SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1500 Main Street Higginsville, MO 64037
December 24, 2017 10:30 a.m. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT THE GATHERING MUSIC BEFORE WORSHIP * PROCESSIONAL HYMN O Come, O Come, Emmanuel No. 123 WELCOME: No matter who you are or where you are in your life s journey, you are welcome here. As Mary and Elizabeth found strength in togetherness, may we nourish one another in love. Welcome to worship as Advent borders on Christmas. NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION ADDRESSING OURSELVES TO GOD RINGING OF THE BELL Piano Prelude "Gesu Bambino" arr. Roed * CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Light the lamps, prepare the room, God is coming to us! People: Make our hearts and spirits ready to receive God s most gracious gift, God s Son, Jesus Christ. Leader: Push the darkness away. The light is truly coming! People: May God s light shine on us, in us, and through us that God s glory may be seen. * INVOCATION (Unison) Holy God of Advent, in the rush of preparation for holiday celebration, we come to this place to be fed by you. We need the hope, peace, joy, and love that this season represents. We need to listen again with wonder at the magnificent words of Mary as she proclaims her faithful participation in God s most 1
miraculous gift. Open our hearts this day, Lord, to receive the words and the blessings, to be fed and then to be those who will share with others as you have shared with us. Amen. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT LOVE (Cindy Nuelle and Blake Carminucci) Luke 1:26-55 Leader: Love is of God. God is Love. People: Love makes the world go Around animating and sustaining life. Leader: God called the galaxies into being, bringing order out of chaos. People: God sent Christ into the world to bring restoration to all creation. Leader: Christ s gospel of reconciliation turned the tables on Rome s systems of oppression. People: Christ overturned tables of greed and corruption and sets a table of grace, where all have a place. Leader: Christ brings healing and redemption to a world that longs for wholeness. People: We rejoice that we have been made whole in Christ s love! Leader: Christ calls us together to be a community of love and justice. People: We will be shepherds of God s love and light to a world ready to be illumined with the wonder of God! Leader: Hope, peace, joy, and love encircling the world, with Christ s light at the center: this is the ancient vision of the Advent wreath. We light these candles to remember what has already happened: Christ has come to dwell among us. Christ has redeemed and reconciled the world. Love wins! *GLORIA PATRI No. 623 HEARING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD HANDBELL CHOIR "O Come All Ye Faithful" 2 arr. Berry
MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES June HYMN What Child Is This? No. 137 (Please write your joys and concerns on the card and hand it to the usher during the hymn) JOYS AND CONCERNS Preparation for prayer PASTORAL PRAYER, THE LORD S PRAYER ( debts and debtors words in hymn No. 426) MORNING OFFERING Offertory "Away in a Manger" arr. Hayes *Doxology No. 625 *Dedication Prayer *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle s Creed (Printed inside back cover of Hymnal) CHANCEL CHOIR "Light the Advent Candle" Davenport/ Wagner Flutist- Sarah Berry PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING SCRIPTURE READING Psalm 89: 1-4, 19-26 (O.T. p. 516) SERMON As Firm as the Heavens Tommy THE SENDING *HYMN Lo! How a Rose E er Blooming No. 160 *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE "Sing We Now of Christmas" arr. Hayes The Worship Service is over and our Service begins. *Indicates please stand if you are able to do so **************************************** 3
Leading Worship Today: Rev. Dr. Tommy L. Faris Pastor Stanton Thompson Liturgist June Howell Christian Education Coordinator Jamie Smith Substitute Organist/Music Director Aubrie Clark Acolyte GREETING YOU TODAY ARE: North Door: Wayne Miller South Door: Jeanne Fleischmann IN OUR PRAYERS: Ray Don Paul, was hospitalized at St. Luke s Hospital (Plaza), he is now recovering at home. Marvin Rinne, was receiving rehabilitation at Monterrey Park, he has returned home. Arthur Thaller, was hospitalized at St. Mary s Medical Center, he has returned home. Mary Kirchhoff, is recovering at Meyer Care Center. Wilma Dieckhoff, is currently residing at Meyer Care Center. Myrna Fette, is residing at New Haven Living Center, Odessa. WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO: The family of Grace Schemmer. Grace passed away Saturday, December 16, 2017. Her visitation and funeral were held at Salem Friday, December 22, 2017. WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY TO: Mary and Lester Homfeld and family. Mary s brother-in-law, Donnie Hendricks, passed away Tuesday, December 12, 2017. He resided in Carson, Iowa. ALTAR FLOWERS: Are placed in memory of Alfred and Cledies Kuschel by Justin, Brooke, Abby, and Jesse Cramer. 4
