22 Dec Worship Bulletin – 12/22/19
McPherson First Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Love the Star | Origami Heart
“The One that made the stars is holding your heart.” | Based on Psalm 139
Gathering Music
“Coventry Carol” | Hugh Livingston, Jr.
“Once in Royal David’s City” | arr. Albin Whitworth
Sharing Time
…a time of greeting and sharing those things which inform who we are as a community of faith and how God is moving among us. You are invited to welcome visitors, share joys, prayer requests and announcements.
Advent Candle Lighting | “People Look East”
People look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today; God, the Child, is on the way.
Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there.
Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in course the flower may flourish.
People look east and sing today; Hope, the Rose, is on the way.
Tranquil and calm, each will be bless’d. Wakeful souls can soon find rest.
Lives free from angst, discord will cease. In harmony we will live in peace.
People, look east and sing today; Peace, the Guest, is on the Way.
Angels announce with shouts of mirth him who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming with the word, our God is coming.
People, look east and sing today; Joy, the Song is on the way.
Stars, keep watch. When night is dim, one more light the bowl shall brim,
shining beyond the frosty weather, bright sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today; Love the Star, is on the way.
*Call to Worship | Roddy Hamilton
ONE: Across the universe creation waits;
ALL: for the prophets to speak their words of expectation and their vision of renewal.
ONE: May we gather round them today once more
ALL: and let their longing grip us and lead us into birth and blessing.
ONE: So come now. This is the meeting place of promise and prophecy.
ALL: Let us listen through the ancient words that we might be ready to hear a baby’s cry.
*Opening Song | “Star Child, Earth Child” | Insert
Invitation to Give
Giving Music | “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” | arr. Jon Schmidt
Giving Prayer
Worship Choir | “Follow the Star to Bethlehem” | Emily Crocker
Children’s Story
Following story: Childcare provided for infant thru Kindergarten in the Education Building
Prayer Song | “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” | #172
Poem for the Waiting | “Death of Darkness” | Roddy Hamilton
Scripture Foci | Isaiah 7:10-14 & Matthew 11:18b-23
Message | “Immanuel – God With Us” | Kathryn Whitacre
After an intentional pause – please rise for the Sending Song
*Sending Song | “O Little Town of Bethlehem” | #191
*Sending Words
Sending Music | “Hark, the Glad Sound” | Edward Broughton
WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Pastoral Staff – Jerry Bowen, Chris Whitacre & Kathryn Whitacre
Coordinator of Music and Organist/Pianist/Accompanist – Ellen Gilbert
Director of Bells – Kendra Flory
Director of Worship Choir – Becky Snell
Chancel Décor – Advent/Christmas Team
Acolytes – Seth & Lara Schoming Family
Sharing Time – Deb C. Wagoner
Worship Leader – Jerry Bowen
Cello – Bruce Wagoner
Children’s Time – Barbara Wagoner
Screens – Ira Whitacre
Director/Camera – To Be Determined
Sound – Shane Kirchner
Greeters – LaMonte & Brenda Rothrock
Ushers – Jim & Lisa Hoffman; Doug & Tandy Wine
Head Usher – Glenn Gayer
Balcony Usher – Mike Goering
Childcare Attendant – To Be Determined
Reminder: The bulletin announcements/weekly newsletter are sent to your email address every Friday with “COB Communications” caption in the address line. You may pick up a paper copy from the stand on the sanctuary level or from the literature rack immediately inside the Education Building front door.