December 5, 2010
10:30 AM
Second Sunday of Advent

WE ENTER INTO GOD’S PRESENCE
Preparation for Worship
*Call to Worship – Isaiah 40:3-4
*Opening Praise – 335 “Hark, the Glad Sound!  The Savior Comes”
*God Greets Us
*We Greet Others
Lighting the Advent Candle:  Peace
Today we light the candle of peace.  The prophet said,
“He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many people.  They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.  Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.  Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”
(Isaiah 2:4-5)
Song – “He Came Down”
*Continuing Praise
“Shout to the Lord”
“Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus”
“Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus”
Call to Confession
Prepare the way of the Lord!
Let us make our confession to God.
Prayer of Confession
O promised Christ, we are a world at war.  Our peace depends on your coming.  We are full of good intentions but weak at keeping promises; our only hope of doing God’s will is that you should come and help us do it.  Lord Christ, Word made flesh, our world waits for your peace, for your pardon, and for your grace.  Even so:  come, Lord Jesus.  Amen.
*Song of Pardon – 345:1,3 “Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing”
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
Children’s Time
Prayer of Preparation
Scripture Reading – Luke 1:26-38, 46-56
Message – “When Heaven Came Back”
Prayer
WE RESPOND WITH THANKSGIVING
*Song of Response –351 “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”
The Offerings – First:  General Fund
  Second:  Komaromi family
Offertory Prayer
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Intercessory Prayer
WE ARE SENT TO LOVE AND SERVE
Opportunities for Ministry and Fellowship
*A Prayer for Serving
O King of nations, your reign spreads through all the lands; you defend the cause of the poor and plead for the wretched of the earth.  Fashion us into an obedient people, that we may spread the good news of your reign of perfect peace and justice, until all creation will finally rejoice in your perfect will, until all bend the knee to the King of kings and Lord of lords, in whose name we pray, even Jesus Christ your Son and our Savior.  Amen.
*God Blesses Us – I Thessalonians 5:23-24
*Parting Song – 560:1 “Like a River Glorious”
Postlude
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Today is the second 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.  We pray that the message of the Advent season will bring peace to your heart and life this week.

The second offering today is 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.  Thank you for your generous response to this need.
If you haven’t already done so, please talk with Erin Peterson or Ron Crawford today if you and/or your child want to be part of the cast for the Live Nativity on December 18.  They need to know this in order to have enough costumes for everyone.  Adults can be involved as “townspeople” – it’s not just for children and teens.  Also, check the table in the entry for the sign up sheet so you can indicate how you plan to help out that night (baking, serving, clean up, etc.)  If everyone does a part, this will again be the best presentation ever.
Wednesday, 6:00 AM Men’s breakfast and Bible study at the Spot
        9:30 AM Women’s Bible Study at
      11:30 AM Women’s luncheon at Cracker Barrel
        7:00 PM Elders meet

Continue to pray for Beth Komaromi and her family.  While she is doing well now, she remains in need of a heart transplant, which is a major procedure.  Your daily prayers are needed and appreciated.

Judy Zwierzynski’s back surgery on Monday went very well and she returned home on Wednesday.  Pray that her recovery continues to be smooth and that she continues to enjoy freedom from pain and renewed ability to live her normal life.

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.

Reserve Wednesday evening, December 15, 7:00 PM for the annual winter congregational meeting.  Copies of the proposed budget for 2011 are in your mail slots today for your preview.  Council will also be giving an update on the process for seeking Valley Church’s next pastor.

Advent devotionals announcement

NEXT SUNDAY, December 12, 2010
SUNDAY SCHOOL:  9:15 AM  Classes for all ages.  The adult class is continues the three-week Advent series.  All are welcome.
MORNING WORSHIP:  10:30 AM  Third Sunday of Advent.   Pastor Gelder continues an Advent series of messages on “When Heaven Came Down.”  The focus this week will be “When Heaven Comes to Us”, based on Colossians 2:6-12, 16-3:4.
We will celebrate an Advent Communion at this service.  Take time this week to examine your heart and life so you will be ready to receive the gift of Christ coming to you in the elements of the sacrament.  If you have any questions about your participation, please contact an elder or the pastor this week.