did the action gain meaning for him, for Mary, for the world?
Sunday, December 21
5:00 p.m. Longest Night Service
For many, the Christmas season brings celebration, light, and joy. Yet for others, it can be a time of heaviness, grief, or quiet struggle. This quiet, reflective worship service—sometimes known as a Blue Christmas service—offers comfort and compassion for anyone who finds the holiday season difficult. The service will include gentle music, scripture, prayer, candlelight, and moments of quiet reflection. Those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, navigating loneliness, coping with illness, facing financial uncertainty, feeling weighed down by family strain, or simply finding it hard to feel “merry” amid life’s challenges are especially welcome. Participants are invited to come just as they are, without pressure to perform holiday cheer.
5:00 p.m. Longest Night Service
For many, the Christmas season brings celebration, light, and joy. Yet for others, it can be a time of heaviness, grief, or quiet struggle. This quiet, reflective worship service—sometimes known as a Blue Christmas service—offers comfort and compassion for anyone who finds the holiday season difficult. The service will include gentle music, scripture, prayer, candlelight, and moments of quiet reflection. Those who are mourning the loss of loved ones, navigating loneliness, coping with illness, facing financial uncertainty, feeling weighed down by family strain, or simply finding it hard to feel “merry” amid life’s challenges are especially welcome. Participants are invited to come just as they are, without pressure to perform holiday cheer.
Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve
5:00 p.m. Family Christmas Eve service
It’s the birthday of the Christ Child! Come welcome the Child in a service led by the youth and children of St. Matthew. The service will include the Advent wreath, carols, and candlelight.
It’s the birthday of the Christ Child! Come welcome the Child in a service led by the youth and children of St. Matthew. The service will include the Advent wreath, carols, and candlelight.
7:30 p.m. Christmas Carols by Bells of Joy
Come early for the church service and listen to beautiful Christmas music! Our very own Bells of Joy will be ringing familiar carols in the Sanctuary until the organ prelude starts.
Come early for the church service and listen to beautiful Christmas music! Our very own Bells of Joy will be ringing familiar carols in the Sanctuary until the organ prelude starts.
8:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve service
We celebrate the end of Advent and the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, as the promise is fulfilled. Our traditional service will be filled with choir, handbells, and other special music, in addition to the lighting of the Advent wreath, Holy Communion, and candlelight.
We celebrate the end of Advent and the birth of Emmanuel, God with us, as the promise is fulfilled. Our traditional service will be filled with choir, handbells, and other special music, in addition to the lighting of the Advent wreath, Holy Communion, and candlelight.
Music
Sunday, December 7 Second Sunday of Advent: “Signs & Story”
9:00 a.m. Worship and Choir Cantata: Night of the Father’s Love
This Advent, experience the greatest story ever told—the birth of Christ— through music, narration, and worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Ensemble of St. Matthew United Methodist Church as they present Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that captures the wonder, beauty, and truth of God’s story of love.
9:00 a.m. Worship and Choir Cantata: Night of the Father’s Love
This Advent, experience the greatest story ever told—the birth of Christ— through music, narration, and worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Ensemble of St. Matthew United Methodist Church as they present Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that captures the wonder, beauty, and truth of God’s story of love.
[off-campus] Friday, December 12 at the LDS Meetinghouse at 2955 E. Frye Road, Phoenix
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. “Light the World” Community Celebration with the Bells of Joy
You are invited to a Christmas concert in Ahwatukee featuring the St. Matthew Bells of Joy and other musical ensembles from the area! This free, family-oriented event for the community is hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and includes a live Nativity, cookies, and hot chocolate.
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. “Light the World” Community Celebration with the Bells of Joy
You are invited to a Christmas concert in Ahwatukee featuring the St. Matthew Bells of Joy and other musical ensembles from the area! This free, family-oriented event for the community is hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and includes a live Nativity, cookies, and hot chocolate.
