CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SERVICE

Transcription

1

2 DECEMBER 16, 2018 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT JOY CHRISTMAS PAGEANT SERVICE GATHERING MUSIC SILENT MEDITATION 9:50 AM Please rise in body and spirit, as you are able PRELUDE WELCOME AND PASSING OF THE PEACE RESPONSE I ve Got Peace Like a River vs. 1 BLACK 478 CALL TO WORSHIP: One: Please rise in body and spirit as you are able as we lift our voices in song for our call to worship. Many: HYMN Now Bless the God of Israel PAGE 5 INVOCATION: (In Unison) We gather, O God, in this worship space mindful of your presence. We are here to rejoice as we wait to see your glory. Help us proclaim the joy you promise in this time of worship. We ask that you bless us through the inspiration of your Holy Spirit and through the stories of Christ s ministry among us. GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES Megan Settle Rhea, Nathan and Ben Rhea One: "And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name'" (Luke 1:46-49). 2

3 One: Today we remember Mary, innocent and powerful, sacred and scared, worried and waiting as the Savior of all grows in her womb. She sings boldly when she might be meek; she bears her role in history with the confidence of a warrior; she is the beginning of a mighty revolution as the proud are brought down and the lowly lifted up. All: Today we give thanks for all the Marys among us, who step out of the roles society has planned; unintended pioneers determined to do as God asks; fearless and fearfully stepping out in faith, and beckoning us to do the same. One: On this third Sunday of Advent, we light the candles of hope, peace and joy as a symbol of Mary, mother of God, bearer of the Way. Advent Litany adapted from UMC Discipleship Ministries HYMN We Light the Advent Candles vss. 1&4 PAGE 6 GOSPEL READING Luke 3:7-16 Pew Bible Page 60, NT LECTOR: Here ends a reading from God s word. ALL: Thanks be to God, who is still speaking. OFFERING DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, Ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. PRAYER OF DEDICATION (In Unison) We present to you, O God, our gifts. May they be used to make a difference in the lives of people where hope is scarce. May our gifts be a reminder, to those who receive them, of your love. Amen CHILDREN S OFFERING OF MUSIC Do You See the Christmas Star? by Ruth Elaine Schram 3

4 CHRISTMAS PAGEANT The Little Star: A Christmas Fantasy By Georgene Meddows, *Produced by special arrangement with Contemporary Drama Service Hark the Herald Angels Sing Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King! Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the new-born King! We Three Kings We three kings of orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar Field and fountain, moor and mountain, Following yonder star. Oh, star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright. Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide with thy perfect light. Silent Night Silent night, holy night All is calm, and all is bright Round yon virgin, mother and child Holy infant, so tender and mild Sleep in heavenly peace, ooh Sleep, sleep in heaven, heavenly peace. Silent night, holy night Son of God, love s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming Grace, Jesus, Lord at thy birth, Jesus, Lord at thy birth. BENEDICTION THE LORD S PRAYER (in unison) POSTLUDE 4

