We know that Jesus’ birth was God’s promise from centuries before he was born. Mary, his Mother, was told about his birth by an angel before she was with child. Jesus is God’s gi� and God’s promise from long ago. Like all good Christmas gi�s, God was planning Jesus’ arrival, mission, and ministry from the very beginning. Was Jesus’ death on the cross—his crucifixion—part of the plan? And why talk about that as we’re about to celebrate his birthday? Signs that only Mary can tell us make it clear that Jesus was born to die for our salva�on. It’s part of the gi�. And it’s part of Christmas.
A Time to Worship December 4, 2016 | 8:30, 9:50 & 11:10 a.m. Prelude Carols from Around the World Michael Pettry, Pipe Organ * Welcome & Greeting * Hymn of Preparation 254 We Three Kings * Call to Worship Leader: O come let us adore him, People: Christ, the Lord. Leader: We’ll give him all the glory, People: Christ, the Lord. Leader: For he alone is worthy, All: Christ, the Lord. Amen! Lighting of the Advent Candle Isaiah 53:3-5 Anthem (8:30 & 9:50 a.m.) Bethlehem Spiritual The Men of the Adult Choir Hymn 218 It Came upon the Midnight Clear Scripture Red Pew Bible 833 Luke 2:22-40 Message God’s Plan Rev. Charlie Wilfong
Classic Worship Notes
Hymn of Preparation 206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Holy Communion Plates are available at the front of the sanctuary to receive your tithes,
The closing hymn, #213, “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates,” was originally written for Advent season. With its encouragement to “Fling wide the portals” of our hearts because the “King of Kings is drawing near,” this hymn communicates expectation that the Jesus is arriving soon. Thus, it can also be sung on Palm Sunday.
offerings & Connection Cards when you go forward to receive Communion. Communion Anthem
(8:30 & 9:50 a.m.) The First Noel The Women of Adult Choir
(11:10 a.m.) Christmas Carols Hymn 219: What Child Is This (vs 1&2) Hymn 221: In the Bleak Midwinter (vs 1&2) Hymn 230: O Little Town of Bethlehem (vs 1&2)
* Hymn for Parting 213 * Dismissal & Blessing * Postlude
Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates Declamation on “Gloria”
Michael Bedford Jaime Carini, Pipe Organ
(*) asterisk indicates time for persons, who are able, to stand.
The prelude features four Christmas carols from throughout the Western world, many of which are familiar to our ears. “Away in a Manger” features music by an American composer, followed by a 16th century French carol. The German “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” precedes a Swiss noel written by a virtuosic French organist. Our opening hymn, #254 “We Three Kings,” references the supernatural star that guided the wise men on their journey to Bethlehem. The light of this “Star of wonder” and the Advent candles point to Christ, who is the light of the world. The Scripture reading from Luke 2:2240, describes Simeon’s encounter with Christ, a promise that had been foretold to Simeon by the Holy Spirit. After eagerly expecting God to fulfill this promise, Simeon sees Jesus and responds with a hymn of praise, “Nunc dimittis.” The child who would become a light to the Gentiles and glory to the Israelites now calls us to become children of the light.
The declamatory postlude by Dr. Michael Bedford is on the tune, “Gloria” (also known as “Les anges dans nos campagnes”). See if you can recognize the tune when it appears. Hint: It features angels!
Membership Discovery The Membership Discovery Class provides an overview of the ministry and mission of PUMC and helps participants find meaningful places to connect within the church. Participants are invited to consider membership at the conclusion of the class. Please contact Pastor Elizabeth Gilbert at egilbert@pumc.org to learn more or to register for the next class. eNews from PUMC Visit www.pumc.org to sign-up for free weekly eNews. Follow PUMC /PlainfieldUMC /NewDayPraise /PUMCBibleExplorers PUMC weekly worship notes Details are at events.bible.com or on your YouVersion app. PUMC Wireless Network Wireless Network Name: PUMC Network Password: pumc1 Give Securely Online pumcgives.to/pumc Sermon Downloads Sunday sermons can be downloaded from pumc.org or from iTunes.
