ST. JOHN S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH A

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1 Loves, serves and worships with PASSION ST. JOHN S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH A Stephen Ministry Church 104 Newberry Street, NW Aiken, SC December 23, 2018 December 23, 2018 Jesus Grows Up Luke 2:39-52 Jesus is special. NO GROVE Merry Christmas! December 23, 2018 NO Choir or SNY Let us welcome God s bright and shining morning star; a child born in a manger; a son sent to redeem the world, a savior come to renew all things. May his light shine on you, may his light shine in you, may his light shine through you. The light of God s Christmas star be with you in this season of new birth. Chris ne Sine Have a Merry Christmas! We will see you in the new year! Don t forget to register for Revolution stjaiken.org/calendar/eventregistration/ Thank you to every man who has served the Jack Meeks Ramp Ministry and for every donation that has allowed these ramps to be built for free when needed. Thank you, Lord, for giving freedom to those who need it. Christmas Eve Worship Opportuni es 5:00 pm Candlelight Family Christmas Eve, Sanctuary 7:00 pm Candlelight Service with Chancel Choir & Brass, Sanctuary 11:00 pm Candlelight with Family Choir, Wind Ensemble & Communion, Sanctuary The church offices will be closed December LOOKING AHEAD Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Services: 5, 7, & 11pm Dec Office closed for Christmas Jan. 1 Office closed for New Year s Day Jan. 6 Communion at 8:30 Jan. 6 Healing Service in the Chapel at 10:00 Jan. 11 PrimeTimers Travel Talk Jan Revolution Retreat (youth) Feb Mission Impact Celebration

2 WELCOME VISITORS! The members of St. John s welcome you, no matter who you are, where you come from, or why you are here. We are Christ s people and this is Christ s place with its doors open wide. We are grateful for your presence and invite you to return often. Announcements Orangeburg District: Day with Bishop Holston January, 12, 2019, 9:00 12:00 at St. Mark UMC, North, SC. Topics: In the midst of our challenging mes there is opportunity. Our hope is the opportunity! How can we engage people in building rela onships? We would like to thank our church family for the prayers and many expressions of love and concern over the past few months as we have been traveling to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for Cheri s surgeries. Her recovery has been nothing short of miraculous and we hope to be back in the thick of things at St. John s very soon. Cheri & Rob December Is Joining Month Any day during the week or on Sundays would be a great me to join St. John s. This church will always support you and wants to bring revival to the world! We want you to be a full member of the family. Please call Dr. Tim on his cell at or Becca Hartsell at to make arrangements to join during the week in his office, or on Sunday at the altar. Whichever you choose is great! For those coming from other churches, there s only one ques on: Will you uphold this congrega on by your prayers, presence, gi s, witness, and service? With God s help, this is our pledge. Join us! CHURCH HOSTS Hosts the week of December 23, 2018 Sunday AM EVENING Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday *Sunday AM Dec. 30 Todd Campbell Ben Timmerman Matt Beckum Jim Wert Doug Gregory Mark Mahoney Marc Nadeau Jeff Ray Bryan Staubs Opera ons Budget as of 12/13/ Year to date offerings given for what God is asking us to do: $2,002, Year to date ministry expenditures: $1,772, Building Fund $230, We thank you for your generous support of the ministries of St. John s! Current Loan Balance $497, Save the Date: Mission Impact Celebration February 8-10 Missions Budget as of 12/13/2018 Year to date offerings given for what God is asking us to do in Missions: $ 147, Year to date Missions Disbursements: $ 137, We thank you for your generous support of the ministries of St. John s! News of the Family Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at the 9:02 service is Abel Lawrence Lord, son of Stephanie & Rocky Lord. Proud brother is Sawyer. Proud grandparents are Frances & John Osteen. Our congratulations to: Claire & Ray Hesse who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 28. Claire & Ed Norton who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 27. Pat & Don Smith who celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary on Dec. 23. Welcome to our newest members: Katherine Brooks-Bryant & Bob Bryant Our sympathy to: Jan & Brent Boore on the loss of Jan s father, Boyd Bierly on Dec. 15, in Hershey, PA. Ginny Brown on the passing of her husband, Bill Brown on Dec.16, in Aiken, SC. \Ç `xåéü tå William Bill Brown December 16, 2018 December Mac & Cheese Collection bins located in the narthex and the Faith Center. Attendance 12/16/18 8: : : Total 1227

