Worship

Sunday, January 2, 2022

OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.

INSTRUMENTAL OPENING

Kevin McCullough, Contemporary Music Director

Get Coffee and Be Seated

OPENING MUSIC

Praise Band

“Mighty to Save”

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall

OPENING PRAYER

Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“Go Tell”

TIME FOR CHILDREN

Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“You Are Stronger”

JOYS AND CONCERNS

Pastor Jeffrey

CELEBRATION OF GIFTS

Praise Band

“Order My Steps” (To be confirmed)

SCRIPTURE READING

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

SERMON

Pastor Jeffrey

A Star to Guide Us

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“The Bread Has Been Broken”

BENEDICTION

Pastor Jeffrey

CLOSING MUSIC

Praise Band

“Auld Lang Syne”

Sunday, December 26, 2021

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

GATHERING MUSIC                                                                                                                     

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Once In Royal David’s City”

~ arr. Dom Andrew Moore

Ruby Shew, piano

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Christmas Fantasy”

~ arr. Clarence Kohlmann

PRELUDE                                                                                                                                        

Ruby Shew, piano

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“The Jesus Gift” by Gilbert M. Martin

~ arr. Ron Boud

CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING                                                                                            

Pastor Jeffrey

      THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE

      INSTRUMENTAL

      Joyce Rhodes, Organ

“Go, Tell It on the Mountain”

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                                     

Pastor Jeffrey

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                                    

Gail Hybarger

      L:   The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

      P:  And also with you.

      L:   Holy, loved children of God, put on compassion and kindness this day.

      P:  Wrapped in the garment of love, we gather to worship God.

      L:   Holy, loved children of God, with humility clothe yourselves in gentleness, and patience.

      P:  Wrapped in the garment of love, we gather as the family of God.

      L:   Holy, loved children of God, bring your gratitude and your joy to worship.

      P:  Wrapped in the garment of love, we gather to sing praise to God.

*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)                                                                                                 

Gail Hybarger

God of wisdom and grace, may your Spirit grow within us, that we may grow in wisdom and truth all the days of our lives. Teach us your ways, that we may walk the path of Christ and lead others into your light. Clothe us, gracious God, with compassion and kindness, with humility and gentleness, that others may see in us the truth of your love. Bind us together in love and unity, that our church may be a a place of peace and a light to the world. Amen.

HYMN

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

                                         “Sing We Now of Christmas” ~ UMH #237

TIME FOR CHILDREN

Pastor Jeffrey

THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD

INTRODUCTION TO THE WORD                                                                                               

Gail Hybarger

Listen, that the word of Christ may live richly in you—in your hearing and in your speaking, in your thinking and in your doing. Listen for the Word of Life.

SCRIPTURE READING                                        

Gail Hybarger

Colossians 3:12-17

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

L:   The Word of Life.

P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

HYMN

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

“Love Came Down at Christmas” ~ UMH #242

JOYS AND CONCERNS / THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                 

Pastor Jeffrey

SPECIAL MUSIC

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

“Carol of the Angels”
– a Traditional French Carol

~ arr. Ruth Artman

SCRIPTURE READING                                  

Gail Hybarger

Luke 2:41-52

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

      L:   The Word of Life.

      P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

SERMON                                                            

Pastor Jeffrey

Searching for Jesus

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD

WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS                                                                           

Gail Hybarger

Generous God, clothe these gifts with love and kindness, that all who receive our ministry and our gifts may know your love and mercy, may touch the peace of Christ this Christmastide, and may live in communion with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OFFERTORY                                                                                                                                  

Ruby Shew, piano

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Greensleeves”

~ Traditional Tune, arr. Ethel Smith

*DOXOLOGY                                                                                                                                  

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH 95

HYMN

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” ~ UMH #240

BENEDICTION

Pastor Jeffrey

POSTLUDE                                                                                                                                     

Ruby Shew, piano

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Joy to the World”
 – tune – “Antioch” ~ G. F. Handel, arr. Ashford

* Stand as you are able

Christmas Eve, 6PM Service

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS

IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

GATHERING MUSIC                                                                                                                     

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Variations on ‘Adeste Fideles’” by John Francis Wade

~ arranged by Frederick Swann

“The Snow Lay on the Ground” – tune – “Venite Adoremus”

~ arranged by David Paxton

“Infant Holy” – tune – Polish Carol

~ arranged by R. W. Thygerson

PRELUDE                                                                                                                                        

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Away in a Manger” by Martin Luther

~ arranged by Anita Graves

CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING                                                                                            

Pastor Jeffrey

      THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE

      INSTRUMENTAL

      Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Love Came Down at Christmas”

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                                     

Pastor Jeffrey

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                                    

Jennifer Hall

      L:   The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

      P:  And also with you.

      L:   This is a night of deep mystery.

      P: A night when heaven touches earth.

      L:   This is a night of great love

      P:  A night when a child is born for us.

      L:   This is a night of incredible joy.

      P:  A night when angels sing to shepherds.

      L:   Glory to God in the highest! Peace on earth to all.

      P:  O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)                                                                                                 

Jennifer Hall

God of love and light, we thank you for giving us the gift of Jesus the Christ. We come before you with wonder and delight that you come to us in the child born in a manger. Be with us on this night of birth and rebirth. Come, honor us with the presence of your gracious, joyful Spirit. Fill our weary hearts with renewed hope and joy. Rekindle in our souls the light of Christ. That we might sing with the choirs of angels. Amen.

HYMN

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

                                    “O Come, All Ye Faithful” (vv. 1-4) ~ UMH #234

THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE CHRISTMAS STORY

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)                                                                              

Jennifer Hall

Surprising God, open our ears to hear this familiar story as if for the first time.
Open our eyes to see the diversity gathered at the manger. Open our hearts to the power of your love as revealed in this amazing story. Open our lives to the possibility of transformation, as we encounter once again our Emmanuel, God-With-Us. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING                                        

Jennifer Hall

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

      L:   The Word of Life.

      P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

HYMN

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” ~ UMH #218

CHRISTMAS PRAYER & THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                  

Pastor Jeffrey

HYMNS

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

“What Child is This?” ~ UMH #219

“O Little Town of Bethlehem” ~ UMH #230

SCRIPTURE READING                                  

Jennifer Hall

Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

      L:   The Word of Life.

      P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

CHRISTMAS EVE REFLECTION                  

Pastor Jeffrey

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE CHRISTMAS STORY

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE & PRAYER

Lois and Elwin Stocking

Source of all Light, we celebrate this night the coming of Christ born for us and all. Bless these holy flames that in their glow we may be blessed by your grace and abiding love. Remind us of your constant presence and your unwavering care. Bless us, that we might reflect the Light of Christ in our daily lives and in our world so desperate for the hope, peace, joy, and love this night brings. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World! Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC

Linda Juhl, Sue Livingstone, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

“He Come from the Glory”

– Incorporating “The Virgin Had a Baby Boy” – Traditional West Indian Spiritual

~ arranged with New Music by Lloyd Larson

WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS                                                                           

Jennifer Hall

Angels are singing. The Christ Child is born. Glory, glory in the highest! Let us bring all that we are and all that we have. Let us offer our gifts in wonder and surprise, awe and reverence, joy and delight.

OFFERTORY                                                                                                                                  

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“O Holy Night” – tune – “Cantique de Noel” by Adolphe Adam

~ arranged by T. Tertius Noble

CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATION

The community is invited to gather in a circle outside the sanctuary for the Candlelight Celebration. (Weather Permitting)

“Silent Night”

*BENEDICTION

Pastor Jeffrey

* Stand as you are able

Christmas Eve, 4PM Service

INSTRUMENTAL OPENING

Kevin McCullough, Contemporary Music Director

OPENING CAROLS

Praise Band

“Go Tell It on The Mountain”

“Joy to the World”

WELCOME & OPENING PRAYER

Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall

CAROL

Praise Band

“The First Noelle”

CHRISTMAS WITH CHILDREN

Shelley Ahn-Wong, Dir. of Children’s Ministries

Toni Kent, Penny Herman

CAROL

Praise Band

“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Pastor Jeffrey

SPECIAL MUSIC

Bill Cartmill, Barb Agrimonti, Tom Waldrop, Toni Kent

“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”

SCRIPTURE READING

Maddie Santana

Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

A POEM FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Pastor Jeffrey

CHRISTMAS OFFERING

Praise Band

“Feels Like Christmas”

LIGHTING THE CHRIST CANDLE & PRAYER

The Trevino Family

Source of all Light, we celebrate this night the coming of Christ born for us and all. Bless these holy flames that in their glow we may be blessed by your grace and abiding love. Remind us of your constant presence and your unwavering care. Bless us, that we might reflect the Light of Christ in our daily lives and in our world so desperate for the hope, peace, joy, and love this night brings. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World! Amen.

