First United Methodist Church of Hampton 110 E Queen St Hampton VA (757)

Transcription

1 First United Methodist Church of Hampton 110 E Queen St Hampton VA (757) LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES December 16, rd Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. ADVENT S JOY TO THE WORLD Third Sunday, and JOY is our theme. When the choir performs the Cantata, they re supreme! Then a live nativity at six that night Mary, Joseph and Child a holy sight. Next, we ll share a meal that s our invite. At home, as usual, follow your worship routine In your Bible read Romans 15:13 There will be such joy for one to behold It will fill hearts and increase tenfold! Share this wonderful feeling with everyone For that is how God wants it done. ~Linda Marushi In the name of Christ WELCOME! Although you may be a stranger to us, you are no stranger to God, who knows you and loves you, and whose heart is glad at your presence here. We sincerely hope this time of worship will bless your life. As you are able, please stand for acts of worship indicated by an asterisk (*). UMH indicates The United Methodist Hymnal (red book in pew rack) TFWS indicates The Faith We Sing (thin black book in pew rack) Help us sustain God s creation by placing used worship bulletins in the basket on the credenza in the back of the sanctuary for recycling.

2 GREETING and ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE *CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsively) This is the time of Advent. Carols are sung; the ears of the heart awaken and listen. Candles glow; children s eyes grow wide with wonder. The stars twinkle; heads tilt back in a moment of awe. Christmas is stirring in every corner. Joy creeps into our hearts and praise leaps from our voices. *HYMN Sing We Now of Christmas UMH 237 (Vs 1-3) LIGHTING OF THE THIRD ADVENT CANDLE Christine & Mitchell Woods On this third Sunday of Advent, our anticipation increases as we approach the celebration of the birth of the Christ Child, and we light the candle of JOY. In Romans 15:13 it says, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, as we light this third candle, we will be filled with the blessing of JOY from God! Today we celebrate and share this joyous feeling... The Cantata delivers such joy ~ So special for us to enjoy. Lovely poinsettias abound ~ Their beauty astounds! The live nativity we agree ~ A joyful event for all to see. It s coming tonight ~ And will be a delight, Come one, come all ~ Is our welcoming call. Today we await the Lord to fill our hearts to overflowing with Christmas joy and happiness. As we light the Candle of Joy, the lovely glow from this flickering flame is like a shining beacon of worship. Its flame illuminates the joy found within our hearts this Advent season. We are blessed by the Lord and His son Jesus, our precious gift from above. With the power of the Holy Spirit, we light the candle of joy with all the love we can employ. (Light the candle) 2

3 Let us pray: Dear Lord, fill us with joy, so that our hearts are full and overflowing. Feeling such delight, we share this wonderful emotion with others. May we share this joy, so that it spreads the wonder of You. Please hear our prayer and guide us in the way that is pleasing in Thy sight. Amen. HYMN Emmanuel, Emmanuel UMH 204 GIVING OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY PRAYER (In Unison) Gracious God, we offer you thanks and praise for this season of anticipation, this season of Advent. As we prepare for the birth of your son, we share our tithes and offerings with the joy and excitement that is common as one anticipates the birth of a new child. Bless our gifts in your holy name. Amen. OFFERTORY *PRESENTATION OF GIFTS In the Bleak Midwinter UMH 221 (V 4) 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 I can I give him: give my heart. *HYMN There s a Song in the Air UMH 249 PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE PASTORAL PRAYER THE LORD S PRAYER SUNG IN UNISON Our Father, which 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 3

