United Methodist Church of Cadillac

1020 East Division Street  ·  Cadillac, Michigan

775-5362  ·  Fax 775-6475

 

December 17, 2006

Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday Worship at 11:00 a.m.

 

 

 

THE GATHERING TO WORSHIP

 

PRELUDE

 

BRINGING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

 

WELCOME AND PARISH NOTES

 

FORETELLING OF THE COMING OF THE MESSIAH

            Zephaniah 3:14-20

 

MUSICAL REFLECTION                                             from The Messiah

            “O Thou That Tellest Good Tiding to Zion

 

    *ENTRY INTO WORSHIP

One:    The advent of Christ brings the joy of God’s presence in our midst!

Many:   We sing praises to God for the salvation Christ brings to us!

One:    Because of Christ, the weak are strengthened, the fearful

            are encouraged and the unrighteous are redeemed!

Many:   Joy and gladness are ours, because God has come to us

            in Christ to walk with us in the paths of righteousness!

All:       As we continue our preparations for Christmas, may our

            celebrations renew our faith and fill us with joy and  thankfulness.

 

    *HYMN OF PRAISE                                                                 On insert

            “O Promised One of Israel

 

 

    *SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST

 

THE PEOPLE OF GOD PRAYING

 

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH CANDLE OF JOY

            Betty Klinker, Karen Klinker and Amanda Anderson

 

If you have a prayer joy or concern you would like shared during the

Prayer of the People, please hand it to an usher during the Prayer Song.

 

PRAYER HYMN                                                                                 #242

            “Love Came Down at Christmas”

           

UNISON PRAYER

Eternal Lord, we are waiting expectantly for your gifts. We have prepared our hearts as well as our homes and tried to respond to those in need.  Now suddenly, as the festival of the Holy Child approaches, we feel ourselves overwhelmed by joy. We are also your children and we will never grow up beyond wonder.  We are thrilled to be invited to your holy birth.  But as the excitement grows stronger day by day, help us not to be overwhelmed with all that must be done.  Keep our focus, Eternal One, on your great gift.  Come, Lord Jesus!  Amen.

 

PRAYER OF THE PEOPLE                                                                      

 

THE LORD’S PRAYER                                                                      #895

           

THE READING AND PROCLAIMING OF THE WORD

 

CHORAL ANTHEM                                 Chancel Choir and Congregation

            “Come, Lord Jesus  Arr. Mark Hayes

 

The congregation is invited to join in singing with the choir as directed.

           

SCRIPTURE READING                                                               N.T. pg.1

Matthew 1:18-25

 

MESSAGE                                                 Children of our Church School

            “What Gift Will You Bring?”

 

            RESPONDING TO THE WORD

 

OFFERING INVITATION

 

OFFERING OUR OURSELVES AND OUR GIFTS

 

ORGAN OFFERTORY

 

    *DOXOLOGY                                                                  Tune: Old 100th

Hope in the God who reigns above,

who hold us all in steadfast love;

whose spirit blows across the earth,

preparing us for second birth. Amen.

 

    *PRAYER OF CONSECRATION (in unison)

Gracious God - as you gave your most precious gift to us - and still give to us today the wonders of your love -- so we in joy and thanksgiving give to you these gifts - and all of ourselves - that you might sanctify and make holy both them and us - through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

 

            THE SCATTERING TO SERVE

 

    *HYMN OF DEDICATION                                                              #230

            “O Little Town of Bethlehem

 

    *COMMISSION AND BLESSING                                                              

 

    *POSTLUDE

 

*All who are able, please stand.

 

 

 

LARGE Print Bulletins, Hymnals & Bibles are available along with hearing assistance devices.  An Usher will be glad to help you.

 

 

 

 


The Children’s Christmas program entitled “What Gift Will Your Bring?” complete with drama, singing and chimes will be shared during the 11:00 worship service today.  Pastor Dale will be peaching at the 8:30 worship.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Volunteer Ministry, December 24

Acolyte:  11:00 a.m. - Rebekka Green & Chloe Ostema 

 Greeters/Ushers 11:00 a.m. - Dick & Carol Jones, Bill & Carol George, Laura George, Betsy George, Tim & Mafe George

Nursery: Lisa Weaver & Girls

Sermontime: Darlene Fowler

Coffee Hour: Open

 

 

CHURCH STAFF

Pastor                                                                                     Dale Ostema

Parish Assistant                                                                        Judy Coffey

Church Office Manager                                                         Patty Anderson

Treasurer                                                                                 Karen Klinker

Director of Youth Ministries                                                       Debbie Pant

Chancel Choir Director                                                                   Ann Hunt

Choir Accompanist                                                            Suzanne Johnson

Bell Choir Director                                                                 Tonja Hinkston

Organists                                                             Virginia Pulford, Ann Hunt

Pianist                                                                                 Darlene Ressler

Nursery Care Giver                                                               Darlene Ressler

First Sunday Nursery Care Giver                                      Diana Van Antwerp

Custodial Staff                                            Dee Brinks and NOC Work Crew

Snow Removal                                                                     Gale Butterfield

 

 

Opportunities for Ministry This Week . . .