THIS WEEK Sunday, December 4 8:30 a.m. Classic Worship (S) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m. Bible Explorers Worship/ Grades K-5 (100) 9:45 a.m. Youth Worship/Grades 6-12 (200) 9:50 a.m. Classic Worship (S) 9:50 a.m. NewDay Praise Worship (A) 11:10 a.m. Classic Worship (S) 11:10 a.m. Small Group (K) 12:30 p.m. Jesus In the Gospels - Shannen Shortt (K) 12:30 p.m. Churchwide Study Planning Meeting (W) 6:00 p.m. Disciple III Bible Study - Tom Iles (K) Monday, December 5 12:00 p.m. Homeless Outreach Food Preparation (Ki) 2:00 p.m. Encore Christmas Luncheon Set Up (CH) 5:00 p.m. Homeless Outreach Food Delivery (O) 5:15 p.m. Joy Bells - Beginning bell choir (B) 6:00 p.m. Praise Bells - Intermediate bell choir (B) 7:00 p.m. Chancel Bell Choir (B)
• Angel Tree • Alternative Christmas • Family Promise
Tuesday, December 6 8:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Prayer Group (K) 9:00 p.m. Nine on Tuesday (Y) 11:30 p.m. Encore Christmas Event (CH) 3:00 p.m. Revelations Class - Cookie Baking (Ki) 6:00 p.m. Values Clarification Task Force meeting (K) 7:00 p.m. JOY ChristCare Group, Diane Preusch Leader (L) 7:00 p.m. Disciple I Fast Track - Kathy Perry (W) Wednesday, December 7 3:00 p.m. More Than Conquerors (U) 6:00 p.m. Avon PEO Cheeseball Prep (Ki) 6:00 p.m. Connection Point High School Youth Bible Study (O) 7:00 p.m. Satisfying the Hunger ChristCare Small Group (L) Thursday, December 8 8:00 a.m. Avon PEO Cheeseball Creation (Ki) 9:00 a.m. Bible Study with Pastor Ron Mercer (K) 6:30 p.m. NewDay Praise Team Rehearsal (A) 7:00 p.m. Kids Connection Program Board Meeting (210) 7:00 p.m. Margaret Wielenberg’s Yoga Student Teaching (205) 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Choir Rehearsal (S) 8:30 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal (S) Friday, December 9 9:45 a.m. Friday Morning Bible Study (K) 6:30 p.m. Snack N Craft (CH) Saturday, December 10 2:00 p.m. Megan Winsted Voice Studio Recital (S) 4:00 p.m. Weekday Children’s Ministries Parent’s Night Out (19) Sunday, December 11 8:30 a.m. Classic Worship (S) 9:45 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m. Bible Explorers Worship/ Grades K-5 (100) 9:45 a.m. Youth Worship/Grades 6-12 (200) 9:50 a.m. Classic Worship (S) 9:50 a.m. NewDay Praise Worship (A) 11:10 a.m. Classic Worship (S) 11:10 a.m. Small Group (K) 12:30 p.m. Jesus In the Gospels - Shannen Shortt (K) 1:00 p.m. Angel Tree Gift Sorting (ML) 6:00 p.m. Disciple III Bible Study - Tom Iles (K)
Locations noted on Calendar (A) Clayton Hall Worship Annex (B) Bell Choir Room (CH) Clayton Hall (FP) Fire Pit (K) Koinonia Room (KI) Kitchen (L) Library (ML) Main Lobby
(MR) Music Room (O) Off Site (S) Sanctuary (TBD) To Be Determined (W) Wesley Room (WW) Wesley Woods (Y) Youth Rooms (Upstairs) (#) Room Number
We are so glad to welcome you to worship this morning! If you are new to PUMC, you are invited to stop by the Welcome Center located in the south lobby. A PUMC member is there to answer your questions, and we have a gift for you, too! In Clayton Hall (north end of building) you’ll find refreshments and a place to chat and meet people. Please make yourself at home.
Angel Tree Mission Help say “Thank Through December 11 You!” for the New Pipe Organ! PUMC shares God’s BIG Love with the children of incarcerated parents each Christmas through the Angel Tree (Prison Ministry) Mission as we provide gifts, cookies, and Bibles for these children. Members of the congregation choose a child from the “Angel Tree” in PUMC’s main lobby, purchase and wrap the gift. Once returned and sorted, these gifts are delivered to the children on behalf of their incarcerated parent.
PUMC’s new pipe organ is complete and will contribute to worship this holiday season and for many years to come. Will you help thank the organ builder for all they have contributed to our worship? You are invited to please send a card or note of thanks during the month of December to:
Be a part of showing God’s BIG Love...
Thad, Tina, David and Cory at Reynolds Associates were largely responsible for the work that company did to plan for and install PUMC’s new instrument. Thank you for showing them God’s BIG Love through your words of thanks.
