CLAREMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Fourth Sunday of Advent

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2 CLAREMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, :30 a.m. As we quietly prepare for worship: Assistive listening devices and large print bulletins are available from an usher. *Indicates invitation to stand as you are able. Children are always welcome in worship; should you need it, childcare is offered during worship. UMH is The United Methodist Hymnal. TFWS is The Faith We Sing songbook. The Order of Worship WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE (music that leads us into worship as God s people) Trio on The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Karl Osterland *PROCESSIONAL HYMN In the Bleak Midwinter Please rise at the organ s introduction; everyone sings. UMH No. 221 pg. 9 *ADVENT PRAYER Leader: Today, O God, is the time just before the best birthday ever. People: In this moment, when the presents are still wrapped under the tree, and deliveries are still being made, we ask that you, O God, help us to open our hearts so we may receive your gracious love. Leader: Today we celebrate Elizabeth and Mary, who greet and hug each other, and who marvel at all the goodness God will soon bring. People: We, too, greet each other with hopes and affirmations, promises of love that last beyond the season, and stories of wonder and delight. *THE PEACE Leader: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you! Greet one another in the name of Christ. Join back together when Silent Night begins (see pg. 3). 2

3 *HYMN Silent Night, Holy Night verse 4 UMH No. 239 Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light; with the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born! SCRIPTURE READING Luke 1:26-38 Katherine Minano New Testament pg. 56 (blue) 69 (red) LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE George, Pamela, Gabrielle, and Gianna Williamson Leader: Through an angel, God speaks to Mary: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; his reign will never end. (Luke 1:31, 33b REB) Through Mary, God speaks to us: My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, whose name is holy, who has defeated the proud and all their schemes, brought down monarchs from their thrones, raised on high the lowly, filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. (extracts from Luke 1:47-53, REB) We light the fourth candle, as a sign of God s love, shining in the world through people past and present. People: Amen. ANTHEM Love Came Down at Christmas John Rutter The Sanctuary Choir SCRIPTURE READING Luke 1:46-55 Leader: The word of God for the people of God. People: Thanks be to God. New Testament pg. 57 (blue) 69 (red) MOMENTS WITH CHILDREN *HYMN We Rejoice in God s Revealing words: Ruth Duck tune: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, UMH No. 229, arr. Michael Young We rejoice in God s revealing in Christ Jesus come today. Here to guide us in our struggles, come to earth and come to stay. Hope of Ages, fill our longing; promised Savior, guide our living. Joy of nations, come today. Joy of nations, come to stay. continued > 3

4 Share with Mary in rejoicing for God s favor of the poor. Lift your hearts in joining Jesus, who unlocks the prison door. Feed the hungry; lift the lowly; heal the weeping; love the stranger. Joy of nations, come today. Joy of nations, come to stay. Christ of justice, send your spirit; come, anoint us for your call. Thus we share your healing journey and your love for each and all. Where you lead us, we will follow; give us courage for our living. Joy of nations, come today. Joy of nations, come to stay. SERMON Pastor Mark Wiley Unscheduled Deliveries PRAYER OF CONFESSION We confess, O God, that we have not taken Mary seriously as a model for our faith. We have regarded her as the Mother of Jesus, a historical person, instead of a faith witness. And yet we crave in our hearts exactly what you gave Mary: a real encounter from you, a worthy and impossible mission, a passion for justice, and compassion for all. We pray that this season, and the entire year, that you will transform us to be like Mary. So that when the time comes for our spiritual encounter, we may say like Mary, Make it so. Amen. WORDS OF ASSURANCE Leader: The angel said to Mary, Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid. In God s boundless love, we are forgiven and blessed. Amen. PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD AND PEOPLE OF GOD (prayer lists found on pg. 8) THE LORD S PRAYER (Former Methodist Church from UMH No. 895) Our Father (or Mother, God, Creator, Abba), 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. OFFERING OUR GIFTS, TITHES, 2019 PLEDGES, AND PRESENCE/PRAYER CARDS Please sign the attendance card found in this worship guide. Write prayer requests on the reverse side, and place the card in the offering plate. Pledge cards available from ushers. 4