4 Sing Joy to All the World Music by Lloyd Larson Orchestrated by Ed Hogan Narration by Kylee Larson *COMMISSIONING AND BLESSING (Responsively) Rejoice in God always, and again I say, rejoice. For God has created you with the capacity for joy. We will find what makes us joyful, And make that our gift to the world. Trust in God s goodwill for all of creation and open yourself to God s gentle, transforming love. We will welcome new possibilities in our lives. We will offer ourselves to God s goodness. We will go forth in hope and love, and peace and joy. Amen. *POSTLUDE The Chancel Choir Dean Shinn, Director Pricilla Lockett, Accompanist Narrator 1: Mitchell Woods Narrator 2: Vennie Lulofs Rick Allison Cheryl Baker Wanda Barfoot Doris Diggs Carol Gardner Amanda Hooten Jeremy Hooten Libby Kendrick Carolyn Knight Mike Lulofs Linda Minetree Becky Montgomery Caroline Montgomery Karen Moore 4 Betty Jane Riggin Donna Robinson Cecelia Short Vesta Wallio Greg Wilson Mori Wilson Christine Woods

5 The poinsettias are dedicated to the glory of God and given: in Memory of C. Edward Knight, III... by Carolyn Knight My mother, Ruby Keith Wiles... by Lynn Chandler Robert Ashworth Kilgore... The Family Robert Kilgore... Bill and Doris Diggs Robert Kilgore... Lou & David Beasley Liz Crawford...Alan Crawford George W. McCracken... Shirley & Michaela McCracken Cross Parents Slye Parents... Richard & Carolyn Slye Don Kester Eloise Bowden Nisbet My Family and Friends with Jesus... Jane D. Miller and in Honor of Our families past & present... Gerald and JoAnn Walberg George Ware... The Fisher Class Wyatt, Elizabeth & Isabelle... Shirley & Michaela McCracken Page Paulin... Ashley, Will, & Hannah Jeremy Hooten in celebration of his birthday... Gran Dean Shinn... Your family of singers and ringers Dean Shinn... Ian & Carolyn Crozier Donna Robinson... Lou & David Beasley Lil Bit Brown... UMW Circle 2 Our granddaughters Brittney, Ashley, & Emily... Donna Robinson Marianne Prentiss... Midge & Jimmy Eason Doris Diggs Marianne Prentiss... UMW Circle 8 Lynn Chandler Mike, William & Matt Crawford...Alan Crawford Beverly Geer & Betty Lou Brittain Bill & Sylvia Milholen... Kristen & William Milholen Our hard-working church staff Our hard-working church volunteers...linda & Ron Minetree The UMW, Judy Rushton & Sylvia Rumsey The Congregational Care Committee My son, Fred Nell Writtenberry... Jane D. Miller

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7 A special thank you to the handbell choir for providing such beautiful music last Sunday. HANDBELL CHOIR Dean Shinn, Director Cheryl Baker Nancy Basford Amanda Hooten Jeremy Hooten William Milholen Linda Minetree Donna Robinson Vesta Wallio Cheryl Williams Brenda Wright There are ANGELS among us! FUMC's ANGEL TREE is with us again during Advent. Look for the ANGEL TREE in the Fellowship Hall, the Narthex, or the Choir Room. Please return adopted ANGELS taped to a Christmas card (with your name or Christmas greeting) and gift to the Church Office by TODAY, Sunday December 16. Your Congregational Care Committee will deliver your special gifts in time for Christmas joy! Your love and generosity will be a Christmas blessing to many in our Church Family! Thank you for caring and sharing Christ's love! FOOD DRIVE to benefit H.E.L.P. Pantry Each week we are collecting food items to help build a holiday meal for those in need in our community. Grocery bags with suggested items will be provided for your convenience on November 25 following the worship service. The collection points will be in the narthex (back of the sanctuary) or inside the entrance door leading to the office. Please make sure all items are turned in by TODAY, Sunday, December 16. If you have any questions, please contact the church office. 7