Saturday, December 13
3:00 p.m. “Holidays with Orpheus” Christmas Concert
For the first time, St. Matthew will be hosting an Orpheus concert! Join us for Holidays with Orpheus as the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix fills the air with festive cheer! Enjoy a mix of Christmas classics and holiday favorites, and don’t miss their famous sing-along to get you in the spirit.
Note: Orpheus is not a ministry of St. Matthew. Paid tickets are required for entry; visit orpheus.org/production/holidays-with-orpheus-mesa for tickets.
3:00 p.m. “Holidays with Orpheus” Christmas Concert
For the first time, St. Matthew will be hosting an Orpheus concert! Join us for Holidays with Orpheus as the Orpheus Male Chorus of Phoenix fills the air with festive cheer! Enjoy a mix of Christmas classics and holiday favorites, and don’t miss their famous sing-along to get you in the spirit.
Note: Orpheus is not a ministry of St. Matthew. Paid tickets are required for entry; visit orpheus.org/production/holidays-with-orpheus-mesa for tickets.
[off-campus] Sunday, December 14 at
Friendship Village Skirm Auditorium, 2645 E. Southern Ave., Tempe
6:00 p.m. Special concert presentation of Night of the Father’s Love by the Sanctuary Choir
The choir is going on the road to share their cantata with Friendship Village. Non-residents are also invited to attend; if you missed it Sunday morning, come and hear it live! Experience the greatest story ever told—the birth of Christ— through music, narration, and worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Ensemble of St. Matthew United Methodist Church as they present Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that captures the wonder, beauty, and truth of God’s story of love.
6:00 p.m. Special concert presentation of Night of the Father’s Love by the Sanctuary Choir
The choir is going on the road to share their cantata with Friendship Village. Non-residents are also invited to attend; if you missed it Sunday morning, come and hear it live! Experience the greatest story ever told—the birth of Christ— through music, narration, and worship. Join the Sanctuary Choir and Chamber Ensemble of St. Matthew United Methodist Church as they present Night of the Father’s Love, a cantata that captures the wonder, beauty, and truth of God’s story of love.
Wednesday, December 24 Christmas Eve
7:30 p.m. Christmas Carols by Bells of Joy
Come early for the church service and listen to beautiful Christmas music! Our very own Bells of Joy will be ringing familiar carols in the Sanctuary until the organ prelude starts.
7:30 p.m. Christmas Carols by Bells of Joy
Come early for the church service and listen to beautiful Christmas music! Our very own Bells of Joy will be ringing familiar carols in the Sanctuary until the organ prelude starts.
Serving our neighbors
Angel Tree gifts
Every year, St. Matthew adopts a couple of families through our community partners. Gift requests are written on paper angels hanging on the Christmas tree in the Narthex starting Sunday, November 30. Gifts may be brought to the church on December 7 and 14 (no later than the 14th); volunteers will be meeting that week to wrap and deliver the gifts.
Every year, St. Matthew adopts a couple of families through our community partners. Gift requests are written on paper angels hanging on the Christmas tree in the Narthex starting Sunday, November 30. Gifts may be brought to the church on December 7 and 14 (no later than the 14th); volunteers will be meeting that week to wrap and deliver the gifts.
Habitat for Humanity Banks and Advent Calendar
We provide small cardboard banks and a printed calendar to help us remember how fortunate we are and let us share our fortune with others. Banks and calendars will be available on Sunday, November 30 on the patio and on the Ushers' Counter the rest of Advent, and may be dropped off Sunday mornings.
We provide small cardboard banks and a printed calendar to help us remember how fortunate we are and let us share our fortune with others. Banks and calendars will be available on Sunday, November 30 on the patio and on the Ushers' Counter the rest of Advent, and may be dropped off Sunday mornings.
Christmas Food Boxes
Our final distribution dates in 2025 will be December 6 and December 20. Neighbors line up before 7:15 to receive three days’ worth of food to feed a family of four. Help spread the spirit of Christmas by donating nonperishable food or gift cards to our Food Box ministry!
Our final distribution dates in 2025 will be December 6 and December 20. Neighbors line up before 7:15 to receive three days’ worth of food to feed a family of four. Help spread the spirit of Christmas by donating nonperishable food or gift cards to our Food Box ministry!
