First Sunday of Advent
Hanging of the Greens
November
27, 2016
*Those who are able are
invited to stand
Welcome and
Announcements Diana Spencer
Special Music
“Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella” Bell Choir
*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
Introduction to Hanging of the Greens Barbara Cooley Thaw
EVERGREEN and WREATHS
Reading
Oliver &
Bambi Brewer
Song “Come
and See the King” *See insert
POINSETTIA
Reading
Larry Viehland
Hymn
“The First Noel”
Female Choir
Kim
Viehland, accompanist
If you were given a poinsettia, Please bring it
forward at this time.
ADVENT WREATH
Reading The Mitchell Family
Special Music “Once in Royal David’s City” Chris Koesel
and Kim Viehland
HOLLY
Reading Megan McQuade
Hymn “O Little
Town of Bethlehem”
Male Choir
NATIVITY SCENE
Reading
Barbara Cooley Thaw
Hymn “Friendly Beasts” #227
Preparing Our Hearts
Advent
Scripture
Matthew 24:36-44
Advent Message Watch Pastor
Kelly
Offering of our
Gifts “The Savior Comes” Chancel Choir
LIGHTS
Reading Ron Brand
Special Music “O Holy
Night”
Amy Shannon
and Brenda Spencer
Commission and
Blessing
Pastor Kelly
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.
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.