8 Advent Devotional books The Father s Love are available in the back of the sanctuary or outside the church office beginning Nov 25. The Father s love for each and every one of us is immeasurable. And we are called to prepare to receive that love, to share it and to demonstrate it as best we can. Excerpts of Nouwen s writings, as well as Scripture passages and original reflections and prayers within The Father s Love, will strengthen your Advent journey. Be guided through daily prayer and reflection as you gain a better sense of how the Father loves us and why he sent his only Son to dwell among us. Advent Devotional books For children Advent A to Z are available in the back of the sanctuary or outside the church office beginning Nov 25. Spend time each day of December praying through the alphabetical Advent poems contained in this thoughtful booklet that helps children connect the sights and sounds of the season to the coming of the Christ Child in a fun and familiar way. From Angels and Eggnog to Stars and Wreaths, these prayers by Arden Mead provide a daily guide for children of all ages as they prepare to celebrate Jesus birthday. Mark your calendars: UMW Friendship Luncheon Sunday, March 3, 2019 (Please note date change) 11:00 am Right after worship Fellowship Hall 8

9 December 2 First Sunday of Advent Lighting the Advent Candle HOPE Hanging of the Greens Service Worship at 10:00 am with communion Collection of food items for H.E.L.P. Food Pantry December 9 Second Sunday of Advent Lighting the Advent Candle LOVE Worship at 10:00 am with Glory Ringers & Messengers Collection of food items for H.E.L.P. Food Pantry December 16 Third Sunday of Advent Lighting the Advent Candle JOY Worship at 10:00 am Chancel Choir presents the cantata Sing Joy to All the World Collection of food items for H.E.L.P. Food Pantry Poinsettias displayed in the Sanctuary Live Nativity at 6:00 pm followed by sub sandwich supper. A love offering will be accepted. Bring a batch of your favorite cookies, lawn chair, and flashlight. (RSVP to the office by 12/15) 9

10 December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent Lighting the Advent Candle PEACE Worship at 10:00 am Lessons and Carols Poinsettias displayed in the Sanctuary December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with Communion at 7:00 pm Lighting the Christ Candle December 30 Worship at 10:00 am January 6 Epiphany Sunday Worship at 10:00 am 10

11 Reminders, Announcements, and Other News Sun Dec 16 8:30 am Fellowship (FH) 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship with Choir Cantata (S) 6:00 pm Live Nativity followed by sub sandwich supper (FH) Mon Dec 17 No scheduled activities Tue Dec 18 6:00 pm Fitness Yoga Class (FH) Wed Dec 19 No scheduled activities Thu Dec 20 10:00 am Gentle Yoga (FH) Fri Dec 21 Office Closed No scheduled activities Sat Dec 22 No scheduled activities Sun Dec 23 8:30 am Fellowship (FH) 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship with Advent Lessons and Carols (S) Mon Dec 24- Office Closed 7:00 pm Candlelight Worship w/ Communion Tue Dec 25 Christmas Day - Office Closed Merry Christmas! 12/16 Shirley McCracken Cameron Prentiss 12/17 Trish Link 12/18 12/19 Gale Barnes Kathryn Stacy 12/20 Marian Guldner 12/21 Carol Gardner 12/22 Jeremy Hooten 12/23 The Pastor and staff wish everyone a happy birthday and pray God s blessings upon you. FH-Fellowship Hall CR Choir Room CFR-Craft Room C-Crouse Room HP-Happy People s Class S-Sanctuary Kit-Kitchen P-Parlor 11

12 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS TODAY, SUNDAY, DEC 16 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS NEXT SUNDAY, DEC 23 LITURGIST: Jay Smith LITURGIST: Mike Langford FINANCE: Bill Diggs FINANCE: Carol Gardner BUS DRIVER: Ron & Sylvia Rumsey BUS DRIVER: Sam Pollard COUNTERS: Brad Allsbrook JoAnn Walberg COUNTERS: Donna Robinson Vince Mundie Chancel Flowers Thank you to all who have so generously donated so that we have had flowers on the chancel in is right around the corner and we have quite a few dates including the following that are available for donation/dedication: Jan 13, 20, 27; Feb 3,10,17, 24; March 3 Stewardship Corner Dec 9 Attendance: Worship Total: 77 Sunday school: 47 Offering Received last week: General Fund 5, Designated Funds 1, Budget Status Total Budget: $348,175 Date Offering Need each week Amt Ovr/(Udr) Given to date Needed to date Amt Ovr/(Udr) 02-Dec 6, , (2,542.62) 46, , (34,912.58) 09-Dec 5, , (3,251.28) 52, , (38,163.86) 12

