*Hymn of Faith
Gary United Methodist Church
O Little Town of Bethlehem
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(9 a.m.) Children Preschool 3’s–Grade 5 are invited to come forward during the hymn. After the Children’s Time, those in Grades 4–5 will worship with their families, while children Preschool 3’s–Grade 3 may follow their leaders downstairs to Kids’ Church.
Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23, 2018 9 & 11 a.m. *Please stand as you are able.
(11 a.m.) Children are invited to worship with their families during this service. Children’s bulletins and activity bags are available from the ushers.
Congregation reads bold print.
Childcare is available for newborn–2 yrs. from 8:45 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the lower level.
Congregational song book is the hard cover Hymnal found in the pew racks.
Children’s Time (9 a.m.) Prelude
Savior of the Nations, Come! BWV 659
Johann S. Bach
tune by Martin Luther
Mission and Ministry at Gary Church
Sermon
Prayer of Confession (11 a.m.) Gracious God, we confess we have not always heeded prophetic words that are meant to be good news to us and others. We confess that too often we have hoarded resources and power, and we struggle to share what we have with others in need. Help us to share not only material resources but the joy you offer to all people. In this season of Advent, help us to prepare our hearts to receive you into our lives and to welcome others. Amen. The Great Thanksgiving (11 a.m.)
Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly
*Hymn
Savior of the Nations, Come
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Toccata on VENI EMMANUEL
Andrew Carter
(Stanzas 1, 2, and 3)
Dedication of Our Tithes and Offerings (9 a.m.)
Opening Prayer Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Pew Bible p. 779 Pew Bible p. 856
There Shall a Star from Jacob (from Christus) Chancel Choir Felix Mendelssohn
There shall a star from Jacob come forth, and a scepter from Israel rise up, and dash in pieces princes and nations. As bright the star of morning gleams, so Jesus sheddeth glorious beams of light and consolation. Thy Word, O Lord, radiance darting, truth imparting, gives salvation. Thine be praise and adoration. ~ from Numbers 24:17 and Psalm 2:9
(11 a.m.)
Readers: Harry Chase (9 a.m.), Cindi Copeland (11 a.m.)
Sharing the Bread and the Cup (11 a.m.)
*Benediction
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This is the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God!
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Lord’s Prayer
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.
Micah 5:2-5a *Luke 1:39-55
Rev. Brian Felker Jones
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, for ever. Amen.
Behold! The Lord your God breathes new life into dead spaces. God’s Messiah is coming into our world as God’s final word. Life will triumph over death. Do not be afraid. We light the fourth Advent Candle as a sign of our hope in God’s redeeming love. The Messiah is coming to establish a kingdom in the shape of that very love. And this kingdom will last forever and ever. Come, Lord Jesus.
Scripture Lesson
“One of the Little Clans ”
Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another. Therefore, let us confess our sin before God and one another.
Pastoral Prayer
*Advent Candle Lighting Peter, Kathryn, Grace, Annie, and Michael Macabobby (9 a.m.)
*Hymn
Carey Bebar
Invitation (11 a.m.)
*Doxology
He Whom the Shepherds Praised Helmut Walcha 16th-Century German carol What Child Is This So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come peasant, king, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
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*Postlude
Congregational Care Please remember these individuals and families in your prayers this week. Jan Adair, Jessica Bianco, Heidi Brewer, Deb Connor, Jim & Carol Eaton, Dixie Hawthorne, Barbara Heeley, Pat Hill, Betty Jeppsen, Bruce Keller, Chris Loken, Dan Meeks, Neal Smith, Jim Trieschmann, Jack & Shirley Williamson Today’s altar flowers are given by Dan & Polly Leonard in honor of the engagement of their daughter Kayla Leonard to Kyle DeHolton. Christmas Wreaths in the Sanctuary have been donated by Gary’s Boy Scout Troop 35. Thanks to the Gary Gardeners for decorating in the Sanctuary and throughout the church.
Serving Today 9 a.m. Service Greeters Dave, Liesl, Alyn & Chase Mann, Craig & Julia Behr, Dean, Bobbi, Ally & Lauren Updegrove Welcome Desk Dick & Carolyn Raber, Craig & Julia Behr Acolytes Lukas Schaafsma, Hannah Shrigley Ushers Dave Gaul, Stan Diddams, Carter Gaul, Faith Gaul, Andy Tooley, Teddy Tooley, Len Witte 11 a.m. Service Greeters Welcome Desk Acolytes Ushers
Steve, Laura, Ben & Danny Newell, Rob, Rowena, Emily & Melissa Hansen Madge Drake Sam Jones, Danny Newell Bob Drake, Patty Affett, Vickie Austin, John Hamilton, Don Kenyon, Andy Majernik, Luke Majernik, Bethany Majernik, Dick Seloover
Musicians: Kevin Lange (organ, piano), Jennifer Whiting (Chancel Choir) Sound Technicians: Kevin Carlson, Phil Johnson, Alyn Mann, Dave Mann, Tony Venezia Staff Ministry Team: Rev. Dr. Chris Pierson, Rev. Brian Felker Jones, Rev. Bruce Anderson, Jennifer Whiting, Kevin Lange, Carey Bebar, Kim Austin, Alexa Isaac, Becky Lemna, Pam Keller, Raven Larkin, Deb Evans, Deb Hafner, Mike & Donna Capra
Mission Statement Grow in faith, knowledge, and understanding of Christ as Lord and Savior Serve our community and the world by sharing time, gifts, talents Nurture one another through worship, fellowship, love Demonstrate our discipleship to Christ Proclaim God's grace and Good News
Gary United Methodist Church — Affiliated with Winfield Community United Methodist Church —
224 N. Main, Wheaton, IL 60187 Phone: (630) 668-3100 / Fax: (630) 668-8279 Email:
[email protected] Website: www.garychurch.org
