Christmas at Carmel UMC

This Advent season, we invite you to join our all-church study of “The Redemption of Scrooge” by Matt Rawle. You may know Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as a timeless story of ghosts and generosity—but through Rawle’s eyes, it becomes a powerful reflection on faith, transformation, and the redeeming love of Christ. Together, we’ll explore how Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from “Bah, humbug!” to joyful generosity mirrors the hope and renewal that Christmas brings to us all.

Throughout the season, our Sunday sermons will follow themes from the book, helping us see how God’s grace can warm even the coldest hearts. In addition, we have several groups where you can dive deeper into the story, share insights, and grow in faith alongside others. Whether you’ve been part of our church family for years or are simply curious about exploring faith this Christmas, there’s a place for you in this journey.

This Advent, come and discover how God’s story of redemption still transforms hearts—and how the joy of Christmas can awaken generosity, compassion, and hope within each of us.

CUMC Food Pantry is our MISSION OF THE MONTH for December

FOOD PANTRY BINGO CARD

This year we are filling out a bingo card with items that are needed at the CUMC food pantry. When you have COMPLETED the card (with a COVERALL - all spaces completed with the item donated), you can put your name and number on the top, then turn it in to the Welcome Desk on Sundays or in to the office dropbox any other time...and your card may be chosen for a PRIZE! (Turn in your card by December 28 to be eligible)

CUMC's ANGEL TREE GIVEAWAY is Sat. December 6, 2025

SALVATION ARMY: ANGEL TREE

The Salvation Army of Central Indiana provided Christmas gifts for over 6,000 children across our region. This year, the Hamilton County giveaway is consolidating at the Salvation Army Castleton Headquarters. While our 75 adopted Angels will be distributed from the Castleton facility instead of our Family Life Center (FLC), rest assured that our gifts will directly bless Hamilton County families.

Additionally, CUMC will share stocking stuffer items with our own Food Pantry families throughout December to ensure local, hands-on support continues right here at home. A list of items for Food Pantry families will be available at the Welcome Desk after Nov 15th.

Key Dates & Collection Details:

Pick Up an Angel Tag: Available in the Gathering Place between Sunday services on November 1st and November 8th, or anytime by emailing missions@carmelumc.org.
Bringing Back the DONATION Gifts: Please bring unwrapped presents with your tag to the Gathering Place or Main Office by Sunday, November 15th so our team can transport them to Castleton.

Poinsettia Dedications
Christmas is a wonderful time to honor and remember friends and loved ones by contributing to the purchase of the beautiful poinsettias used to decorate the church through the beginning of the new year. Complete this form, include at least a $15 donation. Checks should be marked for “Poinsettias” and payable to CUMC. We will be listing all dedications in a bulletin insert on the Sunday before Christmas, December 20, 2026. In order for your dedication to be included in the insert, your request must be received no later than Wednesday, December 16, 2026. If you are filling out a handwritten form, please print for readability. The BEST way to get the information to us is to fill out this online form: