DOCSLIB.ORG

Final Moments That Matter Dec. 2019

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Final Moments That Matter Dec. 2019 MOMENTS THAT MATTER SEMINOLE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Volume 1, Number 3 HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER [2019] The SUMC Family Invites YOU! Breakfast with Mrs. Claus Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:00 to 10:30 Come and bring the family, let’s have some pancakes and some special time with Mrs. Claus. While Santa is busy at his workship at the North Pole, Mrs. Santa has come to bring joy to kids of all ages. Pancakes, candy canes with smiles and joy. I think Mrs. Claus may want to read a story or two. Don’t miss this opportunity to get a picture taken with Mrs. Claus. Christmas Caroling Saturday, Dec. 14, 10:00 Join in Fellowship Hall as we car pool to our shut ins and bring tidings of great joy to those who cannot attend worship services. We will be singing ole hymns that will brighten everyone’s day. Song sheets will be provided. Please bring socks to hand out to the residents of the nursing homes. We will be making them slip resistant. Drop off the socks to a collection basket in Fellowship Hall. Holiday Luncheon Saturday, Dec. 14 12:00 Olive Garden, Largo Mall All women of the church are invited to share the joys of the holidays with each other for lunch. Bring a Christmas Ornament to exchange. CHRISTMAS EVENTS Choir Cantata “Were You There on That Christmas Night?” Dec. 22 at 10:00 am If you love to sing, come and join the Choir. Practice begins at 7:15 on Wed. Wrapping up Christmas We will have 2 opportunities to have free gift wrapping. December 8 from noon to 2 under the Portico of the church. OR WAWA located at 5901 9th Avenue North, St. Pete. Want to help? Sign up in Fellowship Hall. All Funds benefit Troop 340 Did You Know? Hanging of the Greens is on November 30th 2:00 – 4:00 pm Join us as we decorate the church for Christmas. A light dinner of Chicken Orzo Soup, bread and a dessert will be served. Trees and the Sanctuary will be decorated to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Christmas Caroling and Children’s crafts will be available. Hanging of the Greens is a Western Christian ceremony in which many congregations and people adorn their church’s, as well as other buildings with Advent and Christmas decorations. This is done on or directly before the start of Advent season, in preparation for Christmas. Bring the family for a time of fellowship. Linda Henderson will direct the decorating, please contact Linda at 727-343-0057 for more information. UMW Meeting in Pat’s Place, December 8th 11:15, directly after worship. Wrapping up Christmas, Sunday, Dec. 8th 12:00 noon to 2:00, under the portico of the church. Bring all your unwrapped gifts and we will wrap them for you. Donations of scotch tape would be most appreciated. Want to help out, sign up sheets are available in Fellowship Hall. Wrapping up Christmas Sunday, Dec. 15th 12:00 noon to 2:00, at WAWA, 5901 9TH Avenue North, St. Pete. If you missed the first opportunity, here is another to get those gifts wrapped. SPR Training has changed the date to Dec. 18th at St. Paul UMC Clearwater. Pastors, SPRC Chairpersons and Committee members, Lay Leaders, and Lay Members to Annual Conference are encouraged to attend this very important training event. Christmas Eve Service will be held on Tuesday, December 24th at 6:30 pm. This will be a candlelight service celebration. There will be light hospitality in Fellowship Hall afterwards. Food Pantry Is in need of donations. The cupboards are bare and the need is great. Please give generously. Looking for something to do? Coffee Hour - We always need volunteers to serve, after worship service each Sunday. Sign up please, or just bring some cookies or cheese and crackers and drop them off in Fellowship Hall. Thanks! Jayden’s Gang - Meets the first Sunday of each month and makes dinner at Ronald McDonald House in St. Pete. For more information, contact the church office. PBJ Ministry - The second Saturday of each month, meet in Fellowship Hall at 9:00 am to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pack them up in a brown paper sack with bottled water and some fruit or cookies. These are then taken to St. Pete and handed out to the homeless. General Maintenance – If you are good at working with tools, climbing ladders, and painting, we could use your help around the church. Contact Jack Johnson at 727-656-9219 for more information. Tree Trimming and new roof construction will be starting soon. There will be construction dumpsters located on the property as well as building supplies. These will be kept as organized as possible, but please be aware of, and careful of, these areas. Please pardon our mess while this is going on. The Sanctuary, Fellowship Hall, Counseling Center and Log Cabin will be getting new roofs. In January, the Nomads, a group of 6 people