Songs in the Air December 15, 2019
9:30 a.m., Sanctuary Christmas wouldn’t be the same without its canon of classic songs and hymns. But the value of Christmas music isn’t just nostalgia; it is the glue that holds our traditions together. When words fail, music is the means by which we can build traditions together and “speak to one another” about Jesus.
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 | Canticle of Mary My soul magnifies the Lord, My spirit rejoices in God my Savior,who has looked with favor on me, a lowly servant. From this day all generations shall call me blessed: The Almighty has done great things for me,and holy is the name of the Lord, whose mercy is on those who fear God from generation to generation. The arm of the Lord is strong, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. God has cast down the mighty from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things,and sent the rich empty away. God has come to the aid of Israel, the chosen servant, remembering the promise of mercy, the promise made to our forebears, to Abraham and his children forever. *OPENING HYMN | Angels From the Realms of Glory 220 | Regent Square *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 SPECIAL MUSIC | Sussex Carol Dale wood, arranger | Dr. Jonathan Gregoire, organist and Dr. Jaymee Haefner, harpist WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Christopher Allen McClure, Jr. and Trevor Beal McClure, sons of Chris and Becca McClure We are happy to celebrate your entrance into Christ’s holy church and welcome you into this church family. With you we renew our vows to uphold the church through worshiping, connecting, serving, and giving. With God’s help, we will shape our lives to follow the example of Christ, to surround you in steadfast love, so you may grow in the faith, and be confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to abundant life. 2
*Please rise in body or spirit.
+In this instance, catholic means universal.
SUNG RESPONSE Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way, wanting as a friend to give light and love to all who live. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
We Offer Our Prayers –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CALL TO PRAYER PASTORAL & LORD’S PRAYER CHORAL RESPONSE
We Offer Our Gifts –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WITNESS STORY OFFERTORY | Love Came Down at Christmas Taylor Davis, composer | Chancel Choir | Dr. Jaymee Haefner, harpist Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love divine; Love was born at Christmas; star and angels gave the sign. Worship we the Godhead, Love incarnate, Love divine; worship we our Jesus, but wherewith for sacred sign? Love shall be our token; love be yours and love be mine; love to God and all men, love for plea and gift and sign.
We Hear God’s Word ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Songs in the Air
Dr. Scott Engle & Rev. Arthur Jones
We Go in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP *CLOSING HYMN | There’s a Song in the Air 249 | Christmas Song *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE | Toccata on ‘Mendelssohn’ Sir David Willcocks, composer | Dr. Jonathan M. Gregoire, organist
3
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.
We Welcome Our New Members Noah & Sarah Adams Christan & Amy Amundsen Noelle Amundsen Anthony & Annie Broussard Luke Broussard Steve & Sharon Browne Danielle Browne Christina Darby William Dever Steven & Joyce Funk Bill & Shelia Gabel Sydney, Addison, & Berkeley Gabel Laura & Tommy Gilbreath, Jr Jordan Gilbreath Scott & Alicia Gilmore Amelia Gilmore Mary Gomez Jim & Jane Hammil Josh Hammil David & Katherine Helffrich 4
Bennett & Reese Helffrich William & Brenda Hightower Thomas & Leslie Hurt Hunter & Katelyn Hurt Jay & Nancy Isaacs Jeff & Becky Jacobs Katy & Megan Jacobs Ronald Jascott Michelle Kalahar Colin Kalahar Katie Kirchenbauer Evelyn & Thomas Sorrells Shawn & Ashley Luck Scott & Cara MacPhee Steven & Melissa Morrison Madeline & Mason Morrison Matthew & Elizabeth Nangle Kieghan Nangle Don Nebhan Jodelle Oakley David Pfeil & Kelly Sepcic
John & Liz Phillips Isabella Phillips Matthew & Stephany Sipes Harper Sipes Jonathan & Amy Solomon Ben, Jack, & Claire Solomon Thomas Thorpe & Natalie Rice Ryan Rice Matt & Lauren Tschantz Madeline, Braeden, Ava, & Abigail Kenneth & Audrianne Valliant Ryan & Amanda Watson Davis, William, & Andrew Watson Woody & Penny Young
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 Sympathy | Mike, Holly, Jackson and Caleb Blais in the death of mother and grandmother, Saundra Blais (Dec 3) | Stewart, Taylor and Parker McCorkle in the death of wife and mother, Nancy McCorkle (Dec 6) | Jim, LeAnne, Catherine, Griffin and Rachel Landrum in the death of father and grandfather, James Workman (Dec 6) | David and Allison Ondocsin and Bob and Karen Ondocsin in the death of infant daughter and granddaughter, Naomi Ondocsin Long-Term Care | Nancy Cates, Dan Cox, Glennys Damewood, John Elder, Mary Eubanks, Carol Murphy, Jeff Simmons, Emory Walker 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.
