3, 2017 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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1 December 3, 2017 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT There is a popular Christmas song that talks about Christmas as being the most wonderful time of the year. The song talks about roasting marshmallows, holiday greetings, kids jingle belling, and caroling in the snow (obviously the writer didn t live in Atlanta!). I agree that Christmas is a wonderful season, but my reasoning is a bit different. I love Christmas because it seems to bring out the best in people. As Christmas approaches people begin to look for ways to help others, to make a difference, and to spread kindness and cheer. People pick up names for Angel Tree kids, contact me about ways to be in mission in the holidays, and give generously to the Advent Offering. Over my four years at Oak Grove, I have been humbled and blessed by the generosity of our congregation to the Advent Offering. This mission offering is a gift given over and above our regular budget giving and funds roughly one-third of all our mission projects for the coming year. Because of the giving spirit of Oak Grove this December, we will be able to provide for real needs of people in We will share Blessing Bags with children at Montclair to ensure that they have good nutrition over the weekend. We will offer sandwiches and friendship to people living on the streets in Atlanta. We will offer lunches and books to children during their summer lunches and books to children during their summer vacation. People in our zip code and areas close to us will be able to get the financial assistance and food they need at the Toco Hills Community Alliance. Former refugees will receive help on their journey to becoming American citizens. Pregnant women will have help overcoming addiction and low income senior adults will have safe, caring places to live. Children will be able to heal from trauma through loving foster homes and the ministry of the United Methodist Children s Home. This Christmas season, I invite you to give a gift that changes lives a gift to Oak Grove s mission through the Advent offering. And as you give that gift, know that you are truly making it the most wonderful time of the year not just at Christmas, but throughout 2018! Peace,

2 8:30 and 11 a.m. ORDER OF WORSHIP December 3, 2017 First Sunday of Advent Welcome and Announcements Building Update (Please complete and pass the red friendship pad at this time.) Dr. Glenn Ethridge Mrs. Cathy Huffines Prelude Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending Owen/Chesterton Call to Worship I Hear the Prophet Callin Prepare the Way of the Lord Pepper Choplin Mr. Jake Moore, Baritone; Mr. James Armfield, Tenor I hear the prophet callin, Prepare the way of the Lord. Come and make straight the way in the desert, a highway for our God. I hear the prophet callin, Prepare the way of the Lord. *Hymn of Praise O Come, O Come, Emmanuel UMH 211 Verses 1-7 Lighting of the Advent Wreath (8:30) Mr. Campbell McMillen (11:00) Mr. Matthew Holt Jesus is coming! Prepare Him room. Make room in your heart and in your life. Repent of your sin. Receive forgiveness. Open yourself to the hope that is yours in Christ as you wait expectantly for the coming of Christ at Christmas. We light the first candle of the Advent Wreath to mark our journey through this season of waiting and hope. Congregational Response Prepare him room, prepare him room, let the King of Glory enter in. Prepare him room, prepare him room, let the King of Glory enter in. A Morning Prayer and The Lord s Prayer Dr. Joseph McBrayer 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. Our Tithes & Offerings (8:30) He Shall Be Peace Ken Macek Ms. Terese Sanders, Soprano; Mr. Jack Moore, Tenor; Ms. Laura June McDuffie, Cello (11:00) Grant Us Peace (Dona Nobis Pacem) Dave and Jean Perry Music Makers Choir Ms. Cathy Ethridge, Conductor Dona nobis, dona nobis, dona nobis, dona nobis pacem. Let the light within us shine clear and bright with hope for humankind. Let understanding and kindness be our stay, so in the world, peace will find a way. Dona nobis, dona nobis, dona nobis, dona nobis pacem. Grant us peace. Dona nobis pacem. *Doxology UMH 95 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. (At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First Grade are invited to leave for Children s Church during the Doxology. Pick up is in room 227.)

