December 30, 2018 Sixth day of Christmas

Transcription

1 December 30, 2018 Sixth day of Christmas GATHERING OPENING VOLUNTARY Sonatina in C Op. 20, No. 1, I. Allegro Friedrich Kuhlau GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST CALL TO WORSHIP A silent night became filled with the song of herald angels. Joy to the World! A manger with no crib now holds the Divine. Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! The first Noel brought hope for all eternity. Joy to the World, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King! With the joy of all the world, let us worship the newborn King!

2 OPENING HYMN 220 REGENT SQUARE Angels from the Realms of Glory PRAYER OF THE DAY Creative God, you make all things new in heaven and on earth. As a new year approaches, we come to you with new desires and old fears, new decisions and old controversies, new dreams and old weaknesses. You are a God of hope, we know that you are in all the possibilities of the future. You are a God of love, you accept all the mistakes of the past. You are the God of our faith, so it is with thanksgiving and praise that we enter your gates. We come into your presence with gladness and joy looking to serve you. May we be filled with your spirit of wonder, awe and hope as we worship this day. Amen. CHILDREN S TIME HYMN 219 What Child Is This? GREENSLEEVES PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE THE 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, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD HYMN 218 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear CAROL

3 OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Psalm 148 The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON The Baby Christmas Mouse Rev. Brittany Watson PSALM READING Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from heaven! Praise God on the heights! Praise God, all of you who are his messengers! Praise God, all of you who comprise his heavenly forces! Sun and moon, praise God! All of you bright stars, praise God! You highest heaven, praise God! Do the same, you waters that are above the sky! Let all of these praise the Lord s name because God gave the command and they were created! God set them in place always and forever. God made a law that will not be broken. Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all you ocean depths! (Name animals that live in our oceans, lakes, and rivers.) Do the same, fire and hail, snow and smoke, stormy wind that does what God says! Do the same, you mountains, every single hill, fruit trees, and every single cedar! (Name plants, trees, and flowers.) Leader: Do the same, you animals wild or tame you creatures that creep along and you birds that fly! (Name animals of the air and land.) Do the same, you kings of the earth and every single person, you princes and every single ruler on earth! (Name local, state, national, and international leaders in our world today.) Do the same, you young men young women too! you who are old together with you who are young (State your name with great joy!) Let all of these praise the Lord s name because only God s name is high over all. Only God s majesty is over earth and heaven. God raised the strength of his people, the praise of all his faithful ones that s the Israelites, the people who are close to God s heart. Praise the Lord!

4 OFFERTORY Sonatina in C Op. 20, No. 1, II. Andante Friedrich Kuhlau DOXOLOGY What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what can I give him: give my heart. PRAYER OF DEDICATION SENDING FORTH IN THE NAME OF GOD INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP HYMN OF DISCIPLESHIP 224 IN DULCI JUBILO Good Christian Friends Rejoice During the singing of the hymn, individuals desiring to join the church are asked to come to the chancel so the pastors may offer membership vows and welcome you to the congregation. RESPONSE FOR NEW MEMBERS We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Sonatina in C Op. 20, No. 1, III. Rondo Friedrich Kuhlua

5 ASSISTING IN THE SERVICE Clergy: Rev. Brittany Watson, David C. Freeman Music & Worship Arts: James Stanley, Chancel Choir Audio/Visual: Bill Owens, Christopher Cone Altar Guild: Debbie Boyd, Delia Prather Liturgist: Clark Watson Offering Stewards: Friends & Family of First Church. Altar Flowers: To the glory of God and in honor of the wedding of Madelyn Bagwell & A.J Riels, given by Craig & Nancy Wood. PASTORAL CARE Rev. David Freeman, Senior Pastor Cell: Rev. Donna Hankins, Associate Pastor Cell:

6 Help us finish the year strong financially! All contributions must be dated December 31st, The church office will be closed the week of Christmas, December 25th - January 1st. So if you are not able to get year-end contributions to the church office by Dec. 24th, make sure they are postmarked December 31st. Please mail to First United Methodist Church, 723 Center St, Little Rock, AR Sanctuary Flowers - Reserve yours today! What better way to honor friends and family members than to donate the Sanctuary Flowers in their name on a Sunday in the next year? The 2019 calendar is open, and we still have a few dates. Our flowers are re-arranged each Monday by the Flower Girls who take them to members in hospitals and homes -a true example of adaptive re-use and sustainability! Your gift of $75 will cover the cost of the two large arrangements in Sunday services. You may reserve your date by phoning or ing Sara Williams at Thank you for this gift that gives to many in the name of your loved one!

7 THIS WEEK AT FIRST CHURCH SUNDAY, December 30, :30 am First Cup Café 9:00 am First Word (Cokesbury) 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am First Tradition (Sanctuary) MONDAY, December 31, 2018 New Year s Eve Church Office Closed TUESDAY, January 1, 2019 New Year s Day Church Office Closed WEDNESDAY, January 2, :00 pm Weight Watchers (Chapel/Parlor) 5:30 pm Central Street Ringers Rehearsal 6:00 pm Youth Covenant Group THURSDAY, January 3, :00 pm Thursday Quest

8 WELCOME TO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK. We have embraced our role in urban ministry. Our members and friends come because they are attracted to our vitality, warmth, friendliness, and energy. They stay because we travel with them on their journey. AUDIO AND VIDEO OF TODAY S SERVICE IS AVAILABLE. CD s and DVD s of today s service are available by calling the church office at or by ing Lesley Andrews at landrews@fumclr.org. ATTENTION PARENTS. We understand worshiping with children can be an adventure, but it is an essential part of their growth in Christ. If your child is staying in worship, please see an usher if you would like a worship bag. However, if you desire a nursery, one is available on the second floor outside the Sanctuary. If you need assistance, please see an usher or a member of the Hospitality Team