Christmas. AdVeNt SeRmoN SerieS. AgaiN. in Love with. December 2 Anything is Possible. December 9 Elf More, Grinch Less. December 16 Gifts That Last

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1 December 2, 2018 FalLing in Love with Christmas December 2 Anything is Possible Luke 1:46-55 December 9 Elf More, Grinch Less Matt. 2:1-12 December 16 Gifts That Last Luke 1:8-17 December 23 Gather Your Peeps Luke 1:39-45 AgaiN FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT AdVeNt SeRmoN SerieS

2 8:30 and 11 a.m. ORDER OF WORSHIP December 2, 2018 First Sunday of Advent Gathering Music Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding William Monk/Robert Lau Welcome and Announcements (Please complete and pass the red friendship pad at this time.) Dr. Glenn Ethridge Prelude Introduction to Ballet des Ombres heureuses Christoph Gluck from Orpheus and Eurydice Dr. Kellie Rose, Flute; Ms. Leanne Herrmann, Piano *Hymn of Praise O Come, O Come, Emmanuel UMH 211 Stanzas 1-7 Lighting of the Advent Wreath Ms. Angela McDaniel Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Jesus. Yet many times, the sense of anticipation gets crowded out by the busyness and stress of the season. We long to love Christmas again, to be like children, delighted by colored lights, filled with awe in the face of celebration, and experiencing anew the story of the birth of the Christ Child. God, fill us with a sense of wonder this morning as we hear the story of God s message to Mary and are reminded that all things are possible with God. We light this first candle of the Advent Wreath as we anticipate with hope the coming of the Christ child. Congregational Response People, Look East People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year. Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table. People, look east: Love, the Guest, is on the way. Septet Ave Maria Franz Biebl Ms. Sarah Wiley, Soprano; Ms. Tori Forbes, Soprano; Ms. Elizabeth Leslie, Alto; Ms. Tedy Dasher, Soprano; Ms. Susan Hodges, Soprano; Ms. Natalie Spruell, Alto; Ms. Emma McKeon, Alto Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae et concepit de Spiritu sancto. Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Jesus. Mary dixit: Ecce ancilla Domini. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum. Et Verbum caro factum est et habitavit in nobis. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis, nunc et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen. Amen. Amen. The angel of God visited Mary and she conceived of the Holy Spirit Hail Mary, Full of grace, the Lord is with you. And blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Mary said: See the servant of the Lord. May it happen to me according to your word. And the Word became flesh and lived among us Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners Holy Mary, pray for us now in the hour of our death. Amen. Amen. Amen. A Morning Prayer and The Lord s Prayer Dr. Joseph McBrayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Our Tithes and Offerings Ballet des Ombres heureuses Christoph Gluck from Orpheus and Eurydice Dr. Rose, Flute; Ms. Herrmann, Piano

3 *Doxology UMH 95 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Hymn of Preparation Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates UMH 213 (At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade are invited to leave for Children s Church during the Hymn of Preparation. Pick up is in room 227.) Anthem (11:00) Star Carol John Rutter Chancel Choir Sing this night for a boy is born in Bethlehem, Christ our Lord in a lonely manger lies; Bring your gifts, come and worship at his cradle, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! See his star shining bright in the sky this Christmas Night! Follow me, joyfully, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! Angels bright, come from heaven s highest glory, Bear the news with its message of good cheer: Sing rejoice, for a King is come to save us, Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! See, he lies in his mother s tender keeping; Jesus Christ on her loving arms asleep. Shepherds poor, come to worship and adore him, Offer their humble gifts before the son of Mary. Let us all pay our homage at the manger, Sing his praise on this joyful Christmas night; Christ is come, bringing promise of salvation; Hurry to Bethlehem and see the son of Mary! Scripture Luke 1:46-55 Dr. Beth Unger The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Sermon Falling in Love with Christmas Again: Dr. Ethridge Anything is Possible Response Dr. Amy Morgan *Sending Hymn Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming UMH 216 (Those who wish to join the church are invited to come forward.) *Benediction Dr. Ethridge *Postlude Wake, Awake! Mendelssohn/Nicolai The flowers on the altar are given in honor of Harriet and Paul Tuggle s 70th wedding anniversary by their children and grandchildren. *Congregation stand as able. UMH: United Methodist Hymnal / TFWS: The Faith We Sing Large print hymnals and hearing assistance devices are available from an usher. Children s worship bags are available in the Narthex and Parlor side door. Nursery care is available in room 123.