3 Anthem (11:00) Messiah s Lullaby David Schwoebel Chancel Choir Scripture Mark 1:1-8 Ms. Tara Henning The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Sermon Prepare Him Room: Dr. Ethridge Repent Holy Communion A Service of Word and Table II UMH 12 The sacrament of communion is a sign and means of receiving God's grace. Therefore communion, like grace itself, is available to all people without regard to age, church membership status, relationship to Oak Grove, or denominational affiliation. The table belongs to God, so all are welcome. There is a mobile station for worshipers who prefer to be served in their seats. If you prefer gluten-free elements, please go to the station to the left of the pulpit. You are always welcome to choose any station by simply walking to the station of your choice. Once you receive the bread, please dip it in the grape juice in the chalice. In our tradition worshipers do not drink from the chalice. After receiving communion you may kneel at the chancel to pray or return to your seat. Duet (11:00) He Shall Be Peace Ken Macek Ms. Terese Sanders, Soprano; Mr. Jack Moore, Tenor; Ms. Laura June McDuffie, Cello Ministry of the Christmas Poinsettias You are invited to support the Ministry of the Christmas Poinsettias. Each year, volunteers visit approximately 50 homebound members and present them with a cheerful, fresh poinsettia plant on behalf of the congregation. Additional poinsettia plants will be placed in our sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. All contributors and their designees will be recognized in our bulletin on December 17. We invite you to make a gift of any amount in memory of or in honor of someone dear to you. Your generous contributions will offset the cost of the poinsettias as well as other seasonal decorations in the church. Please fill out the form below and place it in the offering plate or deliver it to the church office NO LATER THAN NOON ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 11. Your Name: (Use one form for each person memorialized / honored) *Sending Hymn Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates UMH 213 (Those who wish to join the church are invited to come forward.) Please make my contribution: In Memory Of: *Benediction Dr. Ethridge *Congregational Response Joy to the World Joy to the world, the Lord will come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature and sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. *Postlude Postlude on Antioch Handel/Peterson *Congregation stand as able. UMH: United Methodist Hymnal / TFWS: The Faith We Sing Large print hymnals and bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from an usher. Children s worship bags are available in the narthex and parlor side door. In Honor Of: Please indicate your interest in the following: Use my contribution for poinsettias for the homebound and decorations for the church. I will help deliver poinsettias to the homebound on December 16. I would like to pick up a poinsettia after 11 a.m. worship on December 24. Phone number

4 Oak Grove NEWS December 3, 2017 This Week s Activities Sunday, December 3, :30am Coffee Fellowship Grand Hall 3:00pm Kid s Gift Worksop Grand Hall/Lawn 4:00pm Service of Hope Parlor 4:00pm Youth Choir Choir Rm 218 5:30pm Disciple 1 Rm 237 5:30pm Youth Fellowship Youth Hall 6:00pm Wesley Ringers Sanctuary Monday, December 4, :30am Disciple 3 Rm 237 7:30pm Adult Volleyball Heritage Hall Gym Tuesday, December 5, :30am Disciple 1 Rm :30am Lunch Bunch Fellowship Hall 6:30pm Grief Recovery Group Rm 238 7:00pm Building Committee Rm 102 7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 77 Meeting Scout Hall Wednesday, December 6, :30am UMW Executive Board Rm 102 9:30am WOW (Weekly Oxygen for Women) Rm 238 5:00pm Midweek Communion Service Grand Hall 5:30pm Cool Yule Dinner Fellowship Hall 6:15pm Cool Yule Children s Concert Sanctuary 6:15pm Blessing Bags Youth Lobby 6:15pm Go Forth Women's Devotional Rm 239 6:30pm Christian Believer Rm 237 7:00pm YABS, Young Adult Bible Studay Rm T01 7:00pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary 7:00pm Young Adult Bible Study (YABS) Rm T01 8:00pm 9.35 Band Rehearsal Fellowship Hall Thursday, December 7, :30am Turban Ladies Rm 102 1:00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Prep Kitchen 7:30pm Evening WOW Rm 101 Friday, December 8, :00am Lee McFall Memorial Service 12:00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Delivery Sanctuary Away Saturday, December 9, :00am Needles & Prayers Rm 102 Church Office Closed The church office will be closed the week following Christmas, except Tuesday, December 26, Dale Smith and Pam Reynolds will be in the church office December 26. If you plan to send a check by mail, the check must be postmarked by December 31, Christmas is a time of joy, but sometimes recent loss, life struggles, or memories from the past can cloud the joy of Christmas. Our Service of Hope offers people the opportunity to be honest about the difficult feelings that are stirring at the holidays while claiming the hope we have in the Christ who comes at Christmas. Please invite friends and family to join you for this Service of Hope. Sunday, December 3, p.m. to 5 p.m. Grand Hall and Grand Lawn Sponsored by Oak Grove UMC Children s Ministry Team UMW Christmas Tea It's the most wonderful time of the year! Everyone is invited to the United Methodist Women Christmas Tea on Wednesday, December 6, at 11 a.m. in Grand Hall. Dr. Joseph McBrayer will install the new officers at this time. You don't want to miss this special (and tasty) holiday tradition. Please contact Faye Traynelis (fayetraynelis@att.net) with any questions. Merry Christmas! Kids can prepare for Christmas by making creative gifts for all the important people in their lives! Parents Grandparents Family Friends Teachers Neighbors Kids of all ages can create presents for others to show thanks and praise for God s great gift on Christmas Day. We will also celebrate with a bounce house, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies! Invite friends and neighbors to join us! Lunch Bunch D wednesday ecember 6 Dec. 5 at 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall Enjoy lunch followed by the Dazzling Dames and Dudes from Park Springs Retirement Community and a Christmas sing-a long with the Oak Grove Senior Adult Singers, Music from the Heart. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m., and costs $8.00 at the door. Make reservations in the church office, in senior adult Sunday School classes, or online ( Deliver Poinsettias - Bring Christmas Joy! When we deliver poinsettias each year to our homebound members, we share Christmas joy and remind people that their church is thinking of them during the holidays. Sign up to deliver one or more poinsettias at or contact Sandee Edmondson in the church office ( ). Please mark your calendar for Saturday, December 16, from 8:30 until10:30 a.m., to pick up the poinsettia you will deliver. Please contact Amity Farrar (amityfarrar@yahoo.com) with any questions.