5 All Rights Reserved Reprinted under OneLicense.net A

6 All Rights Reserved Reprinted under OneLicense.net A

7 MINISTERS OF GOD S LOVE...Every Member of WPUCC SENIOR PASTOR...Rev. Jason Thompson ASSOCIATE PASTOR...James R. Furry PASTORS EMERITI...Rev. Don Norenberg, Rev. Larry Craig DIRECTOR OF MUSIC...Christopher Venesile, PhD CHURCH ADMINSTRATOR...Linda Ferro LECTOR...Marilyn Furry COUNTERS...Marilyn & Jim Furry, Lester Armstrong WE WELCOME all who are here to worship with us today, especially our children and youth. Please sign the attendance pads and pass the pad to the side aisles, by the windows. PASTOR JASON S office hours are Monday and Wednesday, or by appointment. Pastor Jason can be reached at the church office (216) or WestParkUCCPastor@gmail.com. FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Attendance last Sunday was 80 adults and 11 children/youth. Thank you for your offerings of Operating $9,307, OCWM $661, Pink - Veterans of the Cross $60, Alternative Christmas $110, Children's Plate $34, Poinsettias $56, Xmas Memorial Fund $370, Bridge to the Future $45, Suspense $3,900. 3RD SUNDAYS- In January and February, our 3rd Sunday Adult Education classes will be hands-on. Our Friends from the Turkish American Society of Cleveland will be with us at 11:30 on Sunday, January 20 and Sunday February 17 to offer a demonstration on Turkish cooking and teach us how to prepare a traditional dish. These classes will take place in the kitchen. In order to get an accurate count for supplies, only those registered in advance will be allowed to cook, though others may observe. There is a sign-sheet in the church office. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY! CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Once again, the Season of Advent is upon us. How we wait with anticipation for the birth of our Savior! Christmas poinsettias add color and beauty to our Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Please consider honoring a friend or loved one with one. The price remains unchanged at $8.00. Thank you in advance for your order, Board of Deacons LECTOR LIST FOR 2019: Would you like to share your voice in worship? If you would like to read the scripture and call to worship in our Sunday service, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex or contact the church office (even if you have been a lector in the past, you will need to sign up again). The last date to sign up is December 30. THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED DEC. 25-JANUARY 1. If you have a pastoral emergency, please call and leave a message with Pastor Jason s Voic , and we will call you as soon as possible. PLEDGES FOR As of Dec. 9: Pledges for Operating are $102,706 from 58 giving units and OCWM are $5,330 from 24 giving units. 7

8 WE PRAY FOR: Bob & Margaret Owens, Janet Gorman, Grace Green, Pastor Larry & Christina Craig, Clara Strodtbeck, Jean Clark, Georgia Smith, Lakota Snow, Pat Bunnell, Wanda Paulin, John Ittu, Carol Hunt, Midge Karnatz, Elaine Barry, Geri Frimel, Bob Owens, Shirley and Jay Gardella, Bryan Hrehocik, Austin & Amanda Lupercio. Bonnie Carey, At Home members, Anna, Lyda, Rachel, Luke, Adam, incarcerated, Bernadette, Deren Berger, Terry Thomas, Donna, Alan, Staci, Lynn, Jim Isabel, Ann, Joe, Kevin, John, Je, Russ, Betty, Roz, Sela, Rosie, Ivonne, Eric, Meli, Leo, Bryan, Dawn, David, Carla, LaShanda, Ron, Erica, David, Debbie & Steve, Sharell & Josh, Shana & grandkids, Sue & George, Renee, Pam & Tom, Christina, Linda, Dan, Estelle, Jim, Conrad, Bevanys, Faragos, Chloe, Margaret, addicted, Wil, Terry N, Munchie, Ladonna, John, Dick, Ann, Mary, Bridget, Ellen, Remi, Andy, Taylor, Eric, Angie, Pam, Matt, Shelly, Amy, Jeff, Chrissy, Larry. PINK ENVELOPE FOR DECEMBER Since 1893, the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance has provided support to UCC clergy and lay church employees, bridging financial and leadership needs of retirees, of those serving new church starts, of younger pastors beginning their ministries, and of those facing circumstantial hardships. At the core of the ministries of Board for Ministerial Assistance is the Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund. The Christmas Fund is one of the four Special Mission Offerings of the UCC, and congregations have been generously giving to the offering for more than a century. Proceeds from the offering are used to provide direct financial assistance to UCC clergy and lay employees in several areas: (a) monthly pension supplementation, (b) quarterly health premium supplementation, (c) Christmas thank you checks for retirees; and (d) emergency grants to both active and retired clergy and lay employees. Congregations across the country contribute to the Christmas Fund each year, and it is our December Pink Envelope here at West Park United Church of Christ. At West Park UCC, we have the opportunity to be a part of this ministry that cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ through our gifts to this year's Christmas Fund Offering. Please consider giving to this worthwhile cause. 160 TH ANNIVERSARY! Next year we will celebrate 160 years since the founding of our church. To kick off our celebrations, we are inviting you to submit photos of you and your family and friends taken at the church. We hope to display these pictures in the narthex during January and February (perhaps a bit longer) to highlight the many memories we all share of our church home. Please submit all photos to the box in the narthex labeled "160th Anniversary Photos." If you wish to have your photo returned, put your name and number on the back. THE LONGEST NIGHT CHRISTMAS SERVICE Joint service held at Christ United Methodist Church, at Lorain Ave. and West 138th St., Cleveland, tomorrow, Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m. The holidays are traditionally a family time filled with joy, celebration and worshipping the great gift of God. Sadly, not all people experience this holiday spirit. There are many who struggle during this season. This service provides an opportunity to acknowledge what the world seems to ignore at this time of year. 8

