News & Events
Sunday, January 19
Second Sunday after Epiphany
Gathering in God’s Presence
Music for Gathering & Centering Joyce Rhodes
“The Lone, Wild Bird” – tune – “Prospect” ~ arr. by Charles Callahan, A.F. Schultz
Choral Introit Chancel Choir
“God Is Here” ~ UMH 660 vs. 1
Call to Worship Pastor Daniel
Leader: Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. As we gather in this place, allow your Spirit to fill our very being.
ALL: As we worship you today, we remember our brothers and sisters who are worshipping elsewhere throughout the world. Inspire each of us to work more faithfully for justice and dignity of life everywhere.
Leader: Raise our vision above the barriers of color, culture, and creed that separate us. Give us wisdom as we deal with one another. Help us to recognize and to respect different ways, rather than judge.
ALL: In the Spirit of Jesus who came not to be served, but to serve, we now must walk in the world. We must reach out our hands with help and open hearts in love. Awake in us the desire to seek your way of serving in the world. Amen.
- Hymn: Immortal Invisible God Only Wise UMH 103
Greetings & Community Announcements Pastor Daniel
Time with Young Christians
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel
at the front for a time of learning. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom
and to pick-up children following the service. Please sign your child in and out. Thank you.
Listening for the Word of God
First Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 (CEB)
Brothers and sisters, I don’t want you to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. You know that when you were Gentiles you were often misled by false gods that can’t even speak. So I want to make it clear to you that no one says, “Jesus is cursed!” when speaking by God’s Spirit, and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; and there are different ministries and the same Lord; and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. A demonstration of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good. A word of wisdom is given by the Spirit to one person, a word of knowledge to another according to the same Spirit, faith to still another by the same Spirit, gifts of healing to another in the one Spirit, performance of miracles to another, prophecy to another, the ability to tell spirits apart to another, different kinds of tongues to another, and the interpretation of the tongues to another. All these things are produced by the one and same Spirit who gives what he wants to each person.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Choral Anthem Chancel Choir
“Lift Every Voice and Sing” ~ arr. David Herberg
Second Scripture Reading John 2:1-11 (CEB)
On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the celebration. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They don’t have any wine.”
Jesus replied, “Woman, what does that have to do with me? My time hasn’t come yet.”
His mother told the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby were six stone water jars used for the Jewish cleansing ritual, each able to hold about twenty or thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some from them and take it to the headwaiter,” and they did. The headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine. He didn’t know where it came from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew.
The headwaiter called the groom and said, “Everyone serves the good wine first. They bring out the second-rate wine only when the guests are drinking freely. You kept the good wine until now.” This was the first miraculous sign that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon: Faith Not Fear Pastor Daniel
“Spiritual Gifts” are often a topic from which folks shy away. Yet, they are a key part of how we understand our faith and faith journey. Spiritual gifts are a part of our every day, even if we don’t realize it.
- Hymn: Help Us Accept Each Other UMH 560
Responding to the Word
Invitation to Give Pastor Daniel
Offertory Music Joyce Rhodes
“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” ~ J. S. Bach
*Doxology UMH 95
Prayers of the People Pastor Daniel
Petitions will be offered which are those known to the pastor, as well as those you add to the “Prayer Request” sheet in the Narthex. Pastor will invite the congregation to respond to the joys and concerns received with, “Lord in your mercy,” and the congregation is invited to respond, “Hear our prayer.”
The Lord’s Prayer UMH 895
- Sharing the Peace of Christ Pastor Daniel
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
ALL: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with others near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact.
- Hymn: Forward Through the Ages UMH 555
Sending into the Mission Field
- Dismissal with Blessing Pastor Daniel
We United Methodists are guided by three simple principles:
Do no harm.
Do good.
Stay in love with God.