who are generously donating their time and talents will be here at the church January 6 through January 23 doing painting of the exterior of the church buildings and some other maintenance projects for the church. Do you know what a Chrismon Tree is? A Chrismon tree is an evergreen often placed in the chancel or nave of a church during Advent and Christmastide. The Chrismon tree was first used by North American Lutherans in 1957, although the practice has spread to other Christian denominations, including Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists, and the Reformed. As with the Christmas Tree, the evergreen tree itself, for Christians, symbolizes the eternal life Jesus Christ provides. However, the Chrismon tree differs from the traditional Christmas tree in that it is decorated only with clear lights and Chrismons made from white and gold material, the latter two being the liturgical colors of the Christmas season. White symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory. The Chrismon tree is adorned with Chrismons, “ancient symbols for Christ or some part of Christ’s ministry: the dove descending down, fish, Celtic cross, Jerusalem cross, shepherd’s crook, chalice, shell and others. They were first made by Frances Kipps Spencer at the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia, USA. She also thought of the word, Chrismon, which is a combination of Christ and monogram (meaning Symbol). The idea quickly spread to other churches. It is traditional that Christian groups make their own Chrismons with their favorite symbols. First Seminole United Methodist Church has had a Chrismon tree for at least 30 years with the Chrismons being re-done within the last 5 years. .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Advent 2 – Hanging of the Greens
    Advent 2 – Hanging of the Greens Worship Celebration with Communion Cresskill Congregational Church United Church of Christ December 6, 2020, 10:00 A.M. No matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. 85 Union Ave, Cresskill, NJ 07626 (201) 568-0608 www.cresskillucc.org Rev. Ronald E. Verblaauw, Interim Pastor [email protected] Cell phone - (201) 838-4254 Julie Schmidt, Choir Director [email protected] Cheryl Woertz, Music Director [email protected] Eileen Andriano, Office Manager [email protected] Order of Worship, December 6, 2020 – Pg. 2 PRELUDE THE WELCOME Rev. Ronald E. Verblaauw AN ADVENT CELEBRATION - HANGING OF THE GREENS HYMN “Come, O Long-Expected Jesus” (vv. 1 & 4) NCH #122 Tune: Stuttgart Come, O long expected Jesus, born to set all people free; From our fears and sins release us; grant us your true liberty. By your own eternal Spirit, come to claim us as your own; By your all-sufficient merit, let us share your cross and crown. PASTOR: Advent is a time of preparation and a time of waiting. As we make ready for Christ’s coming, we prepare our sanctuary and our homes with the symbols of Christmas, and we prepare our hearts by opening them to God’s promise. Then, in awesome anticipation, we wait, focusing our hearts and minds on God’s greatest gift to the world, God’s Son, born as a tiny babe in a humble manger in Bethlehem. “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6 (NRSV) Let us pray (in unison): Heavenly Creator, as we decorate this sanctuary and our homes, fill our hearts and minds with your love and peace.
    [Show full text]
  • DECEMBER 1, 2019 *Postlude X
    Anthem Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain arr. Carolyn Jennings Youth Choir and Adult Ensemble Blessing of the Chrismon Trees John Bell *Scripture Lesson Matthew 24:36-44 Sermon Watch and Wait Rev. Jay D. Cooper The Gifts of Christmas Rev. Jay D. Cooper From the beginning of Christmas celebrations, gift giving has been a part of the season. The Wise Men gave out of their treasures, and the Shepherds gave of themselves. Both express the gift of God in giving Christ as the savior of the world. We invite you to bring forward your gifts for children in our community and place them under the Chrismon trees during the singing of the following carol. *Hymn of Invitation I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light 206 FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH *Prayer of Dedication and Benediction Rev. Lucas S. Tribble a Stephen Ministry Congregation Dear Lord of us all, accept these gifts of decoration, and also our gifts of love and warmth and caring; and spread throughout all this wintry world the promise of recurring spring. Amen. DECEMBER 1, 2019 *Postlude X. Noel, Grand Jeu et Duo Louis Claude D’aquin HANGING OF THE GREENS *Please stand as you are able. Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ The chancel arrangement is given to the glory of God by the Worship Committee and the Flower Guild for the month of December. for the transformation of the world. The wreath on the columbarium is given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Joe F.
