St. Mark's United Methodist Church (UMC) in Mount Joy will celebrate the season of Advent beginning on Sunday, Dec. 2, the first Sunday of Advent. This year's theme is "Christmas at the Movies," which will explore what some of the most-loved Christmas movies and TV specials reveal about the advent of Jesus in Bethlehem.

Worship services will be held at 9 and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday through Advent. The exception will be the fourth Sunday of Advent, which coincides with Christmas Eve this year. A recorded message will be posted online for that Sunday in Advent.

An Advent Bible study, "Heaven and Earth," will start on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 1 and 6:30 p.m. A Zoom option will be available. Copies of the book are available for purchase, but individuals do not need to buy a book to participate.

During Advent, St. Mark's UMC will collect hats, gloves, scarves and socks, which will be hung on a line outside the church's Ministry Center at 37 E. Main St. Anyone who has a need can take what they need.

Christmas will be celebrated at St. Mark's UMC with two services on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24, at 1 and 7 p.m.

Christmas Eve worship will feature the lighting of the Christ candle and a candle lighting to close each service, the bell choir performing at 1 p.m. and the choir at 7 p.m. As part of the church tradition of "Moment at the Manger," keepsakes will be given to those who have lost loved ones through the year.

St. Mark's UMC is located at 27 E. Main St., Mount Joy, with offices at 37 E. Main St. For more information, visit http://www.connectstmarks.com or http://www.facebook.com/ConnectStMarks or call 717-653-5493, ext. 222.