A Christmas Lesson. Ricky Creech. Sunday, January 2, 2011

Transcription

1 December 26, 2010 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY A Christmas Lesson It was the weekend before Christmas twelve years ago at the Creech home. Little Mallory, 7 years old, was spending the night with my daughter, Stephanie. At dinner we were talking about gifts, giving and Santa. It was a very pointed and direct question posed to little Mallory to which I got an unexpected answer. Mallory, what are your wishes for this Christmas? What gifts do you have on your wish list? I don t want anything. What do you mean? I don t want anything. I have a house, clothes, a mom and a dad who love me. I have all I need. After the shock of her response, my wife and I redirected our conversation and started talking about the things at Christmas that really matter. Everyone joined as we talked about faith, family and the future. As we start this New Year, we do so with our wish list, personal and professional goals, and new resolutions we pray will last longer than the previous year s. We need to dream, have goals and set resolutions, but in doing so let s not forget what truly matters. For me, it s faith, family and friends. All other things are just icing on the cake. Before that lesson was learned, the priorities use to be faith, career, church, and family. I thought it was cool, honorable and expected that as a vocational minister, the work of the church came before the family. It took me many years to realize what Mallory discovered at age seven: the importance and priority of family. What about you? What matters to you? As we journey into this New Year, may our wishes be granted, may our personal and professional goals be met and may our resolutions find success; but regardless of the outcome, may we not lose sight of what really matters the things that we really need in life. Thanks, little Mallory, for this lesson, and I pray that you never forget the priorities you had at the age of seven. Ricky Creech Sunday, January 2, :30 a.m. Traditional Worship, 9:35 a.m. Sunday School, 9:35 Alive Contemporary Worship, 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship

2 December 26, :30 AM ORDER OF WORSHIP First Sunday after Christmas Day (In preparation for worship, please silence all cell phones.) Gathering Music Of the Father s Love Begotten W. Held Community Life/Ritual of Fellowship (Please complete and pass the red friendship pad at this time.) Rev. Rick Marson *Christmas Carol Medley Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plains, and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains. Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth, to touch their harps of gold: "Peace on the earth, good will to men [all], from heaven's all-gracious King." The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing. There's a song in the air! There's a star in the sky! There's a mother's deep prayer and a baby's low cry! And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King! *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed Mr. Tim Lloyd I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. A Morning Prayer and The Lord s Prayer Our Father, 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Our Tithes & Offerings Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming arr. James Mansfield *Doxology UMH 236 All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good will hence-forth from heaven to earth begin and never cease, begin and never cease! *Hymn of Preparation O Sing a Song of Bethlehem UMH 179 (Children are invited to come forward during the last stanza.)

3 Children s Time (Following the Children s Time children are invited to return to their seats.) Solo The First Noel English Carol, arr. Lloyd the Blessing Scripture Isaiah 63:7-9 OT, pg 848, pew Bible The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. A gift to The Blessing has been made: Sermon Waking Up to Christmas Presence Rev. Marson *Sending Hymn Emmanuel, Emmanuel UMH 204 (Those who wish to join the church are invited to come forward.) *Benediction Rev. Marson in honor of Amanda Brooks by Paul and Barbara Taylor in appreciation for Glenn Ethridge by Ed Kallal Family Postlude Joy to the World Lani Smith in honor of the ministers for their support in the illness and death of my father, Kenneth Lanman and their continued support in the illness of my mother, Betty Lanman by Jill Lanman Schneider and Greg Schneider and Eric Lanman Schneider *Congregation stand as able UMH: United Methodist Hymnal / FWS: The Faith We Sing Large print hymnals and bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from an usher. in Honor of Peggy and Bill Delmar by Mother Mrs. Crowell Stewart Today s Worship Servants Sound: William Higgins Organist: Dr. Susan Matteson Offering Counters: Jim Mynatt, Doug Smith, Ed Hong, Wallace Moreman Ushers: Jeanine Andrews, Tony Callaway, Candy Casarella, Greg Casarella, Bill Cole, James Gilland, Scotty Gordon, Jack Graves, Sam Howard, Scot Macrae, Alec Morris, Max Neese, Gene Robert, Kirby Smith, Paul Taylor, Hodgson Thomas Altar Guild: Courtnay Bazemore, Ofelia Gordon, Nancy Harte, Sally Houghton, Lee McFall, Brenda Toebben Children s Church: NO CHILDREN S CHURCH in Memory of Bob Young, father of Gary & Vicki Young grandfather of Regan Young by John and Kay Adams

4 OAK GROVE NEWS Church Office Holiday Schedule The church office will close at noon on Friday, December 31, and remain closed on Monday, January 3. It will open again on Tuesday, January 4, following a normal business schedule. Pastries in the Parlor 30 Hour Famine February 25 & 26, Support a youth by donating $1/hour for fasting to fight hunger. Any donation amount is appreciated. For a youth's name to sponsor, please contact Robyn Giles at ext Epiphany Celebration For Children! Enjoy coffee, pastries and fellowship this Sunday, December 26, in the parlor at 10:00 a.m. Lunch Bunch Lunch and a Matinee Tuesday, January 4, 2011, 11:30 a.m. Sunday, January 2, 2011, we will celebrate Epiphany during the Sunday school hour. Children should go directly to their grade level classroom at 9:35 a.m. They will make their very own crown, and then parade with the Wise Men to the church parlor for the celebration. We ll learn about the gifts they brought to baby Jesus and sing We Three Kings. Plan to join us as we mark the end of the Christmas Season and ring in the new year! Hot Soup, Cornbread and Surprises Let s have a great time together in Fellowship Hall

