ORDER OF WORSHIP. Sunday, 9 December, 10:30 am

Transcription

1 ORDER OF WORSHIP Sunday, 9 December, 10:30 am

2 ADVENT 2012 Advent is a time of waiting. We learn to wait, because God has promised to come. Dietrich Bonhoeffer It seems like Christmas comes earlier and earlier each year. Many retailers decorate for Christmas immediately following Halloween. This makes sense because our culture hates waiting. Waiting makes us feel weak. This is where the wisdom of our spiritual ancestors can really help us. According to the church calendar, it isn't Christmas yet. Instead, we are in the season of Advent. Advent is the fourweek period leading up to Christmas Day. Advent is not a time for Christmas carols. Instead, Advent is a time for songs and prayers of longing. Advent means "coming", and it is a time of year when the church prepares to celebrate Christ's first "coming" at Christmas. During Advent, there is a very real sense in which the church goes back in time and puts itself in Israel's shoes while they waited for God to send the promised Messiah. Advent is also a time when the church looks forward to Christ's second coming. When Christ returns, God has promised that he will finish the work of redemption that he has started. Then, he will wipe away every tear. Advent teaches us to keep longing for that day to come. In other words, Advent is a time when we practice the spiritual discipline of waiting. Through faith in God's promises, our waiting becomes worship. Let us worship! WORSHIP SERVICES 10:30 am Sundays. Meeting in the Volunteer Park Seventhday Adventist church building (1300 E Aloha St). COMMUNITY GROUPS Meeting throughout the Seattle metropolitan area. Information is available in the back section and on our website ( NURSERY Available for 6 months to 2 years during Christian Formation Hour and the worship service. Located in the Chapel, next to the Sanctuary (upstairs). GRACE KIDS Christian Formation Classes (9:3010:15am) (23 years) Room 117 (45 years) Room119 (57 years) Room 103 (78 years) Room 110 (810 years) Room 218 (1012 years) Room 217 During Worship Service (10:3012pm) (23 years) Room 117 (45 years) Room 119 (58 years) Room 103 *during sermon only

3 REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT What if your story was somehow ordered by a larger Story? What if you could relinquish the frantic need to master time, and relax into a more sacred rhythm? What if this season of Advent could mark a renewal in your life, a renewal of your time? It's fitting, if you think of it. Exhausted by our need to master time (particularly at this busy time of year), we're reminded that we need a Rescuer, a Savior who will set all things right, restoring and reordering a disordered world and our disordered souls. In Advent, we anticipate and long for God to renew our lives. That's good news the good news. Chuck DeGroat To wait openendedly is an enormously radical attitude toward life. So is to trust that something will happen to us that is far beyond our own imaginings. So, too, is giving up control over our future and letting God define our life, trusting that God molds us according to God s love and not according to our fear. The spiritual life is a life in which we wait, actively present to the moment, trusting that new things will happen to us, new things that are far beyond our own imaginations, fantasy, or prediction. That, indeed, is a very radical stance toward life in a world preoccupied with control. Henri Nouwen The Advent tension is a way of learning again that God is God: that between even our deepest and holiest longing and the reality of God is a gap which only grace can cross. Otherwise we are alone again, incommunicado, our signals and symbols bounced back to us off the glassy walls of the universe. Rowan Williams, A Ray of Darkness

4 GRACE CHURCH SEATTLE SUNDAY, 9 DECEMBER 2012 THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT LIGHTING THE FIRST CANDLE OF ADVENT Christians adopted the practice of the lighting of candles during Advent in the Middle Ages. Another candleis lit during each of the four Sundays of Advent, signifying hope, love, joy, and peace. S T A N D I N G CALL TO WORSHIP Adapted from Psalm 5:13 Give ear to our words, O LORD; consider our groaning. Give attention to the sound of our cries, our King and our God, for to you do we pray. O LORD, in the morning you hear our voice; in the morning we prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. Please silence all mobile phones and electronic devices for the duration of the worship service. Text in bold italics is read together by the entire congregation. Plain text is read by one of the worship service leaders. O Come, Messiah, Come Frances R. Havergal 1874, Henri A. Cesar Malan & # 4 & # & # & # Oh come!oh come Mes si ah! Oh come our Al le lu ia! Oh sing! Oh sing Ho san na! Oh come! Mes si ah come! Com Sor ΠΠΠfort and joy, Alpha O me ga He. row and toil no long er ru lers be. S E A T E D ΠΠΠO R D E R O F W O R S H I P 1

