Luke 2:41-52 UNITED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF AUSTIN December 30, 2018 First Sunday of Christmas 10 am
Welcome! United Christian Church of Austin is an Open and Affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person created in God s image. We welcome into full membership and participation in the Body of Christ persons of every race, ethnic background, age, gender, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, social-economic background, marital status and faith background. We welcome all to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in Christ s Church. Go Green! Download this bulletin in PDF format from www.uccaustin.org/this-sunday December 30, 2018 First Sunday of Christmas 10 am Prelude Gathering Songs Ann Vanderschaaf Emily Jamison Guerrero Infantly Holy, Infant Lowly See pg. 6 Hark the Herald Angels Sing #144, verses 1 & 2 Joy to the World #132, verses 1 & 2 Welcome WE GATHER IN FAITH Rev. Nikki Stahl *Call to Worship Clark Thompson One: Now every year it happens that this good news of great joy breaks into the world on one silent night, Many: but we so quickly forget that this change has come. One: So let this year be different, holy and beloved. Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness and humility. Many: Let us clothe ourselves in love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. One: Let the peace of Christ be what changes us. Let that light that shines in the darkness also shine in you. Many: Let everything we do from this day forward be in the name of the Christ Child that changed everything. One: Let us worship God together in Spirit and in truth. 2
*Candle Lighting Song Go Tell it on the Mountain #154 Refrain: Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! While shepherds kept their watching o er silent flocks by night, Behold throughout the heavens there shone a holy light. [Refrain] *Lighting Candles of Hope, Faith, Joy and Love in Christmas Hackenberg Family One: Today we relight a candle for hope in our world. Many: On this first Sunday after Christmas, may we listen to those still filled with fear and foreboding. May it be our hearts and voices that speak gently. One: Today we relight a candle of faith. Many: May we know that this light shines through all of our questions. One: Today we relight a candle for joy in our world Many: May this joy be brighter than the glitter of holiday lights, a joy that lasts longer than the excitement of new toys.. One: Today we relight a candle for love in our world Many: May God s love, a love that never lets go, be born in us. One: Today we relight the Christ Candle. Many: On this first Sunday after Christmas, may we share in the wonder of our children. May we know that this hope, this faith, this joy and this love is for us to share. *Candle Lighting Refrain Go tell it on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere. Go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born! #154, refrain 3
Children s Offering & Message WE LISTEN FOR GOD S WORD December/January: socks (See pg.7) Children are invited forward to help collect the Children s Offering and share in the Children s Message. Following the Children s Message, childcare will be offered in Room 3 and the nursery, and Worship & Wonder will be offered for K-2 nd in Room 1 and older children in Room 2. Sending the Children Forth Shalom Chaverim (Peace, friends, till we meet again) Seeking the Word in Scripture Luke 2:41-52 (Pew Bible p. 934) Sermon Pastor Carl Schwartz-King Hymn Love Came Down at Christmas #165 WE SHARE OUR PRAYERS Prayers of the People Rev. Nikki Stahl O God, hear our prayer. Including Diane Perrine Coon; Roger Gray, Peggy Gray, Buck Edwards (Mark Edwards father), Bobby Bell (Johna Edward s uncle), the family of Mary Jane Villreal, the family of Dorothy Hammerle. Please send updates to Rev. Nikki Stahl at nikki@uccaustin.org. The Lord s Prayer, using these or whichever words are closest to your heart: 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 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 and ever. Amen. We Share the Peace of Christ WE RESPOND IN FAITH Peace be with you. And also with you. 4
Call to Engagement & Sharing Our Gifts Pastor Carl Schwartz-King Musical Offering Angels We Have Heard on High arr. by Mier WE SHARE HOLY COMMUNION All are welcome at Christ s table. Members, guests, first-timers, long-timers, baptized or not, all who desire to know and share the love of God. We receive communion by intinction, coming forward to take a bit of bread and dipping it in the cup before returning to our seats. *Note: All bread is glutenfree. Both red wine and white grape juice are offered. We Give God Thanks & Praise Rev. Nikki Stahl, Johna Edwards deacon Communion Music Silent Night arr.by Afanasieff Sharing the Sacrament One: let all God s people say: All: Thanks be to God! Amen. WE GO FORTH TO SERVE *Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Jesus, the Light of the