November 28, 2010
10:30 AM
First Sunday of Advent

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship – Jeremiah 33:14-16
*Opening Praise – 328:1,4,7 “O Come, O Come, Immanuel”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
Lighting the Advent Candle:  Hope
Today we light the candle of hope.  The prophet said,
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”  (Isaiah 9:2)
Song – “He Came Down”
*Continuing Praise
“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
“My Life Is in You, Lord”
“Give Thanks”
Call to Confession
Prepare the way of the Lord!
Let us make our confession to God.
Prayer of Confession
Almighty God, you who shaped out of nothing all that is, forgive us for returning empty-handed.  You who called forth light, forgive our preference for the dark.  You who walked in fellowship with Adam and Eve, forgive our futile attempts to hide from your presence.  Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right sprit within us.  Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
*Song of Pardon – 440 “Children of the Heavenly Father”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Genesis 3:1-9
Message – “When Heaven Walked the Earth”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Response – 461:1-3 “Beautiful Savior”
The Offering – General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*Sent to Serve
In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit, let us strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks and to live holy and joyful lives, even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, praying: 
Come, Lord Jesus!
*God Blesses Us – Romans 15:13
*Parting Song – 461:4 “Beautiful Savior”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Today is the first Sunday of Advent, a season when God’s people take time to step back from the busyness of the pre-Christmas rush to reflect on God’s coming to earth in a human form and his stated plan to return to earth to make all things finally new.

Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
        9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study at
Saturday, 10:00 AM Chrismon Tree decorating
      5:30 PM Parents’ Night Out

Parents’ Night Out is this Saturday from 5:30 – 8:30 PM.  If you can help with staffing this outreach, let Janet Crawford know as soon as possible.  Also, if you want your children to attend, please sign them up on the sheet on the door today or call the church office no later than Friday morning.

The worship ministry team appreciates your help in decorating the Chrismon tree and sanctuary windows this Saturday morning at 10:00 AM.   If you want to help the youth with putting up the outside lights and decorating the foyer, stairway and fellowship room after church today, that will be appreciated as well.

Continue to pray for Beth Komaromi and her family.  She remains in need of a heart transplant, with all that entails.  Thank you for the support already given. 

Judy Zwierzynski is scheduled for back surgery on Monday.  Pray that the surgery will alleviate her back pain and that she will have a good recovery.  Pray too for peace of mind going into the surgery.

The deacons are looking for some added help with our CHOW pantry, especially during the winter months when the Lockwoods are in Florida.  Barb and John Komaromi have been working with this too, but they may need to have relief because of providing some childcare for Mike and Beth’s children.  Talk with any deacon or with Barb Lockwood if you can help on Monday afternoon or Wednesday evenings.

Take note on the table in the entry that there is a sign up sheet for ordering your 2011 calendars.  These are great gifts, and for every calendar you buy for $6.00 we will have another calendar to give out at the Live Nativity and to the people who come to our CHOW Pantry.  Also, there are flyers and posters you can use to help advertise the Live Nativity to be presented on Saturday, December 18.

Council notes:
1.John Moomey led the devotions, based on Psalm 55, reminding us that God is never out of touch when we come in prayer.  We also spent time in prayer for some of the needs of persons in the Valley family and community.
2.We identified people and alternates who will be asked to consider serving on a search team of nine members to take the lead in the search for our next pastor.
3.The proposed budget for 2011 was presented by the finance team.  It represents a 5% decrease from the 2010 budget.  Copies will be distributed for your review prior to the congregational meeting set for December 15.
4.Council members reported on visits and contacts with Valley families.
5.Council will likely be applying to Calvin Seminary for a summer student intern to work at Valley for ten weeks following pastor Gelder’s retirement.
6.Ongoing ministry team reports were reviewed.

NEXT SUNDAY, December 5, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Classes for all ages.  The adult class is beginning a three-week Advent series.  All are welcome.
MORNING WORSHIP:  10:30 AM  Second Sunday of Advent.   Pastor Gelder continues an Advent series of messages on “When Heaven Came Down.”  The focus this week will be “When Heaven Came Back”, the message of Gabriel to Mary from Luke 1:26-28 and 46-55.
The second offering will be for Beth and Mike Komaromi as we stand with them in helping meet some of the beyond-insurance expenses incurred in connection with Beth’s surgeries and ongoing medical needs.  The community has been generous in its support – Valley Church will be too.