4 Oak Grove NEWS December 2, 2018 The holidays are a joyful time of year, but for some they can become a difficult reminder of grief, financial stress, relationship struggles, or deep hurts. In recognition of this other side of the holidays, Oak Grove will offer a Service of Hope on Sunday, December 2, at 4 p.m. in the Parlor. This service will offer a safe place to be honest about life s difficulties while also proclaiming the hope that is the central message of Christmas. Nursery is availlable. Contact Amy Morgan at amorgan@ogumc.org for more information. This Week s Activities Sunday, December 2, :30am Coffee Fellowship Grand Hall 3:00pm Birthday Party for Jesus 4:00pm Service of Hope Parlor 4:30pm Youth Choir Choir Rm 218 5:30pm Youth Fellowship 5:30pm Disciple 2 (Howard) Rm 203 6:30pm Wesley Ringers Rehearsal Rm 222 Monday, December 3, :30am Disciple 4 (Hicks) Rm 203 7:30pm Adult Volleyball Heritage Hall Gym Tuesday, December 4, :30am Disciple 1 Bible Study Rm :30am Lunch Bunch 6:30pm Scouting Troop 77 Scout Hall 6:30pm Grief Recovery Group Rm 238 7:00pm Building Committee Rm 102 Wednesday, December 5, :30am Disciple 2 (Veres) Rm 203 9:30am UMW Executive Board Meeting Rm 102 9:30am Wednesday Morning Women s Group Rm :00pm UMW Christmas Tea Grand Hall 5:00pm Midweek Communion Service Grand Hall 5:30pm Midweek Meal 6:15pm Blessing Bags Youth Lobby 6:15pm Cool Yule Children s Concert Sanctuary 6:15pm Go Forth Women's Devotional Group Rm 131 6:15pm Blessing Bags Youth Lobby 6:15pm Midweek Book Club 6:30pm Jesus In the Gospels (Disciple) Rm 205 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary 7:00pm Young Adult Bible Study (YABS) Rm T01 8:00pm 9.35 Band Rehearsal Thursday, December 6, :30am Turban Ladies Rm 102 1:00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Prep 7:30pm Evening WOW Rm 203 Friday, December 7, :00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Delivery Away BIRTHDAY PARTY for JESUS Games Crafts Inflatable Bounce House/Slide Birthday Cake See the Holy Family Special visit by Santa to read Santa and the Christ Child Children of all ages are invited to a fun-filled birthday party for Jesus. He s the reason for the season, so come and celebrate! There will be fun games, crafts to make and take, a bounce house and giant slide, and of course birthday cake! The Holy Family and Santa will visit later in the party to share a special story Santa and the Christ Child. Our schedule for the event is: 3 to 4:30 p.m. All activities are open and available 4:30 p.m. Activities cease; Story time with Santa and the Holy Family 4:45 p.m. Birthday celebration and cake We are collecting baby wipes during December for our Caring for Clarkston (C4C) ministry. The wipes will be distributed to families in the Clarkston community. A collection barrel will be in during the event; and in the Portico throughout the month. Thank you for your support! Sponsored by OGUMC Children s Ministry Team This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, a season when we prepare ourselves spiritually for the coming of the Christ Child at Christmas. One of the ways that many people observe this season is by giving to someone in need. A wonderful way to do that is through the Oak Grove Advent Offering. Each year our Advent Offering funds mission ministries that meet the real needs of people. From feeding children at Montclair Elementary School to caring for low income senior adults at Mountain View Personal Care Home, your Advent offering makes a difference! Please use the special Advent offering envelope that was mailed or pick one up at church. Checks should be made payable to Oak Grove UMC and marked Advent Offering. You can also give online (ogumc.org). Thank you for your generosity! Thank You Oak Grove! Because of your generosity our Serving Ministry was able to make a $4,000 gift to our Bishop s Offering for Hurricane Michael relief. Your giving to the Advent and Lenten Offerings as well as your general giving on Sunday morning made this gift possible. Please continue to keep those devastated by this storm in your prayers.