- Choral Benediction Chancel Choir
“Help Us Accept Each Other” ~ UMH 560 vs. 1
Music to Inspire the Journey Joyce Rhodes
“Valse No. 2” ~ Lothar Bandermann
Sunday, January 12
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
Gathering in God’s Presence
Music for Centering
Allow the music being offered to help you find your center, to acknowledge God’s presence, and to allow yourself time and space to open your mind and heart to the Spirit of God moving among us this day.
Greetings & Community Announcements Pastor Daniel
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“Let It Rise” ~ Holland Davis
“Indescribable” ~ Laura Story and Jesse Reeves
Prayer Pastor Daniel
Time with Young Christians
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel at the front for a time of learning. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom and to pick-up children following the service. Please sign your child in and out. Thank you.
Listening for the Word of God
First Scripture Reading Isaiah 43:1-7
But now, says the Lord—
the one who created you, Jacob,
the one who formed you, Israel:
Don’t fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched
and flame won’t burn you.
I am the Lord your God,
the holy one of Israel, your savior.
I have given Egypt as your ransom,
Cush and Seba in your place.
Because you are precious in my eyes,
you are honored, and I love you.
I give people in your place,
and nations in exchange for your life.
Don’t fear,
I am with you.
From the east I’ll bring your children;
from the west I’ll gather you.
I’ll say to the north, “Give them back!”
and to the south, “Don’t detain them.”
Bring my sons from far away,
and my daughters from the end of the earth,
everyone who is called by my name
and whom I created for my glory,
whom I have formed and made.
Reader: This is the Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“God Of Wonders” ~ Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong
Second Scripture Reading Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
The people were filled with expectation, and everyone wondered whether John might be the Christ. John replied to them all, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. The shovel he uses to sift the wheat from the husks is in his hands. He will clean out his threshing area and bring the wheat into his barn. But he will burn the husks with a fire that can’t be put out.”
When everyone was being baptized, Jesus also was baptized. While he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit came down on him in bodily form like a dove. And there was a voice from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I find happiness.”
Reader: This is the Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon: It’s More Than Water Pastor Daniel
We celebrate the gift of baptism which today’s Gospel establishes. But have you considered what your baptism means? We’ll consider Baptism, its’ meaning, and how it has a lifelong impact on us.
Responding to the Word
Invitation to Give Pastor Daniel
Offertory Music The Worship Team
“If You Say Go” ~ Diane Thiel
*We are an Offering The Worship Team
We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering. Lord, use our voices, Lord, use our hands, Lord, use our lives, they are yours: we are an offering. All that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be, we give to you, we give to you. We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering. We are an offering.
- Sharing the Peace of Christ Pastor Daniel
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
ALL: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be Mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with one another near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact.
Prayers of the People ………………………………………………………………………… Pastor Daniel
Petitions will be offered which are those known to the pastor, as well as those you add to the “Prayer Request” sheet in the Narthex. Pastor will invite the congregation to respond to the joys and concerns received with, “Lord in your mercy,” and the congregation is invited to respond, “Hear our prayer.”
Sending into the Mission Field
- Dismissal with Blessing Pastor Daniel
We United Methodists are guided by three simple principles:
ALL: Do no harm.
Do good.
Stay in love with God.
- Postlude & Closing Music The Worship Team
“I Could Sing of Your Love Forever” ~ Martin Smith
Sunday, January 5
Epiphany Sunday
GATHERING IN GOD’S PRESENCE
MUSIC FOR GATHERING & CENTERING
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Suite Gothique” ~ Leon Boellmann
I. Introduction – choral
II. Menuet gothique”
PRAYER
Leader: Let us pray.
ALL: Holy God, we come before you this day, and you know what it is we need before we ask, and what we want even before we do. Move in us and among us. Help us to hear you, to put ourselves aside, and to seek nothing but your will. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
*HYMN
“And Are We Yet Alive” ~ UMH 553
GREETING & COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Daniel F. Diss
TIME FOR YOUNG CHRISTIANS
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel at the front for a time of learning together. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom and to pick-up their children following the service. Please sign your children in and out. Thank you.
As the children exit to Sunday school, they will be sent with the instrumental: “Where Children Belong” TFWS 2233.
