Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship First Sunday in Advent Sunday, November 27, :00 a.m.

Transcription

1 Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship First Sunday in Advent Sunday, November 27, :00 a.m. WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Eden United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation. We believe that all people are children of God; that persons of all ages, races and sexual orientations are part of our increasingly diverse culture. We welcome all persons into the full life and ministry of this church. Children s bulletins are available upon request from the ushers. Thank you for muting your cell phone, pager, and PDA during worship. PRELUDE Prelude Rorate Coeli Pietro A. Yon THE LIGHT ENTERS WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT GREETING & ANNOUNCEMENTS The Rev. Pepper Swanson (Thank you for your gift of presence and for completing a blue worship card today) INTROIT All Earth Is Waiting (v.1) NCH 121 All earth is wait- ing to see the Prom-ised One, and o-pen fur-rows, the sow-ing of our God. All the world, bound and strug-gling, seeks the true liberty; It cries out for jus-tice and search-es for the truth. * CALL TO WORSHIP All who are able may stand) Daniella Prym L: Watcher, tell us of the night, what its signs of promise are. R: Traveler, O a wondrous sight! See that glory beaming star! L: Watcher, Does it beauteous ray news of joy or hope foretell? R: Traveler, yes; It brings the day, promised day of Israel! 1 * HYMN Keep Awake, Be Always Ready NCH Adapted from the Advent hymn Watcher, Tell Us of the Night written by John Bowring in 1825.

2 * INVOCATION (in unison) Daniella Holy God, you call us to vigilance in a season of celebration. Distractions abound as we sleep walk into the annual rituals of Christmas time. Keep us awake and watchful this Advent for new signs of your hope, peace, love, and joy. Wake our spirits and focus our eyes on your gifts, instead of our own. Amen. * PASSING OF THE PEACE L: The peace of God be with you all. Daniella R: And also with you. L: Let us greet our neighbors with a sign of peace. MUSICAL INTERLUDE CHILDREN S GATHERING The Rev. Arlene K. Nehring LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF HOPE CHILDREN S BLESSING The Baptist Shouts on Jordan s Shore (v. 6) 115 O One who comes to set us free, O Child, to you our song will be, With Fa-ther, Spir-it moth-er-ing, to you shall praise for-ev-er ring! (K-12th graders are excused for the Christmas Pageant Practice. Nursery care is available at any time during worship. Please see an usher for an escort to the nursery.) SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 24:36-44 Daniella (Today s scripture lesson can be found on page 806 in the pew Bibles.) SERMON What Are We Watching For? The Rev. Pepper Swanson * HYMN Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning NCH 369 PRAYERS OF THE COMMUNITY Joys and Concerns Arlene Pastoral Prayer

3 Jesus Prayer (in unison) Our God, in whom is heaven, blessed be your name. Your presence come, your will be done, both here and everywhere. May your realm of peace and freedom sustain our hopes and come on earth. May we be fed today with the bread that we need, and may forgiveness be ours in the same measure we give. In times of temptation, strengthen us. From the grip of all that is evil, free us. For you reign in the glory of the power that is love, now and forever. Amen. Prayer Response My Soul Gives Glory to My God (v.1) NCH 119 My soul gives glo-ry to my God. My heart pours out its praise. God lift-ed up my low-li-ness in man-y mar-vel-ous ways. OFFERING & DEDICATION OF OUR GIFTS Invitation (Thank you for placing your blue worship card in the offering plate) Daniella Offertory Veni Domine Hymn for Peace Pietro A. Yon * Response Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates (v. 2) NCH 117 Fling wide the por-tals of your heart; make it a tem-ple, set a-part From earth-ly use for heaven s em-ploy, a-dorned with prayer and love and joy * Prayer of Dedication * HYMN Deep Peace Sing! 201 * BENEDICTION Pepper * RESPONSE With Joy Draw Water (v.1) NCH 109 With joy draw wa-ter from the spring; Sal-va-tion s liv-ing well. The Ho-ly One is in your midst; glad prais-es sing and tell! * CHIMES & THE LIGHT DEPARTS WITH THE PEOPLE (The congregation is seated for the Postlude) POSTLUDE Variations on Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Robert Lind

