**Click HERE to download a PDF of the Advent 2025 Brochure**
Children’s Storytime with Pastor Jeff—Facebook Live
Every Sunday in Advent starting November 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Join Pastor Jeff on Facebook Live every Sunday evening in Advent (11/30, 12/7, 12/14, 12/21) where he’ll share a seasonal tale to help children—and all of us—enter more deeply into the spirit of Advent. Tune in and enjoy a few fun moments together as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.
Advent by Candlelight
Monday, December 1 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
This is a special event for women where we will get our hearts and minds focused on what matters most this season. The event includes a program of speakers and music followed by dessert. Any questions, please reach out to Pastor Bridget Nelson at bnelson@rofum.org or call 248.541.4100.
Spread the Cheer This Christmas!
Saturday, December 6 from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
This Christmas season, let’s make sure every heart feels remembered and loved. Everyone will get a Christmas card, because it may be the only one they receive. We’re also continuing our Christmas Cookie Delivery & Visit tradition to make Christ’s love real in our church family. On Saturday, December 6, bring two dozen of your favorite type of cookie or holiday treat. We will make cookie plates for some of our church family that could use a little extra love this season, and they will be delivered (with a few minutes to stay for a visit) throughout that weekend. It is a lovely, and delicious, way to spread holiday joy within our church family this season! No need to be a baker to spread holiday cheer. We will need everyone’s (kids & adults) hands to: make/send cards, buy/bake treats, assemble cookie plates/bags and to visit & deliver the treats. Click HERE to sign up.
“Feast of Carols” Christmas Concert
Sunday, December 7 at 3:00 p.m.
Join us for the 71st annual “Feast of Carols” Christmas Concert: “Jesus, Joseph, and Mary: a Holy Family.” The concert features the ensembles of Royal Oak First including our Sanctus Choir, Carillon Ringers, Children’s Choirs, Youth Choir, and House and Youth Bands, in addition to guest instrumentalists. Be sure to take in the sounds of our ensembles at Royal Oak First for an afternoon of glorious music. After the concert, join us for cookies and punch in the gathering space organized by the Music Guild.
Baby’s First Christmas
Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 a.m. Worship
Families with infants experiencing their very first Christmas are invited to 9:00 a.m. worship for a special blessing and gift from the church. We are excited to celebrate this special moment with you and your newborn!
Christmas Sweater Sunday
Sunday, December 14 at 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Worship
Wear your favorite Christmas sweater – “ugly” or not! Come and spread the joy of the season with your best Christmas get-up!
Longest Night Service
Sunday, December 21 at 7:00 p.m.
If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, dealing with an illness, navigating financial struggles or simply not feeling the spirit of Christmas; this service is a quiet, prayerful moment acknowledging the difficulties of the season.
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 22, 11:00 a.m.
At our 11:00 a.m. service, the children of Royal Oak First will present the story of the first Christmas. Music will be provided by the Children’s Choirs of Royal Oak First.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP EXPERIENCES
4:00 p.m.—-Family Service
Our children and youth will lead us in a service with lots of music and a shorter message for all ages. All are welcome to join this family and kid friendly worship, complete with glow sticks! The Nursery will be open. We will be in the Sanctuary and livestreaming the service on YouTube and Facebook.
7:00 p.m.—–Blue Jean Christmas Service
Come as you are and worship with us as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will also have a service of candlelight as part of our worship. Our House Band will be leading us. The Nursery will be open. We will be in the Sanctuary and livestreaming the service on YouTube and Facebook.
9:00 p.m.—-Traditional Service
Traditional Christmas Eve worship service featuring Sanctus Choir, organ, and a woodwind quartet. A service of candlelight will conclude our worship. We will be in the Sanctuary and livestreaming the service on YouTube and Facebook.
11:00 p.m.—-Outside Service
Join us outside on our front lawn for a simple, yet Holy worship experience in the dark of night as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. A service of candlelight will be included.