First Sunday of Advent

Hanging of the Greens

December 3, 2017

*Those who are able are invited to stand

Welcome and Announcements Rev. Kelly Smith

Opening Music “Come Let Us Worship the King” Grand & Bell Choirs

*Call to Worship

Leader: In the days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of mountains and shall be raised above the hill. All the nations shall stream to it. Many people shall come and say:

Congregation: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that God may teach us God’s ways and that we may walk in God’s paths.”

Leader: With what shall we come to God’s house?

Congregation: Bring branches of cedar and holly, bring evergreens and a pine tree. Hang wreaths and garlands.

Leader: Make the church fragrant with the smell of living things and holy play.

Congregation: In acts of hanging greens and listening to the words of prophets and seers, let us make our hearts and this space a place of inward and outward preparation for the One who comes to give us a second birth.

Leader: Let us pray…

Congregation: Good Lord, by your mercy, guide our outward actions in such ways that our inward being is formed in faith, hope and love. May the decorations we offer engage our senses during the days of Advent and enliven our praise and worship in the name of the child of Bethlehem, our risen and coming savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

*Hymn “O Come All Ye Faithful” (verse 1-3) #234

Offering our Gifts and Tithes

Offertory Chris Koesel

Introduction to Hanging of the Greens Barbara Cooley Thaw

EVERGREEN and WREATHS

Reading

Song “Come and See the King” *See insert

POINSETTIA

Reading

Music “There’s a Song in the Air” Female Choir

If you were given a poinsettia, Please bring it forward at this time.

ADVENT WREATH

Reading The Dorè Family

Congregation: Lord, as we enter into the Advent Season, help us to stay alert to Your will and to reamin aware of ways that we might express Your love for all people on earth. Amen.

Music Lemington Chorale

HOLLY

Reading

Music “O Little Town of Bethlehem” Male Choir

NATIVITY SCENE

Reading

Music “Away in a Manger” Children’s Chorus

Congregation: Gentle God, you came to us quietly and without warning. Just as each of the characters in our Nativity Scene played an important role in your story, so are we called upon to relive God’s Greatest Gift and share the message of Jesus’ birth throughout the land. Amen.

Preparing Our Hearts

Advent Scripture Isaiah 64:1-9

Advent Message Our Need for a Savior Pastor Kelly

LIGHTS

Reading

Music “The First Noel” Combined Choir

Congregational Benediction Pastor Kelly

For your goodness and generosity in giving us all we need,

Help us to praise you O God.

In every circumstance of life, in good times and bad,

Help us to trust you, O God.

In love and faithfulness, with all that we have and all that we are,

Help us to serve you, O God.

As we speak or write or listen to those nearby or far away,

Help us to share your love, O God.

In our plans and work for ourselves and for others,

Help us to glorify you, O God.

This Advent Season let our thoughts and words and deeds reflect your generosity and by the power of your Spirit, may we live for you always.

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Commission and Blessing

Chorus “Go Tell It On The Mountain” (Refrain) #251

Today’s service is dedicated to the memory of Kim Slobodnyak.

Kim Weber Slobodnyak was raised as a Mifflin Avenue Methodist. Throughout her lifetime, she was an active member and dedicated volunteer for all things MAUMC. Some of the positions she held included MYF leader, Church Council president, Kitchen Guru (along with her forever sidekick, Nick) and Women’s Circle president. Near and dear(est!) to her heart was the annual Hanging of the Greens service. Her passionate leadership shone brightest when she stood in the back of the sanctuary, directing and smiling at all who participated. Thank you for sharing in this Advent Service and continuing Kim’s Lasting Legacy.

~~Barbara Cooley Thaw