GIVING
The 2019 St. Andrew Christmas Offering provides physical and spiritual food in the form of new ministry initiatives for 2020 and beyond, specifically in the areas of ministry expansion made possible by ChurchOne, including Worship, the Storehouse, Students, and Children’s. Use the blue envelope in worship or go online at standrewumc.org/give.
2019
2018
$6,643,858
$7,114,636 (Planned)
YTD: $5,336,580
YTD: $5,404,383
Actual: 80%
Actual: 76%
Year To Date | November 30 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. *2019 Annual Budget is $7,114,636
5
GROUPS | standrewumc.org/news Travel Ministry | England/Ireland, April 2020 | Give the gift of travel in 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. 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 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/umw LIFT | December 15, 7:00 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 Group, 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 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. Party Bridge Group for Women at St. Andrew | Planning meeting, Tuesday, January 21, 1:00 p.m., Room 123 | Join in the fun and invite friends, family, and neighbors. Bring your 2020 calendar. Contact Janet Stovall at jstovall@verizon.net or 972-608-0009. 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 Cover illustration by Briana Williams 6
GET INVOLVED | standrewumc.org/news Candlelight Christmas Eve Services Monday, December 23, Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. | Relaxed Family Service Tuesday, December 24, Sanctuary 1:00 p.m. | Children’s Service 2:30 p.m. | Contemporary Service 4:00 p.m. | Contemporary Service 6:00 p.m. | Traditional Service 8:00 p.m. | Traditional Service 11:00 p.m. | Traditional Service with Communion Weekend After Christmas Saturday, December 28, Sanctuary 5:30 p.m. | Traditional Sunday, December 29 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. | Combined Services
Connection Group Matching Days January 5 or 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Festival Hall | Are you seeking spiritual community? Come meet leaders from small groups that are welcoming new members. Our team will help match you with a group! standrewumc.org/news/matchingdays
Learn about who we are as a church in our three Starting Point classes. Tour the campus, meet church members, and have your questions answered. You don’t have to attend in any particular order. Starting Point classes are usually the first three Sundays of each month, 9:30 a.m. in Room 131. standrewumc.org/starting-point
Blessing of the Toys | December 29, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. | We invite children to a special Blessing of the Toys moment in service on December 29. Bring your favorite toy, and come learn about how we can bless others!
2020 Confirmation | Confirmation is a 10-month program designed to help current 8th graders take ownership of their faith through lessons, small group discussion, retreats, service and community. standrewumc.org/ confirmation 7
A ST. ANDREW CHRISTMAS PRESENTS:
POP S!
Tonight! 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 469-617-0204. standrewumc.org/a-st-andrew-christmas
T H E
Advent Devotionals | Discover Jesus in a deeper way and join in this daily Advent 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
L O N G E S T
N I G H T
The Longest Night: A Service of Comfort and Hope | 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.
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 5801 W. Plano Parkway | Plano, TX 75093 | 972-380-8001 | standrewumc.org