412-731-2511

                                                                    905 Mifflin Avenue

                                                                       www.mifflinave.org

 

                                                                         Pastor: Rev. Kelly Smith

                                                                         [email protected]

                                                                         214-202-9291

 

Our goal is to be a welcoming and inclusive

church for all people.

 

December 15, 2019

*Those able are invited to stand

 

 


Welcome and Announcements                                                       Rev. Kelly Smith

 

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

 

*Call to Worship                                                                                   Cathleen Perry                                                                        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.

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)                    UMH #234                                

 

Offering our Gifts and Tithes                                                                              

Offertory                                               “Jesus Loves Me”                                                                      

 

Introduction to Hanging of the Greens                       Barbara Thaw

“Away in a Manger”                                  Spencer Family

 

EVERGREEN and WREATHS

Reading                                                                                                                     Jared Lordon

“The First Noel”                                Instrumental Ensemble                                                            

 

POINSETTIA

Reading                                                                                                                       Gail Gratton                                                                                                                                              

“Glad Noel”                                                       Chancel Choir                                                                    

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

 

ADVENT WREATH

Reading                                                                                                           Sue Irons                                                           

Congregation: Dear Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. Together, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord so that God may teach us the ways of peace, hope and joy. May we find You in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. Amen.

 “Angels We Have Heard on High”         Eli Nitzberg                                           

 

HOLLY

Reading                                                                                                 Richard Wilson

“O Little Town of Bethlehem”                 Male Chorus                                         

 

NATIVITY SCENE

Reading                                                                                                   David Morgan                                                                               

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.

“What Child Is This?”                                  Female Chorus                                                            

 

LIGHTS

Reading                                                                                                             Rev. Kelly J Smith

Gesu Bambino                                               Tommy Walters 

 

*Congregational Benediction                                                                         Kim Viehland                              

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                                                                  Kim Viehland  

                                                  

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

Kim was raised as a Mifflin Avenue Methodist and 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.

 

I would also like to express my gratitude to all - young and old(er), regulars and visitors, those who live nearby and those who traveled to attend. We appreciate you sharing your gifts with us today and coming together to offer this beautiful message in word and song.

           ~~Barbara Cooley Thaw