Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship Third Sunday in Advent Happy Birthday, Jesus Sunday, December 16, :00 a.m.

Transcription

1 Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship Third Sunday in Advent Happy Birthday, Jesus Sunday, December 16, :00 a.m. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Eden United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation. We believe that all people are children of God; that persons of all ages, races and sexual orientations are part of our increasingly diverse culture. We welcome all persons into the full life and ministry of this church. Children s bulletins are available upon request from the ushers. Thank you for muting your cell phone, pager, and PDA during worship. PRELUDE Ode to Joy L.V. Beethoven THE LIGHT ENTERS WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS Pastor Pepper (Thank you for your gift of presence and for completing a blue member or pink visitor card today) INTROIT Sing We Now of Christmas (v.1) insert * CALL TO WORSHIP (All who are able may stand) Narayah Aloo L: Increaser of joy, What Child is this? R: Wonderful Counselor L: Creator of Heavens and Earth, What Child is this? R: Mighty God L: Remover of burdens, What Child is this? R: Everlasting Parent L: Giver of Justice and Righteousness, What Child is this? R: Prince of Peace * CAROL O Come, O Come, Emmanuel NCH 116

2 * INVOCATION (in unison) Narayah Giver of Christmas, awaken in us the awe of new life. Warm the hearths of our hearts; place there the prospect of peace. Prepare us to receive the greatest gifts of all, and affirm us to in turn be the bearers of your Christmas Spirit and Good News for the whole of Creation. Strengthen us as we do our part to convert the Herods of our world into the Marys of the world that is becoming. Thank You for Your youth and thank You for our youth, for we are all led by them. Amen. * PASSING OF THE PEACE L: The peace of God be with you all. R: And also with you. L: Let us greet our neighbors with a sign of peace. MUSICAL INTERLUDE L: Our worship continues with the Anthem. ANTHEM Advent Wagner/Lee LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF JOY Pastor Arlene CAROL With Joy Draw Water NCH 109 SCRIPTURE READING Micah 5:2-5a Miles Vetrovec (Today s scripture lesson can be found on page 756 in the pew Bibles.) But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. READING RESPONSE Sing We Now of Christmas (v.2) insert PAGEANT A Modern (Inclusive) Nativity Miles Vetrovec & Youth PROCESSION Linus and Lucy Guaraldi CAROL Hark the Herald Angels Sing NCH 144 (To be sung in unison with Pageant participants as the pageant concludes.)

3 PASTORAL PRAYER Pastor Arlene PRAYER RESPONSE Sing We Now of Christmas (v.3) insert OFFERING, TRES REYES GIFT GATHERING & DEDICATION Invitation (Thank you for placing your prayer cards in the offering plate) Pastor Pepper Offertory Christmas Time Is Here Mendelson/Guaraldi * Response Sing We Now of Christmas (v. 4) insert * Prayer of Dedication Pastor Pepper * CAROL All Earth Is Waiting NCH 121 * BENEDICTION Pastor Marvin * RESPONSE Sing We Now of Christmas (v. 5) insert * CHIMES & THE LIGHT DEPARTS WITH THE PEOPLE (The congregation is seated for the Postlude) POSTLUDE Sing We Now of Christmas French Trad. Carol/Curry Worship Leaders Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring, Senior Minister Rev. Pepper Swanson, Associate Minister Rev. Marvin Lance Wiser, Designated Term Associate Minister Dr. Jessie Wenchieh Lo, Organist & Music Director Cindy Keune, Recorder Narayah Aloo & Miles Vetrovec, Liturgists Miles Vetrovec, Playwright Children & Youth of Eden Church, Pageant Performers and Assistants Marvin Wiser, Jana Aloo, Yuliana Wiser-Leon, & Rozetta Walth, K-12 Pageant Coaches Julie Booher & Thomas Tyner, Greeters Scott Swanson, Theressa Collier, Julie Booher, & Thomas Tyner, Ushers Fabiola Orea & Rozetta Walth, Childcare Workers Julie Booher, Fellowship Captain Sally Kusalo & Mary Warr, Fellowship Captains Julie Booher & Cindy Keune, Fellowship Hosts TJ Wilkinson, Cake Sally Kusalo & Jan Bass, Counters Bill Adam, Trustee on Duty Dawn Coburn, Sunday Sexton

