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Dear Friends, Welcome to this beautiful season of hope and light that has long been called “Advent” by the Christian Church. The word “Advent” comes from a Latin term meaning “arrival” for the season when we wait expectantly for Jesus’ birth. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends at sundown on Christmas Eve. Enclosed in this booklet you will find the order of worship for our celebrations as we prepare to welcome Jesus into our hearts again. Just as Mary and Joseph waited for Jesus’ birth, and God’s people waited for a savior, we long for Jesus to be born again in our hearts as we make new beginnings. When darkness falls on Christmas Eve, we celebrate Jesus’ birth and we enter a new season of the Christian year---Christmastide---which lasts the 12 days of Christmas. Christmastide ends on January 6 with the Epiphany of our Lord, which is when the star appeared over the stable, leading wise men from the East to the place where baby Jesus lay. You will notice special decorations for this holy season. Lutheran women in Virginia first developed Chrismon ornaments and a Chrismon Tree. “Chrismon” is a hybrid word of the phrase “Christ Monograms,” for the Christian symbols found on our trees. Both the triangle and three overlapping leaves represent the Trinity--Father, Son and Holy Spirit. A cross and crown stand for the victory of Jesus over sin and death. A cross on a globe signifies Christ’s omnipotence over all the earth. You may see a triangle for the Trinity with a circle for eternity. The Greek letters Chi Ro are the first two letters in “Christ”. You may recognize Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, and Omega, the last letter, which is a biblical quote--Jesus is “the first and the last” Revelation 22. The letters “IHS” are an abbreviation of the Greek letters for “Jesus”. A dove is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, and peace. The cross and flame are the United Methodist symbol for the flame of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the cross representing salvation in Christ. See what other symbols you can find on the trees. Evergreens signify everlasting life because the needles of fir trees stay green all year round. First used by ancient peoples to celebrate the winter solstice, early Christian missionaries to Europe adopted the evergreen tree and made it part of the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Wreaths are circles, symbolizing the eternal, never-ending nature of God. The Advent Wreath includes one candle for each of the four Sundays of Advent. Purple and blue are the penitential colors of Advent. The one pink candle for the third Sunday of Advent represents joy. The Christ Candle, lit on Christmas Eve, is for Jesus’ birth. As you look at the lights, the candles, and the evergreens of Christmas, it is my prayer that Jesus will be born in your heart, for the first time, or again this Christmas. You can pray a humble prayer, “Lord Jesus, remove my mistakes and regrets. Come into my heart today. Help me live with you forever, Amen.” If any of us pastors can be helpful to you in your faith journey, please contact us. May Jesus bring you joy and peace this Christmas, Debbie McLeod Sr. Pastor 2 Advent Season Schedule 2018 Saturday, December 8, 7:00 p.m. Cantata - Sanctuary ....................................................................... Page 4 Sunday, December 9, 8:15 & 11:00 a.m. Cantata - Sanctuary ....................................................................... Page 4 2018 Poinsettia Dedications ............................................................... Page 6 Sunday, December 16, 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Third Sunday of Advent - Sanctuary ........................................................... Page 7 Friday, December 21, 7:00 p.m. Blue Christmas - Wesley Hall .......................................................... Page 8 Sunday, December 23, 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Advent ................................................................ Page 10 Sunday, December 23, 7:00 p.m. Candlelight Holy Communion - Sanctuary .......................................... Page 12 Monday, December 24 4:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Eve Service - Worship Center ............... No Bulletin 4:00 p.m. Candlelight Holy Communion –Sanctuary ............................ Page 13 6:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols - Sanctuary ........................................ Page 14 8:00 p.m. Candlelight Holy Communion –Sanctuary ............................ Page 13 Sunday, December 30, 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. First Sunday after Christmas .......................................................... Page 16 Longleaf Ministry .................................................................................. Page 17 Mission Opportunities .......................................................................... Page 18 Upcoming Classes and Events ............................................................ Page 20 3 God Came Near (Tom Fettke & Max Lucado) December 8 at 7:00 p.m. December 9 at 8:15 and 11:00 a.m. Gathering Music Christmas Selections Chancel Ringers Announcements Part I The Carolin’ Reel Terry Gotwalt, Frank Palmieri, Chancel Choir/Orchestra The Gathering Chancel Choir/Orchestra The First Noel Jr. Dancers Born on Christmas Day Donnie and Becky Barker Advent Celebration Chancel Choir Nothing is Impossible with God Kayla Lodge, Chancel Choir King Jesus is His Name Chad Sorenson, Chancel Choir Offertory O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Youth Ensemble Part II Glorious Intermediate & Advanced Sacred Dancers On This Holy Night Kayla Lodge, Chancel Choir It Came Upon The Midnight Clear Kendal Jolly The Night Was Ordinary No More Chancel Choir 4 A Child and Yet a King Chancel Choir Magi from the East Chancel Choir The Christmas Gifts Robert Chapman, Chancel Choir Light and Life (Finale) Tom Hayes, Chancel Choir/Orchestra CAST AND CREW Director of Music: Sandy Webb Assistant Director of Music: Brenda Chapman Director of Chancel Ringers: Sandy Webb Sacred Dance Director: Christi Mowrey Dance Assistant: Miranda Bird Stage Manager: Denise Langlois Sound and Lights: Oscar Webb, Paul Morrow Set: Alyce Walcavich Costumes: Mary Jenkins Reception Following the Musical (Saturday only): Denise Langlois ORCHESTRA Piano: Barbara Frye Violin: Laura Ingalls Flute: Jill Morgan Saxophone: Robbie and Rob Chapman Trumpet: Warren Kus Bass: Austin Norris Drums: Mike Roth CAST Narration: Jim Haynes and Shelly Couch Mary (Mother): Kayla Lodge Shepherds: Ben York, Robert Chapman Kings: Mike Curry, Greg Rogers and Phil Schatz Joseph: Will Clayton Baby Jesus: Gracelyn Parker (Saturday), Aiden Williams (Sunday) High Soprano Descants: Joan Poates, Nancy Dobyns, Kathy Breidenstein Angels: Riley Hayes, Mikayla Farnham, Layla Naughton, Emily Haynes Jr. Dancers: Addison VanArsdale, Emily Heeter, Emory Platt, Jillian Haynes, Jordan Sodek, Lizzie Cooke, Tatiana Linder, Taylor Salvonik, Tessa Allinson Intermediate Dancers: Arianna Heffner, Damari Jimenez, Emily Haynes, Maggie Cooke, McKenna Bird, Megan Hayes, Riley Hayes 5 Poinsettias Given… In memory of Dr. Norman and Mrs. Jackie Tibbetts by Kim Cooke. In memory of Nanny and PopPop—Irene and Harvey Smith by Todd and Wendy Gilbert. In memory of Granny and Pa—Nell and Bill Groos by Todd and Wendy Gilbert. In honor of all members of our Music Department. Thanks and much love by Sandy Webb. In memory of Clay Zundel (father) by Paula Evans. In honor of Paulette Zundel (mother) and my children by Paula Evans. In honor of the Stephen Ministers who love and listen to members of our congregation who are hurting by Tom Boyko. In memory of Jay Jolly by Tom Boyko and Kendal Jolly. In memory of Aunt Ruthie by Tom Boyko. In memory of Charles Newsome by Val Newsome. In memory of Eric Williamson by Val Newsome. In honor of Darlene Carter for her leadership of a successful MUMW Craft Festival 2018 by Nancy Rushton. In memory of Robert P. Mooney by The Hickox Family. In memory of Mike and Victoria Varunok by Andre Varunok. In memory of my husband, Robert P. Mooney, by Mary Ann Mooney. In memory of our parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rex Frye and Mr. W. Thomas Walker by Mike and Barbara Frye. In honor of our mother, Mrs. W. Thomas Walker, by Mike and Barbara Frye. In memory of Kasey Mogle by Frank, Merrie and Jim Mogle. In honor of our grandchildren by Billy and Mary Lou Gossett. In memory of T.T. and Anna Louise Musgrove by Alyce Walcavich. In memory of my parents, Burt and Miriam Blazier, by Joan Poates. In memory of Mary Ann Shuler, a loving sister, by Rose S. Butler. Flowers of Kindness Given… In memory of a loving mother, Anne Gulliford, by Charles and Rita Higgins. In memory of Barney and Sadie Saucer, Jane’s parents, by Steve and Jane Calvarese. In memory of Quin and Grace Calvarese, Steve’s parents, by Steve and Jane Calvarese. In honor of a friend, Delores Lokenberg, by Rose S. Butler. 6 Sunday, December 16, 2018 Third Sunday of Advent 8:30, 9:45 & 11:00 a.m. Announcements Pastor Parker (8:30) Pastor St. Clair (9:45/11:00) Prelude Christmas Gospel Jubilee Glory Sound * Call to Worship Jillian Haynes (8:30) Tom Anderson (9:45) Emma York (11:00) Leader: Do not be afraid! See, I am bringing you good news! People: Glory to God in the highest! Leader: To you is born a savior, Christ the Lord People: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward all. * Carol Sing (led by Tom Hayes) Lighting of the Advent Candles The Stringer Family (8:30), The Lawlor Family (9:45) The Pickles Family (11:00) Congregation Sing: O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by thy justice here Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight A Reading from the Gospel of John 1:1-5 Congregation Sing: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Prayers of the People Emily Haynes (8:30) Pastor Parker (9:45/11:00) Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.
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