    [Show full text]
  • An Advent Devotional Based on the Chrismon Tree
    An Advent Devotional Based on the Chrismon Tree By Chaplain Chris Haughee The Evergreen Tree “HIS WAYS ARE ETERNAL…” HEBREWS 3:6 The Chrismons, or “Christ Monograms” are all hung on a tree, the Chrismon Tree. The tree itself is also a symbol for the Christmas season, a reminder of the truths we celebrate as we recall Jesus’ birth. Legends of the Christmas Tree abound, both secular and religious. Every year, without fail, we can find some group or another arguing over whether the tree should be called a Christmas Tree or a Winter Tree, or something else entirely. The most famous trees in the United States, or at least those most pictured in popular media, are probably the Capitol Tree in Washington, D.C. and the tree in Rockefeller Center. Having grown up in Western Washington State, evergreen trees abounded. We were surrounded by them as much as we were by mountains, hills, clouds and rain. In fact, Washington is called the “Evergreen State.” Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall… you can always expect the same appearance from the evergreen tree. It is constant… enduring. This is what makes it such an excellent symbol for the season of Christmas. We celebrate the in-breaking of the eternal God into our broken world—a world governed by days, months, and years. The seasons come and go, our children grow up and move away, we ourselves age… nothing seems to stay the same. Into our constantly shifting world came the changeless One, God Almighty, in the tiny baby of Bethlehem. Enduring everything that comes with adopting our humanity, Christ was subject to the pains of change, loss, and living in this fallen world.
    [Show full text]
  • 2013.12.01 First Advent.Hanging of the Greens for Bulletin.Pub
    The Hanging urchChrist of of the 10:00 o’clock am 10:00 am o’clock Greens First Sunday of Advent of Advent First Sunday December 1, 2013 20131, December An OpenAn and CongregationAffirming of the United Ch TheCongregational Churchof Medford West - - WELCOME The Congregational Church of West Medford, United Church of Christ, is a community that strives to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and to share in the costs and joys of discipleship. We unconditionally welcome and affirm people of every age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race, culture, ability, and economic circumstance, and invite everyone into full participation in our church life and ministry. If you’re visiting for the first time, feel uncertain about church, find yourself here infrequently, or attend weekly, there’s a place for you here. There are many ways to be involved and if you’d like to know more about our many activities, please speak to a greeter or the pastor. We ask that you wear a name tag to help us know each other. Blank name tags are available by the door for anyone in need. Please be sure to sign the Pew Register which you will find on the center aisle. As an act of prayer, you are encouraged to light a candle on the table at the front of the sanctuary—for yourself, for a loved one, for peace, for the world. GATHERING TO PRAISE GOD Prelude Watchman, Tell Us of the Night —Gehrke Welcome Call to Worship Drew and Tripp Hill One: How shall we prepare this house for the birth of Jesus? All: With branches of cedar, the tree of excellence and strength.
    [Show full text]
  • A Service of Hanging of the Greens Celebration Service November 30, 2014
    A Service of Hanging of the Greens Celebration Service November 30, 2014 WORDS OF WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS OFFERTORY "Hope Was Born This Night" Terry South *LITANY OF THE GREENS Danny Burgess How can we prepare this house for the coming of Jesus, the King? " With branches of cedar, the tree of royalty. How shall we prepare this house for the coming of Jesus, the eternal Christ? With garlands of wreaths of pine and fir, whose leaves are ever living, ever green. How shall we prepare this house for the coming of Jesus, our savior? With arrangements of holly and ivy, symbolizing His passion, death and resurrection. How shall we prepare this house for the coming of Jesus, the Son of God? By hearing again the words of the prophets who foretold the saving work of God. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. All Glory to God in the highest! *INVOCATION God of manger and star, let us enter your story once again and find ourselves kneeling with the shepherds, singing with the angels and worshipping with the Magi. Touch our hearts with the wonder of birth, and the depths of your love. Speak to us in word and song and lift us to the realms of glory. Amen. CAROL "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" PARAMENTS WREATHS AND GARLAND Isaiah 40:3-5 Patty Shoemaker Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Mike and Shawn McNerlin In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who desert a highway for our God.
