November 29, 2009
10:30 AM
First Sunday of Advent
WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
Lighting the Advent Candle
The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,Because the Lord has anointed me;He has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed.We light this candle as a sign of our waiting and hope for the coming Christ.*Opening Praise – 329 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
*Continuing Praise
“Call to Confession
Prepare the way of the Lord!Let us make our confession to God.Prayer of Confession
Merciful God, always with us, always coming: We confess that we do not know how to prepare for your Advent. We have forgotten how to hope in miracles; we have ignored the promise of your kingdom; we get distracted by all the busyness of this season. Forgive us, God. Grant us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph, that we may journey with them to Bethlehem and find the good news of a child born for us. Now, in the quiet of our hearts, we ask you to make us ready for his coming. Amen.
Assurance of Pardon
The good news of this Advent season is forgiveness of sin and new life. Let us commit our lives to Christ’s way of hope and peace.
Thanks be to the Advent God, who comes among us, setting us free to love and serve.
*Song of Assurance – 256:3 “Hope in the Lord: Unfailing Is His Love”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Numbers 22:1-7; 24:15-19
Message – “A Star out of Jacob”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 357:1,3 “How Bright Appears the Morning Star”
The Offering –General Fund
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God Blesses Us
*Parting Song – 337:1,4 “Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Today is the beginning of the Advent season. As the weeks go on we will see the church more completely decorated and each week we will be adding to the light of anticipation as we light another Advent candle. Our prayer is that as we recall the events of Jesus’ first coming to this earth, it will stir us to pray more eagerly for his return to this earth to make all things new and set everything right. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
Thank you to all who brought food items for the Thanksgiving baskets. We were able to serve 17 families this year, including several large families who got extra food. Each family also received a $20.00 gift card for meat and perishables they could buy at Weis Markets. The Chenango Forks Schools social workers again thank you for helping them meet community needs.
Plan to stay after the service this morning for a light lunch of soup and bread, and then you can help decorate the church for the Advent and Christmas season. We know the real reason for the season is the person of Jesus, but having a bright and attractive building and grounds also conveys the message that Jesus as light of the world is someone all should meet.
Wednesday, 7:00 PM Annual winter congregational meeting
Council encourages each Valley family to be in attendance at the regular winter congregational meeting that will be held this Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Please note that this is earlier than past years. In addition to voting on the proposed 2010 budget (copies were in your mail slots a couple weeks ago), we will review the ministry share program that funds many ministries, hear Pastor Gelder’s year-end report, get updates on other ministries and any other items presented by council.
Project Concern Food Truck.
Again this year we are taking orders for 2010 NIV calendars. For every calendar ordered for $6, an additional calendar will be purchased that will be given away at the Nativity and Christmas Eve service. In the past, extra calendars have also been given out with CHOW distributions, as well as to other visitors to the church. They offer great Scripture references, as well as a way to remind people of events at Valley Church. Sign up sheets, along with a sample of next year’s calendar, are on the table in the narthex.
The children’s church crew are busy working on the Christmas pageant that will be presented during morning worship on Sunday, Dec. 20. Thanks to all who are helping get this ready.
The Live Nativity will be presented on Saturday, December 19 at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30 PM. We can always use more “townspeople” for the production. And, of course, we will need your help in baking cookies and other goodies to serve with coffee and hot cocoa between the presentations. More details and sign ups next week.
NEXT SUNDAY, December 6, 2009
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:15 AM There are classes for all ages. The adult class continues studying the book of Revelation using a video series “God Wins”. The focus will be on Rev. 15-19 “Seven Angels and Seven Bowls”.
MORNING WORSHIP: 10:30 AM This is the second Sunday in Advent. Pastor Gelder continues a series of messages focusing on some of the Advent symbols, this week seeing “The Sun of Righteousness” as mentioned in Malachi 4:2.
