Contemporary Worship at 9:30 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name. Bring an offering, and come before him. Worship the Lord in holy splendor. (1 Chronicles 16:29) Worship Music Joe Anthony, Worship Leader Let There be Light My Soul Magnifies the Lord Noel Welcome Advent Wreath Lighting Luke 1:5-8, 11-14 Peter, Alycia, and Amelia Hartmann Response Joy To the World (verse 1) Sacrament of Baptism Worship Music Joe Anthony, Worship Leader Hymn of Joy Prayer Pastor Joe DiPaolo The Word John 1:6-8,19-28 Sermon "Advent Joy: The Witness of John the Baptist" Pastor Kerry Leeper Offering Silent Night Go Tell It on the Mountain Blessing
ANCHORAGE COFFEE IS FOR SALE! Looking for a stocking stuffer or Christmas presents for teachers, neighbors, etc.? Look no further. There is a kiosk set up in the Gathering Place where you can purchase the coffee at $10/bag. The kiosk is self-serve. Checks can be made payable to “Anchorage Breakfast Program” with “coffee” in the memo line. For each bag sold, the $4 profit helps to fund the Anchorage Breakfast Program. Both decaf and regular are available. Thank you for your ongoing generosity. _______________________________________________________________________________________________ First United Methodist Church Senior Pastor: Rev. Joseph DiPaolo Associate Pastor: Rev. Kerry Leeper Pastor of Discipleship & Administration: Rev. Eddie Cameron 29 E. Walnut Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 717-394-7231 www.EngageGodFirst.org
SUPPORT PRISON MINISTRY AND THE LANCASTER REENTRY MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION (RMO)! The Lancaster County Reentry Management Organization is offering an inspirational, 2018 calendar, Voices of Hope and Resilience, featuring the writing and artwork of our community’s returning citizens. For a donation of $15 or more, you can pick up a calendar in The Gathering Place on Sunday, December 17. You will be supporting our County’s men and women who rely on a broad spectrum of RMO services as they resume and rebuild their lives. SERVE AT THE 2018 COLD WEATHER WOMEN’S SHELTER: Winter approaches and First Church readies to staff the Women’s Winter Shelter for the 2018 season. Over 50 First Church volunteers successfully staffed the shelter for two weeks of coverage last season and we aim to do better this year. We encourage volunteers to return and new volunteers to join us! Please assist us in showing gratitude for all we’ve been blessed with by assisting homeless women in Lancaster County have a safe, warm and dry place to sleep. For more information, please contact Jess Henry at jlhenry30@gmail.com. To sign-up, go to www.EngageGodFirst.org/shelter. YOUTH RALLY 2018 “MARATHON”: January 5-7, 2018 The 31st Annual Youth Rally in Ocean City, MD sponsored by United Methodist Young People Ministries is happening January 5-7, 2018. It is open to all youth in grades 6-12. The theme is “Marathon.” There will be transforming messages and music. The total cost for this event is $120 which will be broken into two payments. The first payment of $60 is due by the sign-up date, December 31, along with your scholarship request if needed. The second payment of $60 is due at check-in on January 5. December 31 is the cut-off date for signing up & spots are limited. Complete an online registration form on the church website or pick one up from the youth welcome center and return it to Kate along with your $60 deposit! You don’t want to miss this exciting life changing event! Contact our Youth Minister Kate with questions at youth@engagegodfirst.org. THRIFT SHOP: The thrift shop is currently closed and not accepting donations. Starting February 3, 2018, the Thrift Shop will reopen on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. If you have questions or are interested in volunteering this winter or spring please contact Iris Lehman at brianandiris@verizon.net. The Thrift Shop supports the InsideOut Youth Ministry. It provides sponsorship for the youth outreach small group, McCaskey Breakfast Club, which meets every other Friday during the school year. Funds from the Thrift Shop also help reduce the cost of youth retreats and activities. Youth can volunteer in January for an hour, sorting and organizing or running the thrift shop, to earn $10 of “Mission Moolah” which can be used towards youth activities and opportunities. If you are a youth looking for volunteer hours, or to earn Mission Moolah, please contact Youth Minister, Kate Beiler at youth@engagegodfirst.org. ALTAR FLOWER NEWS FOR 2018: Starting in 2018 a new procedure for ordering memorial or honorary flowers for Sunday worship will be instituted. Only one fresh arrangement or bouquet will be used each Sunday and will be placed in front of the pulpit with recognition appearing in the bulletin. Silk flower arrangements will be placed on the altar. Anyone ordering altar flowers will be responsible for the purchase and delivery of the flowers by a provider of his or her choice. As in the past, the flowers may be picked up after the third service or left to be distributed to Friends at Home. Sundays may be reserved by signing up on the 2018 flower chart posted in the north narthex. Flyers will be available, listing details and guidelines for ordering. SUPPORT A STUDENT THROUGH SUDAN REBIRTH MINISTRY(SRM) Stop by the SRM table in the Gathering Place to purchase an ornament and support a student from South Sudan. Your generosity this holiday season can cross the ocean and educate these orphans who, as a result of war, live in Kenya and Uganda. Sponsorship is a gift that makes a difference in a life! You will be blessed.
