United Methodist Church

Transcription

1 United Methodist Church 480 S. Highland, Memphis, TN stlukesumc.org December 3, 2017 Hanging of the Greens Mission Statement We are becoming a faithful community of disciples striving to share the heart, mind and hands of Jesus Christ with all people.

2 Order of Worship December 3, 2017 Chiming of the Hour Welcome and Announcements Prelude O Come, O Come, Emmanuel...Wes. Kirkpatrick, organ arr. Kenneth Varner In the days to come the mountain of the LORD s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hill; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say: People Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that God may teach us God s ways and that we may walk in God s paths. Isaiah 2:2-3 alt With what shall we come to God s house? Bring branches of cedar and holly, bring evergreens and a pine tree, hang wreaths and garlands. People Make the church fragrant with the smell of living things and our holy play. In acts of hanging greens and listening to the words of prophets and seers let us make our hearts and this space a place of inward and outward preparation for the One who comes to give us second birth. Hymn Of Celebration God Almighty, We Are Waiting... W&S 3047 Lighting the Advent Wreath Candle 8:30: Hal & Betty Padgett 11:00: Warren Morrison and Eli adapted from Rev. Matthew Kozlowski Today we light the first candle of the Advent wreath as a symbol of HOPE! We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. Psalm 33:20 Prayer: Eternal God, as we await the coming of our savior, give us the courage to hope. Give us grace to see your plans of redemption for our lives, for this community, and for the world. Through Jesus Christ, the source of our redemption and hope. AMEN Response: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel verse 1...UMH 211

3 Hanging of the Garlands and Wreaths How shall we make this place a reminder of our need of repentance and that faithfulness and integrity that comes from God our maker and redeemer? People: Let us hang garlands as Hosea speaks the word of God. A reading from Hosea, Chapter 14: I will heal [my people s] disloyalty; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them. O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me. Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. Hosea 14:4, 8-9 Hymn Great is Thy Faithfulness verse 1... UMH :00 Worship: Children my come forward to the steps for Word and Wonder during the hymn. Hanging of the Chrismons Here in this place we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Here we will remember his Advent, his birth in Bethlehem, weak and helpless as an infant. And here we rekindle our prayer, Come, Lord Jesus as we await his coming as the bright and morning star. People: Hang symbols and signs of Christ ruler, prophet, priest. Hang stars, crosses, triangles, the alpha and the omega to remind us of his identity, his story, and of the holy Trinity. A reading from the book of Revelation, chapter 22: See, I am coming soon... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star. The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let everyone who hears say, Come. And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. Revelation 22:12-14, 17 Hymn Star Child... TFWS 2095 Pastoral Prayer... Prayer Response: The Fragrance of Christ David Haas Rev. McKinney

4 Offertory 8:30: Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne arr. Kenneth Varner...Wes Kirkpatrick 11:00: Carol of the Advent Phillip Dietterich...Chancel Choir Doxology Praise God from Whom all Blessing Flow tune: The First Noel Scripture Mark 13: Message... Rev. McKinney An Invitation to Holy Communion Confession and Pardon UMH 12 The Great Thanksgiving UMH 13 Communion will be served by intinction, please feel free to kneel for prayer at the communion rail after receiving. Music: Ave Maria Gounod....Brooke Parton, solo The Lord s Prayer Hymn of Invitation Love Came Down at Christmas... UMH 242 Benediction Congregational Benediction Response Away in a Manger verse 3 Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever, and love me I pray; bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. Postlude Fanfare David Johnson....Mr. Kirkpatrick You are invited to stand as able UMH: United Methodist Hymnal TFWS: The Faith We Sing - black paperback W&S: ccli Giving to St. Luke s is easy. We have a church giving app that we are excited to share! GivePlus Church is a mobile giving app that enables you to make one-time or recurring gifts from your smartphone. Download from Google Play or the App Store. You can also go to the website: stlukesumc.org and click on the DONATE button in the upper right corner. Thank you for supporting St. Luke s

