The Order of Worship Sunday, December 11, 2011

Transcription

1 The Order of Worship Sunday, December 11, 2011 The Third Sunday of Advent Make Christmas Count Congregational portions of prayers and responses are in bold type. To avoid disturbing other worshippers, please silence cell phones and pagers. v Please stand, if standing is comfortable. For hymns, please stand at the beginning of the last line of the hymn introduction. Carillon Chorus Organ Prelude Noel III L. C. Daquin ( ) Jonas Nordwall, organist Organ Chimes Living & Growing in Faith Sharing the Peace of Christ Sonja Connor, Lay Leader Lighting the Advent Wreath Anne, Jeff, and Tom Kayser Will You Come and See the Light? (soloist) Will you tell about the light in the prison cell? Though it s shackled out of sight, it is shining well. When the truth is cut and bruised, and the innocent abused, Will you hide or decide to meet the light? (congregation) Will you come and see the light from the stable door? It is shining newly bright, though it shone before. It will be your guiding star, it will show you who you are. Will you hide or decide to meet the light? Introit Call to Worship Veni Emanuel Where crooked roads need straightening... Where people walk in darkness... Where busy lives need stilling... Sonja Connor, Lay Leader Where minds are full of tinsel, presents and parties... Where hearts are crying out for love... Prepare the Way of the Lord and make Christmas count again! v Hymn No. 200 A Conversation with Our Children Children s Story Prayer Hymn No. 204 Congregational Prayers Tell Out, My Soul... and all God s children said, Amen. Emmanuel Megan Humphreys-Loving Rev. Tom Foster You keep us waiting. You, the God of all time, want us to wait for the right time to discover who we are, where we must go, who will be with us, and what we must do. We thank you, God, for this waiting time. You ask us to keep loving. You, the God whose name is love, want us to be like you, loving the loveless and the unlovely and the unlovable; loving without jealousy or design or threat; and even loving ourselves. We thank you, God, for this loving time. We come to you in the silence, waiting and loving in Jesus name. Moment of Silence Intercessory Prayers and the Lord s Prayer (Hymnal No. 895) Prayer Response Your Will Be Done Sjolund Choral Anthem Gabriel s Message arr. David Wilcocks The Chancel Choir Erick Lichte, conductor Introducing the Scripture Scripture Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11 and Luke 1:47-55 Reflection Hymn No. 204 Make Christmas Count: Acting Rev. Donna M.L. Pritchard, preaching Emmanuel

2 Presenting Our Gifts Offertory Prayer Rev. Tom Foster Offertory Music Et Exultavit from Magnificat J. S. Bach Carol Young, soloist v Doxology and Presentations of Our Offerings (Hymn No. 230, verse 4) O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel! v Hymn No. 196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Please be seated for the benediction and choral response.) Benediction Choral Response Postlude Dialogue from Magnificat Jean F. Dandrieu ( ) The altar flowers today are dedicated to the glory of God and presented by Bev and Sharon Graver in honor of their family, Brad, Jen, Brett, Casey Graver and Mary Covert. Ushers Greeters Coffee Hour Lay Leaders Chan Abby, Greg Kirchem, Bob Fassiotto, Janet Richards Bill Birge, Shirley Blalock, Lois Cameron, Rosemary Dodds, Beth Iverson, Leah Vislisel Staff-Parish Relations Committee Sonja Connor, Dan Woodward, Cheryl Bittle

