12/01/19 10:10am Service - 1st Sun of Advent

Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We are preparing for the coming of Christmas, and we remember that God is starting a mission to redeem a broken world.

Prelude
As the music starts before the service, take some time to center yourself in God's presence and direct your thoughts to him.

Meet & Greet
This is a time to say hi to the folks around you, and to share in God's peace and grace as we gather as a community of faith

Lighting the Advent Candle: Candle of Hope
Symbols of Advent: Chrismon Tree
Every week during Advent we light a different candle and talk about more chrismons and their meaning. As we do, take time to reflect on their meaning and how that impacts our faith.

​First Hymn: O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Announcements
Next Sunday our youth our leading the worship service and our kids will be giving their Christmas program! Be sure to be here.
Also, next Sunday we'll have a pizza lunch after worship, and there will be a special Christmas Sharing Table for all your Christmas goodies.
On the 15th we'll have an Advent Lessons & Carols service led by our Music Small Group.
We're also collecting donations for Christmas baskets and ​the giving tree

Joys & Concerns
This is a time to share the good things, joys, and celebrations in that have taken place in the last week, as well as the hard things and concerns that we face.

Silent Prayer, Pastoral Prayer, Lord's Prayer
Take some time to lift your prayers up to God, especially the joys and concerns that have been stated, or that have been left unstated. After some time for silent prayer, Pastor John will lead in a few words of prayer, and then we'll join together in the Lord's Prayer.

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
​And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.  
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Children's Message
This is a time led by a church member with a message specially for our kids. Afterwards, the children are invited to go with the Sunday School teachers downstairs for their own special part of the service. They'll come back up at the end of the service. 
As the children come forward, please join in singing the first verse of Jesus Loves Me

1. Jesus loves me! This I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! (sing 3x’s)
The Bible tells me so.

Offertory
The ushers will come forward and receive the offering plates. The liturgist will say a prayer as we begin a time to give to God. This isn't just about the money that we put in the plates, but it is about how we give to God out of our love for him.

Doxology
After the offertory has finished, please stand as you are able, and join in giving thanks to God for these offerings. Please join in singing the doxology.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer & Scripture: Hebrews 10:23-25
23Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable.
24And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. 25Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.

Leader: This is the Word of God, for the people of God
People: Thanks be to God!

Second Hymn: #192 There's A Spirit in the Air

Message: The Mission Begins
Meaning of Advent
umc.org, wikipedia
Chuck Knows Church
Advent Wreath, Chrismon Tree
Romans 13

Holy Communion

Final Hymn: #206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

​Benediction
Go and let God's mission become integrated into every part of your life. Know that God doesn't just forgive sin, but gives us wholeness and purpose in our lives so that we can live the best life possible.