5 The Chrismon Tree The practice of having a Chrismon Tree began with a Lutheran pastor, Mr. George Pass, in He began making decorations for his own Christmas tree that were symbols about Jesus Christ, and the meaning of Christmas, instead of the usual pretty but meaningless shiny balls, Santa Clauses and reindeer. The practice soon caught on with other Christians and many churches, and today the Chrismon Tree is a common sight all over the United States. Chrismon is a combination of two words, Christ, and monogram. Therefore the Chrismon tree bears symbols or monograms about Jesus our Savior. The Celtic Cross is a cross used by Christians of The British Isles for many years. The orb in the center represents the Rising Sun, representative of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who rose from the dead. The arms of the cross are rays of light shining forth from the sun. This reminds us that Christ is the Light of the world. Eternity--The cross is inside a circle composed of circles. Circles represent eternity. We are reminded that to have God's gift of eternal life means being committed to the way of the cross. Fusileew--Fused Omega and Cross. We are reminded that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. Jesus stands at the beginning and the end. The Omega stands for the end. The "X"and "P" is the Greek letter "Chi" and "Rho" superimposed. They are the first two letters in the name "Christ" spelled in Greek (Xpistos). The "A" and upsidedown "U" are the Greek letters, "Alpha" and "Omega," the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. Together they represent Jesus' words: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." Cross and Chi--Two Greek letter chi's (X) superimposed upon one another. The chi in it's normal position, represents Christ. The chi in the position of the cross represents Christ's crucifixion. Together, they remind us of what the baby in the manger came to earth to do. Triumphant Church--The world (as seen by the latitude and longitude lines) with the cross on top, reminds us that Christ is triumphant over the challenges presented by living in the world. Triquetra and Circle - Triquetra is symbol of the trinity. Circle is symbol of eternity. The Cross and the Crown--We are reminded that if we would have the crown of eternal life, we must take up the cross of Christ. The Letters "NIKA" spell out the Greek word for "victor." Crown - Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Fish--IXTHUS is the Greek word for fish. Used as an acrostic in Greek it stands for Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior.

6 Order Poinsettias to be placed in the Sanctuary during Christmas. They will be placed on Sunday, Dec. 17 and may be picked up on Dec. 24. They are $12 each. Please use the pink envelope in the pew pockets to place your order. The Mitten Tree The traditional Mitten Tree for Sherwood Elementary students is in the north hallway near the elevator. Cold weather will be coming. Please help decorate the tree with mittens, gloves, caps, scarves, and new/used jackets. Also, socks and underwear for boys and girls sizes 6-10 are needed. The tree will be up through December 3rd. Many thanks. Questions? Contact Barbara Caldwell FRUIT PICK UP Fruit will be available for pick up beginning on Tuesday, December 5 during church office hours. Please call the church to make sure I am available to assist you before you come! Otherwise, please pick up your fruit by Sunday, December 10 or make other arrangements with me. We thank you so much for your loyal support of Youth Ministry at St. Luke's!...Beth Welcome to Bethlehem and The Christmas Café a small roadside café where the food speaks for itself. And if you don t believe it, just wait a few minutes and reach for the antacid! Waitress Polly Porkchop and cook Mac N Cheese tell of the special night long ago, when they were dishing out food during Caesar s senseless. Mix in a group of shepherds and a local innkeeper who drop by to tell about a world-changing miracle, and you have a recipe for an unforgettable, homespun version of the greatest story ever told! Join us for worship at 11:00am on Dec. 10 when the elementary Light Night group will present the Christmas Play they ve been working on this fall. You will be amazed at the talent of our St. Luke s children! Prayers of the People Helen Boening, Dalton Al-Chokhachi, Leanne Olds, Sam McHugh, Doris Eavenson, Galen Colbert, Shirley Jean Moore, Rebecca Likens, Janet Yow and Brianna, Jack Cushing, Mai Davis, Shirley Robinson, Gavin Bell, Grover Bowles, Alice Roberts, Bette Colbert, Gil Herren, Danny Hobbs, Pam Santi, Akil Al-Chokhachi, Jim Burch, Jr., Vauneida Henton, Kathleen Gillespie, Shirley Gardener Those dealing with cancer: Brenda Blackwell, Clay Eaves, Bob Dunham, Jennifer Cottam, Janell Smith, Kathy McAllen, Oma Strickland, Mrs. Vick, Don Day, Eugene Callaway Homebound Members: Barbara Ball, Helen Boening, Evelyn Brady, Stan Bronson, Kaye Cocke, Nancy Davis, Anne Dean, Dorothy Evans Sympathy to the family of Rosa Burgett who passed away on November 23. Bishop Bill McAlilly, District Superintendent Deborah Smith Missionaries Eric and Liz Soard Our Schools, Teachers, and Students Ministry Staff Jim McKinney, Pastor Harry Colter, Pastoral Assistant Marcia Mittelstadt, Interim Music Director Wes Kirkpatrick, Organist Megan Warren, Children & Community Connections Beth Ryan, Student Ministries David R. Day, Sr, Christian Life Recreation Ministries Carla Taylor, Communications Vickey Hobbs, Business Manager Tim Taylor, Facilities Manager Heather Persellin-Deere, Special Events Coordinator Amy Turman, Day School Director Amy McDonald, Challengers After School Director

