Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship Second Sunday in Advent Sunday, December 4, :00 a.m.

Transcription

1 Eden United Church of Christ Order for Worship Second Sunday in Advent Sunday, December 4, :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 Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy arr. Derric Johnson Mt. Eden Chamber Singers 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 member or pink visitor card today) INTROIT All Earth Is Waiting (v.2) NCH 121 Thus says the proph-et to those of Is-ra-el, A vir-gin moth-er will bear Em-man-u-el : Whose name is God with us, our Sav-ior shall be, Through whim hope will blos-som once more with-in our hearts * CALL TO WORSHIP All who are able may stand) Dianne Dorn 1 Isaiah 40:3-5 L: A voice cries out: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. R: Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; L: the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. R: Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. 1

2 * HYMN Dear God, Embracing Humankind NCH 502 * LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF PEACE Confirmand * INVOCATION (in unison) Dianne O God of High Mountains and Deep Valleys, as we sing the songs of Advent and recite the prophets proclamations, we recall the highs and lows of our interior lives and the inequities we encounter in our global village. Help us, we pray, to find the spiritual balance we need to allow the Prince of Peace to reign in our lives, and the inspiration needed to foster equity and justice for all. Amen. * PASSING OF THE PEACE Dianne L: The peace of God be with you all. R: And also with you. L: Let us greet our neighbors with a sign of peace. MUSICAL INTERLUDE L: Our service continues with the Anthem. SPECIAL MUSIC Carol of the Bells Lewandowski/ Mt. Eden Chamber Singers arr. Pentatonix CHILDREN S BLESSING The Baptist Shouts on Jordan s Shores(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 Children s Pageant practice and will rejoin their families in Oliver Hall after worship. Nursery care is available at any time during worship. Please see an usher for an escort to the nursery.) SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 3:1-12 Dianne (Today s scripture lesson in English can be found on page 784 in the pew Bibles.) SERMON Make a You-Turn The Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring * HYMN The Baptist Shouts on Jordan s Shore (v.1-4) NCH 115

3 OFFERING & DEDICATION OF OUR GIFTS Invitation (Thank you for placing your blue worship card in the offering plate) Dianne Offertory There is No Rose of Such Virtue Robert Young Mt. Eden Chamber Singers * 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 Dianne ORDER FOR HOLY COMMUNION Lighting the Christ Candle Invitation Blessing Prayer Pepper Arlene Hymn of Approach Come, Gather in This Special Place (v.1) NCH 335 Words of Remembrance * Distribution of the Elements * The Rite of Holy Unction Come, gath - er in this spe - cial place; the ta - ble here is long and wide; For all who heed com - mu - nion s call, there s room for thou - sands side by side. Pepper & Arlene Communion Music Voluntary on Une jeune pucelle Robert Lind If with All Your Hearts Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise Antoine Batiste Prayer of Thanksgiving Pepper The Lord s Prayer (in unison) Our Father/Creator, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. * HYMN My Heart Sings Out with Joyful Praise NCH 106

4 * BENEDICTION Arlene * RESPONSE My Soul Gives Glory to My God (v.2) NCH 119 My God had done great things for me: Yes, ho- ly is God s name. All peo-ple will de-clare me blessed, And ble-ssings they shall claim. * CHIMES & THE LIGHT DEPARTS WITH THE PEOPLE (The congregation is seated for the Postlude) POSTLUDE Joy to the World G.F. Handel/ Mt. Eden Chamber Singers arr. Pentatonix Worship Leaders The Rev. Dr. Arlene K. Nehring, Senior Minister The Rev. Pepper Swanson, Associate Minister Dianne Dorn, Liturgist Dr. Jessie Wenchieh Lo, Organist/ Music Director Mt. Eden Chamber Singers, Guest Choir Ken Rowden, Guest Conductor Marian Hutchinson & Carol Roach, Deacons Confirmands, Communion Servers Dianne Dorn & Confirmand, Greeters Michael Stuber, Keith Smith, Jared Smith-Bove & Confirmand, Ushers Angelina Collier & Kemy Gekara, Childcare Workers Pepper Swanson, Athena Malloy, & Suzie Hasselkuss, Pageant Assistance Pat Payne, Fellowship Captain Pat Payne & Linda Joost, Fellowship Hosts Linda Joost, Fellowship Helper Bob Turner, 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 Vai Day, in memory of John Hasselkuss.

