One: As we wait, dear One, we watch for signs of your action in the world, Actions of compassion and grace breaking in.

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2 DECEMBER 2, 2018 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT - HOPE GATHERING MUSIC SILENT MEDITATION 9:50 AM Please rise in body and spirit, as you are able PRELUDE WELCOME CALL TO WORSHIP: One: In Advent we watch and wait and prepare to welcome the Christ Child into the world. Many: Come, Lord Jesus, come! One: In Advent we prepare for a life of discipleship, and watch faithfully for signs of God s light breaking into the world. Many: Come, Lord Jesus, come! One: As we wait, dear One, we watch for signs of your action in the world, Actions of compassion and grace breaking in. Many: Come, Lord Jesus, come! One: Holy God, we recognize that we do not know the day or the hour, but we know that the day is near. Many: Come, Lord Jesus, come! Be born anew in our world and in our lives. HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel BLUE 110 PRAYER OF CONFESSION (In Unison) Holy and Loving God, we give thanks for the promise of this sacred season and for the joy we find in the Christ Child. Yet even as we rejoice, we recognize that we often fail to live with the hope of redemption. In this season of anticipation, we know that we are easily distracted by our own projects and preparation. We lose focus on the one who is the Source of our joy. Forgive us, God, and restore our hope in you. Amen. ASSURANCE OF GRACE One: The promise of the season of Advent is the promise of Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus calls us to keep awake so that we are ready for God s arrival. Therefore, let us lay aside all those things that distract us from faithful watching for God. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel: Many: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. 2

3 GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen. LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES Bill, Erin, Faith & Isabelle Armstrong One: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined... For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:2, 6) One: Today we remember the prophets of old, who demanded to be heard, who dared to speak of a child to come, unexpected liberator of the people, vulnerable incarnation of the Holiest of Holies, a new name for God. Many: Today we give thanks for the prophets among us, who bring to us surprising new visions of hope, who challenge us to think outside the box, who show us a future we never anticipated. One: On this first Sunday of Advent, we light this candle of HOPE as a symbol of the prophets who renew our faith and remind us of what may be. Advent Litany adapted from UMC Discipleship Ministries HYMN We Light the Advent Candles vss. 1-2 PAGE 5 CHILDREN S MESSAGE ANTHEM What Shall We Sing? P. Liebergen MISSION MOMENT UCC Christmas Fund Lester Armstrong OFFERING DOXOLOGY Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, Ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 3

4 PRAYER OF DEDICATION (In Unison) God of hopeful waiting, we give thanks for all of the ways in which you reveal yourself to us. May these offerings nurture all of the ways in which your promise is breaking into the world in acts of compassion and justice. Amen. GOSPEL READING: Luke 21:25-36 Pew Bible Page 85, NT SERMON HOLY COMMUNION All are invited to participate in the Sacrament. Today, we will receive communion by intinction. When invited by a Deacon, come forward in the center aisle. Take a piece of bread, dip it in the juice and eat; return to your seat by the side aisles. If you prefer to be served in the pew, please remain seated. We serve gluten-free Communion at WPUCC. Pastor: Many: Pastor: Many: Pastor: Many : Pastor: Many: God be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to God. Let us give thanks to God Most High. It is right to give God thanks and praise. O Holy God...Amen and Amen. Holy, holy, holy, God of love and majesty, the whole universe speaks of your glory, O God Most High. Blessed is the one who comes in the name of our God. Hosanna in the highest! LORD S PRAYER PASTORAL PRAYER HYMN Hail to the Lord s Anointed vss. 1, 4 BLUE 105 BENEDICTION POSTLUDE 4