LISTENING FOR THE WORD OF GOD
SCRIPTURE READING
Gail Hybarger
James 1:17-27
Every good gift, every perfect gift, comes from above. These gifts come down from the Father, the creator of the heavenly lights, in whose character there is no change at all. He chose to give us birth by his true word, and here is the result: we are like the first crop from the harvest of everything he created.
Know this, my dear brothers and sisters: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to grow angry. This is because an angry person doesn’t produce God’s righteousness. Therefore, with humility, set aside all moral filth and the growth of wickedness, and welcome the word planted deep inside you—the very word that is able to save you.
You must be doers of the word and not only hearers who mislead themselves. Those who hear but don’t do the word are like those who look at their faces in a mirror. They look at themselves, walk away, and immediately forget what they were like. But there are those who study the perfect law, the law of freedom, and continue to do it. They don’t listen and then forget, but they put it into practice in their lives. They will be blessed in whatever they do.
If those who claim devotion to God don’t control what they say, they mislead themselves. Their devotion is worthless. True devotion, the kind that is pure and faultless before God the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their difficulties and to keep the world from contaminating us.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
SPECIAL MUSIC
Jenna Baker, Sue Livingstone, and John Palmer
Joyce Rhodes, piano
“Danny Boy”
~ arr. by David Cullen
SCRIPTURE READING
Gail Hybarger
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
The Pharisees and some legal experts from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus. They saw some of his disciples eating food with unclean hands. (They were eating without first ritually purifying their hands through washing. The Pharisees and all the Jews don’t eat without first washing their hands carefully. This is a way of observing the rules handed down by the elders. Upon returning from the marketplace, they don’t eat without first immersing themselves. They observe many other rules that have been handed down, such as the washing of cups, jugs, pans, and sleeping mats.) So the Pharisees and legal experts asked Jesus, “Why are your disciples not living according to the rules handed down by the elders but instead eat food with ritually unclean hands?”
He replied, “Isaiah really knew what he was talking about when he prophesied about you hypocrites. He wrote,
This people honors me with their lips,
but their hearts are far away from me.
Their worship of me is empty
since they teach instructions that are human words.You ignore God’s commandment while holding on to rules created by humans and handed down to you.”
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
SERMON
Pastor Daniel
The Gospel of Straw
*HYMN
“Where Charity and Love Prevail” ~ UMH 549
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
CELEBRATION OF GIFTS
Invitation to Give
Leader: Scripture reminds us that every good gift we possess or experience comes to us as a gift from God. As we prepare to give and receive to the honor and glory of God, please complete your “Connections” cards, if you have not yet done so. Let us pray:
ALL: Our most precious and prized gifts come to us as gifts from you, O God: our families, our friends, and our place among those who are called out and gathered together, the church. Help us to cherish each other and to act with compassion. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.
OFFERTORY MUSIC
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Suite Gothique” ~ Leon Boellmann
III. “Priere a Notre-Dame”
*DOXOLOGY
“Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow” ~ UMH 95
SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
PEOPLE: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with others near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact and closeness as we carefully bring this practice back to our worship service.
At the end of the time of sharing, we’ll be called to prayer with the instrumental: “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” TFWS 2193
GATHERING AT GOD’S TABLE
PRAYER OF GREAT THANKSGIVING
Pastor: The Lord be with you.
PEOPLE: And also with you.
Pastor: Lift up your hearts.
PEOPLE: We lift them up the Lord.
Pastor: Let us give thanks to thanks to the Lord, our God.
PEOPLE: It is right so to do.
The pastor continues the prayer recalling God’s mighty acts of salvation culminating in Jesus, his ministry, institution of the Lord’s Supper, and recalling his passion, death and resurrection. The pastor concludes the prayer inviting the present working of the Holy Spirit among us giving praise to God and inviting us to pray the Lord’s Prayer together.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Pastor: … as we pray together the prayer Jesus taught us saying:
The Lord’s Prayer, UMH #895
SHARING THE BREAD AND THE CUP
We receive by intinction — dipping the bread into the cup. There are pre-packaged options available to your right behind the person serving the cup if you would prefer that option. As a note, pastor and the cup server do sanitize their hands before handling the elements at this point in the service. You may not notice them using the hand sanitizer but be assured they are using it before handling the bread and cup.