5 OFFERTORY Magnificat on the Ninth Tone Samuel Scheidt *OFFERTORY HYMN standing; everyone sings. *OFFERTORY PRAYER *HYMN Canticle of the Turning turn to pgs. 6-7 *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE (music that helps us make the transition to serve the world) Fantasy on Conditor alme siderum Charles Callahan At your great name, O Jesus, now all knees must bend, all hearts must bow: all things on earth with one accord, like those in heaven, shall call you Lord. (You are encouraged to be seated as the cross recesses, and listen for how the Spirit touches us through music. We understand if you must quietly leave. Go in peace.) *The Advent Prayer and the Prayer of Confession were written by the Rev. Mark Wiley. The Advent Candle Lighting is adapted from Advent Christmas and Epiphany: Liturgies and Prayers for Public Worship, by Brian Wren, p. 52, 2008 Brian Wren. The Hymn, Canticle of the Turning is by Rory Cooney, 1990 by GIA Publications, Inc., 7404 S. Mason Ave., Chicago, IL 60638, The Prayer of Confession is by the Rev. Mark Wiley. Music license available in the church office. ADVENT begins the Church s worship year. There are scripture readings for Advent published in the 6th century, which suggests that the practice started earlier. Some suggest Advent started in Spain in the late 4th century. The earliest idea seems to have been that since one needed the 40 days of Lent to be ready for Easter, then one must also need preparation time before Christmas. As we celebrate Advent this year, we also celebrate the 200th anniversary of Silent Night. WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE! Claremont United Methodist Church is a welcoming and reconciling congregation, affirming its ministry with the whole family of God regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, economic situation, or marital status. Claremont United Methodist Church believes its diversity is a blessing through which persons are strengthened to love and serve. 5

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8 Sunday worship is usually recorded on CD each week. If you d like a copy, a donation per CD is accepted. Contact the CUMC office, churchoffice@claremontumc.info. Thank you! Large Print Bulletin available ONLINE at claremontumc.net/cumc/newsletters/. Wi-Fi ID: C.U.M.C.3 and password: cumcmain. Remember your attendance card. OUR PRAYERS PLEASE keep the church office updated on your loved ones. NEW TO THE PRAYER LIST: Carolyn Beauchamp (friend of the Unlands); Delphine Dennis (Lisa Poe s sister); Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg; Ed Richardson (surgery recovery); Debbie Schultz (surgery recovery); Anna, Natasha Scott & Family (death of Anna s son, Natasha s brother, Arthur); the Singleton Family (friends of Ethan & Christine Rincon); World Council of Churches Countries of the Week: Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan. THE FULL PRAYER LIST, including those who are unwillingly absent, can be found at claremontumc.net/cumc/newsletters/window/thewindow_ pdf, pgs. 2-3, or you may wish to pick up a copy of the latest issue of The Window from the Narthex. back to pg. 4 TODAY AT CUMC ACOLYTES: Gabby Campo-Poe, Brianna Incontro, Olivia Delgado, Caroline Delagdo USHERS: Sue Carlisle, David Little, Lisa Poe GREETERS: Dorothy Goodman & Lynnae Hernandez SOUND: Abraham Alobaidi, Aaron LaConte, Nancy Cordova, Joseph Makunga, Brett O Connor, Darryl Richardson, Howard Yeager, Justin Soltero COFFEE FELLOWSHIP takes place on the patio, following worship. We are so grateful for the ministry of our hosts, Butler Wang and Sammy Wu. Please come fellowship over a cup of Fair Trade coffee, tea, or lemonade. Children s Ministry on Sundays, TODAY, December 23rd Children, preschool through 6th grade, are invited to Sunday School following the Children s Time in worship. Sunday School classes will NOT meet NEXT Sunday, December 30. All children (kinder-6th grade) are invited to CUMC Kids Choir rehearsal with Katie Ledsinger at 10:50 a.m. in Room 10 TODAY. CUMC Kids Choir will NOT rehearse NEXT Sunday, December 30. The Gathering, a group for parents/caregivers/families meets at 10:50 a.m. on the Volleyball Lawn (behind the sanctuary) TODAY. Let s eat, chat discuss lament. We will make our time meaningful. Childcare provided for preschool children. The Gathering will NOT meet NEXT Sunday, December 30. 8