4 WELCOME Welcome to Eden United Church of Christ! If you are searching for a spiritual home, please consider becoming part of our congregation. Eden welcomes members who seek a deeper relationship with God in a caring community and who strive to make a difference in the lives of others. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism and the Rite of Church Membership four to five times yearly during morning worship. Please see one of our pastors or an usher, deacon, or member of the E-Team if you seek baptism for yourself or your child, or if you would like to be received into church membership. We celebrate infant and adult baptism and receive new members several times each year. TODAY Happy Birthday, Jesus!: Come to the party! TODAY, Eden Church will present our annual Christmas Pageant starring the children and youth of the Eden Church School program. This year's pageant is Modern Nativity, written by our very own Miles Vetrovec. During worship, we will also collect new unwrapped toys for children ages 0-12 and $20 gift cards for youth helpers at our Tres Reyes Fiesta on Sunday, Jan 6. The celebration continues after worship with a big beautiful birthday cake for baby Jesus during Fellowship in Oliver Hall. Coloring For Kids (And Adults!): Courtesy of the UCC Pension Board, a new Christmas coloring book will be offered to all our little visitors during Advent. This year's book, The Light is Surely Coming, tells the story of a young boy and his elderly neighbor and how we can all be a light in the darkness through kindness to strangers. Children will also receive a free coloring Advent Wreath kit during Church School for their home use. Adult visitors are invited to join us in coloring our large format Christmas posters after worship on Dec 9, 16, & 23. Completed posters will be displayed on Christmas Eve. No supplies needed -- just bring yourself to Oliver Hall after worship. For more information about coloring as a devotional practice, contact Pastor Pepper. UPCOMING EVENTS Poinsettias Deliveries: Members of the Caring Circle will be delivering poinsettias to our homebound members and friends following worship next Sunday, Dec. 23. Volunteers, please meet Mary Graw, at the chancel following worship to collect a flower, bulletin, and a printed copy of today s sermon for delivery to your designee. Christmas Worship & Candlelight Christmas Eve: Next Sunday, Dec 23, Eden Church will celebrate Christmas with special worship and choral music at 10 am. Join us for the traditional Bible stories and songs of the final Sunday in Advent. On Monday, Dec 24, we will celebrate Christmas Eve/Noche Buena with a special bilingual (English-Spanish) candlelight service at 7 pm. Our candlelight worship will be followed Cookies Galore, our annual sharing of cookies and hot cider in Oliver Hall. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors! New Year s Worship in Pioneer Chapel: On Sunday, Jan 30, we will celebrate the First Sunday after Christmas and await the New Year 2019 by worshipping in Pioneer Chapel. Come make a new year s resolution or commitment and enjoy poetry and piano music. Worship will be followed by a relaxed Tailgate Fellowship in the Pioneer Chapel parking lot. Coffee, cocoa, and tea provided. Please bring baked goods and other handheld foods to Pioneer Chapel.

5 Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta: The Kings are Coming! Three Kings Day/ Tres Reyes Magos will happen Sunday, Jan 6 at Eden Church from 10 am to 1 pm. Three Kings is the celebration of the Magi who come to visit Mary, Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The Kings bring wonderful gifts for Jesus and his parents. The Three Kings Celebration is an opportunity to celebrate the partnership between Eden Church and the Cherryland community by sharing this important religious holiday together. Everyone is invited to join in celebrating the Three Kings Celebration/Fiesta de Tres Reyes Magos, which will begins with community worship with Communion and Sunday school for children at 10 am, a free lunch after worship (with both kid-friendly and not-spicy options) served to all by participants in our Compañeras/os Ministry, and fun entertainment for the whole family. Whether you re a church member, church youth, or a community member, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this event! All in attendance can take part in the activities. Gifts will be shared by the Three Kings with all of the children present, ages For more information, please contact Yuliana Wiser-Leon. SMALL GROUPS Seekers Book Club: For Advent, Seekers are reading Anne Rice s Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt. We hope you will join us Wednesdays at 10 am in the Fireside Room. Bible Study: Our Evening Bible Study will complete its reading the Book of Revelation on Monday, Dec 17. The Evening Bible Study meets at 7 pm in Fireside. The Daytime Bible Study will complete its Animate video series on Dec 17 at 1 pm in Pastor Pepper s Office. Eden en español: Spanish language Bible Study happens Thursday evenings in the Fireside Room at 6:30 pm. Todos están invitados a nuestro estudio bíblico los jueves a las 6:30 de la tarde. Vamos a reunirnos en el salón Fireside. Va a haber cuidado para niños pequeños y el café internet va estar abierto para los jóvenes. Para preguntas contacte al Pastor Marvin: marvin@edenucc.com o PROGRAMS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Baby, It's Cold Outside: Eden Church is collecting new and gently-used coats for children, youth, and adults. Coats will be distributed to unaccompanied minors and the families who are caring for them. If you would like to donate a coat, bring it to the Church Office. For more information, contact Yuliana Wiser-Leon. Win a Prize!! Be the 75th person to sign up for our new Eden UCC Mobile Alerts and win a prize. And, you too can be in the know wherever you go! Text EdenUCC to to opt-in to our text message service so that you can stay informed of important events and scenarios as they occur on our campus and in our ministry together. Envíe un mensaje de texto con IglesiaEden al para inscribirse en nuestro servicio de mensajes de texto en español para que pueda mantenerse informado de los eventos importantes a medida que ocurren en nuestro campus y en nuestro ministerio juntos. Cherryland Computer Café Hours: The fall café hours are as follows: Mondays, 4-7 pm, Tuesdays, 4-7 pm, Comida (2nd and 4th) Wednesdays, 1:30-4 pm, Thursdays, 6:30-8 pm. Contact our CCC Coordinator Alicia Oseguera for more information. Eden Church Childcare Policy: Eden Church makes a reasonable attempt to provide childcare during Sunday worship, congregational meetings, and Taste & See Gatherings without a special request. We also make a reasonable attempt to provide childcare for church-sponsored meetings/events upon request. To request childcare, contact Pastor Pepper at pepper@edenucc.com.