SPECIAL MUSIC

Ren Geisick

“O Holy Night”

CANDLELIGHT CELEBRATION

The community is invited to gather in a circle outside the sanctuary for the Candlelight Celebration. (Weather Permitting)

“Silent Night”

BENEDICTION

Pastor Jeffrey

BENEDICTION CAROL

Praise Band

“We Wish You a Merry Christmas”

Sunday, December 10, 2021

OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP

Micah 5:2-5a

But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labor has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace.

INSTRUMENTAL OPENING
Kevin McCullough, Contemporary Music Director

Get Coffee and Be Seated

OPENING MUSIC
Praise Band
“It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall

OPENING PRAYER
Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“Unto You This Night”

ADVENT PRAYER & CANDLELIGHTING
Gail Hybarger & Larry Gonzales

L:  Let us pray.
P:  Loving God, we open ourselves to you this Advent season. As these candles have been lit, light our lives with your imagination. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Fill us with the kind of joy that cannot be contained but must be shared. Magnify your love within us. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ. Amen. 

TIME FOR CHILDREN
Shelley Ahn-Wong, Director of Children’s Ministries

WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“What a Beautiful Name It Is”

JOYS AND CONCERNS
Pastor Jeffrey

CELEBRATION OF GIFTS
Praise Band
“Do You Hear What I Hear”

SCRIPTURE READING

Luke 1:39-55
In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

SERMON
Pastor Jeffrey
Blessing the Song Within

WORSHIP IN SONG
Praise Band
“Jesus What a Wonderful Child”

BENEDICTION
Pastor Jeffrey

CLOSING MUSIC
Praise Band
“Jesus What a Wonderful Child” (Reprise)

Sunday, December 12, 2021

THE COMMUNITY GATHERS

IN THE PRESENCE OF THE RISEN CHRIST

GATHERING MUSIC                                                                                                                     

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Carol Suite”

~ arr. Theodore Marier

PRELUDE                                                                                                                                        

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“From Heaven Above Good News I Bring” – tune – “Vom Himmel Hoch”
~ Johann Pachelbed, edit James Southbridge

CONGREGATIONAL CENTERING                                                                                            

Pastor Jeffrey

      THE SACRAMENT OF SILENCE

      INSTRUMENTAL

      Joyce Rhodes, organ

“In the Bleak Midwinter” – tune – “Cranham”
~ Gustav Holst, arr. Sarah Douglas

WORDS OF WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS                                                                     

Pastor Jeffrey

*CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                                                    

Maggie Harris

      L:   The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

      P:  And also with you.

      L:   Shout to the Lord, you sons of God. Sing aloud, you daughters of the living God.

      P:  Salvation has drawn near.

      L:   Shout for joy, you sons of the Lord. Sing your praises, you daughters of the Most High.

      P:  Salvation is at hand.

*OPENING PRAYER (In Unison)                                                                                                 

Maggie Harris

Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may celebrate aright the gift of the nativity, and may await with joy the coming in glory of Christ Jesus our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. Amen.

HYMN

Maggie Harris, Ruth Oveland, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

                                       “Blessed Be the God of Israel” ~ UMH #209

ADVENT PRAYER & CANDLELIGHTING

Maggie Harris & Pastor Jeffrey

      L:   Let us pray.

      P:  Loving God, we open ourselves to you this Advent season. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Fill us with the kind of joy that cannot be contained but must be shared. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ. We will find what makes us joyful and make that our gift to the world. We will trust in your good will for all of creation. We will welcome new possibilities in our lives. We will offer ourselves to your goodness. We will be a people of hope, peace, and joy. Amen.

