Mennonite Church. Advent 3. Waiting with Hope. Wondering about Hope. Saying Yes to Hope. Gathering Music Welcome Candle Lighting.

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1 FAITH Mennonite Church December 17, :30 am Waiting with Hope Gathering Music Welcome Candle Lighting Adult Choir Advent 3 Carol of the Bells Poem By Jan Richardson * Songs What Child is This HWB 215 Wondering about Hope Children s Time Offering Our Gifts to God Invitation to Offering Offertory Prayer of Dedication Sharing of Joys and Concerns Prayer of the Congregation Adult Choir Behold our God Saying Yes to Hope Scripture Reading Luke 1:26-38 Sermon Word from God O Come, All Ye Faithful HWB 212 * Song No Wind at the Window STS 11 Hope Tree

2 * Song Of the Father s Love Begotten HWB 104 * Blessing * Musical Benediction Silent Night *Congregation Stands (If standing is difficult, please remain seated.) Hymnal used in worship: HWB - Hymnal a Worship Book (Blue) STJ - Sing the Journey (Green) STS - Sing the Story (Purple) Preacher: Marshall A Worship Leaders: Joyce G, Lisa S Gathering Music: Caleb G Song Leader: Jerry F Accompanist: Jane S Special Music: Adult Choir Sound: Nathan G Sanctuary Prep: Lindsay A, Gretchen B, Lorisa H Ushers: Team B (Andrew P) OUR MISSION STATEMENT As followers of Jesus Christ, our mission is to - Worship together as a community of faith, - Invite everyone to share the gift of God s love, - Nurture each other in the faith, - Serve others in the spirit of Christ, and - Proclaim His way of peace, justice and reconciliation. WELCOME Welcome to Faith Mennonite Church. We are glad you are with us this day. If you need a listening assistance device or a large print bulletin, please ask an Usher. CHILDCARE For children ages three (3) and under during worship 12/17: John J & Oris S 12/24: Verda D & Kathryn P 12/31: Pam S & Naomi W GREETERS Front Door 12/17: Stephanie T 12/24: Irma V 12/31: Stephanie T Back Door by Kitchen 12/17: Howard W, Jr 12/24: Max V 12/31: Howard W, Jr

3 FAITH CHURCH FAMILY NEWS SHE'S HERE! Tallulah Jane was born Tuesday, November 28, 2017, to Kara and Daniel R (Burien, WA). Jane and Mike S are the proud grandparents and were able to spend several days with them. ANGEL TREE Today (12/17/17) is the final day to return your gifts. Please remember: You are limited to three "gifts" per angel. You may include a small toy if you wish. Do not wrap gifts in boxes; please use a gift bag large enough to hold what you purchased plus tissue (just place the gift(s) in the bag unfolded). Do not complete "wrapping" them as the school social workers will check that all is accurate and then complete the "wrapping" and deliver the gifts. If you have questions, please ask Arlys S. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Bring your friends and family to worship with us next Sunday evening, December 24, 2017, at 6:00 pm, to celebrate God's gift of Jesus, our "Child of Hope" in song and Scripture. You also will have the opportunity to give a free will offering to share with hurricane victims through Mennonite Disaster Service. Share the love of Jesus as He has freely given to us! (If you are not able to attend the service but still want to contribute, please make sure to write MDS - Christmas Eve Offering on the memo line of your check. To be included, all checks must be received by Sunday, December 24, 2017.) ~ Board of Worship NO SENIOR FASPA This month. We have checked with a number of folks and it appears that many of you have plans on New Year's Eve. The next 5th Sunday will be April 29, For now, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Faspa Committee, and we'll be in touch with you next April! YEAR-END REQUESTS From the church treasurer: 1.) All outstanding bills are to be turned into the office by the 27th of December, so that payment can be made before the end of the year. 2.) Due to the last day of the month falling on a Sunday and the following Monday being a holiday, I am requesting that all contributions for the end of 2017 be in the church office by Friday, December 29th. A final deposit will be made on December 29th. 3.) I am also requesting that, if the church has written you a check, please cash it by December 29th. This will eliminate outstanding checks carried over into the New Year. Thank you for your help by responding to these requests. ~ Jo K, Treasurer OUR NEXT WEEK To volunteer at New Hope Shelter will be January 3-9, There will be a sign-up sheet in the foyer the next two Sundays or you may call (316) or hgbartel@sbcglobal.net to volunteer your time or to help with a meal. ~ Grace B, New Hope Shelter Representative for Faith Church