5 God promises David that he will send to his people an everlasting king who will reign with perfect righteousness and justice. Lectio Sacra means sacred reading. It has been the practice of the church for thousands of years to have portions of the Bible read during worship services. The assumption behind this practice is that we are people who need to be shaped by all of God s word. LECTIO SACRA 2 Samuel 7:817 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the LORD declares to you that the LORD will make you a house. When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever. In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. The Word of the Lord! Thanks be to God! Musical interludes are included in our service in order to provide space for reflection and worship. INTERLUDE O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 2

6 S T A N D I N G CONFESSION OF SIN Make confession to God the Lord, and let everyone acknowledge with me their sins against God and their neighbor. In this season of Advent, we are so grateful for the coming of Jesus Christ into our world. He is the promised Great Warrior who has defeated sin and death. He is the promised Everlasting King who reigns with perfect justice and righteousness. He is the promised Suffering Servant who took upon himself our sin. He is promised Savior of the World who is making all things new. Good and gracious God, we lay our sins before you, confessing the times when we have not lived in light of these fulfilled promises. We have lived in fear by not trusting you in our relationships and circumstances, by putting our hope in our finances or accomplishments, and by demanding comfort. We have sought to control our lives by not addressing our addictions, by refusing to listen to your voice, and by our cynicism and anger. We have paid for our own sins by being dominated by shame and guilt, by seeking to do good works to gain your favor, and by not believing that we are forgiven. Confession of sin happens within the context of relationship, both with God and each other. We confess together, in community, before a gracious God who has given us himself. Confession both acknowledges our need for mercy and celebrates its abundance in Christ. We have only lived for this life, by centering our lives on created things instead of you, by coveting our neighbors possessions, and by being selfcentered, disregarding those around us. Because Jesus lived, died, resurrected, and ascended into heaven, we confess our sins with the great confidence that you will forgive, accept, and renew us. (You are invited to personalize your confession as you pray silently.) RECEIVING OF GRACE Adapted Philippians 2:79 Jesus emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. Because of Christ our King, we are forgiven and our sins are remembered no more. Go in peace. Amen. O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 3

7 HYMN OF PETITION Come Messiah, Come (Psalm 102) &b b 3 b 4 Œ &b b b & bb b & bb b hide like you Lord, I've But not a are hear my become you, O your de re face sert mem prayer, like Lord, Incline your ear to I lie awake and You will a rise and way like foes taunt time to Come Me smoke, me; grant from owl bered and a you Jess Alldredge 2012 Grace Church Seattle let my cry vulture in are enthroned me in my wand 'ring a through out all me; groan; have my bones armed with un to when I call, re jec ted; com passion are hate her hot they curse your come before you; the wil der ness; for ev er more; day of trou ble. mong the ru ins. ge ner a tions. as my fa answer me; days drift a all a lone. All day my on Zi on; for it is coals. name. vor. & bb b w w & bb b &b b b Œ ssi ah, come. Come Me ssi ah, come. Come Me ssi ah, come. Come Me ssi Œ w w ah, come. 3 Œ w Ó Ó ANTIPHON Adapted from Psalm 144, Alldredge 2012 Grace Church Seattle Leader 1st time through Congregation joins 2nd time through & # # Bow your hea vens, O my Lord. & # # 4 2 J 4 w & # # 4 J w Bow your hea vens, O Lord, and come down! J w Re scue and de li ver me & # # J 4 from the hand of e ne mies, whose mouths speak & # # w w lies. Come de li ver me! O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 4

8 PRAYING ADVENT PROMISES Isaiah 40:111 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the LORD's hand double for all her sins. A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. A voice says, Cry! And I said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever. Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 5

