Gathering for Praise and Worship

Welcome | Announcements

Opening Prayer Rev. Jim Dennis Love Come Down

Welcome

Meet and Greet (Dismissal of children ages 5k - 2nd grade for “BLAST” )

Offering Offering Prayer

Jesus

Scripture Reading Luke 1: 47 - 55 Rev. Tyler Strange

Sermon “Seeing Christmas” Rev. Tyler Strange

Responding to God’s Word

Communion Rev. John Newell Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Apostles’ Creed Christmas Eve Announcement Rev. Tyler Strange Prayer

Sending Forth

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Benediction Rev. Jim Dennis

LifeSong Worship, Wesley Center

Welcome and Announcements

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - The Promise of Joy Lighting of the Advent Candle Mae and Don Parcel (Pink Candle)

Today we light three candles. The first candle radiates the hope given through Jesus Christ. The second candle calls us to embrace and extend Christ’s peace to an unsettled world. The third candle extends the promise of joy to restless souls. Though darkness is present and earthly trials weigh heavy, the promise of Advent offers true joy that sustains a weary people.

Advent is a time for God’s people to reawaken their longings. Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. In the darkness, we long to see the light. Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. In silence, we long for a comforting word. Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. In hardship, we long for an act of love. Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning. In Christ, we celebrate and rejoice in promise of joy. Sorrow may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Prayer Gracious Lord, our joy is found in you, for not only did you enter into this world, but you became the

hope of the world. From the cradle to the cross, you invite us to share in your victory. This is the foundation from which our joy flows. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.

Passing of the Peace Minister: The Peace of the Lord be with your always.

People: And also with you.

Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer (a time will be provided to lift up prayer concerns)

Hymn of Praise Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Hymn 196

Proclaiming God’s Word

Scripture Lesson John 1: 6-8, 19-28 Sharon Fernstrom

Sermon “Discerning the Spirit’s Moving” Rev. Susan Galasso

Responding to God’s Word

Hymn O God Our Help in Ages Past Hymn 117

Affirmation of Faith The Apostle’s Creed Hymn 881

Offering Doxology Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow Hymn 95

Going Forth to Serve

Hymn Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart Hymn 160

Sending Forth / Benediction Dee Dee Carn, piano

830 Gathering Worship, Sanctuary

Celebrating Worship at Grace

December 17, 2017

“To Know Christ and Make His Love Known”

This Week at Grace

We promise to uphold Grace United Methodist Church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service and our witness.

Our Prayers: As of December 15 Prayer Request: Julie Hendrick, Erin Williams, Ashley Stallings, Irene Smith, David Pullen, Bob Sweeney Birth: Coleman Noel Schar, son of Erin O’Neal Schar & John Schar, grandson of John & Yvonne O’Neal who was born on Dec. 13 Walton Rehab: Cricket Ellis

Our Presence: December 10, 2017 Worship: 476 Sunday School: 319

Our Gifts: The Lord’s Treasury

Our Service: December 17, 2017

Acolytes: Brooklyn Gross, Bryan Outlaw Crucifer: Kinsey Amos Count Team: 12/18 Barry Whitney, Melonia Cameron, Christy Jones Offertory: Kent Sullivan 8:30 Layreader: Sharon Fernstrom 8:30 Greeter(s): Gary & Sandra Guest 8:30 Speaker: Rev. Susan Galasso 11:00 Greeter(s): (Main) Barry & Bev Whitney (Ga. Avenue) Ed & Arlene Vincent Doorstep Visitation: Alison & John Jeselnik LifeSong Refreshments: Family Foundations Sunday School class Flower Committee: Wilma Allen & Diana Roy

Christmas Eve Worship Schedule

December 23, 4:45—6:00 pm., Sweetwater / Randall Rd. Join us for cookie decorating, food & refreshments, caroling, and a candlelight service

December 24, Single Service, 11:00 a.m. One traditional morning service in the Sanctuary

December 24, Christmas Eve Services 2:00 p.m., Contemporary, child friendly service, Wesley Center

5:00 p.m., Traditional service, Sanctuary

Pledge Drive Update: 2017 pledges: 226 families, $1,049,927 2018 pledges: 204 families, $979,594

Please send in your pledge card to the attention of Marianne Harlan. Thanks for all the generous

ways you give to Grace UMC!

2017 General Budget $1,369,332.00

Requirements to date 12/10/17 1,291,800.00

Receipts through 12/10/17 1,225,581.06

Amount needed weekly 25,836.00

Received 12/10/17 35,574.09