13 Is there someone for whom you would like us to pray? Please contact the church office. Please remember in prayer those from our congregation: Lil Bit Brown Nell Writtenberry Jane Roberts Eleanor Woodward Ed Kilgore Allen Langford Barbara Cubbage Marty Baker Candee Martin and family Aggie Hogge Lenny Yarrington Robin Welch Marianne Prentiss Beth Nystrom Tami Langford Adam Shlyk Ray Waldon Earl Lawson Tami Pollard Sarah Kilgore & Family Mike Lulofs and Family Barbara Farrand and Family Our friends and family in need of prayer: Lyle (Wilson s grandson); Lenny (Carol Gardner's friend); Clyde Castle; Chad Sayers (Winnie Barnes grandson); Jimmy Parker (friend of Carol Gardner); Deborah Hudson (friend of Vince Mundie); Gerald E. Burks (friend of Vince Mundie); Maddie Davis (student at Armstrong); Howard family; Vernon Kruger (friend of the Rumsey s); Tim (friend of the Milholen s) Ralph White s sister; Dick Baughan (friend of Vince Mundie); Patsy G. Maney (friend of Vince Mundie); Linda Lowry (Linda Marushi s cousin); Nancey (friend of Jane Miller) Earl Gibson (friend of Buddy Marushi) Aunt Carrie (Bernice Wiggins aunt) Peggy McLean (friend of Linda Minetree Aaron 'Bird' Martin (friend of Rich Foley) Family of Roger Phelps (friend of Tricia Waldon) Dan Snuffer (Rick Allison s nephew) Vicki Pogozelski (Judy Rushton s daughter) Abdul Fattah Kourtiche (father of Sarah and Hannah Kourtiche) And many others 13

14 Four Characteristics of Biblical Evangelism Many churches struggle with evangelism. For some, evangelism is an important objective, but the methods of pursuing it are vague or ineffective. For others, the term itself is uncomfortable, bringing to mind doctrinally rigid or manipulative ways of leading people to faith. Focusing on the characteristics of biblical evangelism can help demystify evangelism and strengthen our evangelistic efforts. Four key practices proclamation, community, service, and witness are rooted in scripture and proven effective in the history of the church. Proclamation ~ The Greek word kerygma is often used for proclamation. In Romans 10:14, Paul writes, How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? The key is the ending where Paul says, And how can they hear without someone preaching to them or in some translations proclaiming to them. This is the meaning of kerygma. Too often individuals believe we pay the pastor to proclaim so we do not have to do it! And as we grow more comfortable in our congregations we tend to share less. And as a result, fewer and fewer of us are proclaiming the good news. We need to reclaim the understanding that all believers are responsible for the practice of proclamation. Community ~ The Greek word for community is koinonia. The best model of Christian community is found in the Trinity and the way in which Father, Son, and Holy Spirit make room for each other s gifts. The three-in-one God models for us what is possible when we are willing to share our gifts with the community and make room for the gifts of others. The goal for community cannot be simply to create small groups, but to connect people in an authentic way that engenders love, trust, and accountability. Our evangelism efforts today need to focus on connecting people in authentic community and not just copying a certain model of community. Service ~ The Greek word for service is diakonia. In Ephesians 3:7 Paul uses a form of diakonia when he talks about being a servant of the gospel. The idea of being in service to something or someone is challenging in our culture because of the history of slavery. But the language of servanthood is prominent in Paul s letters, particularly being a servant to Jesus. Paul understood his role as carrying on the work that Jesus started, and we are called to do the same. The struggle we have today is we have disconnected service from an expectation of transformation through Christ. In an effort not to offend we do things for people and hope they figure out our Christian motivation. This is not to suggest clubbing people over the head with the gospel, but a holistic understanding of service must include sharing the transformative power of Christ. Too many 14

