of God’s Heart

December 18, 2016 10:30 am Advent 4

We Gather in This Season of Advent Pre-Service Music O Holy Night Christmas Night Away in a Manger I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Gathering Song The Gabriel HWB 180 Welcome Music for Meditation Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful Call to Worship On Screen Prayer To Wait on God’s Word Scripture Reading Isaiah 7:10-16 Offering Our Gifts to God Invitation to Offering Offertory Still, Still, Still Prayer of Dedication On Screen Prayer of the Congregation And to Walk in the Way of God’s Heart Sunday School Play Double Take By Dennis Hartin Prologue Nursery/Preschool Class Ring those bells Act One: Matthew Song O little town of Bethlehem (v.1) HWB 191 Song Infant holy, infant lowly HWB 206 Act Two: Luke (Part One) Song We three kings (v.1) On Screen Song Hark! the herald angels sing (v.1,2) HWB 201 Song Come, thou long expected Jesus (v.1) HWB 178 Song Away in the manger (v.1,2) HWB 194 Act Three: Luke (Part Two) Choir Angel Band Choir Run, Shepherds! Song Go tell it on the mountain (v.1) On Screen Epilogue * Song Joy to the World HWB 318 * Blessing * Musical Benediction Joy to the World () *Congregation Stands (If standing is difficult, please remain seated.)

Hymnals used in worship: HWB - Hymnal a Worship Book (Blue) STJ - Sing the Journey (Green) STS - Sing the Story (Purple)

Worship Leader: Rachel S Slides: Jennifer H Song Leader: Jerry F Sound: Nathan G Accompanist: Jane S Prep: Leslie H Special Music: Helen J, Nola S, Ushers: Team A Adult Choir

Double Take Cast By Dennis Hartin

Narrators ...... Allen J, Becky A Angel, Gabriel, Herald Angel ...... Sam S Joseph ...... Gavin H Wise Persons...... Adam S, Elliott H Herod ...... Nathan G Scribe ...... John David H Mary ...... Bri H Zechariah ...... Caleb G Elizabeth ...... Ronni H Shepherds: ...... Adam S, Elliott H, ...... Max L, Jeriah P Angel Chorus ...... Kaitlin H, Lily H Simeon ...... Harold R Preschooler Singers ...... Anna L, Rachel S, Alli H

A big thank you to all the parents, Sunday School teachers, Margo G and Janet L for helping the cast practice their parts!

Carmen S and Deb S OUR MISSION STATEMENT As followers of Jesus Christ, our mission is to - Worship together as a community of faith, - Invite everyone to share the gift of God’s love, - Nurture each other in the faith, - Serve others in the spirit of Christ, and - Proclaim His way of peace, justice and reconciliation.

OUR PRIORITIES Over the next several years, we are focusing on - Enriching Worship - Enhancing Christian Formation - Small Group Development

WELCOME Welcome to Faith Church. We are glad you are with us this day. If you need a listening assistance device or a large print bulletin, please ask an Usher.

CHILDCARE Childcare is provided in the nursery during worship for children ages three (3) and under. Yvonne and Wendell B are responsible today; Mike and Ann D are responsible for next week.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS Walking in the Way of God’s Heart is our theme for Advent & Christmas. The art at the front of the sanctuary was made by LaVerle S in response to the Emmaus Road story - “Were not our hearts burning within us.” (Luke 24:13-35) God’s heart burns with desire for God’s people. God’s hope for us is peace, harmony, healing and God promises to be with us. Come, let us walk in the way of God’s heart.

CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING This year’s offering will go to MCC for Palestine-Israel peace work.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS Please contact Sara R or Janet E for any pastoral care needs during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The church office will have varied hours during the next two weeks and will be closed on the following days:  Friday & Monday (12/23/16 & 12/26/16) - All Day  Friday (12/30/16) - Half Day  Monday (01/02/17) - All Day

IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS: Praise God for: - The joy of inspiring music and celebrations during this Advent Season - Seven persons who were added to our church fellowship this year through birth, baptism, and joining as new member - Those who have given leadership this past year as youth sponsors, Sunday School teachers, on boards, and as volunteers in worship and various ministries of our church - Affirmation for Rachel to serve as our lead pastor for another term - Those who have accepted to serve in the ministries of our church in the coming year Pray for: - Jack S receiving care at Asbury Park - Lois P continuing her recovery at - Helen W’s daughter, Debbie M, undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for reoccurring cancer - Those dealing with chronic illnesses, life changes and losses - Our members of our church in nursing homes and assisted living ~ at Kidron Bethel – Elma H, Irene J, John and Hulda S ~ at Presbyterian Manor – Bertha B, Leonard and Delores G ~ at Schowalter Villa – Linda E, Albert E, Jacob & Lola F Remember: - Caley O as he completes his studies at AMBS and explores ministry options - To rejoice in the good news of Advent “Behold Christ makes all things new!” Western District Conference: Pray for WDC pastors and chaplains as they lead worship and offer pastoral care during the holiday season.

