12 Dec Worship Bulletin: 12/15/24
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 15, 2024 @ 10:15 a.m.
Third Sunday of Advent – JOY
♫Music of the Season | Students
♫Gathering Music | “O Come all Ye Faithful” | arr. Brant Adams
Eric Goering, trombone; Ellen Gilbert, piano
Video Welcome
Sharing Time – Joys and Concerns | Dan Lichty
♫Centering Music | “In Quiet Joy” | Matthew Prins
Handbell Choir
Centering Words | “Be not Defeated by the Rain”
Written by Kenji Miyazawa | Translated by David Sulz
Be not defeated by the rain. Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.
Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Be not defeated by the rain, Nor let the wind prove your better.
Succumb not to the snows of winter. Nor be bested by the heat of summer.
Be strong in body. Unfettered by desire. Not enticed to anger. Cultivate a quiet joy.
Count yourself last in everything. Put others before you.
Watch well and listen closely. Hold the learned lessons dear.
A thatch-roof house, in a meadow, nestled in a pine grove’s shade.
A handful of rice, some miso, and a few vegetables to suffice for the day.
If, to the East, a child lies sick: Go forth and nurse him to health.
If, to the West, an old lady stands exhausted: Go forth, and relieve her of burden.
If, to the South, a man lies dying: Go forth with words of courage to dispel his fear.
If, to the North, an argument or fight ensues:
Go forth and beg them stop such a waste of effort and of spirit.
In times of drought, shed tears of sympathy.
In summers cold, walk in concern and empathy.
Stand aloof of the unknowing masses:
Better dismissed as useless than flattered as a “Great Man”.
This is my goal, the person I strive to become.
♫Prayer of Invitation | “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” | arr. Sandra Eithun
Handbell Choir
Opening Prayer
♫Opening Song | “Angels We Have Heard on High” | #197
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” | Ruth Gray and William Dix
Worship Choir: Lindy Reynolds, drum
Scripture Focus | Luke 3:7-18
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him,
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.
And do not begin to say to yourselves,
‘We have Abraham as our father.’
For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10 The crowd asked,
“What should we do then?”
11 John answered,
“Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized. they asked,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
13 He told them,
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,”
14 Then some soldiers asked him,
“And what should we do?”
He replied,
“Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.”
15 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all,
“I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
♫Scripture Song | “O Come, O Come, Immanuel” | #172
Message | “What Should We Do?” | Kathryn Whitacre
♫Sending Song | “The First Noel, the Angel Did Say” | #199
Sending Words
♫Sending Music | “Hark the Herald” | arr. Tom Howard
Kevin and Melia Jones
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