 |
(618) 537-6622 Fax (618) 537-4571 |
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.
Informal Worship – 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship – 10:45 a.m. December 2, 2007
First Sunday of Advent
Theme: The Power in Expectations
WORSHIP PREPARATION THOUGHT: “Unhappiness is best defined as the difference between our talents and our expectations.” Edward DeBono
CALL OF CHURCH BELL
REGISTRATION OF ATTENDANCE
ANNOUNCEMENTS
OPENING VOLUNTARY
CHORAL INTROIT “Awake, For Night Is Flying” Nicoli
LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE
Song “Star Child” Faith #3095
Candle Lighting TheYoung -at-Heart Ministry
Congregational Response: We pray this in the name of the Star-Child, the Hope-for-Peace Child, the Christ Child. Amen
“Young-at-Heart” is part of our nurture ministries, providing an opportunity for retired persons to gather together for fun, fellowship, and the building of supportive, caring relationships. Though their primary purpose is fellowship, this group is also a vital part of our prayer ministries, which is a great gift to the pastor (who loves to join their monthly gatherings), and a wonderful way to provide ministries to all retired persons in our community.
*CALL TO WORSHIP AND OPENING PRAYER
One: God's kingdom is already in our midst…
All: but its fullness is still to come.
One: It is both already and not yet here.
All: It is begun, and we know the ending;
One: but the details are unfinished.
All: May we seek God in all the details of life and love in this Advent Season. Amen.
*HYMN “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” Hymn #196
SCRIPTURE READING Romans 14:11-14
PRAYERS
THE LORD'S PRAYER
OFFERING
OFFERTORY “Call to Advent” Arr. by Williams
*DOXOLOGY “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” Page #95
GOSPEL READING Matthew 24:36-44
SERMON “Is Your Alarm Set?” Pastor Joy
*HYMN “Take My Life, and Let it Be ” Hymn #399
HOLY COMMUNION Page #13
*HYMN “Now Let Us from This Table Rise” Hymn #634
*DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING
*CONGREGATIONAL “Lord, Make My Life a Window” Back of Hymnal
BENEDICTION
*CLOSING VOLUNTARY
* Indicates those in the congregation who are able will please stand.
The flowers on the altar are in honor of Mary Renfro's 92 nd birthday
( on December 5 th ), and in memory of Jack Andrew,
who shared the same birthday, given by Stephen Renfro and Family.
OUR WORSHIP LEADERS
Joy Caschetta , Pastor Richard Boyd, Diaconal Minister of Music
Carol Bennett, Liturgist Nancy Helmich , Musician
Eloise Hayes and Bette Nicholson, Greeters Joe Diliberto, Sound
Cheryl Brewer and Missy Miller , Flowers Kaylee Darnall, Acolyte
Lisa Beckett, Communion Steward Casey Andrew , Visitation Person
Ushers: Bill Ford, Captain ; Scott Abner , Steve Brown, Dave Ehlers, Mike Niederer, Scott Neill