Worship Bulletin - December 6, 2915
Worship Order
Lord’s Day, December 6th, 2015 - 10:30 AM Worship
Second Sunday of Advent
Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Passing the Peace
Call to Worship - based on Psalm 50:1-3, 6
The mighty God summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. Our God comes and will not be silent. God calls, and we respond to his love. The heavens declare God’s righteousness. We tell out God’s glories! Offer up to God your thanksgiving. And our God will hear us, save us, and stay with us forever.
*Hymn of Praise - “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” - #244
Opening Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Sharing of Joys and Concerns
OT Reading - Malachi 3:1-4 p. 1029
Offering
Offertory - “Prepare Ye the Way:
*Song of Thanksgiving - “Doxology” #815
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen
NT Reading - Philippians 1:3-11 - p. 1259
*Hymn of Preparation - “Here I Am Lord” - #589
Gospel Reading - Luke 3:1-6 - p. 1101
Sermon - “Preparation” - Pastor Wesley Allen
*Hymn of Invitation - "Oh God, Our Help in Ages Past" - #686
Communion
*Benediction - “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” - (v.1) #426
*Postlude
*If you are able, please stand
Announcements
December Benevolence:
Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering In 1977 American Baptist Churches USA launched the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Offering (RMMO) to continue this time-honored tradition of expressing thankfulness. This year our theme is The Grace of Giving. Through the simple yet profound act of giving, American Baptist churches can share in an act of Grace that reminds the ministers, missionaries and widowed spouses who served so faithfully that they are remembered with love and gratitude. The offering supports those who have dedicated their lives to God’s service by providing emergency assistance in times of need and a thank you check at the end of each year. We hope that RMMO will continue to serve as a joyous tradition for ABC congregations and that you will be greatly enriched this season by The Grace of Giving.
Come See the Christmas Lights! - Join us Thursday, December 10th to see the Christmas Lights! See Karen for more information.
Community Carol Sing - Sunday, December 13th, 3-4pm, at Central. Join us this Advent Season for a Community Carol Sing. A free will offering will be collected and donations of canned goods (and other non-perishables) will be gladly accepted, for the Bread of Life Food Pantry. Guest Performances will include the Epworth United Methodist Church Bell Choir, the Central Baptist Church Choir, and many more!
WERLEE Returns! - Tuesday, December 29 at 6pm. Don't miss out on the 2nd White Elephant Regifting Leftover Exchange Extravaganza. Bring a wrapped regift and a leftover to share. Will the creepy baby return???
Blue Christmas Service - SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2015, 4:00PM, at Calvary Presbyterian Church, The Rev. Dr. Debra May Cerra, presiding. Christmas can be a painful time for some. It may be the first Christmas without a loved one who has recently died; it may be a time that has always been difficult. Calvary Presbyterian Church, 300 Fourth Street, Riverton, NJ offers a special “Blue Christmas” service on Sunday, December 20 at 4:00 pm. Come out, and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge God’s presence for those who mourn, for those who struggle. God’s Word shines light into our darkness. There will be a time of candle lighting and remembering. All, regardless of church background (or lack of it) are welcome.
Grief Support Group - Sunday evenings, 7 pm at Calvary Presbyterian Church. Few events can affect our lives as powerfully as a significant loss. Death, separation, change, divorce – all conjure up many different thoughts and feelings. Grieving can be painful and demanding. But healing – profound healing – can and will come. One way to embrace our grief is to stay connected to others. At Calvary church, “Grief Support Group” gives opportunity for people to share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings in an informal, compassionate, and understanding atmosphere. We discuss the many facets of grief and ways to cope with our emotions and feelings. All who are grieving are invited to attend this group. Please call Pastor Debbie Cerra for more information.