World) #160 *We Are Sent Forth One: Now our worship has ended. All: Let our service begin. Amen. Pastor Carl Schwartz-King Postlude O Come, All Ye Faithful arr. by Hartsell Liturgy written by Rev. Elsa Cook, member of United Christian Church of Austin. Music License: OneLicense.net License #A722068 WORSHIP LEADERS: Acolyte: None; Candle Lighters: Hackenberg Family; After Church Clean-Up: John Schwartz; Deacons: Johna Edwards, Mark Edwards, Kelley DeCleene, Logan DeCleene; Elder: OPEN; Flowers: Leslie Collins; Greeters: Arlene Turner; Liturgist: Clark Thompson; Tellers: Diane Baker, Jen Barrera; Sound Room: Will Jones MAKE YOUR OFFERING VIA TEXT MESSAGE! Initially, just text 512.842.6662 with the amount you d like to contribute, making sure to include the dollar sign before the amount, for example: $25. You ll receive a text back with a link to register. Once registered, you ll receive a receipt via email. For future giving, simply send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically. 5
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EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS for 12/30/18 Potluck and Rainbow Elephant Gift Exchange TODAY at 11 am potluck brunch and our annual Rainbow Elephant (Re)Gifting Swap. December Children s Offering We are collecting socks for our homeless neighbors through our mission center and through the Round Rock Serving Center. Regular Sunday Schedule Resumes 1/6 In the New Year, we will return to two worship services at 9 am and 11 am with time Faith Education at 10 am between. Rev. Elsa Cook Preaching Epiphany, 1/6 We are privileged to have Rev. Elsa Cook, new member at UCC and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, preach both at 9 am and 11 am on Epiphany Sunday. Family Pickup Choir 1/6 To kick off a new season of choir, we will be having Family Pickup Choir at 10 am on Sunday January 6. Singers of all ages and abilities are invited to join us at 10 am to learn a very simple song ( Seasons of Love from Rent) to sing in the 11 am worship service. Wednesday evening choir rehearsals will resume Wednesday 1/9 from 7:15 pm - 8:30 and Sunday mornings from 10 am - 10: 45. Interim Search Committee Survey Results Discussion 1/13 during the Faith Formation Hour (10 am). The Interim Search Committee will provide feedback from the survey. If you have not completed, there are hard copies in the Fellowship Hall or contact Rev. Nikki and she can send you the link. Your voice is important! Hearing others voices is important too! End of Year Giving If you are considering end of the year giving, remember mailed contributions must be postmarked by midnight on Sunday, December 31 or placed in the offering tray today to be properly credited to your giving record for 2018. This is an IRS regulation so no exceptions can be made. ON-GOING THIS WEEK Breakfast Fellowship, Tuesdays @ 8 am, Jim s Restaurant at Spicewood Springs Rd. and Hwy 183. For more info, contact Kenneth Dalley, kennethdalley@sbcglobal.net Spearheads Alcoholics Anonymous, Tuesdays @ 7 pm, Rm 6. AA meeting for men Choir Rehearsal will resume Wednesday January 9th @ 7:15 pm, childcare provided. For more info, contact Rev. Anna, music@uccaustin.org. FELLOWSHIP, EDUCATION, AND MISSION GROUPS Sundays @ 5 pm (member homes) Lyn Brown, don.lyn@sbcglobal.net Book Group 4 th Weds @ 6:30pm Cherie Hinch, bfocat@yahoo.com Saturdays @ 6 pm (Stahl s house) Rev. Nikki Stahl, nikki@uccaustin.org 7
LEADERSHIP MEETINGS Personnel Committee @ 9am on Sunday, January 6 Christian Education @ 1pm on Sunday, January 6 personnel@uccaustin.org christianed@uccaustin.org NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN ADULT FAITH FORMATION The Narrow Path Thursdays @ 7 pm - 8:30 New Opportunity to connect with God and with each other on Thursdays starting January 10, 2019. This series is a space in which to share concerns, pray, and embark on spiritual growth through a series of topics. Topics include: God s Unconditional Love, My Identity in God, Prayer Obstacles, Keeping Still, Loving God, Loving Others, Forgiveness, Fruit of the Spirit, and Finding My Purpose. Topics will be covered in 3- to 6-week intervals. Childcare will be offered if needed but you must sign up in advance. Contact Arlene Turner for information or sign up at arlene.turner@att.net. Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation Sundays @ 10 am - 11 New Series Starting January 2019: Overview of the Bible Glance at the development, literature, history and culture of the Bible. Whether new to the Bible or a scholar, this brief look will hopefully challenge you and stimulate discussions. UNITED CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF AUSTIN A member congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) & the United Church of Christ www.uccaustin.org church@uccaustin.org United Christian Church of Austin...3500 W. Parmer Ln., Austin, TX 78727 tel 512.218.8110 / fax 512.218.8190, weekday office hours: please call first 8