5 Grades 6 through 12 We're going Skiing! We are headed to Winter Place in Ghent, West Virginia, The retreat is open to all current 9th -12th grade students. Go online: ogumc.org/youth to register BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! HIGH SCHOOL SKI RETREAT GHENT, WV FEB Wacky Tacky CHRISTMAS SWEATER CONTEST Sunday, December 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Small Group Gift Exchange $10-$15 gift limit for White Elephant Gift Exchange HOLIDAY SCHEDULE W h i t e e l e p h a n t Monday, December 24 3 p.m. Children s Service Sanctuary Christmas Eve 5 p.m. Modern Candlelight Service 5 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service Sanctuary Live Nativity animals will be on Grand Lawn from 3:30 6:30 p.m. Mon. Weds., Dec Thurs. Fri., Dec p.m. Traditional Candlelight Service Sanctuary Nursery provided for the 3 and 5 p.m. services on Christmas Eve. Office Closed Office Open Sunday, December a.m. One Worship Service Sanctuary No Children or Youth Sunday school. Nursery and children s church available. Monday, December 31 Tuesday, January 1 Lunch Bunch Office Open Office Closed Tuesday, Dec. 4, :30 a.m., Insights on Advent and Christmas through images, stories, and music including a few carols! Youth Christmas Tree Lot Mondays Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. Thursdays Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays, noon - 5 p.m. Trees from 6 to 9 feet tall, and wreaths. Lunch reservations are required by noon, December 3, and may be made online (ogumc.org), in the church office ( ), or in Senior Adult Sunday School classes. $8.00 at the door. Lunch Bunch is primarily for Senior Adults but we welcome all! BUILDING UPDATE The facelift of Oak Grove continues! There are several projects coming up in the months ahead. The Building program remains on budget and on schedule. This congregation has given generously through the pledge campaign, memorial gifts, and extra contributions. The wonderful generosity of the church has allowed us to address almost every project identified for renovation. As 2018 comes to an end, please remember Oak Grove in your end of year giving! Painting took place over Thanksgiving break. Sanctuary Pews and Carpet The sanctuary will be re-carpeted and the pews will have new cushions and fabric installed January The work will not require us to be out of the sanctuary. Check out the new carpet and upholstery on a demo pew in the Portico. Green Space We intend to install ornamental black steel fencing and brick columns around the green space located on the north side of the church in early The area will be called Oak Grove Park, and it will be available for picnic and play during daylight hours. The area will have no lighting or sports fields. It is intended for use as a passive park by the church and community. Flooring has been delayed until July. The new floor has extended curing times, and the earliest we could schedule sufficient time to demolish the existing floor, install the new floor, and allow for adequate curing of the floor was June/July. We will do this work over the July 4 holiday. We anticipate being out of for 3-4 weeks. Children s Wing Renovations A few of our rooms in the children s wing have not been updated, yet. These projects will take place this summer for ease of scheduling. Funding will come from the Building program and the Oak Grove Christian School. Repaving of Lower Lot The lower parking lot (BBQ pit) will be repaved this summer. In addition, the Trustees are doing ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the other parking lots every year. The Building Committee intends to complete all projects by summer Sunday Morning Bus Drivers Needed Each Sunday Oak Grove provides bus service from King s Bridge and Clairmont Place. We are currently in need of two more drivers to help with this. Driver s serve one day a month and must have a valid driver s license. Contact Amy Morgan (amorgan@ogumc.org) for more information.