    [Show full text]
  • Hanging of the Greens Reader's Script November 27, 2005 the Spirit Of
    Hanging of the Greens Reader’s Script November 27, 2005 WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Debra PRELUDE The Spirit of Hope NARRATION Debra: How often have we heard people say, “I haven’t got the Christmas spirit yet,” or “I just can’t seem to get the Christmas spirit this year”? It takes a while – some years longer than others. But eventually, as we hear the carols, see the tinseled trees, and taste the cookies, we begin to recapture the feelings of a family Christmas and the spirit returns Duncan: As Christians we look for something more in Christmas than the tangible and material things: something deeper and more significant – a spirit of hope from God’s own heart. Christmas with the family can be fraught with tension and anxiety and the focus is often on making sure this year is better than last. Because we have so many things to prepare, we miss the hope of the season – the promise of a precious Savior Son who would be come the Lamb of God, sent to take away the sins of the world. This hope is the core of the Christmas spirit for all who believe. Rob: It is this deeper spirit – this echo of that earliest Christmas – that we seek today as we hang the greens and as we share in the one loaf and one cup. As we prepare the sanctuary, we welcome back some old friends: the Advent candles, the evergreens, the Christmas tree, carols and poinsettias. As we celebrate at the Lord’s table, we will be reminded again that we belong to an everlasting family – the family of God.
    [Show full text]
  • Resource Center Directory
    Upper Ohio Valley Presbytery — Catalog of Resources Page 1 1 & 2 Chronicles BK. D.310 Sara Japhet 1993 This commentary provides a verse-by-verse interpretation, a full introduction, and a bibliography as well. 1 & 2 Chronicles for Everyone BK. D.339 John Goldingay 2012 WJK The eighth volume in the Old Testament for Everyone series shows how these books pick up on central themes from Genesis through Kings and emphasizes community with God. 1 & 2 Kings for Everyone BK. D.338 John Goldingay 2011 WJK The seventh volume in the Old Testament for Everyone series, it tells the story of Isreal when it was a monarchy, from Solomon to exile. 1 & 2 Samuel for Everyone BK. D.335 John Goldingay 2011 Westminster John Knox The sixth volume in the Old Testament for Everyone series covers the stories of Isreal’s first kings – Saul and David. Scholarship with a contemporary flair. 3:16 KIT D.461 (2 copies) An interactive study based on Lucado’s book that sheds light and explores the message of John 3:16. Includes a study guide; a copy of Stories of Hope DVD, featuring Max Lucado in 12 five-minute segments that can be used on their own or in conjunction with the study; a small evangelism booklet; and a CD-ROM with a leader’s guide and promotional materials. 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess BK. J.163 Jen Hatmaker 2012 B&H Books The author and her family spent 30 days on each of seven topics, boiling each down to seven. Eat seven foods, wear seven articles of clothing, spend money in seven places, etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Deck the Halls
    DECK THE HALLS by Gail Gaymer Martin Copyright Notice CAUTION: Professionals and amateurs are hereby warned that this Work is subject to a royalty. This Work is fully protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America and all countries with which the United States has reciprocal copyright relations, whether through bilateral or multilateral treaties or otherwise, and including, but not limited to, all countries covered by the Pan-American Copyright Convention, the Universal Copyright Convention and the Berne Convention. RIGHTS RESERVED: All rights to this Work are strictly reserved, including professional and amateur stage performance rights. Also reserved are: motion picture, recitation, lecturing, public reading, radio broadcasting, television, video or sound recording, all forms of mechanical or electronic reproduction, such as CD-ROM, CD-I, DVD, information and storage retrieval systems and photocopying, and the rights of translation into non-English languages. PERFORMANCE RIGHTS AND ROYALTY PAYMENTS: All amateur and stock performance rights to this Work are controlled exclusively by Christian Publishers. No amateur or stock production groups or individuals may perform this play without securing license and royalty arrangements in advance from Christian Publishers. Questions concerning other rights should be addressed to Christian Publishers. Royalty fees are subject to change without notice. Professional and stock fees will be set upon application in accordance with your producing circumstances. Any licensing requests and inquiries relating to amateur and stock (professional) performance rights should be addressed to Christian Publishers. Royalty of the required amount must be paid, whether the play is presented for charity or profit and whether or not admission is charged.