If movement is difficult for you, the elements will be brought to you in your place. If parents have not yet made the choice for their children to receive, pastor will pray a blessing for each child. Pastor will bless each animal companion brought forward if you have one with you.
COMMUNION MUSIC
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Fairest Lord Jesus”
~ arr. H. Alexander Matthews, Dennis R. Johnson
PRAYER AFTER RECEIVING
Pastor: Let us pray.
ALL: Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
*HYMN
“”Blest Be the Tie That Binds” ~ UMH 557
SENDING FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE
DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
Pastor Daniel
We United Methodists are guided by three simple principles:
Do no harm.
Do good.
Stay in love with God.
MUSIC TO INSPIRE THE JOURNEY
Joyce Rhodes, organ
“Suite Gothique” ~ Leon Boellmann
IV. “Toccata”
- Please stand as you are able.
January 2025 “Spire”
Sunday, December 29
First Sunday after Christmas
Gathering in God’s Presence
Music for Centering
Allow the music being offered to help you find your center, to acknowledge God’s presence, and to allow yourself time and space to open your mind and heart to the Spirit of God moving among us this day.
Greetings & Community Announcements Pastor Daniel
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“Go Tell It On The Mountain” ~ John W. Work
“That’s Why We Praise Him” ~ Tommy Walker
Prayer Pastor Daniel
Time with Young Christians
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel at the front for a time of learning. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom and to pick-up children following the service. Please sign your child in and out. Thank you.
Listening for the Word of God
First Scripture Reading Colossians 3:12-17
12 Therefore, as God’s choice, holy and loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other. 14 And over all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 The peace of Christ must control your hearts—a peace into which you were called in one body. And be thankful people. 16 The word of Christ must live in you richly. Teach and warn each other with all wisdom by singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“Children Of God” ~ David M. Edwards
Second Scripture Reading Luke 2:41-52
41 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover Festival. 42 When he was 12 years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to their custom. 43 After the festival was over, they were returning home, but the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t know it. 44 Supposing that he was among their band of travelers, they journeyed on for a full day while looking for him among their family and friends. 45 When they didn’t find Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to them and putting questions to them. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed by his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were shocked.
His mother said, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Listen! Your father and I have been worried. We’ve been looking for you!”
49 Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that it was necessary for me to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they didn’t understand what he said to them.
51 Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother cherished every word in her heart. 52 Jesus matured in wisdom and years, and in favor with God and with people.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Sermon: Nothing New Under the Sun Pastor Daniel
Responding to the Word
Invitation to Give Pastor Daniel
Offertory Music The Worship Team
“Give Thanks” ~ Henry Smith
*We are an Offering The Worship Team
We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering. Lord, use our voices, Lord, use our hands, Lord, use our lives, they are yours: we are an offering. All that we have, all that we are, all that we hope to be, we give to you, we give to you. We lift our voices, we lift our hands, we lift our lives up to you: we are an offering. We are an offering.
- Sharing the Peace of Christ Pastor Daniel
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
ALL: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be Mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with one another near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact.
Prayers of the People ………………………………………………………………………… Pastor Daniel
Petitions will be offered which are those known to the pastor. as well as those you add to the “Prayer Request” sheet in the Narthex. Pastor will invite the congregation to respond to the joys and concerns received with, “Lord in your mercy,” and the congregation is invited to respond, “Hear our prayer.”
Sending into the Mission Field
- Dismissal with Blessing Pastor Daniel
We United Methodists are guided by three simple principles:
ALL: Do no harm.
Do good.
Stay in love with God.