3 United Methodist Church, Oregon-Idaho Conference Bishop Assistant to the Bishop - Metro Bishop Robert T. Hoshibata The Reverend Dr. Lowell Greathouse First United Methodist Church Clergy and Staff Senior Pastor The Reverend Donna Pritchard ext. 226 Minister of Pastoral Care The Reverend Tom Foster ext. 233 Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries Megan Humphreys-Loving ext. 227 Coordinator of Volunteers, Hospitality & Outreach Mark Ohlson ext. 220 Church Administrator Christine Bostick ext. 222 Administrative Assistant David Jenkins ext. 221 Bookkeeper Shirley Blalock ext. 225 Nursery Michelle Green, Andrea Miller, Emily Kunkel, ext. 216 Angie Leon Guerrero, Samantha Cerling Facilities Manager Dwight Dragoo ext. 205 Custodians Robert Ramirez, Charles Siegfried, Wort Evinger, Isaac Schulz, Cole and Seth Giandomenico Music Staff Artistic Director of Music and Organist Jonas Nordwall ext. 218 Executive Director of Music Kelly Qualls ext. 235 Chancel Choir Conductor Erick Lichte Handbell Director Nancy Hascall Chancel Choir Section Leaders Deborah Benke, soprano Carol Young, alto and Assistant Director Mark Woodward, tenor Benjamin Bell, bass Children s Choir Directors Vanessa Unger, Cherub (pre-k-grade 2) Ronnee Edwards, Sound Seekers (grades 3-5) Mark Woodward, Veritas (grades 6-young adult) Karin McDonough, Genesis Ringers and jubellation First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson, Portland, Oregon Phone: 503/ Fax: 503/ office@fumcpdx.org Visit our website at Copies of previous Sunday sermons are available in the church office. Goose Hollow Family Shelter 503/ Brandi Tuck, Executive Director F THIS WEEK AT December 11-17, 2011 IRST CHURCH SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 8:30 AM Collins AM, Collins Hall 9:00 AM Changing Christianity, 202 9:00 AM N-YAC Service, Chapel 9:00 AM Church Child Care, Nursery 9:15 AM Faith Links, 134 9:15 AM The ADVENTure, Fireside Room 9:15 AM First Church Library Open, Library 9:30 AM Middle School Sunday School, 209 9:30 AM High School Sunday School, Youth Room 9:30 AM Sound Seekers Rehearsal, 136 9:30 AM Cherub Choir Rehearsal, 206 9:30 AM Chancel Choir, Sanctuary 10:30 AM Sunday Worship, Sanctuary 10:45 AM Children s Sunday, Various 11:45 AM Commons in Collins Hall 11:45 AM Youth Christmas Party, Youth Room 12:00 PM Genesis Ringers Rehearsal, 130 3:00 PM Pops of the Season Concert, Sanctuary MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 9:00 AM Library Volunteers, Library TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 11:00 AM Bridge, 202 7:00 PM Stephen Ministries, 160 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 7:00 PM Sanctuary Bell Rehearsal, 202 7:30 PM Boy Scouts Troop 1, 209 & Gym THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 10:00 AM Shovel & Rake, 110 5:00 PM Intergenerational Ping Pong, Gym 7:00 PM Chancel Choir, Sanctuary SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 4:30 PM Pizza and Zoo Lights, 202 Welcome We extend a special welcome to our visitors. Portland First United Methodist Church declares that we will be an advocate for peace in our local communities and world. As a Reconciling Congregation, members of this congregation have pledged to welcome and support all who want to worship with us, regardless of race, gender, class or sexual orientation. We encourage all of you to note your attendance on the communication card enclosed in your bulletin.