9 Prayer for Those Searching for the Truth Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen. ANTIPHON Adapted from Psalm 144, Alldredge 2012 Grace Church Seattle Leader 1st time through Congregation joins 2nd time through & # # Bow your hea vens, O my Lord. & # # 4 2 J 4 w & # # 4 J w Bow your hea vens, O Lord, and come down! J w Re scue and de li ver me & # # J 4 from the hand of e ne mies, whose mouths speak & # # w w lies. Come de li ver me! Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin Lord Jesus, grant that I may see in you the fulfillment of all my need and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely, and run with perseverance the race set before me, looking to you, the author and perfecter of my faith. Amen. HYMN OF HOPE Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing Robert Robinson 1758, John Wyeth 1813 Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I m fixed upon it, mount of God s unchanging love. Here I raise my Ebenezer; hither by Thy help I m come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; He, to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood. O to grace how great a debtor daily I m constrained to be! Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to Thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; Here s my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above. (Repeat first verse) Prayer of Belief Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen. Crossing Social Boundaries GOSPEL LESSON Acts 8:125 (see back page for text) Reverend John Haralson, Pastor Grace Kids during worship service 23 years (Room 117) 45 years (Room 119) 58 years (Room 103) *during sermon only (group activity) INTERLUDE S E A T E D O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 6

10 OFFERING The offering is a way for members and friends of Grace Church Seattle to support the church s mission and ministry. If you are our guest today, please feel under no compulsion to give. Please let us know you ve joined us today, as well as any comments or prayer requests, by placing your comment card in the offering basket. S T A N D, S I T, O R K N E E L PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Almighty God, who was, and is, and is to come; As we prepare to celebrate the coming of light into the darkness, we approach your throne of grace by faith, asking that you hear us. We pray that you would attend to our needs as well as those around us. Give food, shelter, clothes, and relationship to those who are without. Bring justice where there is injustice, and give the gift of faith to our family, friends, and neighbors who do not know you. (Pray that God would give to those in need) Come Lord Jesus, hear us and answer us we pray. Each week, we pray for the people around us and in the world as a way to serve them according to God s will. You are welcome to sit, stand, or kneel as we pray. If you have children, please feel free to use this time to teach them to pray. We pray for greater hope. Give those in despair a sense of your allpowerful presence. Give those living with great uncertainty courage and perseverance, and bring healing to those who have been abused. (Pray that God would give hope) Come Lord Jesus, hear us and answer us we pray. We pray for an increased measure of peace. Settle our hearts and minds as we live with unmet longings. Attend to the broken hearts of those who have lost loved ones, and comfort those who are weary. (Pray that God would give peace) Come Lord Jesus, hear us and answer us we pray. We pray for glory. Come Lord Jesus and forever dwell with your beloved, right our wrongs, dry our eyes, heal our diseases, and restore our relationships, that we might know the joy of living with you in a world without sin and death. (Pray that Jesus would return and make all things new) Come Lord Jesus, hear us and answer us we pray. O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 7

11 S T A N D I N G Almighty God, we thank you and love you for bringing life into death, light into darkness, hope into despair, and love into evil. Amen. Prayer for Receiving Communion Lord Jesus, your perfect life, death, and resurrection are the source of all blessing in this life and the life to come. As I eat this bread and drink this cup, renew me in the joy and glory of knowing and serving you. I come to this table on the basis of your merit only and not my own. As you have completely and fully offered yourself for me, I now completely and fully offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. Amen. Allergenfree communion elements (wafer ingredients: organic brown rice flour, organic white rice flour) are available at the center of the communion table. To partake, please dip in either the wine (taller cup) or grape juice (shorter cup) on the table, then proceed through the line. HYMN OF DEVOTION Take My Life And Let It Be Frances R. Havergal 1874, Henri A. Cesar Malan 1827 & # & # & # Take my Take my Take my Take my life hands sil will and and ver and Take my mo ments and my Take my feet and let the em Take my in tel lect and Take my heart; it is Thi ine let them swift and ev 'ry it shall flow beau pow'r be in ti as Thy let it be let them move and my gold; make it Thine; 2 4 days be use own; ceaseless ful for Thou shalt roy al con at Not S E A T E D THE SACRAMENT OF COMMUNION Communion, also called the Lord s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all baptized followers of Jesus Christ who acknowledge their sins against God and their neighbors and confess their need for the grace of Christ to partake of this meal. If you are a Christian and haven t been baptized, please talk with one of our pastors. We would be honored to baptize you. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with his people, the church. It 4 Ó se cra ted, Lord, to the im pulse of Thy a mite would I with shall be no long ger let them flow in cease swift and beau ti ful ev 'ry pow'r as Thou It shall be Thy roy praise. Thee. choose. throne. less for shalt al 3 Thee; love; hold; mine; praise, Thee, choose, throne, O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 8