- Postlude & Closing Music The Worship Team
“Let The Praises Ring” ~ Lincoln Brewster
Sunday, December 22
A Cantata for Christmas — “On This Shining Night”
( **** ) Please be seated if you are standing.(UMH) Indicates “The United Methodist Hymnal,” the hardcover songbook.
(TFWS) Indicates “The Faith We Sing,” the black softcover songbook.
Gathering in God’s Presence
Music before the Service ……………………………………………………………….Joyce Rhodes
“Carol of the Bells” ~ Leontovich-Wilhousky, arr. William Simon
“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” – tune- “Es Ist Ein’Ros” ~ arr. Valerie Sterk
“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” – tune- “Hyfrydol” ~ setting by J. Christopher Pardini
Advent Candle Lighting–Joy Bob & Judy Petrokas
Voice 1: My soul magnifies the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
Voice 2: The Mighty One has done great things!
ALL: Holy is God’s name!
Voice 1: We light his candle as a symbol of the joy to be found in God’s reign upon this earth. (Candle is lit)
Voice 2: For the Lord elevates the lowly, releases the captive, and brings sight to the blind.
Voice 1: We rejoice in God’s justice and mercy, faithful to all generations.
ALL: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Prayer Pastor Daniel
- Hymn: UMH 220 Congregation with Orchestra
Angels from the Realms of Glory ~ arr. David Herberg
Greetings & Community Announcements Pastor Daniel
Time with Young Christians
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel
at the front for a time of learning. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom
and to pick-up children following the service. Please sign your child in and out. Thank you.
Listening for the Word of God
First Scripture Reading ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Luke 2:1-18
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Christmas Cantata–On This Shining Night, by Lee Dengler & Susan Naus Dengler
Chancel Choir and Orchestra:
“On This Shining Night”
“Oh Holy Night”
“The Long Awaited”
“The Wondrous News”
“The Journey”
“On This Shining Night” (reprise)
“The Light Has Come”
“High in the Heavens”
“Rise Up and Follow”
“Carols of Joy and Adoration”
“Oh How Joyfully”
“The Echo Carol”
“Joy to the World”
(Add congregation)
O Come All Ye Faithful, joyful and triumphant
O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem
O come and behold Him, born the King of Angels
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him
O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord
“O Holy Night”
Responding to the Word
Invitation to Give …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pastor Daniel
Offertory Music …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Joyce Rhodes
‘The Snow Lay on the Ground” ~ arr. Leo Sowerby
- Sharing the Peace of Christ ………………………………………………………… Pastor Daniel
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
ALL: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with others near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact and closeness as we carefully bring this practice back to our worship service.
Prayers of the People ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Pastor Daniel
Pastor will offer a pastoral prayer and received joys and concerns. Pastor will invite the congregation to respond to the joys and concerns received with, “Lord in your mercy,” and the congregation is invited to respond, “Hear our prayer.”
The Lord’s Prayer ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… UMH 895
Sending into the Mission Field
- Hymn: Carols of the Angels ~ arr. Camp Kirkland …………………. Congregation with Orchestra
- Dismissal with Blessing ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Pastor Daniel
Music to Inspire the Journey ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Joyce Rhodes
“Variations on ‘Regent Square’ ” ~ arr. Rex Koury
Sunday, December 15
Third Sunday after Advent
Contemporary Music Christmas Celebration
Gathering in God’s Presence
Opening Music The Worship Team
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” ~ Ross Irwin, arr. Ren Geisick
Advent Candle Lighting—Love Jessica and Erik Eastland
Voice 1: There will be signs in the heavens and distress among the nations!
Voice 2: When Christ returns in power and glory people will faith with fear!
ALL: But, when you see these things, lift up your heads: our redemption is drawing near!
Voice 1: Heaven and earth may pass away, but the Word of God will stand unshaken!
Voice 2: We light this candle as a symbol of the God’s love for us and our love for one another. (Candle is lit)
Voice 1: For the Lord rejoices over us with gladness, and renews us in his love. God celebrates over us with singing and turns our shame to praise.