December 17, 2017 Third Sunday of Advent Prelude Angels We Have Heard on High arr. Kyler Brengle Children, Go Where I Send Thee arr. Benjamin Tucker Wesley Handbell Choir, Peter Omundsen, director Announcements & Greeting Introit (10:45) Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Chancel Choir; Brian Norcross, director * Call to Worship Light unapproachable, joy indescribable, hope unimaginable, love inconceivable has come to earth. Enlightened by the Word of God, wrapped in God's love, we gather joyfully, in the sure and certain hope that Christ is coming again. Let us worship the Lord together. We gather to worship and give thanks for the gifts of God in Christ. * Hymn The First Noel No. 245 Common Prayer Liturgist Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Anthem (10:45) Hope and Expectation from Appalachian Winter Joseph Martin Chancel Choir; Brian Norcross, director Advent Wreath Lighting Luke 1:5-8, 11-14 8:15 - Rob, Nancy, Alexis, and Sophia Campbell 10:45 - Bruce and Julie Grove, Lindsay Grove, Paula Adams Sung Response Joy To the World (stanza 1) No. 246 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing, and heaven, and heaven, and nature sing. Children’s Sermon (10:45) Laura Sambrick Concerns of the People Pastor Joe DiPaolo Choral Call to Prayer (10:45) Infant Holy, Infant Lowly (stanza 2) No. 229 Flocks were sleeping, shepherds keeping vigil till the morning new saw the glory, heard the story, tidings of a gospel true. Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, praises voicing, greet the morrow; Christ the babe was born for you. * please stand if able
Our Mission Connect People to Jesus Christ Grow Disciples Relieve Suffering
8:15 ONLY Invitation to The Lord’s Supper Acolyte Confession and Pardon Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (All pray in silence.) Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven! Glory to God. Amen. * Passing the Peace
8:15
9:30
10:45
Greeters
W: Ryan and Kirsten Trees N: Peggy Schneebeli
Lisa and Dave Frymyer, Audrey Butts and Jessica Barton
W: Nick and Judy Sviglia N: Bill and Ruth Coakley
Ushers
Bill and Nancy Henry, Steve Beeler, Randy Karshin, Anita Lewis, Marc Russo
Sue Kepner, Paul Belser, Mark DeBord, Terry Kile, George Stephan, George and Pat Werner, John Woltjen
Sound Tech
Tim Benton
Chris Reindollar
Mark Reth
Liturgist
Joanna Underhill
Glenn Miller
Communion Assistant
Karen Senkowski
Acolyte
Grace Schonour
Brady Lehman
Welcome Center
The Herrs
The Coakleys
Jan Betty
Fellowship Time
Deb Richer
Thorbahn and Mearkle Families
Steph and Lamont Cooke
Safety & Security
Lincoln Newell
Prayer of Thanksgiving Acolyte * Hymn Angels We Have Heard on High No. 238 * Blessing Dismissal Angels We Have Heard on High (refrain) No. 238 Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Postlude Joy to the World arr. Alfred V. Fedak Peter Omundsen, piano
Pastoral Prayer The Lord’s Prayer (10:45) No. 895 Sacrament of Baptism (8:15) No. 39 * Hymn O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright No. 247 Prayer for Illumination Pastor Kerry Leeper Scripture Reading John 1:6-8, 19-28 (Pew Bibles, NT, p. 86) Pastor Kerry Leeper Sermon “Advent Joy: The Witness of John the Baptist” Pastor Kerry Leeper * Affirmation of Faith The Nicene Creed No. 880 * Gloria Patri Emmanuel, Emmanuel No. 204 Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel. Invitation to the Offering Liturgist Offertory A Little Shepherd Music Howard Rohlig Dot Lippart, flute; Peter Omundsen, organ Procession of Offerings Doxology What Child is This (stanza 3) No. 219 So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, come, peasant, king, to own him; the King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone him. This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing; haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary.