5 In the Hospital... A. G. Rhodes Lucile Schmitz Golden Living B. J. Clarke Glenn Whittemore, Dorothy Worth Northside Van Cannon At Home... Doris Atchison, Tom Bruce, Nancy Frazier, Jack Ginn, Louise Guy, Jim Lockhart, Paul Minter, Gerri Najjar, Delaine Perkins, Morris Perkins, Pauline Pullen, Rick Rickborn, Doug Smith, Randy Thrower, Lynda Wallace, Alec Wolf Continued Prayers... Hilda Jackie Acree, William Barfield, Joe Brooks, Jr., Mack Coleman, Frances Howard, Mary Walker Hughes, Betty Lanman, Ornette Lord, Bill Neel, Bob Nelson, Alberta Park, Henry Peterson, Jackie Smiley, Joy Trotti, Jean Turner Serving in Our Armed Forces... SM/Sgt. Phillip Aldridge, Lt. Col. Phillip Benefield, 1st Lt. George Parks Bunch, Petty Officer Steven Jones, Specialist Bryan Lee, Jr., PFC Anita Carol Lucas, Major Chuck Parks, Sgt. Josh Portwood, Col. Janet Seufert, Col. Steve Thomas, Lance Cpl. Cory Thompson, Captain Steven Toebben Sympathy... Oak Grove extends its deepest sympathy to Jean Smith on the death of her daughter. Happy Birthday... Congratulations and best wishes to Elizabeth London who celebrates her 90th birthday, December 31. New Babies... Congratulations to... Will and Michelle Hardy on the birth of their daughter, Emily Ann, born December 11, Laura and Chuck Parks on the birth of their daughter, Aubrey Faith born December 9, 2010 and to Ginny and Phil Parks on the birth of their granddaughter. Upper Room Devotional Guides Copies of the January-February issue of The Upper Room, a daily devotional resource, are now available. These may be found on the narthex tables and at the hallway junctions on the ground floor of the Education Building. A contribution to the cost of the booklet is helpful but not required. You are encouraged to make use of this inspirational resource for your spiritual growth. MidWeek Oak Midweek dinner and programs resume on January 12, Midweek Book Club When Midweek Book Club meets on January 12, we will begin a discussion of Claude & Camille: A Novel of Monet by Stephanie Cowell. Please read through Part Three (pg. 168) for Jan. 12; we will finish the book for January 19. Welcome New Members! Stephan Goebel & Cathrin Buetefisch Children: Anna, Katherina and Johanna 1803 Crestline Court Atlanta, Georgia Louisa Peacock 1486 Leafview Road Decatur, Georgia Register NOW for Camp Glisson Online registration has begun for Camp Glissson. This United Methodist camp located in beautiful Dahlonega, GA serves elementary, middle and senior high students. Creek hikes, kayaking, campfires, games, worship, swimming, climbing, making new friends, and a whole lot of fun combine to provide personal and spiritual growth during the summertime. Many Oak Grove children and youth have experienced God s loving presence at Camp Glisson over the years. For more information and to register, visit their website: Different camp options and summer dates are online at Camp Glisson Summer Camp Registration for UMC Members Started December 1. Registration Open to All on January 1, THIS WEEK S ACTIVITIES Grove Office Hours 9 a.m. 5 p.m. M F Sunday, December 26, :00am Pastries in the Parlor 10:30am Family Worship Service 5:00pm Yoga Exercise Class 7:30pm Men s Volleyball Monday, December 27, 2010 Tuesday, December 28, :00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Food Prep 7:30pm Venture Crew 77 8:00am Youth Retreat Wednesday, December 29, :30am Mobile Soup Kitchen Delivery Parlor Heritage Hall Gym Heritage Hall Gym Kitchen Scout Hall Away Away 6:15pm Disciple 1 Class Rm 216 Thursday, December 30, :00pm Singers Practice Choir Room 201 Friday, December 31, :00pm Church Office Closed New Year s Day Saturday, January 1, 2011 Sunday, January 2, :30am Traditional Worship 9:35am Sunday School 9:35am 9:35 Alive Contemporary Worship 11:00am Traditional Worship Various F/H ************************************* Get in Shape with Aerobic Exercise The winter 10-week session of our Aerobic Exercise Class will begin on Tuesday, January 4. Class features include choreographed dance exercise and floor exercises. All are adaptable for any age or desired level of exertion. The class meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the gym. Cost for the ten weeks meeting twice a week is $80; for an unlimited number of classes per week (including other locations), $85; for senior adults (age 60 and above), $75 for either choice. Registration will be held at the first class on January 4. For more information contact Louis Miller at the church (ext. 210). ************************************* Record of Our Faithfulness Our Presence December 19, 2010 Church School 413 8:30 Service 138 9:35 Service :00 Service 748 Worship 1121 Our Offerings Operating Budget Month-to-Date Year-to-Date Actual Income Actual Expenses $193, $128, $2,182, $2,201, Expenses Exceed Income $(18,874.02) Restricted Gifts $26, $308,877.51