Bay United Methodist Church Offers Advent Season Worship Opportunities

Children’s K-4th Grade Thursday Afternoon “Quest” Activity Program Continues to Grow

Bay United Methodist Church, located at 29931 Lake Road in Bay Village, will be offering a variety of worship opportunities for all ages during the 2024 Advent season, including a December 15 performance of G.F. Handel’s Messiah Oratorio by the Chancel Choir, Orchestra, and Soloists.

The Messiah, G.F. Handel’s most successful and best-known Oratorio, was composed in 1741 and made its debut in Dublin, Ireland in 1742, conducted by Handel in person. Beginning in 1743, Handel began to perform the Messiah every year in London to enthusiastic audiences. Since that time, the Messiah has become one of the most often performed and beloved oratorios in history. The Bay United Methodist Chancel Choir, under the direction of Ronald H. Muth, is thrilled to be presenting the Christmas portion of the Messiah at our regular service on Sunday, December 15 at 10 a.m. with Orchestra, Chancel Choir, and Soloists. The Bay Chancel Choir will then perform the Easter portion of the Messiah on Palm Sunday in April, 2025.

On Saturday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m., a “Longest Night” ecumenical worship service will be offered in conjunction with the winter solstice, which is also the longest night of the year. The evening’s service will be presented by the Faith Leaders of Bay and will take place in the Bay United Methodist sanctuary. The “Longest Night” worship service, which is sometimes referred to as “Blue Christmas,” is a quiet, reflective service of carols and scriptures offering healing and hope for those who are going through dark times during the holidays. The community is invited to this sacred time and space to address grief, struggles with relationships, health issues, or other burdens during the holidays.

The annual Children’s Christmas Pageant will be presented by the Bay United Methodist children during the regular worship service on Sunday, December 22 at 10 a.m.

On Tuesday, December 24, Bay United Methodist will offer a Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

The Quest Kids Club for children in kindergarten through 4th grade meets every Thursday afternoon from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for Bible Study, crafts, games, and music. On Sunday mornings, children are always welcome in worship and are invited to come forward for the Children’s Sermon. After the children’s sermon, children from age 4 through fourth grade head to the education wing for their own Sunday School program and can then be picked up after worship.

Founded in 1827, Bay United Methodist Church offers a weekly 10 a.m. Sunday worship service both in-person and live-streamed online with a nursery for young children and a variety of Sunday School programs for children of all ages and adult bible studies. During the summer months, Bay United Methodist also offers a monthly 8 a.m. outdoor service at Huntington Beach Park. For more information, contact the church office at 440.871.2082 or www.bayumc.org.