December 11 @ St. Paul's UMC: Worship

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

Steve Batch lights the wreath

Marcy Decker (flute) accompanies the bells

Blessing the Mitten Tree collection

Fellowship time on a nice December morning

Third Sunday of Advent

Today’s Meditation Verse: “Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.”  —James 5:7

Welcome... Pastor Charles

Prelude... Jubilate Ringers / “Do You Hear What I Hear,” transcribed by Douglas Wagner

Lighting the Advent Candle... Steve & Martha Batch

Light two candles. The Christmas season is filled with activities – shopping,   partying – added to our normal flow of things. How can we find time to entertain the Christ child? So often we go with what clamors the loudest, and we miss the gentle “tap tap” at the door. 

Weary travelers choke the inn, demanding their lodging, food, entertainment. And here stand a pair of poor ragged souls asking you to do even more. How can one be hospitable in such a time to such as these?

“I’m sorry, but I am full. But I see you too have need. Perhaps we can work something out. There is a stable our back...” And another candle joins those flickering two. Light the third candle on the Advent wreath.

Prayer: O holy child of Bethlehem, we open our hearts to You. And we seek to offer Your hospitality to others in need in this holy season. Amen.

—Before the Amen, Maren Tirabassi & Maria Tirabassi, 2007

*Hymn... “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” (UMH #213)

Canticle of Mary (UMH #199—Read in unison with no refrain)... Bob Muckle

*Offering/Doxology (To the tune of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”)

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God all creatures here below.

Praise God above ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Community prayer requests, concerns, and celebrations

Pastoral Prayer / The Lord’s Prayer... Pastor Charles

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 11:2-11... Bob Muckle

Bell Anthem... “Still, Still, Still,” arranged by Anna Laura Page, with special guest Marcy Decker on flute

Second Lesson: Psalm 146:5-10... Pastor Charles

Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the strangers; The LORD upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked the LORD brings to Praise the LORD!

Sermon... Pastor Charles / “One more thing”

*Hymn... “All Earth is Waiting” (Toda la Tierra)” (UMH #210)

*Words for the Journey... Pastor Charles

Postlude... Hyeji Park / “Take My Life and Let It Be,” arranged by Greg Howlett