Lunches for the East Valley Men’s Center
We make sack lunches twice a month for clients of the East Valley Men’s Center. We love volunteers, but the kitchen is small, so we do not always have room for everyone. We’re always happy to receive gift cards!
We make sack lunches twice a month for clients of the East Valley Men’s Center. We love volunteers, but the kitchen is small, so we do not always have room for everyone. We’re always happy to receive gift cards!
Serving the church
Saturday, November 29
8:30 - 11:00 a.m. Hanging of the Greens
Join the Worship Committee for the churchwide Hanging of the Greens celebration! Let’s help decorate God’s house for Christmas!
8:30 - 11:00 a.m. Hanging of the Greens
Join the Worship Committee for the churchwide Hanging of the Greens celebration! Let’s help decorate God’s house for Christmas!
Saturday, December 6
8:00 - 11:00 a.m. All-church work day
Every house needs regular maintenance, and so does St. Matthew! The Trustees are hosting a rare churchwide work day. We’ll be tackling several important projects, and many hands will make the work light! We’re planning to sort and organize a few storage rooms, set up our outdoor feather banners, and clean out refrigerators. Come for the whole time or just an hour—every bit of help is appreciated. Thank you for serving and helping keep our campus in great shape!
8:00 - 11:00 a.m. All-church work day
Every house needs regular maintenance, and so does St. Matthew! The Trustees are hosting a rare churchwide work day. We’ll be tackling several important projects, and many hands will make the work light! We’re planning to sort and organize a few storage rooms, set up our outdoor feather banners, and clean out refrigerators. Come for the whole time or just an hour—every bit of help is appreciated. Thank you for serving and helping keep our campus in great shape!
Bible/Spiritual studies
Sundays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21 Adult Advent Sunday School class
10:30 a.m. “Waiting With Hope” led by Rev. Jim Ek
As Advent begins, we invite you into a gentle, reflective four-week journey of hope, peace, joy, and love. This study will help us slow down, breathe deeply, and open our hearts to the ways Christ is already drawing near. Together, we’ll explore Scripture, share meaningful conversation, and practice simple acts of compassion that help us notice God’s presence in everyday life.
10:30 a.m. “Waiting With Hope” led by Rev. Jim Ek
As Advent begins, we invite you into a gentle, reflective four-week journey of hope, peace, joy, and love. This study will help us slow down, breathe deeply, and open our hearts to the ways Christ is already drawing near. Together, we’ll explore Scripture, share meaningful conversation, and practice simple acts of compassion that help us notice God’s presence in everyday life.
Whether you’ve been part of the fall Sunday School series or are joining for the first time, you are warmly welcome! Come as you are. Bring your questions, your longing, your gratitude, and your need for peace – and your Bible! Let’s prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming—together.
Thursdays, December 4, 11, and 18 Pastor's Bible Study
9:30 a.m. “Toda la Tierra Espera”
An Advent Study prepared by Pastor Ann will accompany the “Toda la Tierra Espera” worship series. Booklets for the study will be available through the church office, at worship, or in class. Ideally, class members will pick up the booklet by November 30 in preparation for the first class the following Thursday, December 4, but anyone is welcome to show up to the class, with or without a booklet. (A $5 donation to offset the cost of printing the booklets is appreciated but not required.)
9:30 a.m. “Toda la Tierra Espera”
An Advent Study prepared by Pastor Ann will accompany the “Toda la Tierra Espera” worship series. Booklets for the study will be available through the church office, at worship, or in class. Ideally, class members will pick up the booklet by November 30 in preparation for the first class the following Thursday, December 4, but anyone is welcome to show up to the class, with or without a booklet. (A $5 donation to offset the cost of printing the booklets is appreciated but not required.)
Page updated 11/20/25
Rev. Ann Lyter, Senior Pastor
2540 West Baseline Road
Mesa, AZ 85202
(480) 838-7309
Office hours M-F 9 a.m.-noon
Office hours M-F 9 a.m.-noon
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