FAITH CHURCH FAMILY NEWS BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS & JANUARY CALENDAR … There will be no bulletin printed for next Sunday (12/25/16). We will, however, email out an announcement sheet on Thursday (12/22/16). To have your announcement included in the email, please be sure to have it to the church office prior to 10:00 am that morning. All announcements for the following Sunday’s (01/01/17) bulleting need to be submitted to the church office by noon on Tuesday (12/27/16). All items for the January 2017 calendar items need to be submitted by Tuesday (12/20/16) so that they may be included. ~ Thank you 2016 REIMBURSEMENTS & INVOICES … Must be submitted to the church office no later than Tuesday (12/20/16) for processing in 2016. ~ Thank you YEAR-END CONTRIBUTIONS … Sunday (12/25/16) will be the last Sunday offering to accept your 2016 contributions. You may drop off or mail any year- end contributions to the church office but they must be received by Wednesday (12/28/16). Any contributions received after 12/28/16 will be held and posted as 2017 contributions. ~ Thank you HELP NEEDED FOR WEDNESDAY MEALS … Board of Fellowship is looking for a person or persons to plan and prepare main dishes for Wednesday evening meals starting February 1, 2017. Those interested in helping in any way please contact Kathryn P, Carol F, Cindy B, or Vicki H. BEYOND FAITH CHURCH TAIZE SERVICES OF EVENING SONG AND PRAYER … Will meet next Sunday (12/18/2016), 6:00 pm, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church. These service include scripture reading, spoken and sung prayers, periods of silence and opportunity for healing prayers. HANDEL’S MESSIAH … Today (12/18/16), 7:00 pm, at First Mennonite Church (429 E First St, Newton). Flyer posted on bulletin board in foyer.

FAITH TALK … Luke 2:1–7: “Jesus is born” Here are some ways to nurture faith at home based on this week’s story. With preschool children, also use ideas from the “For families” section on the Early Childhood leaflet. 1) Read Luke 2:4. Why Did Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem? 2) Share a favorite Christmas memory. 3) Do you know a person who might be lonely this Christmas? Invite that person over for a meal this week. Did you know? The distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 80 mi/129 km. How long did it take to walk there? (Four days walking 20 mi/32 km per day) . Prayer for the week: Loving God, you are with us as we wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Open our eyes to the miracles around us.

CHECK OUT WHAT'S HAPPENING DECEMBER-FEBRUARY DURING THE SUNDAY SCHOOL HOUR AT 9:00 AM CHILDREN & YOUTH: Nursery/Preschool - “Journeys with Jesus” Main floor, #207; Teacher: Brenda M K-4th Grade - “Journeys with Jesus” Basement, #103; Teacher: Naomi W Middle School/Grades 5-8 - “Journeys with Jesus” Basement, #105; Teachers: Jonathan & Lisa H and Gail U-R High School - “Journeys with Jesus” Basement, FYG Room; Teachers: Verda D, Oris S, Rachel S ADULTS: Lamp Lighters - “A Family Systems Study of Relationships” Basement, #125; Teacher: Shari S Open Class - “Journeys with Jesus” Join Basement, Open Area Cornerstones - “Creation: A Divine Cycle” Us!! Basement, #124: Teachers: Harold R and Junia S Crusaders - “Creation: A Divine Cycle” Main Floor, #205; Teachers: Vern J and Jane V THIS WEEK (12/19 to 12/26) Monday Saturday 6:00 pm Zumba 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Service Tuesday Sunday 6:30 pm Board of Administration Merry Christmas!! Wednesday NO Sunday School 7:30 am Ladies’ Breakfast @ The 10:00 am Coffee & Fellowship 10:30 am Worship Breadbasket NO Handbell Choir Monday 7:00 pm High School Youth Group Church Office Closed NO Adult Choir 6:00 pm Zumba

Thursday *** NO BULLETIN FOR 12/25 ***

6:00 pm Zumba Please see announcement on 6:30 pm Church Council page 4 of this bulletin for important Friday dates to submit announcements, Church Office Closed calendar items, reimbursements,

invoices, and year-end contributions.

Board of Administration Contact Person This Month:

Through 12/19: Chuck S Beginning 12/20: Mike S

OFFERING AND ATTENDANCE for December 11, 2016

Faith Mission Plan (FMP) $3,208.00 (FMP 2016 budget per week: $5,518.50) Facility Improvements Fund 2,306.00 Sunday School 2.26 Pass Thru Contributions (MCC) 50.00 TOTAL OFFERING $5,566.26

Sunday School Attendance: 90 Worship Attendance: 157

2100 N Anderson Ave Newton, KS 67114 (316) 283-6370 www.faithmenno.org

Staff Office Hours Rachel Siemens, Pastor [email protected] Monday-Thursday Mornings Teresa Pickens, Administrative Assistant [email protected] Monday-Friday: 8:30 am-12:00 noon & 1:00 pm-3:30pm Appointed Personnel Verda Deckert, Congregational Nurse [email protected]