4 Worship Leaders The Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring, Senior Minister The Rev. Pepper Swanson, Associate Minister Daniella Prym, Liturgist Dr. Jessie Wenchieh Lo, Organist & Music Director Charlie Smith, Song Leader Cindy Keune, Greeters Cindy Keune, Pat Payne, and Theressa Collier, Ushers Angelina Collier & Kemy Gekara, Childcare Workers Jana Aloo &Suzie Hasselkuss, K-12 Pageant Practices Coaches Mary Haro, Fellowship Captain Marv Beck & Mary Haro, Fellowship Hosts Pat Payne & Suzie Hasselkuss, Fellowship Helpers Daniella Prym, Trustee on Duty Dawn Coburn, Sunday Sexton Welcome Welcome to Eden United Church of Christ! If you are searching for a spiritual home, please consider becoming part of our congregation. Eden welcomes members who seek a deeper relationship with God in a caring community and who strive to make a difference in the lives of others. We will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism and the Rite of Church Membership four to five times yearly during morning worship. Please see one of our pastors or an usher, deacon, or member of the E-Team if you seek baptism for yourself or your child, or if you would like to be received into church membership. We will celebrate infant and adult baptism and receive new members several times each year. Flower Dedication The flowers on the altar are given by Stephanie Spencer in thanksgiving of the 14th anniversary of Pastor Arlene's call to Eden Church. TODAY The first Christmas Pageant Rehearsal will be during Church School today and Sunday, Dec 4. Children in grades K-12 are encouraged to participate in this year s very funny one-act play. There are many parts for all reading levels available. Upcoming Events Mt. Eden High School Chamber Singers: come enjoy a special performance by one of our nation s elite high school vocal groups on the Second Sunday in Advent, Dec 4, during morning worship. The Mt. Eden Choir is conducted by award-wining teacher and conductor Ken Rawdon. The Chamber Singers are one of several ensembles that are part of highly-regarded performance arts program. The public is also welcome and invited to attend the Mt. Eden Winter Concert on Thursday, Dec 8, in the Eden Church Sanctuary, beginning at 7 pm. Christmas Pageant: Yes, Virginia, there will be a Christmas pageant this Advent. The pageant performance is Sunday, Dec 11 and will be followed by Eden s traditional Happy Birthday, Jesus Party and Soup Potluck. Rehearsals for the pageant will be during Church School on today and Sunday, Dec 4. Children in grades K-12 are encouraged to participate in this year s very funny one-act play. There are many parts for all reading levels available.

5 Tres Reyes Gift Collection: Gifts for Tres Reyes Fiesta are being collected on Sunday, Dec 11 as part of Eden s Happy Birthday, Jesus celebration. Donations of watercolor sets, watercolor paper pads, and FIMO soft clay for children age 0-7 and charcoal pencils and charcoal paper pads for children age 8-12 are requested. If you d like to make a financial donation instead, please go to and search for Tres Reyes Gifts for Cherryland. For more information, contact Corina Vasaure. Happy Birthday, Jesus! On Sunday, Dec 11, we will also have our annual Happy Birthday, Jesus Party. Lunch will be a hot soup potluck with bread and butter provided by Fellowship. Please bring your favorite soup ready to serve for 6 to 8 people. Crock pots are available to borrow from Oliver Hall kitchen. Lunch will be followed by birthday cake! Christmas Eve/Noche Buena, Dec 24: Eden s Candlelight Christmas Eve/Noche Buena Worship will begin at 7 pm in the Sanctuary, featuring lessons, carols, and special music by Drs. Jessie Wenchieh Lo and Jessie Acker-Johnson and other Eden vocalists and instrumentalists. Volunteers are needed to greet visitors and returning members, serve as ushers, hand out and collect Silent Night candles. To volunteer, please contact Stephanie Spencer. Cookies and cookie bakers are also needed. Please share your favorite cookie recipe and spread a little holiday cheer by donating homemade Christmas cookies for our Christmas Eve reception in Oliver Hall. A sign-up sheet will be in the Church Office on Dec 4. Volunteers are also needed to help with the setup and cleanup of our Christmas Eve reception. If interested, please contact Pat Payne, Fellowship Coordinator. Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta: The Kings are Coming! Three Kings Day/ Tres Reyes Magos will happen Sunday, Jan 8 at Eden Church. Three Kings is the celebration of the Magi who come to visit Mary, Joseph, and their newborn son, Jesus. The Kings bring wonderful gifts for Jesus and his parents. The Three Kings Celebration is an opportunity for the Cherryland Leaders to give back to Eden Church in all the work we do by sharing this important religious holiday together. Everyone is invited to join in celebrating the Three Kings Celebration/Fiesta de Tres Reyes Magos, which will include a free lunch (with both kid-friendly and not-spicy options) served to all by the Cherryland Parents, and fun entertainment for the whole family. Whether you re a church member, church youth, or a community member, everyone is invited and encouraged to attend this event! All in attendance can take part in the activities, and gifts will be given to all children ages 0-12 by the Three Kings. Gifts for Tres Reyes Fiesta are being collected on Sunday, Dec 11 as part of Eden s Happy Birthday, Jesus celebration. Announcements Winter Bible Study Continues: Bible Study continues this fall with the reading of the Acts of the Apostles. Both the daytime and evening sessions will be in the Community Room. The daytime session is from 10 am to 11 am. The evening session is from 7 to 8:30 pm for prayer, fellowship, and to read the Scripture. Mark your calendar for remaining winter dates: Dec 5. For more information, contact Dianne Dorn or Keith Smith. Invitation to the Ministry of Music: Music is one of the first things newcomers notice when they attend worship. Are you interested in shaping the musical landscape at Eden? Are you willing to serve God through active participation and spiritually fulfilling experience? Come and join the Eden Choir! Dr. Jessie Lo will be leading and teaching music during rehearsals that are held on certain Sundays beginning at 11:30 am. See Coming Attractions in this issue of the worship announcements for our upcoming rehearsal and performance schedule. Come join a fun-loving group, learn some music, and be a vital part of the Ministry. Wiebe-Freed Family Support: Eden members and friends have resumed our practice of providing Friday night supper for the Wiebe-Freed family. Volunteers are needed to coordinate, cook, and deliver meals. Please contact Keith Smith to learn more and get involved.

