Advent Worship
Theme: God’s Gifts “From Heaven Above”
~TODAY We Unwrap“The Gift of Hope” The people of Israel waited
inhope for the promised Messiah. We now wait in hopefor his
returnon the Last Day.
Sunday, December 4 We Unwrap“The Gift of Love” The steadfast
love of God is revealed in the gift of his Son. As the redeemed
people of God we share his love with others.
Sunday, December 11 We Unwrap“The Gift of Peace” In Christ Jesus
we have peace with God. We now share that good news of peace
with the world.
Sunday, December 18 We Unwrap“The Gift of Life” Through faith
Jesus we have forgiveness and life, a life of love and service now in
his name and eternal life in his presence.
Saturday, Christmas Eve We Unwrap“The Gift of Joy” Through faith
Jesus we have forgiveness and life, a life of love and service now in
his name and eternal life in his presence
Sunday, Christmas Morning We Unwrap“The Gift of Glory” Through faith Jesus we have forgiveness and life, a life of love and service now in his name and eternal life in his presence
“Unwrapping God’s Gifts From Heaven Above”
Advent Bible Study
Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15 & 22
2 Choices of times:
11 am-12 Noon in the Church Board Room
7-8 pm at the Parsonage
In these weeks, we will tear open all the brightly wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree. However, the best gift we have ever received was found not under a tree, but lying in a manger. In this study, we will take a closer look at the gifts of hope, love, peace and life. They are gifts that we need, and they are gifts that our world needs.
Our Church’s Annual Christmas Toy Shop
This Saturday * December 3 * 8-10 am
This is the last week to bring in gently used toys. Place the toys in the box located in the lobby. Place all monetary donationsin the small envelope provided in the lobby and place in the offering plate today. ALSO---We need HELPERS on that day!! Sign-up on sheet in lobby.
Christmas Pageant Practice
Sunday * December 4 * 10:15 – 11:30 am
ATTENTION Kids, Teens & Young Adults! Join us for a one time only Pageant Practice and Pizza Party. No lines to learn, just walk in and be part of the greatest story ever told! All ages welcome!
The Christmas Pageant will be held on Sunday, Dec. 11 at 10:30 am
2 Opportunities for ALL Oval Ladies
Wednesday * December 7 * 6 pmAntes Fort Ladies are inviting the Oval Ladies to their Christmas Tureen. Bring a dish to share. Please let Cherie Willits know by Thursday, December 1 if you will be attending.
Thursday * December 8 * 6 pmOval ladies are invited to have supper together at the Gateway in Jersey Shore. Sign-up the lobbyTODAY! Spend time with your friends in Christ, getting to know them better.
Fundraisers for Hunter Zondory Expenses
Gamble Farm Inn
Sunday, December 11--from 1-6 pm
A spaghetti dinner and Chinese Auction will be held to cover the immense costs (after insurance) of extensive rehab and physical therapy for Hunter, who was critically injured while wrestling. Donations are welcomed of baskets and/or items for the baskets. For more information, call Dee Fazler at 304-488-7179. Ongoing Sale
$5 wristbands are available which say “Hunter Strong”.
To purchase, speak with Julie Hammond 570-745-3736.
The New Love Center
During December the Love Center is asking for donations of pancake mix and syrup for their January distribution. The Love Center now has a new phone number (570-772-3275).
Also, during December, the Food Pantry is collecting personal care items: toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and bar soap. These items will also be given out in January.
Apparel Sale
We are having an “Oval United Methodist Church” Apparel Sale. See order forms in the lower lobby. Money is due Next Sunday,
December 4. Apparel arrives on December 18. If you have any questions, contact Kelley Wasson 570-745-3563.
Altar flowers are presented in honor of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ministering TODAY:
Greeters & Ushers...... Jason Yorks Family
Acolyte...... Hanging of the Greens
Worship Leader...... Hanging of the Greens
Nursery...... Kathy Liddic
TLC Ministry...... Holly Enders
Audio Visual...... Ben Enders
Ministering NEXT Sunday:
Greeters & Ushers...... Tammy Baier
Acolyte...... Andrew Hammond
Worship Leader...... Kelley Wasson
Nursery...... Linda Thompson
TLC Ministry...... Nancy Enders
Audio Visual...... Holly Enders
Communion...... Fred & Judy Machmer
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Prayer Requests
Shut-InsMilitaryHealth
Matthew HollandJake CaputoRick Moyer, Sr.
Janice FisherJosh Lorson
Nancy EndersNate Caputo
Ethan Snyder Sterling Pickett
Lydia Yorks
*Shut-ins and Military will remain on our list.
Others will remain for two weeks, or longer if requested.
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REMINDER! We have a Prayer Warrior team who are committed to daily prayers for you. Request forms are in your pew and lobby. Complete and place in lobby box.
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A cassette and CD copy of today’s service and a copy of the sermon
are available in the lower lobby.
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For our Sunday, Christmas Morning Service at 9:00 AM, Mrs. Nancy Jacobs, a Williamsport District Lay Speaker, will be bringing the message.
Pastor Wanda will be taking the week off from December 25-31. For any emergency during that time, contact Kathy Liddic at 570-745-7620.
~ Our Opportunities ~
Wednesday is the deadline for all bulletin announcements
TODAY, Nov. 271stSunday of Advent / 9:00 AM
NOTE CHANGE / Sunday School & Bible
Detectives
10:00 AM / Hanging of the Greens Worship
*Luncheon following Worship*
Tuesday, Nov. 29 / 2:30-5 PM / Kids’ Place
Wednesday, Nov. 30 / 6:30 PM / Bell Choir
7:00 PM / Chancel Choir
Thursday, Dec. 1 / 10:00 AM / Prayer Warriors
11:00 AM / Advent Bible Study @ Church
7:00 PM / Advent Bible Study @ Parsonage
Saturday, Dec. 3 / 8-10 AM / Christmas Toy Shop
Looking Ahead:
NEXT Sunday,
Dec. 4 - 2nd
Sunday of Advent / 9:00 AM / Worship & Bible Detectives 1
10:15 AM / Adult Sunday School & Pageant Practice
Tuesday, Dec. 6 / 2:30-5 PM / Kids’ Place
Wednesday, Dec. 7 / 6:30 PM / Bell Choir
7:00 PM / Chancel Choir
Thursday, Dec. 8 / 10:00 AM / Prayer Warriors
11:00 AM / Advent Bible Study @ Church
6:00 PM / Oval UM Women @ Gateway
7:00 PM / Advent Bible Study @ Parsonage
Sunday Morning Ministries
We are VERY THANKFUL for all those who serve on Sunday mornings as Greeter/Usher, Acolyte, Worship Leader, Nursery, Attendance Taker (TLC), Audio Visual and Serving Communion.
If you would like to begin serving in any of these ways please sign up in the lobby. Those on our current schedules will remain for 2017 unless the office is notified otherwise.
Oval United Methodist Church
November 27, 2016
Hanging of the Greens – 1st Sunday of Advent
Unwrapping the Gift of HOPE From Heaven Above
*Please Stand As Able
Announcements
*Welcoming Praise “My Hope Is Built” No. 368 (vs 12)
Musical Prelude The Light of Christ Comes Before Us
Welcome Romans 8:18-25
Call to Worship (L: Leader C: Congregation)
L:Every good and perfect gift is from heaven above,
C:Coming down from the Father of lights.
L:We gather to celebrate the good and perfect gift of HOPE, for in this hope we are saved.
C:And in his name we put our hope.
L:His name is—
C:Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
L:Immanuel, Sun of Righteousness, the Desire of Nations, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
C:Yet the name that is above every name is—Jesus! In his name we putour hope!
*Hymn “From Heaven Above” (see insert)
*Morning Prayer (unison)
Almighty God, merciful Father, out of the depths we cry to you. Let your ears be attentive to our cry for mercy. If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness. Merciful Father, we have placed our hope in people who cannot save, in promises that cannot deliver and in pleasures that will never satisfy. Today we put our hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. In Jesus’ name we put our hope! Amen.
*Passing the Love and Peace of Christ
Giving of our Tithes and Gifts
Musical Offertory
*Doxology (Tune of Refrain: “O Come, Let Us Adore Him”)
Let’s worship and adore Him (3 times)
Christ the Lord!
We give Him all the glory (3 times)
Christ the Lord!
Lighting the Advent Candle of Hope
Church Door Wreath
L:On this the first Sunday in Advent…..the Christ Child to the church building and into our hearts and minds.
ALL:Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus!
Evergreens
L:We bring branches…..For the ways of the Lord are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.
ALL:Make the church fragrant with the smell of living things. In hanging greens and listening to the words of prophets, let us make our hearts and this space a place of inward and outward preparation for the One who comes to give us everlasting life.
Song “The Holly & The Ivy” (see insert)
Paraments and Banners Psalm 24:7-19
L:Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the Ruler of glory may come in.
ALL:Who is this Ruler of glory?
L:The Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord, mighty in battle!
ALL:Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors!
That the Rulerof glory may come in.
L:Who is this Ruler of glory?
ALL:The Lord of hosts, the Lord is the Ruler of glory!
L:How shall we prepare this place for the Savior of the World?
YOUTH: Let’s hang the paraments and banners!
Hymn “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” No. 196 (vs 12)
Christmas Tree
L:The prophet Isaiah heard God saying: When the poor and needy seek water…..the Holy One of Israel has created it.
ALL:Let us hang symbols and signs of Christ, the Holy One of Israel—ruler, prophet, priest. Let us hang stars, crosses, angels, crowns and lambs to remind us of Jesus, the Son of the most high God.
(Hangcrimsons as the organ plays)
Poinsettias
L: The children bring the Christmas poinsettias which God has created.
Hymn “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” No. 211 (vs1&2)
Nativity
L: Just watch, I see him coming now.
Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” No. 230 (vs 1&4)
Star
L: Up there….See?
Hymn: “We Three Kings” No. 254 (v 4)
HOPE
L: We place our hope and trust in this baby, the Son of God,
Christ Jesus our Lord and our Savior.
*Hymn “My Hope is Built” No. 368 (vs 3&4)
Benediction Prayer (in unison)
May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace, so that
we may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. And
may the blessing of almighty God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
bless us now and forevermore. In Jesus’ name we put our hope!
Amen.
Musical Postlude The Light of Christ Goes Before Us
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Oval United Methodist Church
Pastor Wanda Minnick
6796 SR 44 Hwy
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
E-mail:
Pastor’s E-mail:
Church Office: 570-745-3197/Parsonage: 570-745-7359
Worship Service 9:00 AM/Sunday School 10:15 AM
Nursery Provided
POINSETTIAPRESENTATION LIST
Front Door Wreath
Presented by: Tony & Barb Sullivan
Poinsettias
Presented By:In Honor Of:
Ray, Tammy, Courtland & Annabel Hepburn
Harlan Baier
Steve & Jennifer BabcockFamily & Friends
Ben, Haley & Jackson EndersParents & Grandparents
Ken & Nancy EndersFamily & Friends
Bill FlickFamily
Ray & Harriet LuhtaFamily & Friends
Brandon & Meaghan SchadleOdessa
Charlie & Sue StopperBetty Snyder &
Grandchildren
Tony & Barb SullivanLoved Ones
John & Linda ThompsonOur Children &
Grandchildren
Luke & Nathan ThompsonOur Grandparents:
John& Linda Thompson
Dick & Molly WagnerOur Grandchildren
Michele & Ed Watson FamilyFamily & Friends
Alan, Yvonne & Alicia WillitsOur Parents
Poinsettias
Presented By:In Memory Of:
Steve & Jennifer BabcockParents & Grandparents
Ray, Tammy, Courtland &Ada & Edmund Baier &
Harlan Baier Robert Hepburn
Bill, Sandy & Bryce DieterleDon Watson &
John Josephine Dieterle
Betty Snyder & Muriel Roy Snyder & Fay Snyder
Diefenbacher
John & Eleanor EngelMr. & Mrs. Joseph Engel &
Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Snyder
Bill FlickDoris & Lloyd
David & Ellen Machmer FamilyRalph & Patricia Nebgen
Jesse & Edith Fenstermaker
Fran & Emma MillerMorgan Rae Russo
Wanda MinnickParents & Siblings
Rick & Sandy Moyer & FamilyLoved Ones
Charlie & Sue StopperParents & Grandparents
John & Linda ThompsonDoris,Bob& Ellen Thompson
Thomas Richard Mapstone &
Pearl Beatrice Clark
Wade Judy
Bob & Joyce WheelandMr. & Mrs. Charles Stahl
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wheeland Sr.
Alan, Yvonne & Alicia WillitsOur Grandparents
“From Heaven Above”
Martin Luther
From heav’n above to earth I come
to bear good news to ev’ry home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
whereof I now will say and sing:
To you this night is born a child
of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This little child of lowly birth
shall be the joy of all the earth.
This is the Christ, our God Most High,
who hears your sad and bitter cry;
He will himself your Savior be
from all your sins to set you free.
He will on you the gifts bestow
prepared by God for all below,
That in his kingdom, bright and fair,
you may with us his glory share.
“The Holly and The Ivy”
Brtitish Folk Carol
The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown,
Of all trees that are in the wood,
The holly bears the crown:
Refrain: O, the rising of the sun,
And the running of the deer
The playing of the merry organ,
Sweet singing in the choir.
The holly bears a blossom,
As white as lily flow'r,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To be our dear Saviour: Refrain
The holly bears a berry,
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
To do poor sinners good: Refrain
The holly bears a prickle,
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
On Christmas Day in the morn: Refrain
The holly bears a bark,
As bitter as the gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ,
For to redeem us all: Refrain