6 PLEASE PRAY FOR In the Hospital Alexandros Ulices Giannakopoulos Piedmont NICU Hank Woolard Emory Dekalb Louise Delk St Joseph s New Concerns Bob Unger New to Care Facilities Bill Casarella Emory Rehab George Wilkerson Phoenix Senior Living Families Currently Fostering The Hardy Family Continued Prayers... Annie Ruth Anderson, Flo Baker, Bill Barnette, Brandon Bloodworth, Lisa Callaway, Keren Clay, Charlie Darden, Liz Darden, Tony Frilingos, Jack Gilbert, Charlie Hamilton, Jim Hicks, Louise Hurst, Gail Irvin, Cindy Mynatt, Jeannine Nash, Natalie O Shea, Mary Dell Robert, June Row, Linda Lee Saye, Elizabeth Schroeder, Debbie Seligman, Ann Shirk, Karen Smith, Chick Sward, Paul Tuggle, Al Walker, Joyce Walsh, Jane Webster, Rob White, Betty Jo Williams, Billie Williams, Gene Worth, Carol Wright Homebound... For a complete listing of homebound members, please contact the church office. Serving in Our Armed Forces... AE Hugh McCulloh Hope (Mac),Petty Officer Steven Jones, Major Rick Larango, 1LT Thomas E. Penland, Cdr. Andrew Pruiett, Col. Janet Seufert Recent Baptism... We celebrate the recent baptism of this infant who has been initiated into Christ's holy church and the Oak Grove family! Katherine Charlotte Mahan Deliver Poinsettias Bring Christmas Joy! When we deliver poinsettias each year to our homebound members, we share Christmas joy and remind people that their church is thinking of them during the holidays. Sign up to deliver one or more poinsettias at or contact Sandee Edmondson in the church office ( ). Please mark your calendar for Saturday, December 15, from 8:30-10:30 a.m., to pick up the poinsettia you will deliver. Please contact Amity Farrar (amityfarrar@ yahoo.com) with any questions. M I Midweek Communion DW E covenant E Children s Bible Study 5 to 5:30 p.m. 5 to 5:45 p.m. 5-7 p.m. Nursery open Room 134 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Dinner Reservations and cancellations must be made by noon Monday before the meal ( or click reservations ). Standing reservations (through April 24, 2019) are encouraged. Menu for December 5, 2018 Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Green Beans, and Cookies. MIDWEEK RESERVATION K Wednesday, December 5, 6:30 p.m., Sanctuary During the Christmas season our lives become almost frantic. As is our tradition, we offer this Cool Yule Dinner and program so our children, their family, friends of the family, and our congregation can enjoy dinner, and then a program presented by our Children's Choirs. They will sing about the Christ child and what He means to them. We look forward to spending an evening together, as we rejoice in the fellowship of family and the songs of the Christmas season. MIDWEEK DINNER RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED by noon on Monday, December 3. Sign up online ( or by calling the church office ( ). Name: Phone: Amount: Reservation is for December 5 Standing Reservation Place a number in the space(s) below of the type of meal you wish to reserve: Adult Meal ($8) Youth Meal, ($7) ages Child Meal, ages 3-11 ($6) Children under 3 (free) How many? Nursery, How many children? Family bundle rate: Two adults and two or more children 11 years of age and under ($23) OR One adult and two or more children 11 years of age or under ($16). Ministry of the Christmas Poinsettias You are invited to support the Ministry of the Christmas Poinsettias. Each year, volunteers visit approximately 50 homebound members and present them with a cheerful, fresh poinsettia plant on behalf of the congregation. Additional poinsettia plants will be placed in our Sanctuary and. All contributors and their designees will be recognized in our bulletin on December 16. We invite you to make a gift of any amount in memory of or in honor of someone dear to you. Your generous contributions will offset the cost of the poinsettias as well as other seasonal decorations in the church. To be included in the December 16 bulletin insert, please fill out the form below and place it in the offering plate or deliver it to the church office NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9. You may also donate online (ogumc.org). Your Name: (Use one form for each person memorialized / honored) Please make