Choose a name and buy a gift. In the main lobby today (Dec. 4) pick a name off of the Angel tree and purchase a gift using the info on the angel. Wrap and return the item to PUMC by noon December 11. Bake Cookies. Two and one-half dozen homemade cookies are delivered to each Angel Tree home. Deliver cookies to PUMC by 5 p.m., December 16. Volunteer to sort or distribute gifts and cookies Contact Steve Brizendine for dates & times. If you have questions please contact Steve Brizendine at angeltree@pumc.org or through the church office. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15
Reynolds Associates 625 W. 4th St. Marion, IN 46952-3900
Christmas in Plainfield December 9 | 7 p.m. The Plainfield Federation of Churches invites the community to Christmas in Plainfield on Friday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. in the Plainfield High School Auditorium, located at 1 Red Pride Drive. Please park and enter via Door 21 at the North end of the building. Musical groups from several Plainfield churches will present an evening of songs and special music to usher in the Christmas season. Admission is free. A freewill offering will be taken for the Weekday Religious Education program and the Christian Support Center.
Alternative Christmas Gifts
All Hands - and Helpers - on Deck!
Again this year the PUMC Mission Committee is offering a Christmas shopping option that is quick and easy – and supports PUMC mission! Beginning in early December you will be able to choose “the gift” you wish at a display in the main lobby at PUMC. With your check to “PUMC” you may choose one of the following to give as a gift to a friend or loved one:
PUMC is taking advantage of energy rebates available before the end of the year to upgrade lighting throughout the building. These upgrades will make for significant energy savings in the coming years. Additional savings are available if we provide the labor to do the installation ourselves. Will you help?
Family Promise (Hendricks County Homeless Mission) PUMC Family Assistance (to aid local families in need) PUMC Last Saturday Lunch Feeding the Hungry, PUMC’s Homeless Outreach Madina Village School in Sierra Leone. With your purchase you will receive an attractive Christmas card with a printed description of the project which you may give or send to the person you want to honor. Thank you for your special gift this Christmas!
Dec. 9: Dec. 21: Dec. 24: 4:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
7 & 9:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m.
On Monday, December 12, Steve Manning, PUMC Facilities Manager, is coordinating the first work day for this project. Tasks include: carrying light loads, removing trash, sweeping and clean-up, and simple electrical work. There is a job for everyone who wants to help. Additional work days will be schedule throughout the month. If you can help on Dec. 12 or anytime during the month, please mark your Connection Card this morning and Steve will be in touch. Thank you for helping PUMC realize thousands of dollars in savings and be more earth-friendly. Contact Steve directly at smanning@pumc.org or 317.839.2319, ext. 231.
Christmas in Plainfield
Plainfield High School
Longest Night Worship Christmas Eve Family Celebration
Designed specifically for the little ones and their families.
Christmas Eve Celebration with NewDay Praise
Christmas Eve Celebration with a contemporary feel in the Worship Annex.
Candlelight Worship with Choir & Orchestra
Traditional Christmas Eve Celebration
Christmas Eve Worship with Candles & Communion
Traditional Christmas Eve Celebration
what s next
PRAISE & PRAYER
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Known in the hospital this week: Joe Stephens Please take a moment to touch and pray over the blankets for: JT White from the High School Youth Bible Study Group with prayers for healing, strength and peace.
Luke 2:41-52 Sunday, December 11 Classic Worship
Jeri Diane from Wilma Kapcoe with prayers for comfort and understanding.
Open It: When have you accidentally left someone behind during a trip or an activity?
Hospitality Volunteers include: Linda Eichenberger, Sharon Howard, Melissa Pearman, Tom Hilligoss, Ben & Justin Laver, Norma Ware, Betty Barding, Joe & Sandy Bennett, Jean Ellis, Betty DeBaun, Tamara Miller & Terry Jones, Ted Underwood, Howard & Betty Little, Paul and Jan Dieterlen, Dennis Meredith, Ed Rhodes, Wilma Kapcoe, Rich Philip, Jim Crosley, Joyce Phillips, Joe Mercer, Don Meyer, Elaine Jacone, Adam Effinger, Matt Cochran, Kelly Denman, Kay Sprinkle, Melissa Shriner, Mike & Laurie Rohrer
Explore It: What did Jesus do during the three days he was on his own? Get It: What would you have asked Jesus had you been in the Temple during those three days? Apply It: How will you strive to grow in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and others?
Acolytes: 8:30 a.m.
Communion Stewards: 8:30 a.m. Jane Brizendine LeeAnn Overbey 9:50 a.m. Anita Green Jennifer Woodard 11:10 a.m. Bob & Nancy Montgomery
Christmas Day Brunch On Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, the PUMC Encore Senior Ministry invites you to a pitch-in brunch in Clayton Hall following worship. Worship on Christmas Day is at 10:00 a.m. in both the Sanctuary and the Worship Annex. Plan to stay following worship and enjoy friends and good food. Please make your reservation at the Encore Senior Ministry desk in the Main Lobby on Sundays Dec. 4, 11, and 18.