Sunday, December 17  - Third Sunday of Advent

Coffee Hour Follows Each Worship Service

 8:30 a.m. - Sunday Worship

 9:30 a.m. - Bell Choir Practice in the Choir Room

 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School

11:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship with Children’s Christmas Program

Children’s Choir practice follows worship

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - JD’s & Sr. High Meet

 

Monday, December 18

 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts

Tuesday, December 19

 7:15 a.m. - Daybreak Prayer Group

 3:00 p.m. - Staff Meeting

Wednesday, December 20

11:00 a.m. - Friendship Chain

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Mercy Christmas Program 

 7:30 p.m. - Chancel Choir Practice

Thursday, December 21

  9:30 a.m. - Susannah Wesley Circle at Kirkland Terrace

11:30 a.m. - Prayer Group

  2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Patriot Choir

  6:00 p.m. - UMM Christmas Gathering (Corbin Room)

  6:30 p.m. - FIA Group

 

Sunday, December 24  - Fourth Sunday of Advent

Coffee Hour Follows Each Worship Service

  9:30 a.m. - Church School

11:00 a.m. - Sunday Worship

  7:30 p.m. - Evening Worship

11:00 p.m. - Evening Worship

 

 

 

HELP IS STILL NEEDED for Sermontime and Nursery.  Please sign up on the blue sheet on the Clip Board Ministry today. 

 

 

 

In addition, we are in serious need of Ushers and Greeters for Christmas Eve services at 7:30 and 11:00 p.m. and Child Care (at 7:30 p.m. only.)  Please indicate your willingness to help today.

 

 

 

The 2007 Flower Calendar is available in the church narthex.  You may sign up for flowers in memory or in honor of a person or special occasion.  The flowers are $15.  They are used for Sunday worship and then may be taken for your enjoyment and use.

 

 

 

SNOWBIRDSRemember to notify the Church Office (775-5362) of your winter address, along with dates you will be leaving and approximate date of return.  Your help with this is really appreciated.

 

 

 

The Susannah Wesley Circle will be meet at Kirkland Terrace on Thursday, December 21 for a Potluck and Gift Exchange at noon.  All are welcome!

 

 

 

The United Methodist Men will be hosting their annual Christmas gathering on Thursday, December 21, starting with a Potluck Dinner at 6:00 p.m. in the Corbin Room at the Church.  This event is for spouses, friends and others and will include Christmas music, games and other activities.  Hosts will be several elves with Paul Helton serving as chief host.  Come join us!

 

 

 

Today’s Worship Ministry . . .

Liturgists: 8:30 - Judy Coffey       

             11:00 -      

Organist/Pianist - Virginia Pulford

Acolytes:  8:30 - Amanda Anderson

   11:00 - Heather Smith

  8:30 Greeters/Ushers: Ruth Peterson 

11:00 Greeters/Ushers: Junior and Senior High Youth

Nursery: Gary & Alice Silvers

Sermontime: Dee Williams

Coffee Hour: Trustees

Power Point:  8:30 - Bob Campbell                                                11:00 -      

 

 

The Flowers on the Lord’s Table today are given in honor of Darlene Ressler’s birthday.   

 

 

The Building Committee invites you to stop in the Fellowship Hall and view the floor plan, elevations and site plans for a new addition which are on display.  Your comments and input are important, welcomed and desired.  Comment cards will be available for your use.  Come, take a look and comment!

 

 

On next Sunday, December 24, we will have ONE worship service in the morning at 11:00 a.m..  Church School will be at 9:30 a.m.  In the evening, we will have a Family Worship service with candlelighting at 7:30 p.m. and Carols, Candles & Communion at 11:00 p.m..  Bring your family and invite your neighbors & friends to come & worship.

 

 

Poinsettias are available for the Christmas holidays and can be purchased in memory / in honor of a friend or loved one or honoring a special occasion.  The Poinsettias will be on the chancel for worship Christmas Eve, December 24.

 

            Poinsettias in a 6" pot with 4 to 7 blooms @ $5.50 each

 

_____ Red       _____ White       _____ Pink

 

_____ Marble       _____ Jingle Bell       _____ Purple

(Check color desired / and indicate # you want to order of each color)

 

            ____ Winter Rose Poinsettia (several rose-like red flowers) @ $5.50

 

 

Name____________________________________________________

 

 

            _____ In Honor                    _____ In Memory

            (Please Indicate)

 

of ____________________________________________________

 

 

Please place this order form in the offering plate,

return to the Church Office,  fax to 231 · 775-6475,

mail to P.O. Box 37, Cadillac MI 49601

or order on line at our website - www.umccadillac.org.

 

            Our ordering deadline is Sunday, December 17.

           

 

O Promised One of Israel

(Tune Forest Green)

 

O Promised One of Israel

 By prophets long foretold,

We wait in urgency and hope

To see God’s will unfold.

The dark of night and cold predawn

Arouse our anxious fears.

Help us to see the light ahead

Through trials, doubts, and tears.

 

In silent suffering some await

Your reign of justice here,

While others dulled by wealth and ease

Can not explain their fear.

When prophets spoke and Mary sang

Of tables over turned,

Dare we admit, in trembling awe,

Our hearts within us burned?

 

Creation stands alert and tense

To see your sovereign power,

You choose to come a tiny Child

Revealed this day and hour.

O grant us patience to receive

Without pretense or pride

The gift of God’s redeeming grace:

A Savior by our side.