my contribution: In Memory Of: In Honor Of: Please indicate your interest in the following: o Use my contribution for poinsettias for the homebound and decorations for the church. o I will help deliver poinsettias to the homebound on Saturday, December 15. o I would like to pick up a poinsettia after 9:35 a.m. worship on December 23. o I would like to pick up a poinsettia after 11 a.m. worship on December 23. Phone number Our Presence November 25, 2018 Church School 355 8:30 Service 107 9:35 Service :00 Service 410 5:30 Youth Fellowship 81 Total Worship this Week /26/18 Our Offerings Received to date Needed to date $2,289, $2,323, Over/Under ($34,444.19) DEEP ROOTS BUILDING CAMPAIGN RESULTS Phase 2 Given to date: $2,645,872.70

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9 OAK GROVE Monday, DecEMBER 10 6:15 p.m. Ernie Cole and the Sweetwater Creek Band will return to UMM to fill our halls and hearts with bluegrass and gospel music of the season on Monday, Dec. 10, at 6:15 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. In addition to great music, enjoy lasagna, both meat and vegetable, buttered broccoli, garden salad, garlic toast, dessert, and beverage, for $8.00. Reservations are required by Friday, December 7, and can be made online ( by calling ( ), or by sign up sheet. Today s Worship Servants Sound: (8:30) Billie Williams (11:00) Taylor Pendley Put on your red and green for our BLUEGRASS CHRISTMAS Parlor Ready for Use Most of the repairs from the water main break have been completed, and the Parlor is now open. If you have an event you would like to host in the Parlor, please submit your request via our online reservation system, which can be found at ogumc.org/reservations/room -reservation/ All items have been removed from the area, and it is ready to be used in ministry again. Ushers: Jeanine Andrews, Mark Byrne, Tony Callaway, Carolyn Casarella, Greg Casarella, Bill Cole, Jack Graves, Tim Howard, Elliott Jackson, Scot Macrae, Matt Moneyhan, Wallace Moreman, Phil Perry, Paul Siegel, Kirby Smith, James Trotti, Rob Welch, David Wright, Linda Wright Altar Guild: Ann Benton, Katrina Franklin, Nancy Harte, Regina Haynes, Paige Henry, Sally Houghton, Judy Kirkwood, Anne Letbetter, Tara Merritt-Merchant, Dale Miller, Becky Mynatt, Cindy Mynatt, Brenda Toebben, Carol Wright, and Diane Young Children s Church: Pam Reynolds and Stephanie Mitchell Our Worship Times 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary 9:35 a.m. Sunday School Various 9:35 a.m. Modern Worship 10:40 a.m. Sunday School Ends 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary Our Pastors Dr. Glenn Ethridge Senior Pastor ext. 211 Dr. Amy Morgan Pastor of Nurture and Service ext. 210 Dr. Joseph McBrayer Pastor of Invitation and Discipleship ext. 212 Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert Pastor to Senior Adults Dr. Dana Everhart Theologian in Residence Our Program Staff Dale Smith Executive Director ext. 225 Pam Reynolds Director of Finance ext. 224 Kim Cody Children s Ministry ext. 218 Bryan Bontrager Youth Ministry ext. 202 Ed Scruggs Music Ministry ext. 212 Leanne Herrmann Organist Atticus Hicks Dir. of Modern Worship ext. 208 Submitting Articles to the Oak Grove News: Please be reminded that Thursday 12 p.m. is the deadline for information that you would like to add to the Oak Grove News. This will enable your article to appear in the following week s bulletin. Send items to oakgrovenews@ogumc.org. Articles will run TWO times and may be edited for space. Indicate the two editions you prefer when the article is submitted. Thank you! Check the Oak Grove website for up-to-the-minute news on all events: Make Sure You Stay in Constant Contact Information on our ministries, news, and upcoming events is shared through our Constant Contact weekly congregational . If your address changes during the year, please contact Diane O'Steen, Membership/Database Admin., (dosteen@ogumc.org or ext.221) Our Church Information Church Office Office Hours 9 a.m. 5 p.m. M F Emergency Contact After Hours ext. 9 Address 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA Website Our Schools Oak Grove Christian School YCS (Young Children s School) OAK GROVE ROAD DECATUR, GEORGIA 30033