    [Show full text]
  • Advent Activity Guide
    Advent Guide 2020 A season of special opportunities and experiences First Presbyterian Church of Moorestown fpcmoorestown.org 856.235.1688 See him in a manger laid, Jesus, Lord of Heaven and earth Page | 2 The Meaning of Advent "The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming,” which is a translation of the Greek word parousia. Scholars believe that during the 4th and 5th centuries in Spain and Gaul, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the January feast of Epiphany, the celebration of God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, his baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, and his first miracle at Cana. During this season of preparation, Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare for this celebration. Today, the season of Advent lasts for four Sundays leading up to Christmas. At that time, the new Christian year begins with the twelve- day celebration of Christmastide, which lasts from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on January 6. Advent begins on the Sunday that falls between November 27th and December 3rd each year. Advent 2020 begins on Sunday, November 29, and ends on Thursday, December 24. Page | 3 Advent Worship Schedule Our pastoral staff presents the Advent sermon series “Be Not Afraid,” which begins November 29 and runs through December 20.
    [Show full text]
  • Hanging of the Greens a Service of Advent Rev
    Hanging of the Greens A Service of Advent Rev. Alan Thompson United Methodist Book of WorshiP© How shall we prepare this house for the coming of the King? With branches of cedar, the tree of royalty. How shall we prepare this house for the coming of eternal Christ? With garlands of pine and fir, whose leaves are ever living, ever green. How shall we prepare this house for the coming of our savior? With wreaths of holly and ivy, telling of his passion, death, and resurrection. How shall we prepare our hearts fro the coming of the Son of God? By hearing again the words of prophets, who foretold the saving work of God. For God did not send the Son into the world to condemn, but that the world might be saved. Glory to God in the highest. God will send a righteous king…Jeremiah 23: 5-6 In ancient times the cedar was revered as the tree of royalty. It also signified immortality and was used for purification. We place the cedar branch as a sign of Christ who reigns forever. The prophet declares a child will be born…Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 Because the needles of pine and fire trees appear not to die each season, the ancients saw them as signs of things that last forever. Isaiah tells us that there will be no end to the reign of the Messiah. Therefore, we hang this wreath of evergreens shaped in a circle which itself has no end to signify the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.
    [Show full text]
  • The Spirit of Hope
    Northminster United Church November 29, 2020 Advent I Hanging of the Greens Service Prelude: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Words of Welcome: Life and Work of Northminster The Spirit of Hope Opening Words How often have we heard people say, “I haven’t got the Christmas Spirit yet.” Or “I just can’t seem to get the Christmas spirit this year’’? It takes a while – some years longer than others. But eventually, as we hear the carols, see the tinseled trees, and taste the cookies, we begin to recapture the feelings of a family Christmas and the spirit returns As Christians we look for something more in Christmas than the tangible and material things: something deeper and more significant – the spirit of hope from God’s own heart. Christmas with the family can be fraught with tension and anxiety and the focus is often on making sure this year is better than last. Because we have so many things to prepare, we miss the hope of the season – the promise of a precious Saviour Son who would become the Lamb of God, sent to take away the sins of the world. This hope is the core of the Christmas spirit for all who believe. It is this deeper spirit – this echo of that earliest Christmas – that we seek today as we hang the greens. As we prepare the sanctuary, we welcome back some old friends: the Advent candles, the evergreens, the Christmas tree, carols and poinsettias. We will be reminded the we belong to an everlasting family – the family of God.
    [Show full text]
  • The Hanging of the Greens
    THE HANGING OF THE GREENS THE PRELUDE “In Dulci Jubilo” Krug THE PULPIT AND CHOIR LOFT GREENS LEADER: In pride and in presumption. “Angels We Have Heard on High” Eithun The Reading Leah Reed PEOPLE: For, having all glory, “Once in Royal David’s City” Buckwalter LEADER: You became incarnate in the dishonor of a defeated (text omitted) The Evening Bells The Carols line of kings; “Sussex Carol” Wood PEOPLE: Having all riches, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” LEADER: You became incarnate in the poverty of the working THE CHIMING OF THE HOUR Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; class; Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners reconciled.” THE PROCLAMATION Christopher Chapman Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies; PEOPLE: Having all illumination, With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” LEADER: You became incarnate in the darkness of night and The Introit “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” VENI EMMANUEL Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.” obscurity; Becky Mercer and Sarah Moore, flutists Christ, by highest heav’n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord: PEOPLE: Having all wisdom, THE PROCESSIONAL Late in time, behold him come, Offspring of a virgin’s womb. LEADER: You became incarnate in the confounding simplicity of a child. Help us to recognize our shame, our poverty, The Anthem “Come, Let Us Adore Him” arr. Carter Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail th’incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel. our darkness, our foolishness, that we may know our (Congregation will join the choirs on the third stanza of carol) need of you.
    [Show full text]