3 2019 Bible Study Opportunities with Dr. Tim A new men s Bible Study on the Gospel of Mark will begin Tuesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Faith Center. Men of all ages are encouraged to join in this study of the action Gospel. Dr. Tim will be teaching a new church-wide Bible study on the book of Genesis beginning Wednesday, January 9. A morning and an evening session will be offered in the Chapel from 10:00-11:30 a.m. and 6:00-7:30 p.m. Interested in serving on a medical mission team? Every other week, February through October, Carolina Honduras Health Founda on teams travel to provide medical care to villages in need. If you feel called to serve in this way, it is possible to find a team that fits with almost any availability. Edward and Heather Yeh will be leading a team June 22 29, (This team has a par cular need for a pharmacist.) If you would like more informa on on serving on this or any CHHF team, please contact Heather at hdyehpnp@gmail.com. A new GriefShare support group will begin on Wednesday, January 9, at 4pm, with an introductory mee ng. The 13 week series will begin the following week and offers help and encouragement a er the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend. Please call Rev. Nancy Reed at to learn more or to register. REMINDER FROM THE FINANCE OFFICE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE A TAX BENEFIT IN 2018 ALL DONATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY DECEMBER 31, IF USING THE MAIL, ALL ENVELOPES MUST BE POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 2018 TO RECEIVE A TAX BENEFIT FOR THE YEAR. ANY QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT NANCY FAIRGRIEVE OFFERING ENVELOPES PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO PICK UP YOUR 2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES FROM OUTSIDE WARD HALL IF YOU HAVE NOT TURNED IN YOUR 2019 PLEDGE CARD, YOU MAY DO SO AT ANY TIME. NEED A CARD? STOP BY NANCY S OFFICE. SERVING THIS WEEK 8:30 Dr. Tim McClendon; Rev. Nancy Reed; Music - Sonrise Choir; Organist - Christopher Nash 9:02 Dr. Tim McClendon; Worship Leader-Harry Sampson; Music Jane Timmerman & The 9:02 Band 11:00 - Dr. Tim McClendon; Rev. Nancy Reed; Music Director - Catherine Stapleton Nance; Organist - Christopher Nash Crucifer - Ford Vaughters; Acolytes - Elaina Parrott and William Parrott December Worship Support - Jean Geiger, Keenan Kizer, Peg Robinson, Penny Rouch, and Millie Winston

4 Order of Worship 8:30 AM (Fourth Sunday in Advent) PRELUDE Bring a Torch, Jeneatte Isabella arr. Keith Chapman CALL TO WORSHIP *HYMN NO. 224 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice In Dulci Jubilo *CHRISTMAS CREED (congregation remain standing as able) I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem. I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small. I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today. I believe in the one whom the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts. I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible: I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God. I confess my ever-lasting need of God: the need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold. I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the Son of the living God, born in Bethlehem today, for me and for the world. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Carolyn & Jim Heffner Congregational response is 4th stanza of #211, O Come, O Come Emmanuel SCRIPTURE Luke 1:39 45 SERMON Small Towns Dr. Tim McClendon CONGREGATIONAL INTERESTS AND THE RITUAL OF FRIENDSHIP Please enter your name in the Friendship Pad, located near the center aisle. If you are new to St. John s, please add your contact information. Pass the pad down the row to others. When the pad reaches the end of the row, please return it so we may learn one another s names. OFFERTORY Benedictus Dan Forrest DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Sung to tune of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, on every hill and coast! Praise God above, all angels who comprise the heavenly host! Praise to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Ghost! O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy! O tidings of comfort and joy! *PASTORAL PRAYER, LORD S PRAYER and CHORAL RESPONSE *HYMN OF DEDICATION NO. 245 The First Noel The First Noel *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE In Dulci Jubilo JS Bach *Please stand in body or spirit 1 You may text your gift to St. John s by texting stjaiken to and following the instructions. Texts used with this service permission granted under CCLI #