POINSETTIAS placed this Christmas Season are in loving memory of: Rob Hoefer by his family. In memory of Wayne Whitaker and other loved ones by Eva Whitaker and family. Robert Sander and other loved ones by Evelyn, Paula, Bill, Abby, Cole, and Scott. In loving memory of Mary Morgan, Bret and Carol Tankesley, by Cindy Nuelle. In memory of Willie Fiegenbaum, Jane Padget, Henry and Leona Koch, by Annie and Karen Fiegenbaum. Ginny and Mark Arndt, Grandpa Jay, Leanna Berry, and other loved ones by the Arndt, Green, Berry, and Catts families. Alvin and LuElla Ridder, Alvin Ridder Jr. and wife Rose, Rose Ella Walker and Peggy Steed by Bob and Peggy Pragman and Jerry and Sue Garrett and Family. A. W. Bud Green and other loved ones by Ken and Angie Green. In loving memory of James H. Stoner, Henry and Betty Stoner, Fred and Ada Asman, and Carolyn Yoss by Doris Jane Stoner and family. Loved ones by Lowell, Rhonda, Lydia, and Charles Grumke. In memory of loved ones by Hubert and Mary Dickmeier and family. In memory of Arvil and Alice June Homfeld, Bill and Muriel McMartin, Jill Jirak and Kane and other loved ones by Lester and Mary Homfeld. Connie Thaller by Arthur Thaller, Paul and June Howell, Pete and Mandy Thaller and family, Ronnie and Angie Kumm and family, and Andy and Elizebeth Kumm and family. 5
In loving memory of Palmer, Elizabeth, Max, and Alan Schloman and other loved ones by Maxine Schloman and family. Ervin and Lillian Telgemeier, Harold and Wilma Heil by Ken and Sharon Telgemeier. Loved ones by Ed and Alice Davis, Greg Berry, Kevin, Angie, Chase and Clayton Berry, Mark and Sarah Berry, Scott and Cindy Sommerville and family. Deloras Hook, family members, and other loved ones by C.W. Hook and family. In memory of Jerry Niemeier and other loved ones by Wanda Niemeier and family. Don Schuette and Alice Fizer by Shawn, Julie, Dalton, and Wyatt. In memory of loved ones by Vida Mehrhoff. For loved ones by Frank and Pearle Alumbaugh. In memory of Louis and Vera Bergsieker and Warren and Velma Cramer by the Ronnie Bergsieker family. In memory of Herb Fleischmann, Wesley & Ruby Fleischmann, and Marvin and Verna Aversman by Jeanne Fleischmann, Delbert & Amy Goetz and family, and Aron & Shelly Fleischmann and family. In loving memory of Henry and Ethel Gadt, Alan Michael Davenport, Joann Knapheide and Eugene and Sharon Gadt by Bill and Marilyn Davenport and family. In memory of Kenneth and Helen Diestelkamp, Kenneth White, W. W. Kirchhoff and other loved ones, by Eric and Gail, Jeremy, Heather, Jocelyn and Brynlee, Caleb, Dani, Laith and Layden. 6
ANNOUNCEMENTS: SALEM VETERANS SLIDE SHOW: If you would like to watch the Salem Veterans slide show that was part of the worship services on Sunday, November 12, you can tune into Citizens Cablevision Community Access Channel 3. 2018 ENVELOPES are available in the Fellowship Hall. YOM GIVING TREE PROJECT: As we enter another holiday season, Youth on Mission again invites you to be a part of our giving tree project which offers our campers talents to you for your chosen donation. It is a busy time of the year for all of you and we would like to offer our talents to make your life a little easier this season and ALL YEAR LONG. Do you have a task that needs to be done? Our campers will complete it for you and you may make a donation to Youth on Mission with what you think is an appropriate donation. Call Delbert Goetz at 660-641- 6773 and he will find a camper to do the work! CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION AND CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE will be this evening at 7:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS OFFERING ENVELOPES: If you will not be able to attend the Christmas Eve Candle Light Service or you do not have boxed envelopes with the Christmas Eve offering envelope, please use the purple envelopes in the back of the sanctuary marked Christmas Fund. The Christmas Eve offering always goes to a mission. We always send a gift from us to the Christmas Fund (Formerly known as Veterans of the Cross ). YEAR END CHURCH BUSINESS: Please have all church financial contributions and business transactions to the church office by Sunday, December 31, 2017. Thank you for your consideration. ANNUAL REPORTS are due in the church office by Friday, January 5, 2018. Thank you. 7