6 Joys Eden Church gratefully received a $1,850 donation from Congregation Shir Ami, the Reform synagogue in Castro Valley. This money was raised as part of Shir Ami s High Holy Day Food Drive, the Congregation s annual tradition to address hunger in our community. The FESCO Luncheon sponsored by the Eden Church Fellowship Committee was another big success! This friend-raising and fundraising event drew over 100 participants and raised over $2,865. The Pioneer Chapel landscaping is now complete. Dayana Puga, one of the 2016 ChYLIs and a senior at Brenkwitz High Schoool, got all A s and one A+ at the last marking period! Congratulations, Dayana! Prayer Concerns Two families in our congregation and one family in the Cherryland neighborhood have asked Eden Church for help finding affordable housing. If you have a lead on a room to rent, or on an efficiency apartment, or a one, two or three bedroom house or apartment to rent, please contact Pastor Arlene. For members and friends who are seeking gainful and meaningful employment. For members and friends who are living with mental health challenges. For Pat Payne s family, who are grieving the death of her brother-in-law, Lonnie Tomlin, who died last month. For the family and friends of Ron Wagle, who died on Saturday evening, Nov 19. Ron was the son of the late Elma and Jack Wagle, and the brother of Bob Wagle. A celebration of Ron s life will be held at the Shrine Event Center in Livermore on Dec 11, and graveside service and burial will be held in Pleasanton on Monday, Dec 12. Pastor Arlene will officiate. And for Mary Bernstein, Juanita Chavez, Ann Dodd, Regina Fischer, Clyde Howell, Arden Keune, Wesley Moniz, Jan Richards, Ruth Schaap, Marilyn Sundberg, June Staley, the Wiebe-Freed family, and Terry Wilkerson. Dec 04 Dec 04 Dec 05 Dec 11 Dec 11 Dec 14 Dec 18 Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 28 Jan 01 Jan 08 Coming Attractions Mark Your Calendars! New or amended items are in italics. Advent II, including the Sacrament of Holy Communion & Special Music by the Mt. Eden High School Chamber Singers, Pageant Practice & Choir Rehearsal Confirmation Class Bible Study Advent III Children s Pageant & Tres Reyes Gift Collection, followed by Happy Birthday, Jesus Soup Potluck and Party Choir Rehearsal Comida para Cherryland Advent IV Choir Performs in Worship Candlelight Christmas Eve Service, Sanctuary, 7 pm Christmas Day Service, Pioneer Chapel, 10 am Comida para Cherryland New Year s Day Service, Pioneer Chapel, 10 am Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta

7 Eden United Church of Christ Holiday Gift Collection/ Colecta Navideña de Regalos Help us bring big smiles to the children of Eden Church with art supplies! The Compañeras/os Ministry Program will give art supplies to the children so they can create beautiful masterpieces! The gifts will be given to the approximately 100 children (0-12 years old) who visit for Three Kings/Tres Reyes on Jan 8. Please bring your new unwrapped art supplies by Dec 11. Art Supply Wish List Gift Set (in the $10 price range): Water color pad or Charcoal drawing pad Crayola Watercolor set (16ct) Charcoal Pencil set (small) FIMO moldable clay (any color) Don t like to shop? Please consider giving a donation to Eden Church to let the volunteers purchase the remaining art supplies for the Tres Reyes Magos celebration. Please go to gofundme.com and search for Tres Reyes Gifts for Cherryland. For further information, contact Corina Vasaure at

8 This Week At-A-Glance Sunday, November 27 9:00 9:45 am Music Rehearsal Sanctuary 10:00 11:15 am Sunday Worship & Holy Communion Sanctuary 10:15 11:00 am Pageant Rehearsal Fireside 11:30 12:30 pm Sunday Counters Library 11:30 12:30 pm Fellowship Hour Oliver Hall 11:30 12:30 pm Choir Rehearsal Music Room Monday, November 28 4:00 7:00 pm Cherryland Computer Café Norberg Room Tuesday, November 29 10:00 12:00 pm Eden Stitchers Jensen Room 4:00 7:00 pm Cherryland Computer Café Norberg Room Wednesday, November 30 10:00 11:00 am Seekers Community Room 11:30 12:45 pm Yoga at Eden Fireside Room Friday, December 2 11:45 2:00 pm Single Women s Group Off Campus Sunday, December 4 9:00 9:45 am Music Rehearsal Sanctuary 10:00 11:15 am Sunday Worship & Holy Communion Sanctuary 10:15 11:00 am Pageant Rehearsal Fireside 11:30 12:30 pm Sunday Counters Library 11:30 12:30 pm Fellowship Hour Oliver Hall 11:30 12:30 pm Choir Rehearsal Music Room 5:00 9:00 pm Confirmation Class Oliver Hall