5 Sunday, December 23, 2018 Psalm 9:02 I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praises to Your name, O Most High. Gathering Mary Did You Know? M. Lowry Greeting and Announcements Please enter your name in the Friendship Pad and pass it down the row. If you are new to St. John s, please add your contact information. When the pad reaches the end of the row, pass it back so we may learn each other s names. Lighting of the Advent Candle Angie & George Rawls O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai s height in ancient times once gave the law in cloud and majesty and awe. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. Song of Praise The First Noel P. Brooks Affirmation of Faith I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Children s Sermon Harry Sampson Pastoral and Lord s Prayer 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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen. Offering 1 Do Not Be Afraid JJ Weeks Band Sacrament of Holy Baptism Scripture Luke 1: Sermon Small Towns Dr. Tim McClendon Closing Song Joy, Unspeakable Joy C. Tomlin Benediction Sending Forth 1 You may text your gift to St. John s by texting stjaiken to and following the instructions

6 GREETING AND WELCOME Welcome to all who are worshiping with us. As we enter a holy space and time this morning, please silence all electronic devices. The prelude is the call to silent meditation and preparation for worship. PRELUDE Bring a Torch, Jeneatte Isabella arr. Keith Chapman CALL TO WORSHIP Carol for Christmastide Pethel *HYMN OF PRAISE NO. 224 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice In dulci jubilo CHRISTMAS AFFIRMATION OF FAITH*** (congrega on remain standing as able) I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the gospel begun in Bethlehem. I believe in the one whose spirit glorified a little town; and whose spirit still brings music to persons all over the world, in towns both large and small.. I believe in the one for whom the crowded inn could find no room, and I confess that my heart still sometimes wants to exclude Christ from my life today. I believe in the one whom the rulers of the earth ignored and the proud could never understand; whose life was among common people, whose welcome came from persons of hungry hearts. I believe in the one who proclaimed the love of God to be invincible: I believe in the one whose cradle was a mother's arms, whose modest home in Nazareth had love for its only wealth, who looked at persons and made them see what God's love saw in them, who by love brought sinners back to purity, and lifted human weakness up to meet the strength of God. I confess my ever-lasting need of God: the need of forgiveness for our selfishness and greed, the need of new life for empty souls, the need of love for hearts grown cold. I believe in God who gives us the best of himself. I believe in Jesus, the Son of the living God, born in Bethlehem today, for me and for the world. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Kathy & Jack Benjamin Congregational response is 4th stanza of #211, O Come, O Come Emmanuel ANTHEM Shepherd s Pipe Carol Rutter PASTORAL PRAYER, LORD S PRAYER and CHORAL RESPONSE OFFERTORY 1 Benedictus (Blessed is the Lord) Forrest Please enter your name in the Friendship Pad, located near the center aisle. If you are new to St. John s, please add your contact information. Pass the pad down the row to others. When the pad reaches the end of the row, please return it so we may learn one another s names. DEDICATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Sung to tune of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, on every hill and coast! Praise God above, all angels who comprise the heavenly host! Praise to the Father and the Son and to the Holy Ghost! O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy! O tidings of comfort and joy! *HYMN OF PREPARATION NO. 245 The First Noel The First Noel Children K3 2nd grade will follow the Crucifer to depart for Children s Church in the chapel. Thank you to the choir members who also participated in the 8:30 Sonrise Choir and are now departing. SCRIPTURE READING Luke 1:39 45 SERMON Small Towns Dr. Tim McClendon *HYMN OF DEDICATION NO. 230 O Little Town of Bethlehem St. Louis *BENEDICTION AND CHORAL RESPONSE Order of Worship 11:00 AM (Fourth Sunday in Advent) POSTLUDE In Dulci Jubilo JS Bach *Please stand, as able. 1 You may text your gift to St. John s by texting stjaiken to and following the instructions