4 The Commons In Collins Hall meeting people, meeting needs! ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS & WORLD BAZAAR Come to the Commons in Collins Hall and make Christmas Count around the world! 2012 ALTAR FLOWER SIGN-UPS CONTINUE TODAY Are you considering a memorial or special occasion flower dedication for 2012? Today in Collins Hall after worship, sign-up sheets will be available so you can choose the week you wish to remember your loved one with birthday, anniversary, other special occasion, or memorial flowers. Please see Marty Martin and Agnes Zach at their sign-up table during Coffee Hour to sign up for SERVE AS A CHRISTMAS EVE GREETER! Greeters are needed for all four services this Christmas Eve (5:00, 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 PM). You can volunteer as an individual, couple, or you can even greet people as a parent/child team! All ages are needed to welcome everyone to worship on this special eve. Today, you ll find a sign-up sheet at the Volunteer/Outreach table after church in The Commons during coffee hour. One is also posted on the window just opposite the church office in the front of the building. This year, be the first to share the joy of the Christmas spirit with everyone coming to worship at First Church on Christmas Eve! NOVEMBER FISH SUCCESS First Church donated 291 pounds of non-perishable food items to FISH Emergency Services in November. That s up from 233 pounds in October. It s gratifying to see that our members care so much when it comes to the need for feeding the many hungry children and families in our community. Thank you to all who contributed to the food drive in November. Let s see if we can top the 300 pound mark in December! UPDATE ON THE FIRST CHURCH FINANCIAL CAMPAIGN Our Goal... $881,360 Estimates of Giving Received to Date... $698,059 (79%) Estimates of Giving Cards thus far Thank you for your support of First Church. If you have not yet turned in your Estimate of Giving, please do so soon! With everyone s help we can make it to the top! ANTHEM Gabriel s Message arr. by David Wilcocks The angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, His eyes as flame; All hail, said he, thou lowly maiden Mary, for known a blessed Mother thou shalt be, All generations laud and honour thee, Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head, to me be as it pleaseth God, she said, My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name. Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born In Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say: OFFERTORY Et Exultavit from Magnificat by J. S. Bach My soul magnifies the Lord. And my spirit has rejoiced in God my saviour. He has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. MUSIC NOTES OREGON NATIONAL PRIMATE RESEARCH CENTER AND WASHINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM TOUR On Tuesday, January 10, 2012 the First Church Travelers will visit the Oregon National Primate Research Center and Washington County Museum Tour. Aging; unlocking the secrets to a long and healthy life is the theme of a tour including talks from scientists about new treatments for age-related conditions as osteoporosis, cancer and Alzheimer s disease. This event will take place at the Oregon National Primate Research Center in Beaverton, a cutting edge facility, one of eight nationwide supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Within the tour will be a stop at the outdoor animal facilities; dress for cool weather and wear comfortable shoes. A catered lunch will be served at the Center. Following lunch the day will conclude with a special tour of the Washington County Museum including a display by Print Arts Northwest. We meet at the church at 9:00 AM and carpool to both sites, returning to the church by 3:45 PM. Registration is limited to 25 with a deadline of December 27, 2011; the cost is $12.00/person including lunch and museum fees. Register with Christine Bostick in the church office. 503/ ext 222 or cbostick@fumcpdx.org. Registration information needed is name, address, phone number, and address.

5 Adult Sunday School Classes CHANGING CHRISTIANITY This class meets each Sunday morning at 9:00 AM in Room 202. The class is discussing Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, by Karen Armstrong. FAITH LINK: A NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS This class meets each Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 AM in Room 134 This weekly study analyzes current events from a Methodist perspective. FaithLink is a study for individuals or groups who want to apply their United Methodist beliefs to current faith issues and world events. This essential guide motivates Christians to consider their personal views on important contemporary issues. FaithLink also encourages action for beliefs. Please join us each Sunday for lively discussions and inspiration. CIRCLE OF FRIENDS The Circle of Friends will meet at the home of Trudy Kayser on December 14 at 11:30 AM. Lunch will be provided with a $5.00 donation. Bring three dozen cookies for cookie exchange and also HUGS for a donation to the homeless shelter. Co-Chairpersons: Hazelee Stevenson 503/ and Leah Vislisel 503/ NAOMI CIRCLE On Thursday, December 15, the newly formed Naomi Circle will meet at 2:00 PM, at Terwilliger Plaza in the 8th floor lounge, a time for sharing Christmas traditions from around the world to enrich the season for each member. New members and visitors are always welcome. Contact: Colleen Foster 503/ UMW circles CALL FOR FIRST UMC ARTISTS The January through February art displayed in Collins Hall will be by church artists other than photographers. Art must be framed and able to be hung on the wall. A limited number of small artwork pieces that do not lend themselves for wall hanging will be accepted for display in the Fireside Room. These pieces must be small enough to be displayed inside of the locked display cases. If you have original artwork you wish to display, contact Larry Sawyer at 503/ or LARRY_SAWYER@ COMCAST.NET. ADVENTure For All ADVENTure is a fun way to explore Advent and will include art, story telling and music in playful learning. The ADVENTure will begin at 9:00 AM in the Fireside Room each Sunday of Advent. Nursery is available during this time, and all ages are welcome to come before choirs start. Come to one or come to all! JOIN THE GREAT ADVENTURE Portland s First United Methodist Church Friends of Music Present JONAS NORDWALL FRIENDS TODAY AT 3:00 PM a ten dollar donation is suggested NATIVITY PAGEANT REHEARSALS The children of First Church will be presenting a Nativity Pageant in the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve service. All children are invited to participate! We will have an all-cast dress rehearsal) rehearsal on Sunday, December 18 after worship. Contact Megan Humprheys-Loving if you would like your child to participate: mhumphreys-loving@fumcpdx.org or 503/ ext. 227 DECK THE HALLS! We need a few willing friends on Sunday, December 18, after worship, to help decorate the Chapel and Collins Hall trees with Crismons for the Christmas season. If you can help, call Beth Iverson at 503/ or her at Lylebeth44@gmail.com.

