LIGHTING OUR ADVENT CANDLE OF LOVE READING AND REFLECTING This morning we light our fourth Advent Candle, READING FROM THE BIBLE Jeremiah 31: 1-9 and Luke 1: 67-79 the candle of love. REFLECTING As we light the candle of love, we remember that Jesus teaches us What makes a house grand to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, Ain’t the roof or the doors to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, If there’s love in a house and to love our enemies and those who persecute us. It’s a palace for sure We light our Advent candle of love, Without love knowing that love comes from God, It ain’t nothing but a house and that all who sincerely love God, A house where nobody lives and love other people, Without love it ain’t nothing know God, But a house, a house where because God is love. Nobody lives. Tom Waits May the flame burning on the candle of love Love is a rose but you better not pick it be the flame that burns in our hearts: It only grows while it’s on the vine the light of Christ’s love, A handful of thorns and you’ll know you’ve missed it the light that liberates, heals and reconciles this world. You lose your love when you say the word ‘mine.’ Neil Young *SINGING LIKE ANGELS Jesus, Jesus, oh, what a wonderful child. OFFERING OURSELVES THROUGH OUR GENEROSITY Jesus, Jesus, so holy, meek, and mild; OFFERING OUR LIVES AND GIFTS IN SERVICE TO GOD new life, new love, the Child will bring. Pianist Listen to the angels sing, *PRAISING GOD tune Old Hundreth “Glory, glory, glory,” let the heavens ring! Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God all creatures here below. PRAYING FOR OURSELVES, Praise God for all that love has done. Creator, Christ, and Spirit, One. Amen. ONE ANOTHER, AND THE WORLD *DEDICATING OUR LIVES AND POSSESSIONS TO GOD REFLECTING SILENTLY UPON OUR LIVES DEPARTING TO PRACTICE CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP SHARING FROM THE DEPTHS OF OUR LIVES *SINGING A HYMN Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming Red Hymnal 131 OPENING OURSELVES IN PRAYER *OFFERING WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT PRAYING AS JESUS PRAYED (debts and debtors) *TAKING THE LIGHT INTO THE WORLD RECEIVING OUR CHOIR’S GIFT Jesus Christ, the Apple Tree *SENDING SONG Dona Nobis Pacem Insert arr. Wagner *PARTING WITH A SONG Sing a Different Song ANNOUNCEMENTS PARTICIPATING TODAY THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF AUSTIN In response to the rise of Islamophobia in our nation, our Ushers Jaime Hadley and Bill Beardall church is participating in the Interfaith Action for Human Fellowship Hosts Board of Deacons an Open and Affirming Church Rights banner project by hanging a banner that says, “We of The United Church of Christ Stand With Our Muslim Neighbors.” CHRISTIAN EDUCATION The Adult Christian Education Group meets Sundays at December 24, 2017 The rainbow stole on the pulpit is in support of the 10:00 am on the 2nd floor. struggle of all LGBTQ people for equity and justice, and for Third Sunday of Advent: Love a life that is free from prejudice, intimidation, and violence. Middle School and High School Students remain in the service the first Sunday of each month; other Sundays their GATHERING A Joyful thanks to our Joyful Noise Orchestra: Sunday School begins after the Choral Anthem. Fran Briggs clarinet Elementary Sunday School is held during the 11:00 am Love lives in persons not ideas. Love is not a concept but a powerful, Rambie Briggs accordion service, immediately following “Time with Children.” The transforming energy that heals, reconciles, unites, and makes whole. Love Edgar Cavazos guitar children will be escorted from the Sanctuary to the 2nd floor draws together— heart to heart, center to center. Love is not what God Chencho Flores accordion Christian Education room, and can be picked up from there Jonathan Geer piano after the service. does; love is what God is. Love is the Godness of God. Ilia Delio Norma Hawes guitar Roberto Hernandez jingle bells Infant and Toddler Care is available throughout the MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE A Christmas Medley Joyful Noise Orchestra service in the Nursery. Child care begins at 9:15 am for Katie Lemley cello WELCOMING ONE ANOTHER AND SHARING OUR ANNOUNCEMENTS Nodie Murphy flute the parents of children attending choir practice or the Adult Andy Ross oboe Christian Education Group. ACCEPTING THE LIGHT OF CHRUST David Ross recorder Children’s bulletins and crayons are available on the table Joyful Noise Orchestra Wexford Carol Sara Ross viola in the back of the Sanctuary. We will once again celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with *GATHERING WITH SONG Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah Insert our Christmas Open Door Dinner on Christmas day. A THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH brief service at 12:00 noon will be followed by a full-course *GATHERING AS CHRIST’S DISCIPLES Christmas dinner at 12:30. OF AUSTIN, UCC Drawn together 408 West 23rd Street (512) 472-2370 office The Vision Team will be hosting a meeting after church Austin, TX 78705-5214 (512) 472-1175 fax by the light of Christ’s love, on Sunday, January 7, to offer an interim report on the [email protected] let us enjoy communion results from the house meetings on spirituality and mission. http://congregationalchurchofaustin.org with God and one another. The house meetings for the third round of the process, dealing with our church’s resources for ministry, will be Rev. Thomas J VandeStadt Pastor With hearts tender yet bold, held January 16-21. Norma Hawes Music Director may our love extend beyond Rev. Van Herd Adult Christian Education On January 14, after worship, the Deacons will host an the safe circle of our community, orientation for people who’re new to our church. This is a Rev. Amelia Fulbright Labyrinth Student Ministry good way to learn more about our church and Jonathan Geer Piano reaching out to strangers, denomination, and to get to know folks a bit better. Amy Harris Violin people we typically ignore, Tony Rogers Cello Amy Rivera Sunday School Teacher even those we dislike or fear. UPCOMING BOARD MEETINGS Sam Clubb Nursery Attendant This is the way of Christ’s love. Deacons, Tue, Jan 2, 7:15pm, Joy Penticuff’s Kathy Whatley Interim Office Emerita Trustees, Wed, Jan 3, 7:15 pm, Gail Christeson’s Victor Cardenas Custodian The light that shines in the darkness Coord Council, Tue, Jan 9, 6:30 pm, John Goff’s the power that transforms us and the world.

*SINGING A HYMN Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Red Hymnal 228