9 Acts of Kindness for Christmas An Alternative Advent Calendar from the beginning of Advent Dec. 2nd to Epiphany to Jan. 6th. Advent is the perfect for focusing on the joy of the season, but it can also seem really commercial. We will be starting our Christmas acts of kindness, an alternative for us to try and refocus this time away from receiving to giving. We will be doing HOPE TOTES. each day you add an item to the tote/bag and say the prayer. We will donate our totes on Jan.8th To participate in Operation Hope Tote, pick up one of the shopping bags on the Caring and Sharing Table and fill it with items a homeless person may need. Here is an example list of some needed items: Toothpaste and Toothbrush Soap Shampoo and Conditioner Deodorant Shaving Cream Disposable Razors Feminine Products Comb and Brush Lotion Socks Tissues (Small travel packs) A great way to help homeless neighbors, Hope Totes are plastic bags filled with essential hygiene products used every day. You probably take them for granted, but to a homeless person toothpaste and a toothbrush, soap and a clean pair of socks can be a huge blessing. For some it can also be the first step off the streets. BRYAN HREHOCIK is able to receive mail and Christmas Cards You may send them to Bryan Hrehocik, A754338, 2075 Avon-Belden Road, Grafton, OH Christmas cards conditions: standard size, (not oversized), no music, not foam cutouts, & absolutely NO glitter. You must use an embossed stamped envelope, or get your envelope printed metered mail at the post office, and no labels or stickers are permitted on the envelope. COMMUNITY MEAL ON DECEMBER 30 TH! Please bring finger desserts to serve to our neighbors at the Community Meal. Thank you! 9

10 LIGHT THE STEEPLE If you re looking for a great way to honor a birthday, anniversary or just to say thank you, consider lighting the steeple of our church that everyone may see it. For a donation of $25, we will light the steeple for one week in honor of your special event. Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in the narthex. 10

11 11

12 THIS WEEK AT WEST PARK SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16: 10:00 a.m. Worship & Pageant in Bartter Hall 11:15 a.m. Christmas Coffee Hour and Bake Sale 3:00 pm Bowling MONDAY, 12/17: 7:00 p.m. Longest Night Christ UMC 7:00 p.m. Mood Disorder Support Group, Parlor TUESDAY, 12/18: 7:00 p.m. Stewardship & Finance 7:30 p.m. Recovery, International, Youth Room WEDNESDAY, 12/19: 6:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Choir, Music Room THURSDAY, 12/20: 9:00 p.m. AA Bartter Hall FRIDAY, 12/21: 12-6:30 p.m. Discovery World Christmas Programs 7:30 p.m. Al- Anon, Parlor SATURDAY, 12/22: 10:15 p.m. Alpha-Omega AA Bartter Hall 12:00 a.m. Westside Midnight AA Bartter Hall NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23: 10:00 a.m. Worship & Light 11:15 a.m. Deacons West Park United Church of Christ 3909 Rocky River Dr Cleveland, Ohio WestParkUCCOffice@gmail.com 12