7 This Week at St. Luke s Sunday, December 3 Community Breakfast: 8:00am, FH Fellowship Gathering: 10:30-11:00am, Hospitality Hall Youth Advisory Team Meeting: 12:00-1:30pm, MB 310 Basketball: 1:30-5:00pm, CLC Gym Handbell Rehearsal: 3:30pm - 4:30pm, MB 207 Children Dinner & Light Night: 5:00-7:00pm. CLC 103/Lounge Youth Dinner & Activities: 5:00-7:00pm Monday, December 4 Sit & Be Fit: 9:00-10:00am, CLC Gym MB - Main Building Staff Meeting: 12:30-2:00pm, MB 311 Glad Helpers Prayer Group: 5:30-7:30pm, Parlor FH - Fellowship Hall Basketball Practice: 5:45-7:15pm, Gym CB - Children s Building Coin Club: 7:00-9:00pm, Lounge CLC - Christian Life Center Jesus is Lord Basketball: 7:15-10:15pm, Gym Tuesday, December 5 Morning Basketball: 6:30-8:00am, Gym UMW Exec. Mtg: 9:45am, MB 105/General Mtg: 11:00am, FH Pickleball: 12:00-2:00pm, Gym Girl Scouts: 4:30-5:30pm, CLC 103 Basketball Practice: 5:45-7:15pm, Gym Trustees Meeting: 6:00-7:30pm, Lounge Cub Scouts: 6:30-7:30pm, Chapel/CB Boy Scouts: 7:00-8:45pm, Scout Hut Wednesday, December 6 Morning Basketball: 6:30-7:30am, Gym Men s Prayer Breakfast: 7:15am, FH Wednesday Meal & Bible Study: 5:30-7:00pm, FH/Lounge Chancel Choir Rehearsal: 6:30-8:00pm, Choir Rm Zumba: 6:35-7:35, Gym Young Adult Basketball: 7:40-9:00pm, Gym Thursday, December 7 Sit & Be Fit: 8:45-9:45am, Gym Food Pantry: 9:30am-12:00pm, CLC 108 Al-anon Prayer Group: 10:00-1:00am, MB 213 Craft Club: 12:00-4:00pm, CLC 103 Basketball Practice: 5:45-7:15pm, Gym Young Adult Gathering: 6:00-9:00pm, MB 310 Fisher of Men Basketball: 7:15-10:15pm, Gym Friday, December 8 Morning Basketball: 6:30-8:00am, Gym Young Adult Game Night: 6:00-10:00pm, MB 310 Saturday, December 9 Christian Homebuilders Christmas Party: 11:00am-2:00pm, Parlor Sit & Sew: 12:00-5:00pm, Lounge Magnolia Meditation Group: 2:00-4:00pm, MB 213 Saturday Supper: 4:30-5:30pm., FH For more information and a full calendar of events visit our website: facebook: St. Luke s UMC, Memphis instagram: stlukesmemphis Also a newsletter, The Epistle, published twice monthly, is available in the Hospitality Hall. Wednesday Evening Dinner and Bible Study Dinner is served beginning at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. **Dec. 6: Chicken Tenders/Mashed Potatoes/Corn/Rolls/Brownies A bible study taught by Pastor Jim focusing on the Advent Season begins at 6:15 in the Lounge. Please make reservations for dinner at the Hospitality Desk. Guest Connections December 3, 2017 Service: 8:30 11:00 Please tell us about YOU Name: Age group (circle one) up Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: Do you have children or youth? Y N Name/Age: Name/Age: Name/Age: Please check all applicable: First time visitor Returning visitor I am visiting with a St. Luke s member: Name: I would like to know more about becoming a member of St. Luke s I would like to connect to a small group I would like to speak with a pastor I would like to know more about Jesus Christ and the Christian faith How do you prefer to be contacted? Phone Text Meet for Coffee Home Visit How did you hear about St. Luke s? I would like to use my gifts to serve Everyone is welcome to use this card to explore areas to connect at St. Luke s. Tell us what areas interest YOU Ministry Areas Children Youth Young Adult Recreation Music Older Adult Service Areas Food Ministries Hospitality Congregational Care Transportation Spiritual Growth Sunday School Small Groups Bible Study Activity Groups

8 Connect with St. Luke s We are glad you are here to worship with us today. Everyone is a child of God and at St. Luke s we believe we are here to share our faith stories, serve all people in our community, and love as Jesus loved. Everyone is invited to participate in worship and receive Holy Communion. God loves you and seeks to be in a relationship with you. St. Luke s is here to help guide you on that journey. If you are a guest please register your attendance by using the guest connections card on the inside flap of this bulletin. You may put it in the offering plate or bring it to the Welcome Station in Hospitality Hall where we have a gift for first time visitors. Everyone is Welcome at St. Luke s! Worship with us on Sundays 8:30 and 11:00am (Dec One Worship time at 11:00am) Sunday School Classes For all ages - 9:30 a.m. Fellowship Time - 10:30am Join us in the Hospitality Hall for Coffee, donuts, and fellowship! Between Sunday School and Worship. Members or regular attendees Visitors please use the back side December 3, 2017 Service: 8:30 11:00 Name: Address: City: State/Zip: Phone: Member Regular Attendee I would like to speak with the pastor Check here if you would like more information about a ministry or how you can serve the church and community through St. Luke s and then fill out the I would like to use my gifts to serve portion on the back side of this Connect Card. If you are ready to become a member of St. Luke s please contact Pastor Jim by calling the church or sending him a message jim.mckinney@stlukesumc.org.