5 Christmas Tree Lot is OPEN! Please support our Youth program by purchasing your family tree! Sunday, December 3 Youth Hall Sunday School 9:30-10:30 a.m. Youth Fellowship 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 10 Youth Hall Youth Christmas Party 5:30-7:30 p.m. Christmas at Oak Grove Sunday, Dec. 17, :30 (sold out) & 7 p.m. Refreshments will be served in Grand Hall 30 minutes prior to doors opening for scheduled performances. Youth Christmas Tree Lot Mondays Wednesdays, 5-7 p.m. Thursdays Fridays, 5-8 p.m. Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays, noon - 5 p.m. High School Winter Retreat The Big Chill February 2 4, 2018 Join us for the weekend to relax and connect with God at Camp Lee Christian Retreat Center. Registration is now OPEN! Visit under events or contact Shannon Higgins (shiggins@ogumc.org). The program will feature the ensembles of Oak Grove United Methodist Church with guest, Mr. Timothy Miller, Tenor. These musicians, accompanied by orchestra, will provide an opportunity to experience the Advent and Christmas Season through both the classics and your favorite carols. Nursery is available by reservation. Contact Tricia Fazio (tfazio@ogumc.org). Please pick up free tickets through the church office or during Midweek on Wednesday evenings in Fellowship Hall. JOY TO THE WORLD, CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Make plans to join your United Methodist Men for a spirit-filled evening of music, mystery, and mirth as we welcome our very special guests, The Nine-Thirty-Fives, on Monday, December 11, at 6:15 p.m. Come for a night of bluegrass, gospel, and Christmas music that will put a song and the Christmas spirit in the heart of even Ebenezer Scrooge! You will hear a different side of this group of music makers as they perform music of the season in a varied fashion. Invite friends and family to attend this gala event, but please sign up in Sunday school by December 3, or make reservations in person, by phone, or online by no later than Friday, December 8. No business, no speakers, nothing to focus on but fun, friends, fellowship, and making ready for the coming of a King! Dine on Novis signature broasted chicken, smashed potatoes, green beans, congealed salad, yeast rolls, beverage, and dessert for $8.00. Oak Grove Memorials IN HONOR TO 9:35 WORSHIP IN HONOR OF Matt & Celia Henson by Neal & Jean Henson TO THE BUILDING FUND IN HONOR OF Barbara Adams, Barbara Woolard & Dale Miller by Friendship Circle Joseph McBrayer by John Miller Cathy Ethridge by John Miller Laura Palmer by Fidelis Circle TO THE LIBRARY FUND IN HONOR OF Michele Weatherford by Fidelis Circle TO THE REFUGEE MINISTRY IN HONOR OF Hank Woolard by Bull & Lynda Wallace IN MEMORY TO THE BUILDING FUND IN MEMORY OF Sam Coker by Claud & Eloise Pounds Bob & Louise McCreary Paul Ellis by Claud & Eloise Pounds Ed & Gerri Najjar by Claud & Eloise Pounds Virginia Whittemore by Friendship Circle Margaret Pilkenton Deqiang Ma & Jingwei Yue Wendy Guiles-Trombetta Elizabeth Kirk Stacey Whittemore Mischiara John & Cindy Ethridge Jean Blanchard Mary Kraft Richard & Lynn McKay Ray Chapman Claud & Eloise Pounds Charlie & Martha Beckham Jim & Ceci McAuliffe Lou Ann Harkleroad Ted Ethridge Lyn Deitrich Betty Jo Lester Martha Hathcock Gerry & Charlotte Cooper Bill & Susan Widmayer TO THE MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF Michael Peter Horvat by Mike & Cindy Miller Beth Cooley Jordan by Mike & Cindy Miller TO SENIOR LUNCH BUNCH IN MEMORY OF Sam Coker by United Methodist Men

6 PLEASE PRAY FOR Byron Matthews November 18, 2017 Lee McFall November 21, 2017 In the Hospital Sadie Rambler Scottish Rite NICU Patsy Rakestraw Piedmont New Concerns Neil Sampson Jerri Williamson Bill Peck November 16, 2017 Jerry Spratte November 21, 2017 Continued Prayers... Flo Baker, Bill Barnette, Bonnie Chislett, Bill Cole, Liz Darden, Tricia Fazio, John Garver, Susan Greene, Charlie Hamilton, Jimmie Jones, Suzi Lawrence, Buddy McCloud, Mary Ann McMichael, Julene Miller, Dick Muth, Cindy Mynatt, Jeannine Nash, Barbara Peeler, Elizabeth Pentecost, George Riley, Mary Dell Robert, Ray Roper, June Row, Mildred Schrepple, Ann Shirk, Karen Smith, Flo Strobhert, Chick Sward, Paul