WELCOME TO CHRISTMAS AT ROYSTON!
Welcome! We are excited you are looking for information about spending Christmas at Royston, and we hope you find the following information helpful as you look for a place to spend Christmas this year. If at any time you have a question, please feel free to contact our church office at 706-245-7402 or office@roystonfirstumc.org.
Here are few quick things to know about spending Christmas at Royston First UMC:
- There is a place for you! We feel blessed with many different musicians and talented individuals, and we love to worship God in genuine and authentic ways in each of our Sunday morning services.
- While on campus at Royston First UMC, please feel free to visit our Guest Services areas if you need help. The Guest Services areas are located in the gathering area outside the Sanctuary. You can also asks any of our hosts for assistance. Our hosts will be wearing red lanyards and are ready to assist you and your family.
- As you experience God at Royston First UMC, we invite you to share your experience with others through social media. Please be sure to use our hashtag, #ChristmasAtRoyston, so we can help share your experience.
- If you have any questions during your visit to Royston First UMC, please feel free to ask someone for help. We consider ourselves a friendly bunch of people and would like to help serve you.
TIMES AND LOCATIONS
Sunday Morning Worship | 11:00 AM
Led by Rev. Dr. John Mattox
Praise Band and Chancel Choir leading music
A worship experience that includes modern praise songs, traditional hymns, ancient creeds and liturgical readings, and a biblical and inspirational message.
CHRISTMAS SPECIAL SERVICES 2025
A Festival of Lessons and Carols | December 21 | 11 AM
Led by Rev. Dr. John Mattox
Music provided by Brad Maffett, Brittany DeMarre, and Guest Musicians
Longest Night Service (Blue Christmas – A Service of Healing and Hope) | December 21 | 6 PM
Led by Rev. Dr. John Mattox
Music provided by Contemporary Praise Team
CANCELLED *Christmas Eve Eve | December 23 | 6 PM* CANCELLED as of 12/22/25
Led by Rev. Dr. John Mattox
Music provided by Contemporary Praise Team
Classic Carols and Candlelight | December 24 | 6 PM
Led by Rev. Dr. John Mattox
Music provided by Chancel Choir
Family Christmas Morning Service | December 25 | 10 AM
Led by Rev. Dr. John Mattox
Music TBD
WHAT IS ADVENT?
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical — from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]
During Advent, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Even as we look back and celebrate the birth of Jesus in a humble stable in Bethlehem, we also look forward anticipating the second coming of Christ as the fulfillment of all that was promised by his first coming.
SHARE CHRISTMAS WITH SOMEONE
Share your favorite Christmas experience and photos, and use #ChristmasAtRoyston to share it with others on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter).
PLAN YOUR VISIT
WHERE DO I GO WHEN I GET THERE?
Parking is available behind the church and in front of the gym. Additional parking is available at Northeast Georgia Bank and, if there is not a funeral scheduled, you can also park at Pruitt Funeral Home. As you’re walking to the building, our greeting team will meet you and show you where to find the Sanctuary, restrooms, and nursery. If you need anything throughout the day — mints, a Bible, a pen, warm hugs — feel free to ask someone wearing a red lanyard. We try to be a friendly bunch, and we’d love to serve you.
HOW LONG IS THE SERVICE?
Our Sunday morning services typically last about one hour. We start by singing two to three songs. Then our pastor preaches a biblical and relevant message.
Some of our special services and events during Advent (including Christmas Eve) typically will last about an hour. All Christmas Eve services will include music and candle lighting (traditionally done while singing “Silent Night”).
If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll want to give yourself a few extra minutes to check in with us, find your seat, and get situated. You are important to us and we would love to meet you and answer any questions you may have.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Don’t feel like you have to dress up. Most people wear casual attire, but you are welcome to wear whatever makes you comfortable.
CAN I ATTEND IF I’M ____________?
Go ahead and fill in the blank with whatever fear you have about not being accepted: divorced, single parent, broke, recovering addict, gay, atheist, skeptic, etc. At Royston First UMC, we believe that every person matters to God and all are welcome. No matter where you are in life, we have a place for you!
DIRECTIONS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Still need more information? Contact our church office at 706-245-7402.
We look forward to worshipping with you at Royston First United Methodist Church!
Royston First United Methodist Church 