Hope for Home December 9, 2018 9:30 a.m., Sanctuary Whether we’re children waiting for Christmas morning or adults longing for home, Christmas brings out a wish list in all of us. But wishes are little more than foolish little lies we tell ourselves to make the day better. The difference between wishful sentimentality and confidence in the future is Jesus. The arrival of God incarnate is the basis for a hope that cannot be shaken. The Prophets weren’t fools, and neither are we.
CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP We Gather in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PRELUDE | March on Handel’s “Lift Up Your Heads” Alexandre Guilmant, composer | Dr. Jonathan M. Gregoire, organist *CALL TO WORSHIP (Luke 1:78-79) By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Let us pray: God of great gifts we give you thanks for the gift of your son who was in every way like us. We who are chained to the cycle of life and death found freedom in this child who is our Savior, Emmanuel, God with us. Be with us today, as we listen, as we sing, as we pray. Fill us with your Spirit giving light in our dark places Amen. *OPENING HYMN | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 211 | Veni Emmanuel 1
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Refrain Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
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O come, thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh; to us the path of knowledge show and cause us in her ways to go. [Refrain]
*Please rise in body or spirit.
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O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height in ancient times once gave the law in cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]
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O come, thou Root of Jesse’s tree, an ensign of thy people be; before thee rulers silent fall; all peoples on thy mercy call. [Refrain]
*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 | Jim and Lynn Hayes God of Love, you created the universe and all that is in it. You created all things and called them good. God of Love, you wove into life a beautiful diversity from your infinite palette of creativity. All the creatures that walk or swim, crawl or fly sing praises to you. We, God’s people, affirm the creation of all things in love, saying with the psalmist: “God’s salvation is very close to those who honor [God] so that [God’s] glory can live in our land. Faithful love and truth have met; righteousness and peace have kissed.” (Psalm 85:9-10, CEB) On this second Sunday of Advent, we light this candle to remind us that the God of Creation calls us home to love all that we meet. All [sung]: “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.” WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS HYMN 208 | Canticle of Zechariah
We Offer Our Prayers ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CALL TO PRAYER PASTORAL PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER CHORAL RESPONSE
We Offer Our Gifts ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
OFFERTORY | Shepherds, Run Along Stephen Mager, arranger | Chancel Choir Shepherds, run along and bring your pipes to play! On your way to Bethlehem without delay! Haste ye to the manger lowly; Come and see the Holy Child, Jesus mild. There upon the hills surrounding Bethlehem Came an angel messenger with news for them: “Glory to God in the heaven, To us a Son is given: heav’nly birth, Peace on earth!” +
In this instance, catholic means universal.
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We Hear God’s Word ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Hope for Home
Rev. Arthur Jones | Dr. Scott Engle
We Go in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP *CLOSING HYMN | Hail to the Lord’s Anointed 203 | Ellacombe *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE | Fantasy Toccata on ‘Divinum Mysterium’ John Cook, composer | YunJung Lee, Larry and Susan Hauser Organ Scholar
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 *Childcare available 4
standrewumc.org/Christmas
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 Theo Barry Agnew, son of Michael and Zara Agnew (Dec 4) Hospital Mary Claire Holmes 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 | December 11 2018
2017
$6,453,547 YTD: $5,362,516
Actual: 83%
$6,994,451 (Planned)
YTD: $5,570,901
Actual: 80%
GIVING Year To Date | December 4 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.” *2018 Annual Budget is $6,994,451
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GROUPS |
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Women’s Monday Morning Bible Study-Winter Study | John: The Gospel of Light and Life by Adam Hamilton | Mondays, January 14-March 4, 10:00 a.m., Room 131 By examining six themes in the Gospel of John, Hamilton reveals the theological and symbolic layers of John, opening a door to its depths and meaning. Contact Kathleen, kdmcmahon@msn.com or 713-851-3240. Childcare available; contact Defae Weaver, dweaver@standrewumc.org. standrewumc.org/adults Thursday Morning Bible Study-Winter Study | Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple by Adam Hamilton | January 24-February 28, 9:30 a.m., Room 131 | Peter was an ordinary guy who heard and followed God’s extraordinary call. Discover how you, too, have special gifts and abilities that God can use to make a difference today. Contact Connie, crobertson@standrewumc.org or 214-291-8004. Childcare available. standrewumc.org/adults United Methodist Women | Visit a group this winter. All are welcome. standrewumc.org/adults 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 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. “A Little Deeper” Book Club | Wednesday, January 16, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Room 126 Our book discussion in January is The Alice Network by Kate Quinn. A light lunch will be served and please bring your own drink. All are welcome. standrewumc.org/adults
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GET INVOLVED |
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WHYI
GIVE Love and Logic Class | Sundays, Jan. 13Feb. 17, 12:15 p.m. -1:15 p.m., Room 131 This parenting class helps build healthy, respectful relationships between parents and their children, offering practical steps along the way. Childcare available. standrewumc.org/News/LoveAndLogic
Estimate of Giving | We plan our ministry and outreach for next year based on your Estimate of Giving. If you haven’t yet made your pledge to give to the ministries of St. Andrew in 2019, please prayerfully consider filling out a card or doing so online. standrewumc.org/annual
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.
Starting Point is the fastest way to get connected into deeper fellowship and growth at St. Andrew. This series of classes is held monthly on the first 3 Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 131. standrewumc.org/starting-point
Travel Ministry 2019 | May 7-10, New York City Broadway Trip – Shows, 9/11 Museum, Radio City Music Hall. October 13-20, Uniworld River Cruise on the Rhine – Switzerland, France, Germany, Netherlands. Contact Kay Richardson, krichardson@standrewumc.org. 7
Joining Day Luncheon | Today, 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
A S t. A nd r e w C hr i s t m a s Pr e se n t s
T H E
TicketsChristmas: Available Online A St. Andrew The Art | Today, 4:00 & 7:00 p.m., of Christmas astandrewchristmas.org 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, a full professional orchestra. and much more! astandrewchristmas.org
L O N G E S T
N I G H T
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
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 5801 W. Plano Parkway | Plano, TX 75093 | 972-380-8001 | standrewumc.org