Tuggle, Bill Walsh, Stacy Welch, Rob White, Gene Worth Homebound... For a complete listing of homebound members, please contact the church office. Serving in Our Armed Forces... Petty Officer Steven Jones, 1st Lt. Thomas Penland. SSgt. Joshua Portwood, Col. Janet Seufert It s Angel Tree Time! Once again we have the opportunity to make Christmas a little brighter for families in our area. Our gifts will support Angel tree families through DFCS, the United Methodist Children s Home, the Carrie Steel Pitts Home, Murphy- Harpst Children s Centers, and New American Pathways. You can help provide gifts by visiting the table in Grand Hall or by contacting Phil Perry ( or philipperry@bellsouth.net). M I DW E December 6, 2017 Midweek Communion 5 to 5:30 p.m. E Midweek Dinner and Programs Resume on January 10, 2018 K STANDING MIDWEEK RESERVATIONS DO NOT APPLY Reservations for Cool Yule dinner must be made by noon Monday, December 4 ( or click reservations ). Menu for December 6, 2017 Spaghetti, Marinara & Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread, Salad, Bowl of Fruit, Cookies Wednesday, December 6, :15 p.m., Sanctuary During the Christmas season our lives become almost frantic. As is our tradition, we offer this Cool Yule Dinner and program, so our children, their family, friends of the family, and our congregation can enjoy dinner, and then a program presented by our Children's Choirs. They will sing about the Christ child and what He means to them. We look forward to your spending an evening with us, as we rejoice in the fellowship of family and the songs of the Christmas season. DINNER RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED by Monday, December 4, at 12 p.m. Sign up online ( or by calling the church office ( ). Gift Card Mission Project Having a child in the hospital, no matter the reason, is difficult for all families. Many are far away from home and faced with unforeseen expenses. We are collecting gift cards during the month of December for patients / families at Children s Healthcare of Atlanta. The suggested dollar amount is $5 10 per card and suggested retailers are: Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart, Chick-fil-A, Domino s, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, or Starbucks. A drop box will be in the Children s Ministry Office Room 225. The drop box will be in Grand Hall during the Kid s Gift Market on December 3, from 3-5pm. Will you donate a card? Your generosity will provide hope and assistance for families during a difficult time. Sponsored by OGUMC Children s Ministry Team Meal Support for Foster Families When foster families get a new child or children, the first few days are very busy! You can help by providing a meal for these families. We have four foster families in our church that can benefit from this support. To sign up to be on the Foster Support Meal Team, please contact Amy Morgan (amorgan@ogumc.org). Our Presence November 15, 2017 Chapel Communion 21 Our Presence November 19, 2017 Church School 350 8:30 Service 109 9:35 Service :00 Service 463 5:30 Youth Fellowship 63 Total Worship this Week 786 Our Presence November 26, 2017 Church School 349 8:30 Service 128 9:35 Service :00 Service 404 5:30 Youth Fellowship 50 Total Worship this Week /3/17 Our Offerings Received to date Needed to date $2,173, $2,280, Over/Under ($106,749.60) DEEP ROOTS BUILDING CAMPAIGN RESULTS Phase 1 Given to date: $6,396, Phase 2 Given to date: $674,356.41

7 Dear Oak Grove, Our stewardship campaign is nearing completion. We will be reporting results next week. Thank you for your generosity in giving! This is an important year in the life of the church. Any time a church has a major capital campaign, the results have a significant impact on our ministry. I wanted to write to remind you of the three things we are requesting from you as 2017 draws to an end. First and foremost, please give generously and complete your pledge commitment to the 2017 operating fund. The church receives a great deal of its annual income in November and December. We count on extraordinary generosity in the last two months! Your gifts fund the ministry of the church that you see every day. Second, please make your stewardship pledge