12 HYMN OF ADORATION Praise To The Lord Joachim Neander 1680, Lobe den Herren & # # # # 4 & # # # # & # # # # & # # # # & # # # # & # # # # 1. Praise 2. Praise 3. Praise 4. Praise King won work in O Shel Sure All health gent dai prais to to to to of drous and me my ters ly that All ye Hast thou Pon der Let the and ly ly es who not a A Praise Him in Grant ed in If with His Glad ly for the the the the soul, thee His hath hear, seen new men glad what love aye cre ly de a sal suss at be j Lord, Lord, Lord, Lord, praise un good life a reign fend dore now how what sound va tain tend fore the who who O a dor a He or dain He be friend we a dore Al o er doth let Him, for der His ness and and breath, to thy the from His de Al His tem sires might peo might all pros all He wings, mer come tion! eth, thee; Him! y, things per that tion! eth! thee; Him; is yea, cy now the so thy is j tion. eth? thee. Him. j thy so here with ple draw e er have been near; y can do, ple a gain, 7 BENEDICTION 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. SENDING Let us go forth and serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God! Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV ), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. O R D E R O F W O R S H I P 9

13 C O N N E C T UPCOMING EVENTS Morning coffee and refreshments in the lobby after the service please join us! Hospitality meeting today, December 9 after the service, at the home of Linn Haralson E Aloha St, We will have lunch together and talk about key dates throughout the year for extended fellowship hour as well as other ideas for the hospitality ministry within our church. No need to RSVP, feel free to join us if you are interested in getting involved in this way. Contact: Linn Haralson ( ) (linnharalson@gmail.com) Extended Fellowship Time December 16th following the morning service. Help us welcome new Church Members and Children Celebrating their first communion. Hot chocolate and cider provided, you bring Christmas treats to share. Football, food and Evelyn Sherman! Please join us on Sunday December 16 at noon for food and drinks at the Edge Grill (former Fox Sports Grill) and watch the Seahawks vs. Buffalo Bills game. As most of you know, 2 year old Evelyn recently had a kidney transplant, donated by her father Keith. Please join us for free food and drinks as we take over the Edge Grill to watch Sunday football and work toward our goal of raising $25,000 for Children's Organ Transplant Association in honor of Evelyn Sherman ( cotaforevelyns.com/). The Sherman family is planning on coming, so come hear an update from them as to how they are doing, and how we can help meet some present and future transplantrelated expenses. Kids are welcomed we'll have a kids section with cards and coloring pages that we will send to Evelyn. Please RSVP to either so we know how much food to order, and please forward this to anyone who might be interested in coming, even if they don't know the Shermans. RSVP/Contact: Hope Brian (baldwin.hope@gmail.com) or Karissa Taylor (karissalynnetaylor@gmail.com) Grace Kids Christmas Pageant December 23rd at 10am, between Christian Formation and worship. If you would like to share in the annual experience and can lend a hand, you are welcome to join the fun. Contact: Heidi Hansen (heidi@graceseattle.org) Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols Service will be Monday, December 24th at 5pm. Following the service in the Lobby, we will provide the Hot Chocolate and Cider, you bring the Christmas treats to share. Childcare will be provided. Mark your calendars and tell friends and family! Women s Retreat 1820 January 2013 at the Rainbow Lodge in North Bend. You can register today and find out more information after the service in the lobby or go to Contact: Erika Schuyler (erikaschuyler@gmail.com) See our full events calendar at Connect with us on Facebook at 10