8:15 ONLY The Great Thanksgiving 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. Anthem Calm as the Night Carl Bohm Dot Lippart, flute; Peter Omundsen, organ Prayer after Communion Eternal God, we give thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we will go into the world renewed in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
FIRST CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS! December 17, 2017 We welcome all to worship today. To help us stay connected with you, please fill out the “Connect Card” that is found in your bulletin. This card helps the church track changes in email, phone, address, and more. On the card you can tell us your areas of interest by checking all that apply. Be sure to share your prayer requests with the staff by writing them on the card. Staff members pray for each request on Monday afternoon. Place the card in the offering plate today. Thank you for helping us to get to know and stay connected with you! SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: Today we celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism at the 8:15 and 9:30 AM worship services. The following persons come for baptism today: 8:15 AM - Josephine Kaye Punzi, daughter of Alex and Sarah Punzi Leanna Elizabeth Greiner, daughter of Timothy and Jordan Greiner 9:30 AM - Riley Connor and Roenick Landon Nesbitt, sons of Cory and Andrea Nesbitt Emma Marie Weidman, daughter of Ricky and Samantha Weidman CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING: One combined service will be observed in the sanctuary at 10:00 AM. Temple Avenue Jazz will lead the music. Nursery will be provided. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES: Services will be held at 4:00, 7:00, 9:00, and 11:00 PM. The services at 4:00 and 7:00 PM are family friendly and will include a children’s message, a free ornament gift for all children, and nursery is provided. CHRISTMAS OFFERING: The Christmas offering which includes both the Christmas envelope and the Christmas Eve offering will be used to support Discovery Corner Preschool. Discovery Corner is a ministry of First Church that helps children and their families experience Christ's love in a safe, nurturing, and encouraging learning environment. To support Discovery Corner through the Christmas offering, simply write your check to First UM Church and write on the memo line "Christmas offering." In this way you will be supporting First Church's mission to connect people to Jesus Christ, grow disciples, and relieve suffering. A CELEBRATION AND CLOSURE: Please plan to join us on Sunday, January 14, 2018 at all three worship services to recognize the formal closure of the Stephen Ministry program of First Church. The first Stephen Ministry class was commissioned here in January 1991. This January we will celebrate the ministry that has touched so many lives over the past 27 years. CHURCH BUILDING CLOSURE DURING THE HOLIDAYS: The church building will be closed Monday and Tuesday, December 25 and 26 for the Christmas Holiday. The building is also closed on Monday, January 1 for the New Year Holiday. Anchorage will be open and serving breakfast on these days. WELCOMING A NEW CONGREGATION TO THE FIRST CHURCH BUILDING: Please give a warm welcome to The Church of Pentecost for the Harrisburg District. They will be holding worship services in the Chapel on Sunday mornings from 8-9:30 am. They will be starting their services on January 7, 2018 and will be in the building every Sunday. SUPPORT FOR THE ANGEL TREE: The Angel Tree is on display in the Gathering Place. Perhaps you would consider being an angel for a child this Christmas. To participate, take an angel from the tree and sign-up on the board next to the tree by writing your name, contact information and the child’s age and name. The gifts are for children involved with Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster, and ages range from infant to teenager. The tags have gift recommendations on them for each child. All gifts must be returned under the tree unwrapped with the child’s angel attached by December 17. PLEASE NOTE: Grocery cards are not available for sale on Sunday, December 24, 2017. They will be available again on December 31, 2017. Thank you.
