Gifts Under the Tree December 22, 2019 9:30 a.m., Sanctuary Gift giving is synonymous with Christmas. The joy of this season is the joy that comes in giving and receiving. When we truly give to another in a spirit of generosity, we are experiencing a glimpse of a living God, who gave everything to us.
CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP We Gather in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
PRELUDE | Preludes on “In Dulci Jubilo” J. S. Bach, composer | Lee Dettra, guest organist *CALL TO WORSHIP If our lives are dry and parched, Lord, send the living waters of your Spirit to revive us, to enliven us, to bring forth new life. Immanuel, come quickly. If our times are empty and barren, Lord, grant us a rich harvest, send us home with sheaves of blessing, fill us with your abundance, and teach us to share the harvest with others. Immanuel, come quickly. If our bodies are weary and heavy-laden, Lord, fill us with laughter; give us shouts of joy; envelop us with your gladness. Immanuel, come quickly. If our lives are small and trivial, Lord, make us see great things; enlarge our vision; widen our borders. Immanuel, come quickly. Amen. *OPENING HYMN | The First Noel 245 | The First Noel 1 The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. 2 They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. [Refrain] 2
*Please rise in body or spirit.
3 And by the light of that same star three Wise Men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent, and to follow the star wherever it went. [Refrain] 4 This star drew nigh to the northwest, o’er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay. [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 WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS MIDDLE HYMN | Infant Holy, Infant Lowly 229 | W Zlobie Lezy
We Offer Our Prayers –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CHORAL CALL TO PRAYER PASTORAL & LORD’S PRAYER
We Offer Our Gifts –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
WITNESS STORY OFFERTORY | Sussex Carol David Willcox, arranger | Chancel Choir
We Hear God’s Word ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Gifts Under the Tree Rev. Robert Hasley
We Go in God’s Name ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP
+In this instance, catholic means universal.
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*CLOSING HYMN | It Came Upon a Midnight Clear 218 | Carol (Stanzas 1 and 4) 1 It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold: “Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all-gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
4 For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old, when with the ever-circling years shall come the time foretold when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.
*BENEDICTION POSTLUDE | Trio and Fugue on “Vom Himmel Hoch” Johann Pachelbel | Lee Dettra, guest organist
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.
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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.
2019 Christmas Offering 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.
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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. 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 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 26 | No PALS, Merry Christmas! United Methodist Women | All are welcome. standrewumc.org/umw Sarah Sisters | January 8, 10:00 a.m., Room 131, Book Reviews with Sheila Miller Rachel Group | January 13, 7:00 p.m., Room 126, Costa Rica Mission Projects, by Sue & Greg Hasty LIFT | January 19, 6:30 p.m., Room 131, Feed My Starving Children, speaker 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 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. “A Little Deeper” Book Club | Wednesday, January 15, 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Room 126 Our book discussion in January is Illuminations by Mary Sharratt. A light lunch will be served and please bring your own drink. All are welcome. standrewumc.org/adults Cover illustration by Briana Williams 6
GET INVOLVED | standrewumc.org/news
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The Longest Night: A Service of Comfort and Hope | December 22, 5:00 p.m., Chapel | This meditative worship experience is designed for those seeking the solace of a quiet Christmas season of remembering and preparation. Designated parking is available for the service.
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
Preschool Registration | At St. Andrew Preschool, we worship and learn, love and serve in a nationally-accredited program. We offer classes for 12 months through 5 years, and Pre-K 5. Registration is open January 27-31. standrewumc.org/SAPreschool
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!
Kindermusik | Kindermusik engages parents and their babies and toddlers to learn through music and movement. Registration online is open for Spring 2020 classes on campus! Classes begin January 28. standrewumc.org/news/kindermusik
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
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, Sanctuary 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
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
St. Andrew United Methodist Church 5801 W. Plano Parkway | Plano, TX 75093 | 972-380-8001 | standrewumc.org