Stories at the Hearth December 1, 2019
9:30 a.m., Sanctuary Everyone loves a good story and Christmas is the season for classic stories. The birth of Jesus is not only the “greatest story ever told,” it’s part of a larger story. The New Testament begins with the story of Jesus, as told through the entire story of the history of the Bible and God’s people.
CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP We Gather in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PRELUDE | Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645 J.S. Bach, composer | Dr. Jonathan M. Gregoire, organist *OPENING HYMN | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 211 | Veni Emmanuel *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 WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
We Offer Our Prayers –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CALL TO PRAYER PASTORAL PRAYER
We Offer Our Gifts –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WITNESS STORY | Brian Drew OFFERTORY | Laudate Dominum W.A. Mozart, composer | Chancel Choir
2
Latin:
English:
Laudate Dominum omnes gentes omnes populi; Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia eius et veritas Domini manet in æternum
Praise the Lord, all ye nations, praise him, all ye peoples. For his loving kindness has been bestowed upon us, and the truth of the Lord endures for eternity.
Gloria Patri et Filio et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in pricipio et nunc et semper et in saecula saeculorum Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
*Please rise in body or spirit.
+In this instance, catholic means universal.
We Hear God’s Word ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Stories at the Hearth Dr. Scott Engle & Rev. Arthur Jones
We Feast at the Lord’s Table –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING LORD’S PRAYER HOLY COMMUNION Stand Still and Wait | Cynthia Clawson, composer | Phillip Haworth, soloist Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming | James Mansfield, arranger | Dr. Jonathan M. Gregoire, organist
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
We Go in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
*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, organist 3
Our service this morning has elements that span many centuries of the Christian faith. The opening hymn text and antiphons have their roots in the 9th century, while the tune is from 1500’s France; the Advent wreath began in the 1500’s, created by German Lutherans; our offertory was written by Mozart when he was 24; and our closing hymn was written by a Houstonian in the mid-60’s. The Advent wreath did not really find its way to the American church until the 20th century. The symbolism is rich: a circle represents God’s infinite love; the evergreen shows the eternal life Jesus offers; the candles are showing us the coming light of Christ. The color of the candles is not standard - churches in the UK, for instance, often use red candles, while we have adopted purple or blue for three of the four weeks, and a pink candle acknowledges Gaudete (Latin for “rejoice”) Sunday. Advent used to be a time of fasting, and purple is the penitential color for that practice.
Comfort and Joy Nov.30/Dec. 1-21/22 | Traditions are at the heart of the holiday season. Yet for many of us, the warmth of food, stories, music, and gift giving among family is merely aspirational. The reality is that Christmas can be a time of loneliness and sadness. The good news of Christmas is that the story of Jesus is actually a story about finding community, connection, and family. It’s a place where we can both be comfortable in who we are and called to new life.
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
Please use the prayer request cards found in the pew pockets to share a joy or a concern and return your completed card in the offering plate. You may also call our prayer line at 214-291-8044 or visit the website at standrewumc.org/prayer. Your prayer requests are lifted up by our pastors and prayer team each week.
TYPES OF GIVING | standrewumc.org/give Help secure the vitality of St. Andrew with any of three types of giving.
SPECIAL GIFTS Includes specifically designated times of the year, such as Christmas and Easter offerings, and capital campaigns, like ChurchOne.
ANNUAL GIFTS
Your weekly or monthly offerings that support the church’s operating budget.
FOREVER GIFTS Invest in the future of St. Andrew ministries, infrastructure, and leadership development.
We invite you to prayerfully consider how your gifts may help us live out our call to be passionate servants of Christ, now and in the future.