HYMN

            Maggie Harris, Ruth Oveland, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

                                   “O Come, O Come Emmanuel v. 3” ~ UMH #211

TIME FOR CHILDREN                                                                                                                  

Shelley Ahn-Wong, Children’s Ministry Director

THE COMMUNITY PROCLAIMS AND HEARS THE WORD

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (In Unison)                                                                              

Maggie Harris

Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING                                        

Maggie Harris

Isaiah 12:2-6

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid, for the Lord God is my strength and my might; he has become my salvation. With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

And you will say in that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known his deeds among the nations; proclaim that his name is exalted. Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy, O royal Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

      L:   The Word of Life.

      P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

      PRAYER CARDS COLLECTED

HYMN

Maggie Harris, Ruth Oveland, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

                                           “Make Me a Captive, Lord” ~ UMH #421

JOYS AND CONCERNS / THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                 

Pastor Jeffrey

SCRIPTURE READING                                  

Maggie Harris

                                                                    Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

      L:   The Word of Life.

      P:  Thanks be to God. Amen.

SERMON                                                            

Pastor Jeffrey

Good News to the People

THE COMMUNITY RESPONDS TO THE WORD

WORSHIP WITH TITHES AND OFFERINGS                                                                           

Maggie Harris

God of our salvation, receive our thanks for all that you have given us which makes us what we are. Bless these gifts and offerings, that they may bring Hope, Peace, and Joy

to all in need of your saving love. Amen.

OFFERTORY                                                                                                                                  

Piano Duet, Celia Palm & Ruby Shew

“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

~ Michael Praetorius, arr. Victor Labenske

*DOXOLOGY                                                                                                                                  

“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH 95

HYMN

Maggie Harris, Ruth Oveland, Bob Rhodes, John Palmer

 “All Earth Is Waiting” ~ UMH #210

THE COMMUNITY DEPARTS FOR MINISTRY

*BENEDICTION                                                                                                                              

Pastor Jeffrey

POSTLUDE                                                                                                                                     

Joyce Rhodes, organ

“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice”
~ arr. Joyce Jones

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” – tune – “Adeste Fidelis”
~ John F. Wade, arr. Lani Smith

* Stand as you are able

December 5, 2021

OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP

INSTRUMENTAL OPENING

Kevin McCullough, Contemporary Music Director

Get Coffee and Be Seated

OPENING MUSIC

Praise Band

“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Tom Carson

OPENING PRAYER

Marna Taylor

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“Let it Be Christmas Everywhere”

ADVENT PRAYER & CANDLELIGHTING

Marna Taylor & Tom Carson

      L:   Let us pray.

      P:  Loving God, in this time of preparation and planning, we thank you for the hope and peace you unfailingly offer us. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you, that we may walk in the light of Christ. We will share in the Spirit. We will practice a ministry of humility and compassion. We will welcome Christ into our hearts. We will be a people of hope and peace. Amen.

TIME FOR CHILDREN

Shelley Ahn-Wong, Director of Children’s Ministries

SCRIPTURE READING

Marna Taylor

Micah 6:6-8

“With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“One King”

JOYS AND CONCERNS

Tom Carson

CELEBRATION OF GIFTS

Praise Band

“I Shall Not Want”

SCRIPTURE READING

Marna Taylor

Matthew 25:31-46

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You that are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

SERMON

Tom Carson

I’m Stuffed! Are You?

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“Open the Eyes of My heart”

BENEDICTION

Tom Carson

CLOSING MUSIC

Praise Band

“Open the Eyes of My Heart” (Reprise)

Sunday, November 7, 2021

OPEN HOUSE WORSHIP

As a deer longs for flowing streams,

so my soul longs for you, O God.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

Psalm 42:1-2

INSTRUMENTAL OPENING

Kevin McCullough, Contemporary Music Director

Get Coffee and Be Seated

OPENING MUSIC

Praise Band

“Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pastor Jeffrey D. Hall

OPENING PRAYER

Pastor Jeffrey

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“With Every Act of Love”

TIME FOR CHILDREN

Shelley Ahn-Wong, Director of Children’s Ministries

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“Fear Is a Liar”

JOYS AND CONCERNS

SCRIPTURE READING

Mark 12:38-44

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”

He sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

SERMON

Pastor Jeffrey

A Bright Hope for Tomorrow 4

CELEBRATION OF GIFTS

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

Praise Band

“Love You So Much”

WORSHIP IN SONG

Praise Band

“Oceans”

BENEDICTION

Pastor Jeffrey

CLOSING MUSIC

Praise Band

“Oceans” (Reprise)