Film Festival Titles - all at noon, at WUMC

Sat., Dec. 6 - Defiant Requiem

This film is about the cultural resistance at the Nazi concentration camp, Terezin, where the inmates fought back with art . . . and music.

Sat., Dec. 13 - Girls on the Wall

Three incarcerated teenaged girls are given a shot at redemption in a most unlikely form: a musical. As opening night approaches, the girls must relive their crimes and reclaim their own stories in a first step toward breaking free of the prison system. (Originally aired on PBS).

Sat., Dec. 20 - Following the Ninth

Kerry Candaele journeyed across five continents to explore the resounding impact of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. From its empowering presence at Tiananmen Square and Berlin’s Wall to its message of hope in a post-tsunami Japan and the resistance during Chile’s military dictatorship, Beethoven’s Ninth has consistently inspired resilience and hope for what’s most precious in the human spirit.

Sat., Dec. 27 - Sweet Honey in the Rock

The powerful story of the grammy-nominated African American a’capella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock—celebrating 30 years of music, activism, and sisterhood.

Sat., Jan. 3 - The Singing Revolution

This is a remarkable story of the tiny nation of Estonia’s struggle for independence, illuminating how the Estonians kept their identity alive under the oppressive weight of the Iron Curtain, through a rich tradition of song.

More: fun, food, connection

Sunday, December 14, 6 p.m. Christmas Chorale at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 265 Margie Drive, Willits.

Wednesday, December 17, 9 a.m. Christmas Breakfast - Invite your friends and come share some time having a warm breakfast, conversation, carols and cards.

Film Festival: The Power of Music in the Midst of Difficult Times

Join us for a special five-week exploration of how music has inspired courage, compassion, and hope in the most challenging seasons of history. Each Saturday at noon, we’ll gather for a soup lunch and thought-provoking film that celebrates the power of song—how it unites people, fuels peaceful activism, and brings light in times of darkness. Bring something to share if you’d like.

Following each film, we’ll share conversation together regarding the film. Come for one film or the whole series—each week stands on its own and offers a fresh story of resilience through thythm and harmony.

WHEN: Saturdays at noon.

WHERE: Willits United Methodist Church, 286 School St., Willits

Advent and Christmas Worship at WUMC

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m., other services at times listed

Sunday, November 30: “Hope”

Sunday, December 7: “Love”

Sunday, December 14: “Joy”

Sunday, December 21: “Peace”

Sunday Evening, December 21, at 6 p.m. “Blue Christmas Service”

On the longest night of the year we gather to acknowledge that this season of joy can also hold deep sorry, loneliness, and longing. The Longest Eve is a quiet, contemplative worship service for anyone carrying grief, anxiety, or weariness during the holiday season. In candlelight and stillness, we bring our honest prayers, remembering that Christ came not only for celebration, but for comfort. Scripture, gentle music, and moments of silence invite us to rest in the promise that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.

Christmas Eve: Wednesday, December 24: noon and 7 p.m.

Christmas Eve Noon Service: Christmas carols and scripture stories, followed by lunch.

Christmas Eve 7 p.m. Service: Christmas carols, scripture, candlelight.

Sunday, Dec. 28: Wear your Christmas clothes, PJ’s or ugly Christmas sweater to church!

Sunday, Jan. 4 - Epiphany Sunday

Worship with us!

Sunday morning, 10:30 a.m.

286 School Street, Willits, CA

All are welcome.

(All means ALL).

Worship Guide for Dec. 7, 2025
God’s Beauty is all over October
Karen Oslund Karen Oslund

God’s Beauty is all over October

I do believe October is my favorite month of the year, even though spring is my favorite season. God’s beauty hits all my senses I October as we are in the midst of nature’s change.

Read More
From the Pastor’s Spouse
Karen Oslund Karen Oslund

From the Pastor’s Spouse

It’s been one year since Jaime and I arrived in Willits, and from the very beginning, we were welcomed with open hearts.  Not just politely received, but truly welcomed . . .

Read More
God delights in who we are
Karen Oslund Karen Oslund

God delights in who we are

There is deep and abiding joy in being a church that welcomes all—a church that truly means it. A place where every person, no matter their background, story, or identity, is seen as a beloved child of God. 

Read More
How is it with your soul?
Karen Oslund Karen Oslund

How is it with your soul?

How are you doing? How is your heart? How is your sleep? Are you able to name the biggest weight you are carrying right now?  Or, in Methodist words, how is it with your soul?

Read More
A season of resolutions . . .
Karen Oslund Karen Oslund

A season of resolutions . . .

In this season of New Year’s resolutions, what if we practiced life, death and resurrection? What activities or attitudes need to be pruned away so that new growth can flourish?

Read More
Why I love church
Karen Oslund Karen Oslund

Why I love church

What a joy this first month has been! On behalf of Liz, my dad (Jim) and myself, we thank you for all the warm wishes, greetings, and gift cards. We feel embraced in the warmth of your hospitality.

Read More