5
GROUPS | standrewumc.org/news PALS (People with Active Lifestyles) | Wednesdays (Except First of Month), 10:00 a.m., Room 131 | Senior adults connect through educational, cultural, and social opportunities. Contact Allison, ajean@standrewumc.org. standrewumc.org/pals December 11 | Now Showing : White Christmas in Movie Room at St. Andrew, Christmas snacks and popcorn 18 | 11:00 a.m. Christmas Party, Music in Chapel and Lunch in Andy’s Place, Infant Diaper Drive, sizes 4-6 for The Storehouse 26 | No PALS, Merry Christmas! United Methodist Women | All are welcome. standrewumc.org/adults Sarah Sisters | December 4, 11:00 a.m., Christmas Luncheon at The Chocolate Angel; Cost $22; Bus leaves church at 10:30 a.m.; RSVP by November 27, Contact louiselinktx@gmail.com Rachel Group | December 9, 7:00 p.m., Christmas Dinner and Ornament Exchange at Mary Doyle’s; Contact Kathy Henson, 972-979-0856 LIFT | December 15, 4:00 p.m., St. Andrew Christmas Concert, followed by coffee. Contact aimee.heiser@hotmail.com Mom to Mom | Mom to Mom provides a positive atmosphere for sharing ideas, discussing common struggles and embracing the delights of raising children. We are open to all mothers looking for spiritual growth and friendship. Check the website for group meeting days and times. standrewumc.org/news/momtomom Bible Groups | Winter Studies Begin January 2020 | These groups focus on biblical studies and meet at different times throughout the year. We offer a Women’s Monday Morning group, Women’s Spiritual Growth, and a Thursday Morning group. See our website for dates, times, and topics of study. standrewumc.org/biblegroups United Methodist Men’s Breakfast | Second Saturday of Every Month, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Room 126 | United Methodist Men (UMM) endeavors to awaken, inspire, challenge, train, and support men as they strive to become more Christ-like in their daily living. standrewumc.org/men Career Care Ministry | Mondays, 7:00-9:00 p.m., Room 131 | This free, weekly support/ coaching group helps those who are out of work or mis-employed and seeking a career change. New Member Orientation begins at 6:00 p.m. standrewumc.org/careercare Travel Ministry | England/Ireland, April 2020 | Join Kay Richardson and pastors Robert Hasley and Allison Jean on a Wesley Heritage and Celtic Christianity Tour to London and Oxford, England; and Dublin, and Galway, Ireland. Space is limited. Contact Kay Richardson, krichardson@standrewumc.org for more information. Prayer Shawls Available | Prayer Shawls are knitted or crocheted for individuals experiencing devastating illness or loss of a loved one. Each shawl is prayed over as it is created and again upon completion by our Prayer Shawl ministry, our church staff, and our pastors. Contact Donna, dfenwick@standrewumc.org.
6
Cover illustration by Briana Williams
GET INVOLVED | standrewumc.org/news
POP S! A St. Andrew Christmas: POPS! December 15, 4:00 & 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary | Share in the joy of our favorite carols in a bubbly, pops-style concert! Tickets on sale now; order online or call 469-385-1810. standrewumc.org/ a-st-andrew-christmas
ANEW Group Tamale Sales | Through December 8, Online 24/7 and Sunday Mornings, Smith Worship Center Hallway Don’t miss out on this annual holiday favorite! Sales will benefit Casa Emanuel UMC, Dallas. standrewumc.org/News/tamales
ults
Young Ad
CHRISTMAS TY PARTY
Young Adults Christmas Party December 14, 7:00 p.m., RSVP by December 8 | Join us for a festive celebration complete with an ugly Christmas sweater contest, White Elephant gift exchange, and service opportunity. standrewumc.org/News/ YAchristmas
T H E
L O N G E S T
Family Advent Celebration December 4 | Prepare for the season of Advent with a spaghetti dinner, cookie decorating, Christmas plates, entertainment from the Children’s Choir, Christmas storytellers, and more. Register online. standrewumc.org/News/ FamilyAdvent
N I G H T
The Longest Night Worship Service December 22, 5:00 p.m., Chapel The long, dark winter nights, memories of past experiences and situations can become overwhelming. Find hope and comfort in knowing you are not alone.
Honey Baked Ham Gift Card Fundraiser Support the missions of the United Methodist Women in a simple and delicious way. Purchase gift cards online for any occasion for friends, family, neighbors, or treat yourself! Fundraiser ends December 22. standrewumc.org/News/Ham 7
Advent Devotional
Join us this Advent season and read a daily devotional written by St. Andrew staff. Visit our Advent Devotional webpage to follow along or sign up to receive daily devotionals in your email inbox, December 1-25. standrewumc.org/Advent
Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting for New Student Spaces | December 1 We invite everyone for food, fun, and festivities. At 10:40 a.m., we will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the courtyard. At 12:00 noon is a students-only lunch and party.
Joining Day Luncheon | December 8, Noon-1:15 p.m., Festival Hall Attend this relaxed-setting luncheon to learn more about St. Andrew, meet St. Andrew staff, and get to know other new members. There is no charge to attend. standrewumc.org/News/ JoiningDayLuncheon
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 5801 W. Plano Parkway | Plano, TX 75093 | 972-380-8001 | standrewumc.org