6 YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY TODAY First Church youth will gather for some holiday games, gingerbread house building, and an award for the best holiday cookie or baked good (bring enough to share!) Join us today from 12:00 to 2:00 PM in the Youth Room. All youth are welcome. Carol in Goose Hollow & Zoo Lights Mark your Calendars for December 17. Meet at 5:00 PM in Room 202 at the church to sing Christmas carols and create Christmas cheer. We have invited families from the Goose Hollow Family Shelter to join us in this evening of fun. We will all have pizza dinner together at 6:00 PM at the church. A donation of $10/family will cover the cost of food for your family plus shelter guests. After singing and dinner, we will take the MAX up to the Oregon Zoo for a fun evening of light at the Oregon Zoo. First UMC families are responsible for their max and zoo tickets. (Zoo tickets are $9.00 for adults and $7.50 for children. Sign up with Megan after worship in Collins Hall. Preacher s Pub Come discuss the week s Scripture passages at the Goose Hollow Inn (directly across the street from the church) on Wednesday, December 14 at 7:00 PM. This is a relaxed Bible study and fellowship opportunity. Longest Night Service There will be a Longest Night Service on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 5:00 PM in the Chapel. This service is designed to help and encourage those who have experienced loss, and anyone who finds Christmas a difficult and emotional time. Christmas Eve Services The shepherds said to one another, Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place... We encourage you to attend three of four Advent services and bring someone to a Christmas Eve service. Christmas Eve Services 5:00 PM Family Friendly worship with the Children s Nativity Pageant 7:00 & 9:00 PM Candlelight and Carols and a variety of special music 11:00 PM Communion Candlelight service in the Chapel Alternative Christamas! around the world Alternative Christmas giving will focus this year on First UMC s three covenant missionaries and projects in each of their countries through the remaining Sundays of Advent (December 11 and 18), the Global Mission committee will staff a table in the Commons, at which you may purchase gift certificates to benefit Shade and Fresh Water (Brazil), Garbage Dump Ministry (Cambodia) and Wadi Fukin Community Center (Palestine). We will also make available Planet Church s popular Chinook Books, Guatemalan crafts to benefit a day care center for street children in Guatemala City, and Palestinian olive oil to benefit Palestinian farmers. DISCOVER SCOTLAND Discover Scotland with Portland First Church Travelers in April! From regal Edinburgh, to the rugged sea-sprayed Orkney Islands, travel with a great group of friends--and soon-to-be friends--on a tour filled with memorable experiences. A very few spaces have just become available, on a first-come basis. For tour brochure and registration information, contact Cheryl Luce at 503-/ , or cheryl.luce@gmail.com. PLEASE KEEP YOUR PLEDGES CURRENT Finances Year to Date November, 2011 Income: $936,004 Expenses: $963,906 The Finance Committee thanks you.