Dreaming of Home December 2, 2018 9:30 a.m., Sanctuary Ever since our original habitat and fellowship with God was broken, God has been calling us home. Because Jesus came to Earth at Christmas, we can indeed go home again. And in the end, we will be at home in a new heaven and a new earth, with no more suffering nor memory of it, where we are present and at peace with God and one another.
CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP We Gather in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PRELUDE | Wachet Auf (Sleepers, Awake) Johann Sebastian Bach, composer | YunJung Lee, Larry and Susan Hauser Organ Scholar *CALL TO WORSHIP (Based on Isaiah 61) We come to worship Christ Who proclaims good news to the poor, binds up the broken-hearted, frees the prisoner and comforts those who mourn. We come to worship Christ Who bestows a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. We come to worship Christ Who rebuilds ancient ruins and restores broken places. *OPENING HYMN | Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus 196 | Hyfrydol Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne.
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord: who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy +catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH | Ben, Angela, Deja, Jordan, & Isabella Hough HYMN | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 211 | stanza 1 All [sung]: “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.”
*Please rise in body or spirit.
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In this instance, catholic means universal.
Reader: God of justice and peace, healing and comfort, we see all that is wrong and wonder where you are. Reader: We are a broken people, unable to work together for our common good. We cannot see or hear each other even within our own families and communities. Reader: We are a suffering world, our nations are filled with conflict and violence. The fragile earth cries out with longing for redemption. All: We, God’s people, long for God’s presence, saying with the prophet: “If only you would tear open the heavens and come down!” (Isaiah 64:1, CEB) Reader: On this first Sunday of Advent, we light this candle to remind us of our longing that God will come into the world, bringing justice and peace, comfort and healing. Light a candle. All [sung]: “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
We Offer Our Prayers ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PASTORAL PRAYER
We Offer Our Gifts ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
OFFERTORY | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Natalie Sleeth, composer | Salt & Light Choir
We Hear God’s Word ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Dreaming of Home
Rev. Arthur Jones | Dr. Scott Engle
We Feast at the Lord’s Table ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
COMMUNION LITURGY LORD’S PRAYER HOLY COMMUNION COMMUNION MUSIC Amid the Cold of Winter Taylor Davis, composer Lo! How A Rose E’er Blooming Hayes/Gaspard, arrangers | YunJung Lee, Larry and Susan Hauser Organ Scholar, piano and Dr. Jonathan M. Gregoire, organ
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We Go in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP *CLOSING HYMN | I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light 206 | Houston I want to walk as a child of the light; I want to follow Jesus. God set the stars to give light to the world; the star of my life is Jesus. Refrain In him there is no darkness at all; the night and the day are both alike. The Lamb is the light of the city of God. Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. I want to see the brightness of God; I want to look at Jesus. Clear Sun of Righteousness, shine on my path and show me the way to the Father. [Refrain] I’m looking for the coming of Christ; I want to be with Jesus. When we have run with patience the race, we shall know the joy of Jesus. [Refrain] *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE | Toccata on ‘Veni Emmanuel’ Andrew Carter, composer | Dr. Jonathan M. Gregoire, organ
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 16 5:00 p.m., Longest Night Service, Chapel | Jennifer Powell Wednesday, December 19 7:00 p.m., Traveler’s Service, Sanctuary | Arthur Jones Monday, December 24 12:00 p.m., Casual Family Service, Sanctuary | Arthur Jones 2:00 p.m., Children’s Service, Sanctuary | Arthur Jones 4:00 p.m., Contemporary Service, Sanctuary | Arthur Jones 6:00 p.m., Traditional Service, Sanctuary | Robert Hasley 7:00 p.m., Contemporary Service, Smith Worship Center | Allison Jean 8:00 p.m., Traditional Service, Sanctuary | Jimmy Decker 11:00 p.m., Traditional Communion Service, Sanctuary | Arthur Jones Sunday, December 30 10:00 a.m., Combined Service, Sanctuary standrewumc.org/Christmas 4
PRAYER FOCUS Need Prayer? No need is too big or too small for God. If you need help in this area of your life, our pastors and Prayer Team are available to pray for you. Please send your Prayer Request as directed below.
JOYS AND CONCERNS Birth Caroline Rose Buescher, daughter of Michael and Paige Buescher and granddaughter of Deborah Packer (Nov 20) Hospital Mary Claire Holmes Sympathy Fred Bett in the death of his brother, Albert Bett (Oct 28) Bob Murphy in the death of his wife, Ruth Murphy (Nov 21) Linda Miska in the death of her mother, Esther Gordon (Nov 23) Long-Term Care Nancy Cates, Dan Cox, Glennys Damewood, John Elder, Mary Eubanks, John Hamilton, Jeff Simmons, and Betty White
PRAYER REQUESTS You may share a joy, a concern or a sorrow by visiting our website at standrewumc.org/ prayer or by calling our prayer line at 214-291-8044. Your requests are lifted up by our pastors and Prayer Team each week.