14 C O N N E C T DIACONATE Grace s Deacons provide care for the needs of the church community. Contact: deacons@graceseattle.org PARENTS LIST Connect with other parents and share resources and requests. Group graceparents@googlegroups.com Contact: Linn Haralson (linn@graceseattle.org) or Karissa Taylor (karissalynnetaylor@gmail.com) BOOK CLUB We ve been reading fiction books off The New York Times Best Seller list, discussing themes, worldviews, and critiques. Future brunches (Saturdays, 10: Densmore Ave N) and discussions: 12 January: Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall sequel) Group seattlebookgroup@googlegroups.com Contact: Amy Grooms (amy@graceseattle.org) to RSVP or for information INTRODUCTION TO GRACE CHURCH SEATTLE A periodic course for learning more about our ministry and philosophy. Contact: Michael Subracko (michael@graceseattle.org) GIVING Tired of carrying your checkbook to church? We can receive automatic contributions from most banks. This is a convenient way to make regular contributions to the church on the days of the month you specify many already give by this method. If you d like help getting set up. (office@graceseattle.org, ). REFORMED UNIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP (RUF) Our denomination s college ministry, has weekly large group meetings at the University of Washington with worship, teaching, and fellowship, as well as small groups and many events. If you re a student in Seattle, come join us! Website: 12

15 C U L T I V A T E CHRISTIAN FORMATION Christian Formation fosters the holistic pursuit of faithful Christian living by cultivating the image of Christ in us as men, women, children, parents, workers, artists, neighbors, and every other area of life we occupy. For more information about Christian Formation, Michael Subracko (michael@graceseattle.org). Christian Foundations 1 Instructors: Wendy Alsup, John Haralson, & Michael Subracko When: Sunday, 9:3010:30 am Where: Fellowship Hall Description: Some people are passionate for theology. Others are passionate for practical social issues. However, the Biblical narrative calls Christians to know theology in order to be empowered and inspired to practical action, both personally and community wide. This class will explore the theological concepts of scripture, the story of redemption, the covenants, the trinity, and their practical implications in living faithfully present lives in 21st century Seattle. Christian Foundations 1 is a helpful class whether you are a questioning skeptic, a brand new Christian, or someone who has been following Jesus for years. Prayer Gathering every Sunday starting at 9:30 am in room 102 (at the bottom of the front stairs directly under the chapel). This is a great time of community building to pray for God s glory and leading, growth in our church body, the city, and personal prayer requests. Contact: Dan Huie (dan@graceseattle.org) Gospel of Luke (women only) Instructor/Contact: Linn Haralson (linn@graceseattle.org) ( ) Women's Bible study on the book of Luke, running through to end of year and will continue next year as well. Two class options: Tuesday mornings: 6:30am to 8:00am at the church office, th Ave, Suite Childcare is not offered for this class. Babes in arms are welcome. Street Parking is free until 8am. Tuesday mornings: 9:30am to 11:30am at the home of Linn Haralson, 2414 E. Aloha St Childcare is provided for this class. Suggested donation $5 a family per class for those using the childcare. GRACE KIDS Grace Kids exists to cultivate the love of God in the lives and hearts of all children that encounter Grace Church Seattle. Currently, Graces Kids offers a full range of classes during Christian Formation Hour (9:3010:15). When: Every Sunday Where: See the inside front cover for class location Contact: Heidi Hansen (heidi@graceseattle.org) SERMONS Recent sermons are available online for listening or download at our website. Address: Free CDs of today s sermon available on the Information Cart in the lobby after the service for yourself or to share with a friend! 13