COMMUNITY NEWS: SERVICE OF INSTALLATION: The Western Association of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ and Columbia United Church of Christ, 3201 I-70 Drive NW, Columbia, Missouri, Invite you to a service of Installation for the Rev. Richard Oberle, as Pastor and Teacher. This will be held Sunday, January 21, at 3:00 p.m. JKV AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY: John Knox Village and Meyer Care Center have a weekly Bible Study that is led, on a rotational schedule, by the Ministerial Fellowship. Liz Lindsey (Presbyterian) will be leading Bible Study during the month of December, Father Tom Hawkins (Catholic) during the month of January, Terry Cook (Methodist) during the month of February, Liz Lindsey (Presbyterian) during the month of March. The Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room. UP COMING DATES: December 25 Christmas Day (Church Office Closed) January 1 New Year s Day (Church Office Closed) January 5 Annual Reports due in the church office January 22 Souper Supper at Salem CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! If your child is most comfortable with you in worship, they are welcome. If you prefer, the nursery room is open and available for parents who would like to take their child there and stay with them. OFFICE HOURS: Monday Friday, 8:00 a.m. to Noon & 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE: Transportation is available to any worship service. Please call the church office (584-3603) to make arrangements. 8
CHURCH INFORMATION Tommy s email: tlfaris@ctcis.net Tommy s cell phone: 816-352-2052 Church Telephone: 660-584-3603, Fax: 660-584-5666 Church Email: salemucc@ctcis.net Church Website: salemucchigginsville.org THIS WEEK S EVENTS AT SALEM December 24, thru December 31, 2017 Sunday - Monday - Tuesday - Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candle Light and Communion Service Christmas Day! Church Office Closed Afternoon Quilting Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Lafayette Area Pastors Meeting 4:30 p.m. Arrow of Light 5:00 p.m. Bear Den 6:00 p.m. Nominating Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Al-Anon Meeting 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Thursday - Friday - Afternoon Quilting No Activities Scheduled Saturday - 9:30 a.m. A. A. Sunday - First Sunday After Christmas 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 9
UCC Mission Moment Is nothing impossible? Clearly Christmas time calls forth flagrant impossibility! Virgins conceive, old ladies are pregnant, angels appear and disappear. Not to mention all those characters shepherds, sheep, choirs of angels stamped into figurines. Though there probably won t be a cute porcelain reproduction of a pregnant Elizabeth under your tree. Where is Elizabeth anyway, whose pregnancy is also described as miraculous, in all our Advent and Christmas storytelling? Elizabeth is described not only as old but also barren. It s in her body that God begins this rhapsody of excitement building to Mary s song. In her is planted the seed of the great announcer of the new age that realm-of God-guy, the caller forth of hope John the Baptist. Does she have a role in our annual Christmas pageants? Probably not. Elizabeth is like many older women in our world. She is invisible and an emblem of decline. When a congregation gets small enough, it is also sometimes described as aging. Did you ever think that older people, especially older women, offer more than a few important ingredients to your congregation? They have time. They have the energy. They have skills and are willing to teach them. They have great stories to tell. They knew everybody when they were twelve. Who else always shows up; and who will make sure the lights are on and the tables set? Who are the retired teachers, nurses and doctors, lawyers and business owners sitting in our pews? Murphys, California is a small town (population around 2000) in the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. It s a place people drive to for the weekend or the summer, full of interesting little towns, old Gold Rush stories and beautiful scenery. It also has a UCC church with a membership of under 200 and about 80 in worship. In a conservative part of the state they are open and affirming, progressive and host an LGBT youth group for the county. Its membership is older and active, welcoming to all. They make sure everyone who comes is fed. The town of Murphys has a median age near 60. This past summer they hosted a community potluck and discussion of white privilege. Sometimes aging doesn t mean lifeless. Sometimes it means new life, welcoming the birthday of joy! 10
Lessons from the angels To frightened shepherds on the first Christmas Eve, a host of angels sang, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:14, KJV). Nineteenth-century minister Charles Kingsley explained how these key words tell the meaning of Jesus birth and give meaning to our lives. Glory. That little babe, lying in the manger among the cattle, was showing the very highest glory of the great God who had made heaven and earth. To stoop, to condescend, to have mercy, to forgive that is the highest glory of God. Peace. God is not selfish. He sacrificed himself for us. Sacrifice yourselves then for each other! Give up your own pride, your own selfishness, your own interest for each other, and you will be... at peace. Good will. God loves you, and he wills to raise you out of this selfish, quarrelsome life of sin, into a loving, brotherly, peaceful life of righteousness. That babe in the manger at Bethlehem is a sign to you and me that God will freely give us that spirit of love if we ask for it.