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10 We are grateful to those who adorned the church with Poinsettias. If you ordered a Poinsettia, you may pick it up after the 11:00 P.M. worship service on Christmas Eve, or Friday, December 28. Poinsettias Given by: In Memory of: Martha E. Bellinger Ray & Cora Bellinger; Mary Bellinger Dick & Pam Bunce John & Eleanor Buchanan; Roger & Helen Bunce Kimball, Cyndee, Courtnee, & Haylee Dorothy Irene Goodman (our darling Nan); Virginia Coburn Mae Coburn ( Granny ); Mildred Sisk ( Mommaw ) Dan & Sara Domonoske Mary Domonoske Doherty Barbara Durost Loved Ones Bernadette Flameno & Lyssette Trejo Aida Manacop, Poy Manacop, Lucy, Max, and Duke (our puppies) Ed Fonda Mary Fonda (my mom) Wanda Fonda Julia & Renolds Cairncross (my parents) William Fonda Cathy Askenburg (my mom) Dorothy Goodman Ruth Drake Thora Harris Ronald Harris Ed & Susan Hume Dick & Janet Cross Henry Jefferson Deceased Jefferson Family Members Audrey Lightbody Ralph & Keith Lightbody Lynda Lockhart Arthur Ray Lockhart Trevor, Whitney Losh & Family Wendy Losh Dean McVay Rev. Myron Dawson; Maida Dawson; Lorna Dawson; Kenneth Dunham; Winifred Dunham; Floyd McVay; Esther McVay; Mary Murphy; Vera Norton; Nala McVay Don Moser Patricia Moser Ethel & Bob Rogers Milt & Evelin Rogers; Mel & Marian Rutledge (our parents) Pete Serrano Jim Pirlo Linda & Ted Sheldon Don & Mary Sheldon; Fred & Larry Dyson Eliot Shimer Toni Shimer Jenny Teresi, Joanna & Steve Schaefer Arthur & Family Jenny Teresi Debbie, Joan, Chun Esther Trickett Kris Ann (my daughter) Dwight Vogel & Family Linda Jane Vogel The Williamson Family Deborah Howard Howie Yeager Bill Charlton; Dora Yeager 10

11 Poinsettias Given by: Eliza A. Alejandro Jean Bogus Dan & Sara Domonoske Dorothy Goodman Ed & Susan Hume Clara Soto Ivey Don Moser Bill & Q Pearce Ruby Richardson Ed Schneeberger Connie Shoemaker Jenny Teresi Dick & Maralyn Tipping The Williamson Family David & Sally Wishart In Honor of: Rom & Maria Alejandro; Faith Alejandro & Chris Nixon Family Edith Richardson & Paula Hui Georgia McManigal Tim & Lynnae Hernandez; Lorita Ott Lyndelle & Louise Hume Olivia R. Soto; Jessica Johnston; Alan & Mavis Streyffeler Family The Pearce Family; The Bass Family Wilma Ogle Rose Kathryn Shoemaker Our Wonderful Church Staff The Claremont UMC Staff Family Debby Maggio & Laura Wishart Given by: Ron & Lois Hines CHRISMON TREE DONATION Each year, Claremont United Methodist Church relies on the generous donation by a church member for our beautiful Chrismon Tree. For the past several years, Karen Hull has faithfully and generously donated our tree to us. We are so grateful for this gift, which adorns our sanctuary each Advent and Christmas. Thank you, Karen, for the donation of the Chrismon Tree this year! ~ The CUMC Worship Commission 11