16 S E R V E IN OUR CONGREGATION Grace Kids: We have an enormous population of amazing kids in our church and they need caring people to serve them in a variety of roles. Current needs: Nursery staff to care for kids 6 months to 2 years old during Christian Formation and worship service General volunteers for rotation in all classes Contact: Heidi Hansen (heidi@graceseattle.org) Hospitality: Help create an atmosphere of welcome on Sunday mornings with coffee and treats, as well as planning and hosting lunches, picnics, and dinners where people can make deeper connections. Contact: Linn Haralson (linn@graceseattle.org) Meals Ministry serves Grace community members with food delivery in case of shortterm needs, such as injuries, illnesses, and new children. Volunteers are added to an list and asked to serve as they are able when needs arise. Contact: Sara Huey (meals@graceseattle.org) to volunteer Sound assistance needed! Ever had an interest in recording and mixing live music? Grace is in immediate need of more people to help bolster our sound techs team! No prior experience necessary, just a willingness to learn. Contact: Jess Alldredge (jess@graceseattle.org) Music: Exercise your musical gifts in our worship services. Contact: Jess Alldredge (jess@graceseattle.org) Worship Service Volunteers: Greet and usher, read scripture, or help serve communion. Contact: Jess Alldredge (jess@graceseattle.org) 14

17 S E R V E IN SEATTLE For more information on serving in Seattle, contact John Haralson (john@graceseattle.org). Operation Nightwatch: Join the group from Grace that cooks and serves dinner on the third Wednesday of each month (7:0010:00 pm) for nonhoused and lowincome people at the Operation Nightwatch Dispatch Center in the International District. Contact: Coleen Marta (coleenmarta@yahoo.com) Website: Penny s Place: A ministry of Northwest Family Life, Penny s Place is a shelter for abused women and children. Contact: Hope Brian (baldwin.hope@gmail.com) Website: Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), our denomination s college ministry, has weekly large group meetings at the University of Washington with worship, teaching, and fellowship, as well as small groups and many events. Contact: Katie Tracy (katie.tracy@ruf.org) Website: uw.ruf.org IN OUR WORLD For more information on serving in our world, contact Abby St. Hilaire (abby@graceseattle.org). Hospitable Heart for China? Have you ever been touched by hospitality? China s scholars are in our midst and eager to connect. One way to show hospitality is by providing a friendly homestay environment for a student or research scholar coming to the University of Washington this fall (homestays are typically for 710 days). Contact: Heidi Schuler (nihaoheidi@gmail.com), Campus Ministry Staff, China Outreach Ministries for more information or to receive updates on other ways to show hospitality to Chinese students at UW Website: chinattle.blogspot.com Sponsor an Akha child: The Akha Youth Development Center provides housing and education to help young people escape the sex and drug trades in Thailand. You can support a child for $40/month. Contact: Michael Subracko (michael@graceseattle.org) 15

18 S E R M O N T E X T [8:1] And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. [3] But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. [4] Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. [5] Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. [6] And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. [7] For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. [8] So there was much joy in that city. [9] But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great. [10] They all paid attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the power of God that is called Great. [11] And they paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. [12] But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. [14] Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, [15] who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. [18] Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, [19] saying, Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. [20] But Peter said to him, May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! [21] You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. [22] Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. [23] For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity. [24] And Simon answered, Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me. [25] Now when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. (Acts 8:125) th Avenue, Suite 102 Seattle, WA STAFF Rev. John Haralson, Pastor (john@graceseattle.org) Rev. Michael Subracko, Associate Pastor (michael@graceseattle.org) Rev. Andy Pelander, Church Planter, West Seattle (andy@allsoulsseattle.org) Jess Alldredge, Worship Arts Director (jess@graceseattle.org) Heidi Hansen, Grace Kids Director (heidi@graceseattle.org) PASTORS AND ELDERS Dan Huie (dan@graceseattle.org) Adam Schuyler (adam@graceseattle.org) Rev. John Haralson (john@graceseattle.org) Rev. Michael Subracko (michael@graceseattle.org) MINISTRY COORDINATORS Christian Formation: Michael Subracko (michael@graceseattle.org) Community Groups: Michael Subracko (michael@graceseattle.org) Hospitality: Linn Haralson (linn@graceseattle.org) Serving Seattle: John Haralson (john@graceseattle.org) Serving the World: Abby St. Hilaire (abby@graceseattle.org) DEACONS Katheryn Frierson (katheryn@graceseattle.org) Lee Grooms (lee@graceseattle.org) Sarah McCrum Voelzke (sarah@graceseattle.org) Bob Montgomery (bob@graceseattle.org) Nathan Ruhl (nathan@graceseattle.org) Nat Taylor (nat@graceseattle.org)