November 30, 2008, 11:00 AM

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
Invocation
God of all hope and joy, open our hearts in welcome.  May your son, Jesus Christ, at his coming find in us a dwelling prepared for him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.
Amen.
Lighting the First Advent Candle
Reader 1:  God calls us to worship today as followers of his Son, Jesus Christ.  We light these candles as a symbol of the coming light of our Messiah.  (then lights the first candle)
Reader 2:  Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter answered him, “you are the Christ.”
Reader 1:  Each day the world asks us the same question Jesus asked Peter:  Who is coming?
All:  With Peter, we declare that Christ, the Son of God, is coming.
Reader 2:  As we wait, we celebrate his first coming as a baby and his life of sacrifice.
All:  But even more, we look forward to his glorious second coming when he will make all things new.
*Opening Song – 329 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Each Other
*Continuing Praise
           “Before the Throne”
           “Come, Now Is the Time to Worship”
           “
Sacrament of Baptism – Annabelle Joy Roossien
*Song of Response – 272:1,3,4 “You Are Our God; We Are Your People”
Musical Testimony – “Who Am I?” – Paige Vermaat, Julie Roossien
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Luke 2:8-12, 21-24
Message – “Christmas Is for Children”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song – 348 “Away in a Manger”
The Offering – General Fund
The Offertory – “Legacy”
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE DISMISSED TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*God’s Parting Word
*Closing Song – 353 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly”
Postlude



ANNOUNCEMENTS
Wednesday, 7:30 PM Congregational Meeting

Today is the first Sunday in Advent.  Advent is a season of tension – Christ has come, and yet not all things have reached completion.  So as we remember Israel’s hoping and as we give thanks for Jesus’ birth, we also anticipate his second coming at the end of time.  Each Sunday we will light another of the Advent candles to heighten our sense of anticipation.

You are invited to join us after the service for a light lunch of soup and bread and then to help us decorate the Chrismon tree as well as the inside and outside of the church.  The lights that shine on dark December evenings are an invitation to people driving by to come to meet the one who is “the light of the world.”

Our annual winter congregational meeting will be held on Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm.  In addition to consideration of the proposed 2009 budget (copies were sent via e-mail last week and a hard copy is in your mail slot), we will be updated on the ministry shares which are one way we support the world-wide ministries of the Christian Reformed Church.  Pastor Gelder will give his year-end report and several of our Valley Church ministries will also report.  We encourage each family to be represented for this important meeting. 

Youth Announcements: 
Grapevine wreath sale  (repeat announcement)

It’s time to order your 2009 calendar.  There is a sign-up sheet for this on the table in the entry.  Remember, for every calendar you purchase for $6.00, we will have another one to give away to our neighbors at the Live Nativity on December 22.

NEXT SUNDAY,
December 7, 2008

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:45 AM  Classes for all ages are available.  The adult class continues its discussion of the Belhar Confession, specifically its teaching on reconciliation.  All are encouraged to find a class appropriate to your age and interest.

MORNING WORSHIP:     11:00 AM  Pastor Gelder will bring the message “Christmas Is for Parents” based on Luke 2: 4-5, 19-20, 39-40.  This is the second Sunday in Advent and our service will reflect that fact.