December 3, 2017 First Sunday in Advent GREETING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OPENING VOLUNTARY Freu dich sehr, o meine seele Partita 5, 6 Georg Böhm CALL TO WORSHIP We are those who wait for the Lord. We wait for a sign; we wait for a cure; we wait for peace. In this season of Advent, we wait for God to come to us again. Let us worship the one whose advent we await. PROCESSIONAL HYMN 196 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Today we begin the season of Advent by lighting the first of five candles in our Advent wreath. This candle was shall name the prophet s candle. From ancient and modern prophets we head the coming of a Savior. Sometimes prophetic words are hard to believe. We are uncertain of their truth. We must wait and be patient. In honor of all the prophets, we light this candle. O Come, O Come Emmanuel. PASSING OF THE PEACE OF CHRIST PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD VOCAL ANTHEM Be Respectful, Make Good Choices I ve Got The Joy In My Heart Away In A Manger Children s Choir SCRIPTURE LESSON Isaiah 40:1-11 The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. SERMON Comfort, O Comfort Rev. David Freeman RESPONSE TO THE WORD AFFIRMATION OF FAITH I believe in Jesus Christ and in the power of the gospel which began in Bethlehem. I believe in the One whose Spirit glorified a small village, of whose coming the Shepherds saw the sign, and for whom there was no room in the inn. I believe in the One whose life changed the course of history, for whom kings of the earth had no power, and who was not understood by the proud. I believe in the One to whom the poor, the oppressed, the discouraged, the afflicted, the sick, the blind, the leprous gave welcome and accepted as Lord and Savior. I believe in the One who, with love, changed the hearts of the proud and with his life showed that it is more
important to serve than to be served, and that the greatest glory is giving your life for others. I believe in reconciliation, forgiveness, and the transforming power of the gospel. I believe that Christmas is strength and power and that this world can change, if with humility and with faith we kneel before the manger. I believe that I must be the first one to do so. OFFERTORY Come Unto Him From Messiah Margaret McMurray, Soprano G. F. Handel PRESENTATION OF GIFTS 221 What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; Yet what can I give him: give my heart. THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION INVITATION Christ invites to His table all who want to be in relationship with him, to love him and what he loves, to transform lives, our community, and the world. THE GREAT THANKSGIVING 17 The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give our thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Sung Response: This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
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. THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND GIVING OF THE CUP (Gluten-free wafers are available at the altar) INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP SENDING FORTH IN THE NAME OF GOD HYMN OF DISCIPLESHIP 209 Blessed Be The God of Israel MERLE S TUNE During the singing of the hymn, individuals desiring to join the church are asked to come to the chancel so the pastors may offer membership vows and welcome you to the congregation. RESPONSE FOR NEW MEMBERS We give thanks for all that God has already given you and we welcome you in Christian love. As members together with you in the body of Christ and in this congregation of the United Methodist Church, we renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the ministries of the church by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. BENEDICTION CHORAL BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Freu dich sehr, o meine seele Partita10, 11 Georg Böhm
ASSISTING IN THE SERVICE Clergy: Rev. David Freeman, Rev. Donna Hankins-Hull, Rev. Haley Jones Music & Worship Arts: Kyle Linson, James Stanley, Chancel Choir Audio/Visual: Dale Souza, Christopher Cone Altar Guild: Delia Prather, Laura Elrod Liturgist: Ginny McMurray Advent Candle: Offering Stewards: Eddie & Melinda Martin, Mike & Mary Jane Cole, Ethan & Jane Sartor, Bob Nelson, Ellen Yeary Communion Servers: Ashley Block, Mada Stanley, Shane & Julie Diamant, Curtis & Karen Barnett, Jennifer Rose Altar Flowers: To the glory of God and in honor of Brendan & Amanda McInerney, given by Brad & Susan Cazort. IN OUR PRAYERS Requesting Prayer: Darrin Clanton, Leslee Phillips, Pat Blackstone, Lynda Langford. Families and friends of First Church: Traci Presley, Kevin Konecny, Stan Simon, Tena Bultena, Sarah Hickman, Wesley and Mary Cady, Robert Hart, Sheila Terrell, Lisa Hampton, Joyce Schaar, Louis Rolfs, Sammye Craven, Sarah Smith. Congratulations: Chris & Molly McNulty and grandmother Mary McGowan on the birth of Thomas Spencer McNulty born November 21, 2017. Jonathan & Aubrey Stanley, grandmother Mada Stanley, Aunt Ashley Block and Great Aunt Dee Ann Holt on the birth of Owen Price Stanley born November 29 th, 2017. Sympathy: To Benny & Meredith Scroggins following the death of his mother, Rachel Bobbye Scroggins, on November 28 th, 2017.
THIS WEEK AT FIRST CHURCH SUNDAY, December 3, 2017 8:15 am First Cup Café 9:00 am First Word (Cokesbury Center) 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am First Tradition (Sanctuary) 12:30 pm Good Neighbor Committee Planning Meeting 5:00 pm First Youth MONDAY, December 4, 2017 5:00 pm SPRC Meeting TUESDAY, December 5, 2017 7:00 am Tuesday Study Group 8:30 am Just Communities Arkansas Event 10:00 am Staff Meeting 1:30 pm Worship Meeting 2:00 pm Meet The Backpack Truck 5:30 pm East Side Alanon Family Group (Rm 205) 6:00 pm Sarah s Circle WEDNESDAY, December 6, 2017 11:00 am Weight Watchers (Chapel/ Parlor) 5:30 pm Center St. Ringers 6:00 pm Stewardship & Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 pm SWAG 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal THURSDAY, December 7, 2017 10:30 am Companions 12:00 pm Pastor s Bible Study (Rm 204) 7:00 pm Combined Christmas Rehearsal SATURDAY, December 9, 2017 10:00 am Christmas Choir Rehearsal
WELCOME TO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK. We have embraced our role in urban ministry. Our members and friends come because they are attracted to our vitality, warmth, friendliness, and energy. They stay because we travel with them on their journey. AUDIO AND VIDEO OF TODAY S SERVICE IS AVAILABLE. CD s and DVD s of today s service are available by calling the church office at 501.372.2256 or by emailing Lesley Andrews at landrews@fumclr.org. ATTENTION PARENTS. We understand worshiping with children can be an adventure, but it is an essential part of their growth in Christ. If your child is staying in worship, please see an usher if you would like a worship bag. However, if you desire a nursery, one is available on the second floor outside the Sanctuary. If you need assistance, please see an usher or a member of the Hospitality Team.