WELCOME! Pastors and Staff

Transcription

1 Pastors and Staff WELCOME! FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 2, :00 AM, Lead Pastor Curt Weaver, Pastor of Youth Britt Carlson, Pastor of Community Life Rachel Joy, Administrator Church Office 1312 SE 35th Ave. Portland, OR Today we begin Advent, a season in which we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Over the next four Sundays, we will light the candles of the Advent wreath, sing songs of hope and expectation, and hear the story of God coming to us. We are glad you have joined us as we make ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus, 'born a child and yet a king.' At Portland Mennonite Church we are striving to take seriously the challenge of the prophet Jeremiah to seek the peace of the city (Jeremiah 29:7). Childcare is available for children 6 months to 2 years old during Sunday school and worship, unless otherwise posted. Check in at the nursery downstairs. It is located at the end of the hallway past the bathrooms. We also have a cry room at the back of the sanctuary. Hearing Assistive Devices are available. You can pick one up at the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary or ask an usher for assistance. Cover Picture MYF were kept busy last Sunday handing out wreaths! Large Print bulletins, flyers, and hymnals are available upon request. Please contact the church office to make arrangements. Whether you are full of faith or full of questions, whether you are ready to jump into the life of the congregation or wondering if church is right for you or not, whether you are young or old, cool or stodgy, whether you are single, married, divorced or widowed, straight or gay or questioning, whether you have a high-powered job, are looking for work, or are trying to figure out what to do with your life, whether you are a quiet soul or part of a loud family wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, you are very welcome at Portland Mennonite Church.

2 A WEARY WORLD REJOICES WORSHIP II FACILITATORS Prelude/Offertory: May Wang Emmy & Mika Hagler Pianists: Crystal Miller Sarah Coffman Candle Lighter: Jacob Stuckey Song Leader: Mary Wenger Worship Leader: Sarah Holcomb Children's Time: Garrett Bishop Prelude O come, O come, Immanuel (verses 1-3, 6) WB 172 Lighting the Advent Candle Prayer Lo, how a Rose e er blooming WB 211 Call to Worship Hark! The glad sound! WB 184 Gathering Our Gifts Children s Time (After Children s Time, children ages 3 through 1st grade are invited downstairs for Children s Worship.) NOTES: PLEASE PRAY FOR: Caroline Scott, who was in the hospital a few days last week due to kidney trouble; Viola Nussbaum, who is at home recovering from an illness; Migrants and refugees, that they will find hospitable and safe places to call home. Children's Worship: Michelle King Sermon: Jeremiah 33:14-16* As the pauper waits for plenty purple SS 9 Luke 21:25-36* Sermon: Where d the time go? Silence for Reflection Let all mortal flesh keep silence WB 463 PEACE CANDLE Sharing Communion Prayer of Preparation (ending with the Lord s Prayer, WB 731) The Bread and Cup (Everyone is welcome at the Lord s Table. As you are ready, come to the front or to the Old Chapel. Take the bread and eat it, then take one of the cups and drink. Children are welcome to come forward with their families and receive a prayer of blessing. Gluten-free bread is available.) Prayer of Thanksgiving Joy to the world (verses 1,3,4) WB 318 Benediction * Scripture readings for today are printed on the back page of announcements insert. If you would like to pray or talk with someone today after the service, a pastor or elder will be available at the front of the sanctuary. Each Sunday we light a candle as a sign of our faith in Christ, whose light shines in the darkness (John 1.5). Amidst the shadows that fall around us and in us, the gospel invites us to pray for peace. It also prompts us to act for peace, in both personal and global ways.

3 Jeremiah 33:14-16 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and Luke 21:25-36 There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Then he told them a parable: Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: The Lord is our righteousness. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man Single Women s Monthly Gathering Today / 12pm A group of single women has been meeting on the first Sunday of each month after church for lunch and other activities. If you would like to join us, bring a lunch or grab some take out nearby and meet us up in the MYF room at noon. After lunch, we will carpool to visit the Art of Reconciliation Gallery in Lake Oswego, currently featuring works by four Native American artists who bring their prophetic visions of sacred water. For more information, contact Lois Gearhart (loisgearhart@gmail.com) Budget Conversation Today Bill Conwell and Rachel Joy, of our Finance Committee, will be available in the church office after worship today to talk about the proposed budget for next year with anyone who is interested in further conversation. PMC Youth Wreath Fundraiser Today If you pre-ordered a wreath, but haven t had a chance to pick it up yet, please come on downstairs after worship and find the MYF. You can pay ($27 per wreath) by cash, check, or card, and additional donations are always welcome. Thank you for helping the MYF raise money for next summer s trip to convention! Just Cause, A Fair Trade Store at PMC Dec 1, 2 Buying gifts from a fair trade store might feel like a just cause, or perhaps you buy something just cause you like it. Whatever the reason behind your purchase, you re invited to do some shopping during the Advent Workshop on December 1. You will find gifts and apparel from over 20 countries set up in the PMC Library. Some of the products will also be available on Sunday morning, December 2 Shop knowing that each item is linked to artisans who, through your purchase, are able to consistently feed, shelter, educate, and care for their family members. (Just Cause, a fair trade store is being set up by Paula Brunk Kuhns) Kitchen Lost and Found The kitchen is now fully functional after the kitchen remodel! In an effort to keep the space neat and organized for all groups, we are moving any items that have been left behind in the kitchen to a Lost and Found bin located under the church mailboxes. This bin will be purged every 2 months or so. Thank you for help in labeling your items and remembering to pick them up / take them home after various events. Announcements continue on inside Annual Meeting December 9 / 5:30 pm Please plan to come to our annual congregational meeting on Sunday, December 9 at 5:30pm. We are proposing some bylaw changes, have several nominees for new terms on the Leadership Table, and are seeking approval for our 2019 budget, Curt s sabbatical request, and recommendation to PNMC for Brie Kruger s ordination for her pastoral work as a chaplain. Proposed bylaw changes and the current draft budget are online at: congregational-meeting.html (or contact the office for a paper copy). Leadership Table nominees are: Linda Smith (continuing as Faith Formation Elder), Vivian Headings (continuing as Congregational Life Elder), and Brie Kruger (Chair-Elect). We will also hear an update on the Lower Level Remodel.

