December 19, 2010
10:30 AM
Fourth Sunday of Advent
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship – Micah 5:2, 4-5a
*Opening Praise – “O Little Town of Bethlehem” (vs. 1, 3, 4)
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
Song – “He Came Down” (vs. 1-3)
Lighting the Advent Candle: Love
Today we light the candle of love. Jesus’ close friend John said,“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only son into the world that we might live through him.” (I John 4:7-9)
Song – “He Came Down” (vs. 4)
The Christmas Story – a pageant in three parts
Part 1“Angels from the Realms of Glory”Part 2“Silent Night, Holy Night”Part 3 “I Heard the Bells”WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Revelation 21:1-5, 9-11
Message – “When Heaven Comes to Stay”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
Song of Response – 408:1,2,4 “Rejoice, the Lord Is King”
The Offering – General Fund
Offertory Music – “O Holy Night” (Cheryl De Voe)
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Sent to Serve – II Peter 3:13-15a
*God Blesses Us
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (I Thessalonians 3:12-13)
Amen.
*Parting Song – 354:4-5 “Though an Infant Now We View Him”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent. We pray that the message of the Advent season will fill your heart and life with joy.
Our worship this morning includes a special presentation of the Christmas story by the Valley youth. Thanks again to Gina Martinichio for working with this, to Paul Peterson for building the puppet stage, and to Becky Stocum for preparing the music. Thanks especially to our children and youth for helping us worship the Lord Jesus. There will be time after the service while enjoying cookies, coffee and punch, to thank these folk for their work.
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
Friday, 7:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
(offering for Valley Youth)Please join us this Friday, Christmas Eve, 7:30 PM for our annual Valley Church Candlelight service. This traditional service will again include special music, the Christmas story, an offering to encourage our Valley youth ministries, and the peace of candlelight while we reflect on the amazing gift of the Holy Child. Invite a neighbor or friend to come with you.
Thank you to all who did so much to make the ninth annual presentation of the Living Nativity another special evening. The young people on the hill are the stars, but thanks too to all who worked more behind the scenes - director Ron Crawford, costumer Erin Peterson, lights Janet Crawford, sound Paul Peterson, plus all who baked and served and poured hot chocolate and welcomed people and set up the manger and numerous other things. It is such a joy when God’s people work together for the glory of God and to give a gift to our community.
Doug Aukema’s hip replacement surgery on Tuesday went well. Pray for a good recovery and for patience for him and Pat during this time of therapy and regained mobility.
Pray for Jerry Krempel as he deals with another infection that has sapped his strength and energy.
CONNECT WITH OTHER MINISTRY LEADERS - Have you ever wondered how other churches do a particular ministry? Well, there's a website where you can find out. You can ask questions, share experiences, get resources, read blogs, and more. It's called The Network and it covers dozens of ministry areas and roles. For example, Youth Ministry, Worship, Sunday School, Small Groups, Disability Concerns, Deacons, Safe Church, Elders, Church and Web, and Church Administration. Check it out at www.crcna.org/Network
The 2011 budget of $135,600, a decrease of 4.6% from the 2010 budget, was unanimously approved at the congregational meeting. Council presented an update on the process of seeking Valley’s next pastor. A search committee is nearly complete and interim pastors will be secured for the summer and fall. More information will be shared along the way. Ministry teams reported on their activities and plans.
NEXT SUNDAY, December 26, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL does not meet this week or next. Classes will resume on January 9.
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM Pastor Gelder will bring the message “God’s Protection against a Sneaky Enemy” based on Ephesians 6:10-17. This service will be an opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings during the year 2010.