Infant/Toddler Room this Sunday: 8:30 a.m. Kathy Everman 9:50 a.m. Bree Dunscombe 11:10 a.m. Kathy Everman
Family Promise PUMC will host Family Promise (Hendricks County Homeless Support) the week of January 8-15. Check the sign-up table in the Main Lobby for needed supplies and to sign up to provide a meal, visit with the families or stay overnight.
Ways to Give
PUMC VITAL SIGNS GIVING NOV. 27, 2016: $15,351 TOTAL YTD 2016: $915,807 * TOTAL YTD 2015: $889,902 ATTENDANCE NOV. 27, 2016: 424 PREVIOUS 52 WKIN-PERSON AVG: 435 CASH/CHECK
IN THE SERVICE OF JESUS CHRIST LAST WEEK: IN-PERSON
CASH/CHECK
ONLINE SECURE
Gabrielle Layman Kristin Wesley
Give in person in worship on Sunday morning.
IN-PERSON
CASH/CHECK
ONLINE SECURE
ACH 31
* IN ADDITION, WE HAVE RECEIVED $11,229 TO PAY OFF THE MORTGAGE EARLY.
AUTOMATED BANK DRAFT
Online at pumc.org ONLINE SECURE or via SecureGive on your mobileACH device. AUTOMATED Phone Brenda Barnett BANK DRAFT in the Church Office to set up, 317.839.2319.
Scan the QR Code or type pumcgives.to/pumc to give securely online.
PUMC Staff: Charlie Wilfong Senior Pastor Elizabeth Gilbert Associate Pastor Ken Loudenback Associate Pastor Bob Preusch Pastor of Youth Ministries Amanda Norton Director of Children’s Ministries Michael Pettry Director of Music Jaime Carini Organ Scholar Michael Norton NewDay Praise Worship Leader Oma Buckner Bell Choir Director Brent Miller Office Manager Eiric Shriner Communications Brenda Barnett Financial Administrator Sigrid Schuld Weekday Children’s Director Sandy Fansler Kids Connection Director Steve Manning Facility Manager Bonnie Walden Custodian/ Housekeeper Brooks Wagler Night Custodian Contact staff members through the church office at 317.839.2319 or by email. (first initial, last name@pumc.org) (Example: cwilfong@pumc.org)
Fill out your connection card online. Scan the code above or go to pumc.link/connect
AVAILABLE TO YOU Thank you for spending time at Plainfield United Methodist Church today! We hope that you enjoyed worship and were able to experience God’s presence in this place. Please stop by the Welcome Center (left out of the sanctuary) to talk with a PUMC member, learn more about PUMC, and receive a free gift. For those with children: The children’s programs of PUMC are well supervised and offer warm, caring, and fun atmospheres. Care for infants and toddlers is in room 15 from 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. every Sunday. Sunday school class for children age 3 - Pre-K is 9:45 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. in room 20. The Sunday morning children’s program “Bible Explorers” (Grades K-5) begins at 9:50 in the south hallway. Classrooms are marked. Children arriving 9:30-9:50 a.m. may go to room 107 (Gathering Place) for worship and music before class. During all worship services in the sanctuary, activity bags for children are available from the ushers. Sunday Worship Hours: 8:30, 9:50 & 11:10 a.m. - Classic 9:50 a.m. - NewDay Praise Sunday School Hour: 9:45 a.m. Classes for all ages Weekday Children’s Programs: PUMC offers weekday children’s programs for ages 12 months—age 5. Please pick up a brochure from the rack near the Welcome Center or email Director Sigrid Schuld at sschuld@pumc. org. Before & After School Program: For children in Grades K-5 from 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more information, email Director Sandy Fansler at kidsconnection@pumc.org. Student Ministry Programs: Middle and High School students will find a worship experience led by Youth Pastor Bob Preusch and the student worship team at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday upstairs in room 200. Adult Small Group Life: Learn more about the many adult small groups at PUMC by picking up a brochure from the information rack in the south lobby. Spiritual Support and Encouragement: Stephen Ministers are church members trained to be confidential, listening, prayerful encouragers to anyone needing extra support for life’s challenges. Please contact a Stephen Minister by phoning the church office. The deadline to have information included in this weekly folder is Tuesday, 9 a.m. Please deliver to the church office or to eshriner@pumc.org.