4 IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: During this Advent Season of Joyful Hope... Let us rejoice: ~ With our Faith children, worship leaders and musicians leading us last Sunday in retelling the story of Christ s birth ~ With Pastor Rachel and Pastor Marshall as the offer their hopes for our congregation for the coming year ~ With the children who will receive our angel tree gifts ~ For opportunities we will have to gather and share love and HOPE with family with friends ~ For the ministries of the Salvation Army, Safehope and New Hope shelters, and the Newton Ministerial Alliance as they reach out with compassion and assistance to our community ~ With college students completing the semester and family members returning home ~ Volunteers remodeling the kitchen at Camp Mennoscah Pray for: ~ Doris S recovering from a back injury ~ Jack S, being cared for at home by Linda and grandson Michael ~ Peace and Hope for those facing life changes, loneliness, and the discouragement of chronic illnesses and mental health issues ~ Our members in nursing care and assisted living: -at Presbyterian Manor: Bertha B, Len & Delores G -at Kidron Bethel: Jake & Lola F, Elma H, Irene J, Richard S, John & Hulda S -at Schowalter Villa: Arlene K Western District Conference As we anticipate the giving of Christmas gifts, let us thank God for the many different multicultural expressions and gifts in WDC congregations. BEYOND FAITH CHURCH PLAN ON DOING YOUR FAIR TRADE HOLIDAY SHOPPING... At the Ten Thousand Village Pop-up Store: WHERE: Prairie Harvest Mezzanine 601 N Main, Newton, KS (accessible via stairs and elevator) WHEN: Sunday - 1:00-4:00 pm December 17, 2017 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING At the Newton Et Cetera Shop! Please bring us your clean, gently-used toys, shoes, jewelry, and children's coats. Your donated items might end up as cherished gifts under someone's Christmas tree! Support MCC Thrift Shops because you care about your family, your community, and beyond. Thank you! MCC GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Please see the flyers in your church mailbox last Sunday (12/10/2017). Flyers are posted on the bulletin board in the church foyer also.

5 NEW MUSIC SUPPORTS SYRIAN REFUGEES Through MCC! The Midnight Hymn Sing CD s are available at MCC in North Newton (121 E. 30th) for a suggested donation of $15/CD with all money going to support MCC s work with Syrian refugees. The album is also available on Amazon and itunes. Contact Patsy D or Tina S with questions or to get your CD!! NEW HOPE SHELTER Is still looking for Secret Santas!!! Here's how it works: A Wish List will be distributed to the residents on December 15, On this list, they may ask for three (3) practical gifts (jeans, work boots, cologne, etc.). Each Wish List is then sent to a Secret Santa by 5:00 pm, on December 18, The Secret Santa purchases 1, 2, or all 3 gifts, wraps them, labels them, and delivers them to the shelter by 5:00pm, on December 23, Secret Santas are invited to our Christmas party for our residents at 6:00 pm, on December 24, 2017 (Christmas Eve). Dinner will be served at 6:00 pm, residents do their chores, then we gather at 7:00 pm to open gifts and share the evening together. If you would like to brighten the life of another, contact James W at the shelter. Flyers for Secret Santa and their current needs list are both posted on bulletin board in the church foyer. SAFEHOPE Is also needing volunteers to help prepare and serve a meal for their Thursday evening support group. For questions, contact Christina S. Flyer is posted on bulletin board in the church foyer. KAUFFMAN MUSEUM AT BETHEL COLLEGE Is open regular hours through the holidays. Visit Voices of Conscience: Peace Witness in the Great War, extended through January 21, 2018, and the newest special exhibit, Chisholm Trail: Driving the American West, December 19, 2017-April 1, 2018, as well as the permanent exhibits Of Land and People and Mennonite Immigrant Furniture. See or the Kauffman Museum Facebook page for more information. CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WINTER (DECEMBER-FEBRUARY) DURING THE SUNDAY SCHOOL HOUR AT 9:00 AM CHILDREN & YOUTH: Nursery/Preschool - Journeys with Jesus Main floor, #207; Teacher: Brenda M K-4th Grade - Journeys with Jesus Basement, #103; Teacher: Naomi W Middle School/Grades Journeys with Jesus Basement, #105; Teacher: Jonathan H High School - Journeys with Jesus Basement, FYG Room; Teachers: Marshall A, Verda D, Sara R, Oris S ADULTS: Lamp Lighters - Book Study: Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis Basement, #125; Teacher: Shari S Open Class - Journeys with Jesus Basement, Open Area; Teachers: Members of the Class Cornerstones - Faith in Action Basement, #124: Teachers: Members of the Class Join Us!!

6 This Week (12/18 to 12/26/2017) Monday 6:00 pm Zumba (last one) Tuesday 6:00 pm Board of Christian Education 6:30 pm Board of Administration Wednesday 7:30 am Ladies The Breadbasket 12:00 pm January 2018 Calendar Items Due to Church Office NO Handbell Choir Rehearsal NO High School Youth Group NO Adult Choir Rehearsal Thursday 12:00 pm December 2017 Board Minutes Due to Church Office NO Zumba Christmas Weekend (December 22-26, 2017) Friday Church Office Closed Sunday NO Sunday School 10:00 am Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 am Worship 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Monday Church Office Closed - Merry Christmas Tuesday Church Office Closed Please have all announcements and calendar items for next week into the church office by noon on Tuesday (12/19/17). Attendance for December 10, 2017: Sunday School: 67 Worship: 163 Board of Administration s Contact Persons For December: Chuck S; Mike S Board of Deacons Contact Person For December: Sara R Rachel Siemens, Lead Pastor Monday-Thursday Mornings Marshall Anderson, Associate Pastor Monday-Thursday Mornings Pastor.Rachel@faithmenno.org Pastor.Marshall@faithmenno.org Teresa Pickens, Administrative Assistant Office@faithmenno.org Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-12:00 noon & 1:00 pm-4:00 pm; Friday: 8:30 am-12:30 pm Jim Stucky, Moderator Jo Kasitz, Treasurer Verda Deckert, Congregational Nurse 2100 N Anderson Ave Newton, KS (316) jnstucky@cox.net Faith.Treasurer@faithmenno.org Faith.Nurse@faithmenno.org