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6 MINISTERS OF GOD S LOVE...Every Member of WPUCC SENIOR PASTOR...Rev. Jason Thompson ASSOCIATE PASTOR...James R. Furry PASTORS EMERITI...Rev. Don Norenberg, Rev. Larry Craig DIRECTOR OF MUSIC...Christopher Venesile, PhD CHURCH ADMINSTRATOR...Linda Ferro LECTOR...Chris Wiesner COUNTERS...Larry & Marilyn Shank, Holly Sinnema WE WELCOME all who are here to worship with us today, especially our children and youth. Please sign the attendance pads and pass the pad to the side aisles, by the windows. PASTOR JASON S office hours are Monday and Wednesday, or by appointment. Pastor Jason can be reached at the church office (216) or WestParkUCCPastor@gmail.com. FOR YOUR INFORMATION: Attendance last Sunday was 69 adults and 1 children/youth. Thank you for your offerings of Operating $1,871, OCWM $145, Pink: Strengthen the Church $25, Veterans of the Cross $25, Rent Bartter Hall $100, Recovery Intl. Donation $100, Poinsettia $8, Birthday $96 THE STEEPLE WILL SHINE THIS WEEK in honor of Adam Hrehocik s birthday, Nov. 27. PASTORAL ADVISORY will meet at 9am on Sunday, December 9. If you have compliments or concerns to share, please contact Robin Jessen, Dan Moreland or Jen Krejsa. HOLY LAND INTEREST MEETING: TODAY at 11:45 am, we will host an interest session for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in We will present information about itineraries, travel dates and cost estimates. If you have ever had interest in traveling to the Holy Land with a group of like-minded Christians, you are welcome to attend this meeting. We hope to gauge interest and get a rough estimate of the number of people who would like to participate. 3RD SUNDAYS- In January and February, our 3rd Sunday Adult Education classes will be hands-on. Our Friends from the Turkish American Society of Cleveland will be with us at 11:30 on Sunday, January 20 and Sunday February 17 to offer a demonstration on Turkish cooking and teach us how to prepare a traditional dish. These classes will take place in the kitchen. In order to get an accurate count for supplies, only those registered in advance will be allowed to cook, though others may observe. There is a sign-sheet in the church office. BRYAN HREHOCIK is able to receive mail (No cards.) You may send them to Bryan Hrehocik, A754338, 2075 Avon-Belden Road, Grafton, OH You must use an embossed stamped or printed metered mail envelope, available at the post office, and no labels or stickers are permitted. 6

7 WE PRAY FOR: Bob & Margaret Owens, Janet Gorman, Grace Green, Pastor Larry & Christina Craig, Clara Strodtbeck, Jean Clark, Georgia Smith, Lakota Snow, Pat Bunnell, Wanda Paulin, John Ittu, Carol Hunt, Midge Karnatz, Elaine Barry, Geri Frimel, Bob Owens, Shirley and Jay Gardella, Bryan Hrehocik. Kimberly C, Carrie, Chris, Audrey, Alice, Pam, Dusan, Shannon, Neveah, Carla, David, John, Lannette, Debbie & Steve, Sharell & Josh, Justina & grandkids, Rich, Donna, Alan, Staci, Lynn, Joe, Anne, Roz, Je, Kevin, Liz, Isabel, Betty, Russ, Debbie, Marie, Sandy, Tom, Meli, Leo, Dawn, David, Bryan, Conrad, Estelle, Dennis, Val, Angie, Mya, Larry, Anna, Lyda, Mike, Zach, incarcerated, Rachel, Luke, Adam, Terry Thomas, Geri Surmites, our Apt. Building residents after fire. PINK ENVELOPE FOR DECEMBER Since 1893, the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance has provided support to UCC clergy and lay church employees, bridging financial and leadership needs of retirees, of those serving new church starts, of younger pastors beginning their ministries, and of those facing circumstantial hardships. At the core of the ministries of Board for Ministerial Assistance is the Christmas Fund for Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund. The Christmas Fund is one of the four Special Mission Offerings of the UCC, and congregations have been generously giving to the offering for more than a century. Proceeds from the offering are used to provide direct financial assistance to UCC clergy and lay employees in several areas: (a) monthly pension supplementation, (b) quarterly health premium supplementation, (c) Christmas thank you checks for retirees; and (d) emergency grants to both active and retired clergy and lay employees. Congregations across the country contribute to the Christmas Fund each year, and it is our December Pink Envelope here at West Park United Church of Christ. At West Park UCC, we have the opportunity to be a part of this ministry that cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ through our gifts to this year's Christmas Fund Offering. Please consider giving to this worthwhile cause. CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS Once again, the Season of Advent is upon us. How we wait with anticipation for the birth of our Savior! Christmas poinsettias add color and beauty to our Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Please consider honoring a friend or loved one with one. The price remains unchanged at $8.00. Order forms will be available until December 16. Thank you in advance for your order. Thank you, Board of Deacons 160 TH ANNIVERSARY! Next year we will celebrate 160 years since the founding of our church. To kick off our celebrations, we are inviting you to submit photos of you and your family and friends taken at the church. We hope to display these pictures in the narthex during January and February (perhaps a bit longer) to highlight the many memories we all share of our church home. Please submit all photos to the box in the narthex labeled "160th Anniversary Photos." If you wish to have your photo returned, put your name and number on the back. DECEMBER 16 WORSHIP AND PAGEANT IN BARTTER HALL! (No Worship in Sanctuary) 7

8 Acts of Kindness for Christmas An Alternative Advent Calendar from the beginning of Advent Dec. 2nd to Epiphany to Jan. 6th. Advent is the perfect for focusing on the joy of the season, but it can also seem really commercial. We will be starting our Christmas acts of kindness, an alternative for us to try and refocus this time away from receiving to giving. We will be doing HOPE TOTES. each day you add an item to the tote/bag and say the prayer. We will donate our totes on Jan.8th To participate in Operation Hope Tote, pick up one of the shopping bags on the Caring and Sharing Table and fill it with items a homeless person may need. Here is an example list of some needed items: Toothpaste and Toothbrush Soap Shampoo and Conditioner Deodorant Shaving Cream Disposable Razors Feminine Products Comb and Brush Lotion Socks Tissues (Small travel packs) A great way to help homeless neighbors, Hope Totes are plastic bags filled with essential hygiene products used every day. You probably take them for granted, but to a homeless person toothpaste and a toothbrush, soap and a clean pair of socks can be a huge blessing. For some it can also be the first step off the streets. 8

9 LIGHT THE STEEPLE If you re looking for a great way to honor a birthday, anniversary or just to say thank you, consider lighting the steeple of our church that everyone may see it. For a donation of $25, we will light the steeple for one week in honor of your special event. Sign-up sheets are located on the bulletin board in the narthex. 9

10 West Park UCC is proud to support Toys for Tots. We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys though Sunday, December 16. Please place your gift under the tree in the sanctuary. 10

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12 THIS WEEK AT WEST PARK SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2: 10:00 a.m. Worship, Communion & L.I.G.H.T. 11:15 a.m. Coffee Hour 11:45 am Holy Land Interest Meeting 3:00 pm Bowling MONDAY, 12/03: 7:00 p.m. Mood Disorder Support Group, Parlor TUESDAY, 12/04: 7:30 p.m. Recovery, International, Youth Room WEDNESDAY, 12/05: 6:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Choir, Music Room THURSDAY, 12/06: 9:00 p.m. AA Bartter Hall FRIDAY, 12/07: 6:00 p.m. Bartter Hall Rental 7:30 p.m. Al- Anon, Parlor SATURDAY, 12/08: 9-12 Discovery World Hall Use 10:15 p.m. Alpha-Omega AA Bartter Hall 12:00 a.m. Westside Midnight AA Bartter Hall NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9: 9:00 a.m. Pastoral Advisory 10:00 a.m. Worship & L.I.G.H.T. 11:15 a.m. Christian Ed, Growth & Outreach, Trustees 3:00 pm Bowling West Park United Church of Christ 3909 Rocky River Dr Cleveland, Ohio