12 Our appreciation to those who have given in the spirit of the Christmas season to the following funds: Kimball Boyd Coburn Ministry, Pastor s Discretionary Fund, Refugee Resettlement Fund, and The Lord s Pantry. Given by: Thom & Cheryl Armstrong Martha E. Bellinger Barbara Durost Thora Harris Wilma Ogle Ethel & Bob Rogers Guy & Grace Steenhuizen Susan & John Swarzkopf Jenny Teresi Esther Trickett Dwight Vogel & Family Sharon Weir Allan & Ding Wicker Christmas Designated Gifts In Memory of: Rev. & Mrs. J. Melvin Elving Ray & Cora, Mary Bellinger Margaret Durost Ronald Harris David, Tanda, Jeffrey; Linda Ray Mary Ethel Daley (Ethel s grandmother) Our Parents Daisy & Bob Wray (Susan s mother & dad) My brother, sister, and father Wilbur & Mildred Eyerly (my parents) Linda Jane Vogel Don Peckham Melitona Elnar Given by: Lee Boss Kimball & Pam Coburn Andy & Candy Hubbard Ed & Susan Hume Gerry Loritsch Susan & John Swarzkopf Jenny Teresi The Tipping Family In Honor of: My Family Our Family Joan & Fred Roth Eddie, Maria, Vinny, Janet, & Andy My Grandchildren Shirley (Wray) Sours, Frank Sours, & Alan Wray Loved Ones Your Good Works Given by: Bill & Betty Clements M. Robin Hinshaw Paula Hui David & Karen Lull Wilma McLeod Ed & Rose Schneeberger John & Laurel Wetzork 12

13 FRAGRANCES IN CHURCH (Men and Women): Please be mindful that someone near you may be asthmatic or have chemical sensitivities. We ask you to avoid wearing strong smelling cosmetics, as they may trigger a terrible reaction from others. Thank you! Calling all YOUTH (6th - 12th grade) TODAY, 11:35am Youth Chimes Rehearsals in in the Sanctuary. Chimes will not rehearse NEXT Sunday, December 30. Youth Round Table, (7th-12th Sunday School) is on Christmas break and will resume on Sunday, January 6, 10:45am in the Round Building. Tuesday Youth Group is on Christmas break! Enjoy Christmas and New Year s with your family. We ll resume Tuesday, January 8, 7-8:30pm Questions? Contact Sara Swift Tharpe: (336) or swiftharpe@yahoo.com. ADULT MINISTRIES & FAITH FORMATION All are welcome! The Boosters Class is NOT meeting this week or next Sunday, December 30. The class will resume Sunday, January 6 at 10:45-ish in the Round Building Rec. Room. All are welcome. The Growing Christians Class meets Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in Room 11. This week the class continues discussing Public Faith in Action: How to Think Carefully, Engage Wisely and Vote with Integrity, by Miroslav Volf and Ryan McAnnally-Linz. Alex Morales will lead discussion on chapter ten, Marriage and Family. Please come, even if you aren t caught up. If you need a book, speak to Alex Morales. All are welcome! Reading the Bible Together is on Christmas break, and will resume meeting on Wednesday, January 9 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. in Room 2. All are welcome! Speak to Rev. Martha or Pastor Mark if you have any questions. The Men s Enrichment Group will not meet on its usual 4th Wednesday of this month, December 26 we ll be resting up from Christmas. But we will meet next on Wednesday, January 9 at 8:00 a.m., at Mt. San Antonio Gardens in the main dining room. Come join the group! Life Goes On: a new small group Part of the human experience is facing death, dealing with loss, and working our way through grief that can, at times, threaten to overwhelm us. We need the comfort and support of our community. With this group, we hope to respond to the needs you or others may have for this kind of support, comfort, and objective information. The group will take December off, and then begin meeting monthly in January on the second Sunday of each month. If you would like to be part of Life Goes On or if you d like more information, please contact Rev. Martha Morales: (909) , or marthacumc@gmail.com. 13

