Perkins Advent Service scheduled for December 1

DALLAS (SMU) – SMU Perkins School of Theology will hold its annual Advent Service on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2026, at 6 p.m. CST in Perkins Chapel. Service begins at 6 p.m. CST. Perkins School of Theology invites students, alumni, and the greater SMU and DFW communities to gather for worship in a service that features current and former Sacred Music students and special guests. The event is free and open to the public.

Founded by professors Grady Hardin and Lloyd Pfautsch, the Advent and Christmas service has been a seasonal tradition for SMU since 1959. 

“Advent invites us to slow down and make room for hope and expectation in a season that can feel hurried and frenzied,” said Bryan Stone, dean of Perkins School of Theology. “Through music, scripture reading, and prayer, this Advent service gives us a chance to do that together. We’re glad to welcome our neighbors across Dallas to join the SMU community in Perkins Chapel for a tradition that has brought people together for decades.” 

Led by Dr. Marcell Silva Steuernagel, associate professor of church music and director of the Master of Sacred Music and Doctor of Pastoral Music Programs, the Perkins Advent Service combines liturgical traditions with innovative musical repertoire and performance aspects.

"Our goal is to shed new light on ancient traditions," says Silva Steuernagel. "This year's service will focus on the 'unexpected Christ' whose coming challenges expectations and narratives around the arrival of a deliverer in a time of turmoil and tension." 

Last years’ service attracted more than 170 attendees. An online livestream will be available closer to the event. 

SMU Perkins School of Theology, founded in 1911, is one of five official University-related schools of theology of The United Methodist Church. Degree programs include the Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Music, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Ministry, Master of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Pastoral Music as well as the Ph.D., in cooperation with The Graduate Program in Religious Studies at SMU's Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences.