27 Nov Worship Bulletin: 12/1/24
Welcome to Worship at the McPherson 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 1, 2024 @ 10:15 a.m.
First Sunday of Advent – HOPE
Music of the Season | Ellen Gilbert
♫Gathering Music | “Little Drummer Boy” | Davis, Onorati, Simeon
Luke Loganbill, piano
Video Welcome
Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Dan Lichty
♫Centering Music | “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” | arr. Mark Hayes
Ellen Gilbert, piano
Opening Scripture | Jeremiah 33: 14-16
14 God declares,
‘The days are coming, when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah.
15 “In those days and at that time I will make a Righteous Branch sprout from David’s line;
he will do what is just and right in the land. 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety.”
This is the name by which [this Righteous Branch] will be called: ‘The Lord Our Righteous Savior’.
Opening Words | “Anticipation” | Pamela Frantz Barnes
Soon. Soon the season comes.
Both remembrance and celebration of God’s great love for us.
Creatures; by turns, feeble, fragile, and mayhap at times unlovely, are waiting.
Waiting, restless and impatient, to begin the Advent festival, to revel in
the lavishness of love personified in one small Child.
Anticipating the holidays, the holy days that trumpet forth the Season’s exultation,
my eager heart strains to hear the first joyous tones proclaiming, “Now!”
Ready your heart, your soul. Listen. Listen!
The heavens draw breath to sound the heralding notes.
Do you hear? Listen!
♫Opening Song | “O Come, All Ye Faithful” | #212
Story for the Children | Barbara Wagoner
Video Invitation to Give
Give online or send a check made payable to “McPherson Church of the Brethren,” 200 N. Carrie, McPherson, KS 67460
♫Musical Offering | “What Child Is This?” | arr. Wayne Fritchie
Lindy Reynolds, trumpet; Ellen Gilbert, piano
Scripture Focus | I Thessalonians 3:9-13 (paraphrase)
9 How can we thank God enough – in return for all the joy we have in the presence of God because of all of you?
10 Night and day we pray intently that we may see you again and converse about what is absent in your faith.
11 We pray with the power and blessings of God and his son Jesus, that a way might be cleared for us to come to you.
12 We pray God might make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
13 We pray God will strengthen your hearts that you might be blameless and holy in the presence and love of God, Jesus and the Spirit.
♫Scripture Song | “Oh, How Joyfully” | #209
Message | “Hold onto Love” | Jerry Bowen
♫Sending Song | “To Us A Child of Hope is Born” | #189
Sending Words
♫Sending Music | A Hallelujah Christmas | arr. Cloverton
Marta Moorman & Carol Ward
Verse 1
I’ve heard about this baby boy who’s come to earth to bring us joy
And I just want to sing this song to you
It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth, the minor fall, the major lift
With every breath I’m singing Hallelujah
CHORUS: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Verse 2
A couple came to Bethlehem expecting child, they searched the inn,
To find a place for You were coming soon
There was no room for them to stay, so in a manger filled with hay
God’s only Son was born, O Hallelujah
CHORUS: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Verse 3
The shepherds left their flocks by night to see this baby wrapped in light
A host of angels led them all to You
It was just as the angels said, you’ll find Him in a manger bed
Immanuel and Savior, Hallelujah
CHORUS: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Verse 4
A star shown bright up in the east, to Bethlehem, the wise-men three
Came many miles and journeyed long for You
And to the place at which You were, their frankincense and gold and myrrh
They gave to You and cried out Hallelujah
CHORUS: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Verse 5
I know You came to rescue me, this baby boy would grow to be
A man and one day die for me and you
My sins would drive the nails in You, that rugged cross was my cross too
Still every breath You drew was Hallelujah
CHORUS: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Videography and Editing: Eric Goering
Music Coordinator: Ellen Gilbert
Choir Director: Becky Snell
Technical Crew: Eric Goering, Ryan Goering, Shane Kirchner, Steve Lolling & Chris Whitacre
Chancel Decoration Team: Jill Brax, Colleen Gustafson, Michele Johnson, Shane Kirchner & Lara Schoming