for Your annual financial commitments help the church formulate a workable operating budget for the next year. Your stewardship pledge to the operating budget should be your primary commitment and made before pledging to the building program. Third, make a pledge to the second phase of our building program, Deep Roots New Growth. Your pledge can be paid on a schedule that is convenient for you over three years, starting in These gifts will be used to help us complete our new building, perform maintenance on our existing building, and reduce our debt. Pledge cards are available in the pew registration pads located on each row. A form is also available online, or you can stop by the church office at any time to obtain one. Thank you for being such generous people, especially at this exciting time in the life of the church Oak Grove Road Decatur, Georgia (404)

8 Advent AT OAK GROVE December 3 3:00 p.m. Kids Gift Workshop Grand Hall/Grand Lawn December 3 4:00 p.m. Service of Hope Parlor December 6 5:30 p.m. Children s Choir Cool Yule Dinner Fellowship Hall (Reservations needed for dinner) 6:15 p.m. Cool Yule Program Sanctuary December 17 9:35 a.m. Lessons and Carols Fellowship Hall December 17 4:30 p.m. Christmas at Oak Grove (Tickets unavailable) Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. Christmas at Oak Grove (Tickets still available) Sanctuary ChristmasEve December 24 11:00 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent with Communion Sanctuary (One morning service only with Children s Church) December 24 2:30 p.m. Children s Service Sanctuary December 24 4:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sanctuary December 24 6:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Sanctuary December 24 6:00 p.m. Contemporary Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Fellowship Hall NewYear seve December 31 11:00 a.m. One service only with Children s Church Sanctuary (No children or youth Sunday school) 1722 Oak Grove Road Decatur, Georgia (404)

9 Today s Worship Servants Sound: (8:30) Billie Williams (11:00) Taylor Pendley Ushers: Jeanine Andrews, Mark Byrne, Tony Callaway, Carolyn Casarella, Greg Casarella, Bill Cole, Jack Graves, Tim Howard, Andy Kroll, Scot Macrae, Matt Moneyhan, Alec Morris, Max Neese, Davis Peacock, Phil Perry, Neil Sampson, Paul Siegel, Kirby Smith, Hodgson Thomas, James Trotti, Rob Welch Children s Church: Allison White and Kate Jay Our Worship Times 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary 9:35 a.m. Sunday School Various 9:35 a.m. Contemporary Worship Fellowship Hall 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary Our Pastors Dr. Glenn Ethridge Senior Pastor ext. 211 Dr. Amy Morgan Pastor of Nurture and Service ext. 210 Dr. Joseph McBrayer Pastor of Invitation and Discipleship ext. 226 Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert Pastor to Senior Adults Dr. Dana Everhart Theologian in Residence Our Program Staff Dale Smith Executive Director ext. 225 Pam Reynolds Director of Finance ext. 224 Kim Cody Children s Ministry ext. 218 Ed Scruggs Music Ministry ext. 226 Leanne Herrmann Organist Andy Webb Youth Ministry ext. 202 Atticus Hicks Dir. of Contemporary Worship ext. 208 Our Church Information Church Office Office Hours 9 a.m. 5 p.m. M F Emergency Contact After Hours ext. 9 Address 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA Website Our Schools Oak Grove Christian School YCS (Young Children s School) Submitting Articles to the Oak Grove News: Please be reminded that Thursday 12 p.m. is the deadline for information that you would like to add to the Oak Grove News. This will enable your article to appear in the following week s bulletin. Send items to oakgrovenews@ogumc.org. Articles will run TWO times and may be edited for space. Indicate the two editions you prefer when the article is submitted. Thank you! Check the Oak Grove website for up-to-the-minute news on all events: Make Sure You Stay in Constant Contact Information on our ministries, news, and upcoming events is shared through our Constant Contact weekly congregational . If your address changes during the year, please contact Diane O'Steen, Membership/Database Admin., (dosteen@ogumc.org or ext.221)