15 congregations ignore the importance of letting others see the ways in which the love of God intersects with loving one s neighbor. Witness ~The Greek word for witness is martureo. It is the root of the word martyr. The truth is, when we hear the word martyr, we immediately think of someone dying. Martyrs literally give their lives for the gospel. But we are not required to die to witness to Christ. In Acts 1:8 we find a form of martureo that is not about death. It reads, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. A martyr or witness is someone who gives their whole being to something. It is more than proclamation because one s entire life becomes a sign pointing to God. In Acts 1:8, Jesus is asking the disciples to devote their entire being to telling his story. What Jesus does not want is a half-baked effort. The disciples are to dedicate themselves to the work of witnessing. For many of us, witnessing has become a technique rather than an expression of our spiritual identity. We see it as a means of getting people to our congregation. Many times, when we witness people are not hearing about God s transforming love. They hear come to my church. The Wesleyan movement was successful because witnessing was a part of the DNA and not a technique. We need to reclaim this dimension of witness. These four practices should work together in an integrated, synergistic way. But too often, we make them into separate things, lessening the overall impact of our evangelism. A holistic, biblical approach to evangelism employs all four practices in ways that inform and enhance one another so that we share the gospel and move closer to God and neighbor. ~ Lewis Center for Church Leadership Learn about the Shenandoah Youth Theology Institute ~ Shenandoah University Youth Theology Institute (SUYTI) is a 14-day institute (July 14-27, 2019) where high school students explore the exciting intersection of faith and justice. Upon completion of the institute, and a self-identified justice project in their local context, students receive three credits from Shenandoah University. At SUYTI students spend one week at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Va. and one week at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Each day includes worship, class time with world class professors, compelling afternoon immersive experiences and mentoring from undergraduate and seminary students. The cost for students in 2019 is only $200. SUYTI is open to current 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. If you would like to nominate a student, you can fill out a nomination form. You can find the 2019 student application and more information on the website at For more information, please contact the Rev. Colleen Hallagan Preuninger (cpreunin@su.edu) Published weekly, the electronic Sunday Advocate summarizes news events affecting Virginia United Methodists and serves as a link to the in-depth reporting of the Virginia United Methodist Advocate, the official magazine of the Virginia Conference. To subscribe to the monthly Virginia Advocate magazine, call (804) or , ext. 110; or Advocate@ vaumc.org. Unless indicated, all news compiled courtesy of the Virginia Advocate, the weekly e-advocate or United Methodist News Service. 15

16 Visitor Center How to Reach Us TO REACH THE REST ROOMS OR THE NURSERY: Enter through the canopied entrance on the side of the building. Rest rooms are down the hall to the left. The Nursery is up the steps and down the hall to the right. Greeters and ushers are available to guide you. REGISTRATION PADS are located in each pew near the center aisle. Please use these to record your presence, and to pass along information for the pastor or the church office. PRAYER REQUEST CARDS are available in the pews and in the foyer atop the Prayer Box. Deposit them in the box or drop them in the offering plates. WE PRACTICE OPEN COMMUNION. We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month, and at other special times. All are welcome at the table of the Lord, regardless of church membership, age, or feelings of worthiness. If you wish to come into relationship with Christ, deepen or renew that relationship, there is a place for you here. Office office@firstumchampton.org Pastor Rev. Candee Martin candeemartin@vaumc.org Office Manager/Finance Laura Harris office@firstumchampton.org Director of Music Ministries Dean Shinn deanshinn@aol.com Nursery Director Jenny Hamm jennynichole@outlook.com FOR INFORMATION ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER OF FIRST UMC, please indicate so on the registration pad, or contact the pastor. OUR SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE: FELLOWSHIP 8:30 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:00 AM WORSHIP: 10:00 AM There is a place for you and your family on Sunday mornings here at First UMC Hampton 16