First Sunday of Advent

Hanging of the Greens

November 29, 2015

 

*Those who are able are invited to stand

                                          

Welcome and Announcements

 

*Call to Worship

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:

 “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.”

With what shall we come to God’s house?

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

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

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 second birth.

Let us pray…

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.

 

Offering our Gifts and Tithes

 

Song                                       “Come Let Us Worship the King”            

 

EVERGREEN

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

Hymn                                        “Go, Tell It on the Mountain”                                         #251

 

WREATHS

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

Oliver and Bambi Brewer

CONGREGATION: Incredible God, You are the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. Forgive us for the ways in which we have failed to share Your never ending love with the world. May the wreathes that decorate our church and homes motivate us to take moments every day to give your love away and touch lives. As Your love is constant, may our love for your world be constant too. Amen.

POINSETTIA

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

Diana Spencer

CONGREGATION:  Powerful God, the Magi followed your star and worshiped Your Son.  In these moments, prepare our hearts and minds to receive the birth.  And make these poinsettias inspire us to worship You in all aspects of our life.   Amen.

 

Song                                             “Come and See the King”                       Music by Ron Brand

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

 

ANGEL

Reading                                                                                                                  Amy Shannon

Dave Agnew

CONGREGATION: Loving God, your angels proclaimed the great news and sang of your eternal gift.  Our world is so full of noise that distracts us from their songs.  Each time we see an angel this season, open our eyes and ears that we might encounter your good news in the midst of our crazy world.  Amen.

 

Song                                      “Angels We Have Heard on High”                       Male Chorus

 

ADVENT WREATH

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

Johnson Family

 

HOLLY

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

Megan McQuade

Song                                               “O Come All Ye Faithful”                                            #234

 

NATIVITY SCENE

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

Sue Irons

CONGREGATION: Gentle God, you came to our world completely unexpectedly and without warning.  And yet each of these characters in our Nativity Scene played an important role in your story.  Today you call us all to play our parts in the continuation of your story.  Give us the strength and the courage to share your story with the world and to change hearts today and always.  Amen.

 

LIGHTS

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

Larry Viehland

 

Song                                                       “O Holy Night”                                      Gary Burdick,

Rachel Thaw

 

Reading                                                                                                                     Dave Agnew

 

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.

 

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 performed a musical piece, hung greens or loaded the poinsettia tree. Thank you for sharing in this Advent Service and celebrating Kim’s Lasting Legacy.