4 Announcements, continued Tis the Season...for Concerts! The Choral Arts Ensemble Dec 8 & 9 The Choral Arts Ensemble of Portland is offering a Christmas concert on December 8th (7:30 pm) and December 9th (3:00 pm) at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church (2408 SE 16th Ave., Portland). Tickets are $18 in advance; $25 at the door; students are $5. See Kris Voss-Rothmeier for more details. Vancouver Master Chorale Dec 8 & 9 Jim & Mary Wenger invite you to a Christmas concert of Vancouver Master Chorale, December 8 at 7:00 PM, or December 9 at 3:00 PM, at First Presbyterian Church in Vancouver. Tickets $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Portland Revels Dec 14-16, Christmas Revels 2018: Highland Voyage, a Scottish Celebration of the Winter Solstice will be at the Newmark Theater (1111 SW Broadway, Portland) from December 14 through 22 (Tickets are $19-$85). See Jani Van Pelt or visit the Revels website: portlandrevels.org/christmasrevels-2018/ for more information! Bach Cantata Choir Dec 21 Deb and Don Coates invite you to the Bach Cantata Choir s Baroque Holiday Concert, on Friday, Dec 21 at 7:30 pm at Rose City Park Presbyterian. More information and tickets ($30 regular, $25 senior/student) online at: Sing Your Own Messiah Dec 22 Zion Mennonite Church (6124 S. Whiskey Hill Rd, Hubbard, OR) is hosting their annual Sing Your Own Messiah on Saturday, December 22 at 7:00pm. Come join in singing or just listen to selections from Handel's well-known oratorio. Event is free and open to the public; donations gladly accepted for paying our instrumentalists and soloists. Refreshments following. Longest Night Service Dec 20 / 7 pm Right before Christmas, the longest night of the year occurs. While for many people this is a season of great 'comfort and joy,' others of us are carrying grief, or have endured a deep loss, or are struggling with depression. On the winter solstice, December 21, we will gather for a service of readings, contemplative music, silence and prayers. We will bring our pain and sadness, trusting that the darkness cannot overcome the light of Christ's love (John 1:5). The hour-long service will start at 7:00 pm in the PMC sanctuary. You are welcome to join us. Thank You from Night Strike Through Night Strike [a program of Because People Matter/Bridgetown Inc], you've made it possible for us to continue inviting others to bring warmth and compassion to those who call the streets of Old Town Portland home. In the form of a lovingly prepared meal, a blanket or coat, a smile and conversation, seeds of hope are sown for a better tomorrow. By providing clean feet, haircuts, clothing and resources, bodies and minds are restored, for that hope to grow. You have responded to appeals for coats and socks, peanut butter and hats; you've spent rainy nights under a bridge, reaching out with love to strangers, bringing hope, and for that we will be forever grateful! We look forward to continuing into 2019, together! Note: PMC volunteers as a group at Night Strike generally on the second Thursday of each month. Our next group outing will be on December 13. Contact Susan Voss- Rothmeier to sign up or for more information! Nurture children s faith at home this Advent and Christmas through family worship. Mennonite Church-USA is offering a free, downloadable guide with daily scriptures, songs, activities and questions to ponder together. The guide is at: AnabaptistFaithFormation.org. It Happened on the Way: Holiday Stories by Frans van der Horst Friday, Dec 7 / 7:00 pm Dear friends, story lovers, and bird watchers! Storyteller Frans van der Horst will be presenting his 10th annual holiday evening of stories next Friday (December 7). It s called: It Happened on the Way and will be at Portland Mennonite Church from 7:00 8:30 pm. Admission is free Donations to MCC appreciated. Refreshments included. Recommended for ages 12 and above. For information call: The adventures we survive going from one place to another may impact us more strongly than our destination. Frans personal stories take us by car, plane, train, and sailboat through great loss, amazement, and, of course, laughter. But his constant companion is the hope that nourishes the season. We hope to see you there! -Frans & Kathy Worship At PMC in the Weeks Ahead December 2, 9, 16 / 8:30 and 11:00am We continue to experiment with two services by shifting the times back a half-hour. Through the Advent season, the early service will begin at 8:30 am and the later service will start at 11:00 (Sunday School classes will meet from 9:45 to 10:45). The two services will be largely alike. December 23, 30 / 10:30 am (no Sunday School) On these two Sundays we will have a single service at 10:30 and no Sunday School classes. In December an on-line evaluation form will be available to gather input about this experiment with two services. A meeting for face-to-face conversation will be scheduled after the new year. Any questions, contact the PMC office. NEXT WEEK Sun, Dec 2 8:30am Worship I 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship II -MYF wreath pick-ups! 12:00pm Single Women s gathering Tue, Dec 4 10:00am Prayer group Wed, Dec 5 7:00pm Leadership Table special meeting Fri, Dec 7 9:30am Coffee & Conv. Papaccino's 4411 SE Woodstock Blvd. 7:00pm Storytelling with Frans van der Horst Sat, Dec 8 8:00am Book group (in NE Portland) Sun, Dec 9 8:30am Worship I 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship II 5:30pm Congregational Voting Meeting SAVE THE DATE Longest Night Service December 20 7pm Christmas Eve December 24 6:30 pm Last Sunday s Attendance:

5 Pastors and Staff WELCOME! FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 2, :30 AM, Lead Pastor Curt Weaver, Pastor of Youth Britt Carlson, Pastor of Community Life Rachel Joy, Administrator Church Office 1312 SE 35th Ave. Portland, OR Today we begin Advent, a season in which we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Over the next four Sundays, we will light the candles of the Advent wreath, sing songs of hope and expectation, and hear the story of God coming to us. We are glad you have joined us as we make ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus, 'born a child and yet a king.' At Portland Mennonite Church we are striving to take seriously the challenge of the prophet Jeremiah to seek the peace of the city (Jeremiah 29:7). Childcare is available for children 6 months to 2 years old during Sunday school and worship, unless otherwise posted. Check in at the nursery downstairs. It is located at the end of the hallway past the bathrooms. We also have a cry room at the back of the sanctuary. Hearing Assistive Devices are available. You can pick one up at the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary or ask an usher for assistance. Cover Picture MYF were kept busy last Sunday handing out wreaths! Large Print bulletins, flyers, and hymnals are available upon request. Please contact the church office to make arrangements. Whether you are full of faith or full of questions, whether you are ready to jump into the life of the congregation or wondering if church is right for you or not, whether you are young or old, cool or stodgy, whether you are single, married, divorced or widowed, straight or gay or questioning, whether you have a high-powered job, are looking for work, or are trying to figure out what to do with your life, whether you are a quiet soul or part of a loud family wherever you find yourself on your journey of faith, you are very welcome at Portland Mennonite Church.

6 A WEARY WORLD REJOICES WORSHIP I FACILITATORS Prelude/Offertory: Ari Leatherman Candle Lighter: Elise, Anne, Lori and Jonathan Nussbaum Song Leader: Mary Wenger Prelude O come, O come, Immanuel (verses 1-3, 6) WB 172 Lighting the Advent Candle Prayer Lo, how a Rose e er blooming WB 211 NOTES: PLEASE PRAY FOR: Caroline Scott, who was in the hospital a few days last week due to kidney trouble; Viola Nussbaum, who is at home recovering from an illness; Worship Leader: Britt Carlson Children's Worship: Curt Weaver Sermon: Call to Worship Hark! The glad sound! WB 184 Gathering Our Gifts (Children ages 3 through 1st grade are invited downstairs for a separate Children s Worship at this time.) Migrants and refugees, that they will find hospitable and safe places to call home. Jeremiah 33:14-16* As the pauper waits for plenty purple SS 9 Luke 21:25-36* Sermon: Where d the time go? Silence for Reflection Let all mortal flesh keep silence WB 463 Sharing Communion Prayer of Preparation (ending with the Lord s Prayer, WB 731) The Bread and Cup (Everyone is welcome at the Lord s Table. As you are ready, come to the front. Take the bread and eat it, then take one of the cups and drink. Children are welcome to come forward with their families and receive a prayer of blessing. Glutenfree bread is available.) Prayer of Thanksgiving Joy to the world (verses 1,3,4) WB 318 Benediction * Scripture readings for today are printed on the back page of announcements insert. If you would like to pray or talk with someone today after the service, a pastor or elder will be available at the front of the sanctuary. PEACE CANDLE Each Sunday we light a candle as a sign of our faith in Christ, whose light shines in the darkness (John 1.5). Amidst the shadows that fall around us and in us, the gospel invites us to pray for peace. It also prompts us to act for peace, in both personal and global ways.