5 TODAY Eden Church is pleased to welcome the Mt. Eden Choir Chamber Singers, one of our nation s elite high school vocal groups, during morning worship. The congregation and the public are invited to attend the Mt. Eden High School Music Department s Winter Concert, this Thursday evening, December 8, beginning at 8 pm. The concert will be held in the Sanctuary at Eden Church. A reception will follow in Oliver Hall. The last Christmas Pageant Rehearsal will be during Church School TODAY. 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. The pageant performance is Sunday, Dec 11 and will be followed by Eden s traditional Happy Birthday, Jesus Party and Soup Potluck. Taste & See: Newcomers to Eden Church are invited TODAY, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, to join our pastor and welcoming team for a reception in the Norberg Room. Grab coffee & a snack from Fellowship in Oliver Hall, meet up in the Norberg Room (east wing). Tell us a little about yourself and your spiritual journey. Ask questions. Learn more about enriching experiences offered at Eden such upcoming holiday activities, Church School, music programs, yoga classes, Bible study, and volunteer opportunities at the food pantry. Children are welcome! Christmas Cards: Please take a moment during Fellowship today to sign the Christmas cards for our homebound and nonresident members that are unable to worship with us. The cards are a very special ministry of the church and are much appreciated by those who receive them. Cards will be located in Oliver Hall and will be available today, Dec 11 and Dec 18. Upcoming Events 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! Join the Christmas Choir & Carol Singing, Dec 18: the Eden Church Choir will sing two anthems and lead the congregation in carol singing during morning worship, Sunday, Dec 18. Poinsettias and handmade Christmas cards will be delivered to homebound members following morning worship. Christmas Choir practice will be held from 11:30 to 12:30 on Dec 4, 11, and 18. Please contact Anne Duey to help with visiting, and Jessie Wenchieh Lo for more information about our music program. 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, contact Stephanie Spencer. Cookies and cookie bakers are also needed 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. Christmas Day Worship, Dec 25: This year Christmas Day falls on Sunday! In keeping with our tradition, we will have worship on Sunday, Dec 25 at 10 am in Pioneer Chapel, our 19th century church home. Pioneer Chapel is perfect for small weddings, memorial services, recitals and... our own traditional Christmas Day worship. Come enjoy a special morning service of Scripture, art, poetry, and music.

6 Tres Reyes Worship & Fiesta: Three Kings Day/ Tres Reyes Magos will happen Sunday, Jan 8 at Eden Church. 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 Bible Study: Bible Study meets tomorrow, Dec. 5. 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. For more information, contact Dianne Dorn or Keith Smith. Chimes Deadline: Due to the holidays the deadline for submitting articles for our January Chimes newsletter will be Dec 12. 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. Joys 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. Eden Church is pleased to welcome the Mt. Eden Choir Chamber Singers to worship this morning. The Pioneer Chapel landscaping is now complete. 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, apartment, or house to rent, please contact Pastor Arlene. For members and friends who are seeking gainful and meaningful employment. For Launey Rivers and Rob Parrish, who are grieving the death of Launey s uncle, Lonnie Edwards, who died this past week. Launey has flown home for the funeral and burial. For members and friends who are living with mental health challenges. 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.

7 This Week At-A-Glance 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 Taste & See Norberg Room 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 7:00 pm Confirmation Class Oliver Hall Monday, December 5 10:00 11:00 pm Bible Study Community Room 4:00 7:00 pm Cherryland Computer Café Norberg Room 7:00 8:30 pm Bible Study Community Room Tuesday, December 6 10:00 12:00 pm Eden Stitchers Jensen Room 4:00 7:00 pm Cherryland Computer Café Norberg Room Wednesday, December 7 10:00 11:00 am Seekers Community Room 11:30 12:45 pm Yoga at Eden Fireside Room Sunday, December 11 9:00 9:45 am Music Rehearsal Sanctuary 10:00 11:15 am Sunday Worship & Pageant Sanctuary 11:30 12:30 pm Sunday Counters Library 11:30 1:30 pm Happy Birthday, Jesus Party! Oliver Hall 11:30 12:30 pm Choir Rehearsal Music Room 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. 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

8 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