ALL: Come, Lord Jesus, come!
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“Love Came Down at Christmas”
Prayer Pastor Daniel
Greetings & Community Announcements Pastor Daniel
Time with Young Christians
Before leaving for Kid’s Church & Sunday School, our students are invited to join Pastor Daniel at the front for a time of learning. Parents are asked to escort children to their classroom and to pick-up children following the service. Please sign your child in and out. Thank you.
Listening for the Word of God
First Scripture Reading Zephaniah 3:14-20
14 Rejoice, Daughter Zion! Shout, Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem.
15 The LORD has removed your judgment;
he has turned away your enemy.
The LORD, the king of Israel, is in your midst;
you will no longer fear evil.
16 On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem:
Don’t fear, Zion.
Don’t let your hands fall.
17 The LORD your God is in your midst—a warrior bringing victory.
He will create calm with his love;
he will rejoice over you with singing.
18 I will remove from you those worried about the appointed feasts.
They have been a burden for her, a reproach.
19 Watch what I am about to do to all your oppressors at that time.
I will deliver the lame;
I will gather the outcast.
I will change their shame into praise and fame throughout the earth.
20 At that time, I will bring all of you back,
at the time when I gather you.
I will give you fame and praise among all the neighboring peoples
when I restore your possessions and you can see them—says the LORD.
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”
Second Scripture Reading Mark 13:24-37
24 “In those days, after the suffering of that time, the sun will become dark, and the moon won’t give its light. 25 The stars will fall from the sky, and the planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken. 26 Then they will see the Human One coming in the clouds with great power and splendor. 27 Then he will send the angels and gather together his chosen people from the four corners of the earth, from the end of the earth to the end of heaven.
28 “Learn this parable from the fig tree. After its branch becomes tender and it sprouts new leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that he’s near, at the door. 30 I assure you that this generation won’t pass away until all these things happen. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will certainly not pass away.
32 “But nobody knows when that day or hour will come, not the angels in heaven and not the Son. Only the Father knows. 33 Watch out! Stay alert! You don’t know when the time is coming. 34 It is as if someone took a trip, left the household behind, and put the servants in charge, giving each one a job to do, and told the doorkeeper to stay alert. 35 Therefore, stay alert! You don’t know when the head of the household will come,whether in the evening or at midnight, or when the rooster crows in the early morning or at daybreak. 36 Don’t let him show up when you weren’t expecting and find you sleeping. 37 What I say to you, I say to all: Stay alert!”
Reader: The Word of God for you the people of God.
ALL: Thanks be to God.
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“Unto You This Night”
Poem: Look Up Mark Eastland
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day”
~ Bernie Herms, Dale Oliver, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Jean Baptiste Calkin, and Mark Hall
Anecdote/Witness Toni Kent
Worship in Song The Worship Team
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
Responding to the Word
Invitation to Give Pastor Daniel
Offertory Music The Worship Team
“Feels Like Christmas” ~ Ren Geisick
- Sharing the Peace of Christ Pastor Daniel
Leader: The peace of Christ be with you all.
ALL: And also with you.
Leader: Let us offer one another signs of God’s peace and love.
Please be mindful that not everyone is comfortable with all signs of Christian affection, exchange signs of peace with others near you. Moving throughout the worship space is discouraged. Signs of peace might include: hugs, handshakes, fist bumps, a head nod, or a wave are all possibilities. Please be respectful of each other’s comfort levels with physical contact and closeness as we carefully bring this practice back to our worship service.
Prayers of the People ………………………………………………………………………… Pastor Daniel
Pastor will offer a pastoral prayer and received joys and concerns. Pastor will invite the congregation to respond to the joys and concerns received with, “Lord in your mercy,” and the congregation is invited to respond, “Hear our prayer.”
Sending into the Mission Field
- Dismissal with Blessing Pastor Daniel
- Postlude & Closing Music The Worship Team
“Go Tell” ~ Harrie McCollough, Joe Johnston, and Kim Patton-Johnston McLean