Year to Date | November 26 2018
2017
$6,453,547 YTD: $5,165,238
$6,994,451 (Planned)
GIVING YTD: $5,256,763
Year To Date | November 26 Proverbs 11:25 “Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Actual: 80%
Actual: 75%
*2018 Annual Budget is $6,994,451
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GROUPS |
standrewumc.org/news
Children’s Ministry is in search for more people to serve as a substitute for Small Group Leaders or Greeters. Contact Wensdy Stucky at wstucky@standrewumc.org for more information. Congregational Care Ministers | If you are interested in providing encouragement to our church family through phone calls, facility visits and more, contact Devin Dusek, ddusek@standrewumc.org to learn more about how to apply. United Methodist Women | Visit a group this fall. All are welcome. standrewumc.org/adults Sarah Sisters | December 5, 11:00 a.m., Room 131 | Christmas Luncheon LIFT Group | December 9, 6:30 p.m. | Annual Cookie Exchange, contact Aimee, aimee.heiser@hotmail.com for location and information Rachel Group | December 10, 6:30 p.m. | Christmas Dinner at Devra Helffrich’s, contact Kathy, 972-979-0856 for information PALS (People with Active Lifestyles) | Wednesdays (Except First of Month), 10:00 a.m., Room 131 | A group offering senior adults educational, cultural, and social opportunities. Contact Allison, ajean@standrewumc.org. standrewumc.org/adults DECEMBER 12 | Tour North Texas Food Bank, contact Ray to sign up, raycarlton@gmail.com 19 | Christmas Bingo and special Christmas music by St. Andrew Preschoolers 26 | No PALS, Merry Christmas! Career Care Ministry | Mondays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Room 131 | A free, weekly support/ coaching group helping those who are out of work or “mis-employed” and seeking a career change. New Member Orientation at 6:00 p.m. in Room 133. standrewumc.org/support Travel Ministry: 2019 Trips May 7-10, New York City Broadway Trip | This trip features three award winning shows, three group dinners, the 9/11 Museum, and the Radio City Music Hall tour. Air fare and hotel are included. October 13-20, Uniworld River Cruise on the Rhine | Cruise through four European countries, Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands with daily included excursions to castles, cathedrals, and much more. For more information contact Kay Richardson, krichardson@standrewumc.org. standrewumc.org/News/Travel Prayer Shawl Ministry | Third Tuesday of Every Month, 10:00 a.m., Room 120 | Prayer shawls are knitted or crocheted for individuals experiencing devastating illness or loss. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, we can teach you. You may also knit or crochet on your own and donate shawls to the ministry.
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GET INVOLVED |
standrewumc.org/news
T H E
L O N G E S T
N I G H T
Today, 9:30 a.m., Room 131 | Join us for our Discover St. Andrew class and hear what St. Andrew is all about! Learn about our values, fundamentals of the faith, the basic disciplines needed for spiritual growth and much more. All are welcome! standrewumc.org/starting-point
The Longest Night | December 16, 5:00 p.m., Chapel | A meditative worship experience for those who seek the solace of a quiet Christmas season of remembering and preparation. Led by Rev. Jennifer Powell. standrewumc.org/NewsTheLongestNight
Support UMW Missions – Honey Baked Ham Gift Card Fundraiser | Feast on Honey Baked Ham and support the missions of the United Methodist Women! Order gift cards online and choose the amount. Cards are emailed or mailed to recipient or yourself. They make great gifts for Christmas or any occasion while supporting local missions and beyond. standrewumc.org/News/Ham
Feel called to start a new Connection Group? Become an Anchor! | Adult Ministries would love to provide you with the tools to “anchor” a new Connection Group. Serving as the group’s Anchor, you will provide the consistent presence that lays the foundation and brings continuity to newly formed Connection Groups. It’s easier than you think! Contact Allison Jean, ajean@standrewumc.org.
ults
Young Ad
CHRISTYMAS PART
Young Adult Christmas Party December 8, 7:00 p.m. | Join us for a festive celebration complete with an ugly Christmas sweater contest, White Elephant gift exchange, and toy drive! RSVP online by December 3. standrewumc.org/News/YAChristmas
Tamale Sales | Enjoy tamales over the holidays! Tamales are on sale and will be ready for pickup on December 15. Cost will be $12 per dozen or $10 per dozen with an order of 4 dozen or more. Sales will benefit Casa Emanuel UMC, Dallas. Sponsored by the ANEW class. 7
Advent Devotionals | Join us this Advent season and read a daily devotional written by St. Andrew pastors. Pick up a book at the Welcome Desk, visit our Advent Devotional webpage, or receive a daily email directly to your inbox, December 1-25. standrewumc.org/Advent A S t. A nd r e w C hr i s t m a s Pr e se n t s
TicketsChristmas: Available Online A St. Andrew The Art | December 9, 4:00 & of Christmas astandrewchristmas.org 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary | Experience the Art of Christmas, as we connect music and fine art across different cultures and traditions. The concert features St. Andrew choirs from children to adults and a full professional orchestra. astandrewchristmas.org
Joining Day Luncheon | December 9, Noon-1:15 p.m., Festival Hall | This relaxed-setting luncheon will give you the chance to learn more about St. Andrew, meet St. Andrew staff, and get to know other new members. There will be an opportunity to join at the end of the luncheon. standrewumc.org/News/ JoiningDayLuncheon
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 5801 W. Plano Parkway | Plano, TX 75093 | 972-380-8001 | standrewumc.org