6 The 2019 Flower Calendar: The 2019 Flower Calendar is now posted in the Church Office. Stop by to sign up for a date to match your occasion. Flowers can be provided by: 1) Cut or purchase flowers and arrange them at home or church and place them on the communion table; 2) Make arrangements with Eden s Flower Coordinator Mary Graw to provide flowers and she will arrange them; or 3) Order flowers delivered from a florist to the church on the Saturday prior to your date. Bulletin dedications are due to the Church Office by 12 noon on the Wednesday before your date. For information, contact Mary Graw at SPIRITUAL CARE Pastoral Visits: Pastor Arlene makes hospital and house calls to members and friends upon request. To request a visit, please call the church office during regular business hours ( ) or send a text message to Pastor Arlene at or to arlene@edenucc.com. Pastor Pepper covers hospital calls when Pastor Arlene is out of town. Note, because of privacy laws, hospitals do not contact pastors or share information with anyone other than a patient s power of attorney, so it is necessary for congregants to request visits from our pastors. Professional courtesies are also involved. Generally speaking, pastoral calls are limited to members and friends of Eden Church who are listed on the church rolls. If unchurched persons contact the church and request pastoral care, Pastor Arlene or Pastor Marvin will respond on an as available basis. Sacramental Ministry: Pastor Arlene brings the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism, and the ministry of anointing and healing prayer to hospitalized and homebound members. Please contact her directly to make arrangements for visits. Audio recordings of sermons can be downloaded from the church website. Print copies of the sermons are available by mail upon request and from the office and for downloading from the church website. Pastoral Counseling: Pastor Arlene (English) and Pastor Marvin (Spanish) are available to provide short-term pastoral counseling to members and friends upon request. Please contact them directly to schedule an appointment. For Pastor Arlene call or send a text message to or send to arlene@edenucc.com. To reach Pastor Marvin, please call or send a text message to or send to marvin@edenucc.com. Spiritual Practices and Retreats: Pastor Pepper is once again planning a Spiritual Retreat for interested members and friends on Wednesday, Jan 9 from 10 am to 1 pm, including a light lunch. In addition, coloring as a spiritual practice will be available during Advent. If you would like to be added to the list of interested members or would like to suggest a specific spiritual practice or topic, please contact Pastor Pepper.

7 THIS WEEK AT-A-GLANCE Sunday, December 16 Happy Birthday, Jesus! 9:00 & 11:30 am Music Rehearsal Sanctuary/Music Room 10:00 11:15 am Sunday Worship & Christmas Pageant Sanctuary 11:15 12:30 pm Fellowship & Birthday Cake Oliver Hall 5:00 7:00 pm Youth Re-Group Fireside Monday, December 17 4:00 7:00 pm Computer Cafe Norberg Tuesday, December 18 4:00 7:00 pm Computer Cafe Norberg Wednesday, December 19 10:00 11:00 am Seekers Fireside Thursday, December 20 6:30 8:00 pm Computer Cafe Norberg 6:30 8:00 pm Spanish Bible Study Fireside Sunday, December 23 9:00 & 11:30 am Music Rehearsal Sanctuary/Music Room 10:00 11:15 am Sunday Worship Sanctuary 11:15 12:30 pm Fellowship Oliver Hall 12:30 TBD pm Poinsettias Deliveries Off Campus Dec 16 Dec 17 Dec 23 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 Dec 30 Jan 1 COMING ATTRACTIONS MARK YOUR CALENDARS Third Sunday in Advent/Christmas Pageant/Happy Birthday, Jesus English Bible Study Fourth Sunday in Advent Christmas Eve / Noche Bueno Candlelight Worship Christmas Campus Closed Christmas Holiday Campus Closed New Year s Worship in Pioneer Chapel with Tailgate Fellowship New Year s Day Campus Closed (New items in italic and bold) Jan 4 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 8 Jan 9 Jan 9 Jan 15 Jan 21 Jan 21 Jan 23 Single Women s Group Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta De-decorating Begins Church Council Seekers Spiritual Retreat Comida para Cherryland Trustees Meeting MLK s Birthday Campus Closed 2019 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday Celebration in Hayward Comida para Cherryland