Open Hearts, Minds, Doors
First United Methodist Church
Lebanon, Illinois
 603 W. St Louis St, Lebanon, IL 62254
(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 23, 2007
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Theme:   The Power of Interruptions

WORSHIP PREPARATION THOUGHT:    There   us   nothing so annoying   as to have two people talking when you're busy interrupting.”                       Mark Twain

                         8:15 – 8:30 a.m. – MEETING GOD IN MUSIC

WELCOMING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING

OPENING PRAYER

LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE

Song                                              “Star Child”                                 Faith #2095

Candle Lighting                   The Technical Ministry Team

Congregational Response:   We pray this in the name of the Star-Child, the Hope-for-Peace Child, the Christ Child.   Amen.

The Technical Ministry Team, often called the Sound Team, is an essential, yet seldom, recognized ministry.   The members receive training on our equipment, serve at worship and other special events, operate recording and sound equipment, and work together to continually improve the quality of our worship experiences.   One of the aspects of their ministry is that they are most often noticed only if something goes wrong – what a servant's heart it takes to serve in such a way.   If you are interested in joining this team, contact Bob Homan , or stop by the sound table after worship.

CENTERING

PRAYERS

THE LORD'S PRAYER                                                                     Page #895

GOD'S WORD                            Matthew 1:18-25

MEDITATION                  “Have You Checked It Twice?”                         Pastor Joy

RESPONDING

MARCH TO               “O Little Town of Bethlehem ” (vss. 1-4)                Hymn #230
THE MANGER      “It Came upon the Midnight Clear” (vss. 1 & 2)           Hymn #218
                                         “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”                         Hymn #229
                                      “The First Noel” (vss. 1, 3, & 5)                     Hymn #245

SPECIAL MUSIC                “Fantasia on Greensleeves ”        By R. Vaughan Williams
                                             Carolyn McCall , Viola

SENDING FORTH

*BLESSING AND COMMISSION

*CLOSING SONG                    “Shout To The Lord”                             Faith #2074

* Indicates those in the congregation who are able will please stand.

Please join us after worship for a Fellowship Breakfast and Birthday Party for Jesus in the Fellowship Hall.

OUR WORSHIP LEADERS

Joy Caschetta , Pastor                                  Richard Boyd, Diaconal Minister of Music
Conrad Steinhoff, Worship Assistant                                   Susan Niederer, Musician
Geneva Bennet and Ann Zimmerlee , Flowers                      Steve Hermanson, Sound
Kathy Clayton and Ella Doty, Visitation Persons
Ushers:   Bill Ford, Captain; Scott Abner , Steve Brown, Dave Ehlers, Mike Niederer, and Scott Neill