14 Book Group will not meet in December. The next meeting is the fourth Monday of January, the 28th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Narthex. All are welcome! Contacts: Peggy Williams & Wilma McLeod WAYS TO GET INVOLVED The Mission Connection The Missions Commission would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to you for your participation in the recent askings: Alternative Christmas giving: $5,500; I ll have a breakdown per category for you next Sunday. Las Posadas clothing gifts: I sent off three boxes of clothing to be used by Dios es Amor for their Las Posadas visitation yesterday. Grace and Peace, Al Streyffeler, chairperson, Commission on Missions SEND THE HOPE OF CHRIST TO THE WORLD Send a letter for Amnesty International! Letters for December are on the front desk in the Narthex. Thank you! United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Responds to the fires in California, earthquake in Alaska Please pray for the areas affected and consider a gift to UMCOR Disaster Response. 100% of your gifts go directly to relief efforts in these areas. If you d like to make a gift, make your check payable to CUMC with UMCOR on the memo line. Thank you! Have you ever thought about ushering Ushers welcome you to worship, hand you a bulletin, coordinate the offering, and tidy up after worship. We have openings to usher all of September, January, and May AND all of November, March, and July. Please contact Jessica Johnston, CUMC s Office Administrator, (909) or churchoffice@claremontumc.info if you are interested. Thank you to all of our ushers! Sign Up for Altar Flowers (or Plants) in 2019! Please consider sharing flowers or a plant for the altar on a Sunday morning: flowers from your garden, arrangement or bouquet from a florist or market, or a plant. You can then take your flowers or plant home when worship is over. A 2019 sign-up for Flowers/Plants is in the Narthex! Honor or remember a loved one, or celebrate special times: birthdays, anniversaries. THANK YOU to all for sharing flowers & plants! 14

15 CHRISTMAS AT CLAREMONT UMC ALL are Invited to CHRISTMAS EVE Worship Monday, December 24 4:00 p.m. Worship for ALL, designed with Children and Families in mind. 7:00 p.m. Service of Lessons, Carols, and Candle-lighting. 11:00 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion and Candle-lighting Children are always welcome in worship, but childcare is also available at these services. UPCOMING EVENTS THE UPPER ROOM DISCIPLINES 2019 Contact Jessica in the church office, (909) or to order your copy. (This is not the same as the Upper Room Daily Devotional available in the Narthex every two months.) Jessica will place the order on Monday, December 24. The books will cost $13 for regular print and $15 for large print. In Observance of Christmas and New Year s The Claremont UMC Office will be closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, December The office will reopen at 8:00 a.m. Friday, December 28. We are open on Christmas Eve Day. The office will also be closed on Tuesday, January 1, and will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 2. A Memorial Service for Ginny Johnson will be here in the Sanctuary on Saturday, December 29 at 11:00 a.m. 15

16 THIS WEEK AT CUMC Sunday, December 23, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:15a-12:00p Infant and Toddler Care Room 3 9:30a Worship Sanctuary 9:50a Children s Sunday School Class Locations: Preschool-Kindergarten Yellow Room Grades 1-3 Round Building, Room 25 Grades 4-6 Round Building, Room 23 10:30a Coffee Fellowship Patio and Narthex 10:45a The Boosters Class Round Building Rec. Room 10:50a CUMC Kids Choir Rehearsal Room 10 10:50a The Gathering Volleyball Lawn 11:00a The Growing Christians Class Room 11 11:35a CUMC Youth Chimes Rehearsal Sanctuary 1:00p Circuit Ringers Rehearsal Sanctuary Monday, December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve 4:00p Christmas Eve Worship: focus on families & children Sanctuary 6:15p Al Anon Room 11 7:00p Christmas Eve Worship Sanctuary 11:00p Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion Sanctuary Tuesday, December 25, 2018 Christmas Day CUMC Office Closed Wednesday, December 26, 2018 CUMC Office Closed ~ Merry Christmas! 6:30p Women s Alcoholics Anonymous Room 11 8:00p Gay Men s Alcoholics Anonymous Room 11 Thursday, December 27, 2018 CUMC Office Closed ~ Merry Christmas! Saturday, December 29, :30a 7th Day Adventist Worship & Study Rooms 11 & 16 11:00a Ginny Johnson Memorial Service Sanctuary Sunday, December 30, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:15a-12:00p Infant and Toddler Care Room 3 9:30a Worship Sanctuary 10:30a Coffee Fellowship Patio and Narthex Deadline: The Window articles, January 9 issue ~ churchoffice@claremontumc.info Office: Fax: Toll Free: W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA Scripture quotation is from the Common English Bible, copyright Used by permission. All rights reserved. Photo: Shutterstock Design: Rick Schroeppel ( Abingdon Press Litho in U.S.A