Sponsored by the Wesley United Methodist Women to benefit local, national, and international missions.

Please shop early for the Christmas cookies of your choice — they go fast!

Whip up a favorite covered dish and join your church family

for an evening of food, fun, and fellowship. The church will provide ham,

macaroni and cheese, and beverages.

Yes, I/we want to be part of Wesley’s annual Christ-mas dinner and party. Name: ______________________________________ I/we will whip up a covered dish and attend with:

# of Adults: _______ # of Children: _______

I/we will attend only the Raven Creek concert.

Completed forms can be placed in the offering plate, or dropped off at the church office.

In order to have Bethlehem’s pieces ready for the rebuilding, they will be carried up from the basement

to the Coffee Café where they will be sorted according to the sections of the town.

The Bethlehem components will remain in the Coffee Café until the following Sunday.

For those who plan to help rebuild and/or decorate: lunch will be served at 12 noon with the decorating and rebuilding of Bethlehem to begin at 12:30 p.m.

If you would like to help carry pieces, help rebuild, or help decorate; please complete this form

and place it in the offering plate.

Yes, I/we will help make the church ready for Advent and Christmas as indicated. Name: _____________________________________ Carry pieces of Bethlehem this evening.

Help rebuild Bethlehem on November 25.

Help with Christmas decorations on November 25.

This week began the transition to keeping the church doors locked during a normal weekday. The doors to the church will remain locked at all times, and only staff and those with a code will gain access to the building. Visitors to the church will be “buzzed-in” either by the volunteer receptionist or the church administrative assistant. As you enter at Murray Avenue, look for the button and speaker box to your left. This is where you will be greeted and be given access to the church.

Please note: the church doors will be open on those occasions when there are Bible studies, meetings, and other events and activities at the church.

Thank you for your patience during this transition.

UMW Christmas Cookie & Sweet Confections Sale

It’s almost time for this year’s UMW Christmas Cookie and Sweet Confections Sale. It takes place on Saturday, December 15, in Wesley’s Coffee Café, and you won’t want to miss it. Bakers, please plan now to make some of your favorite Christmas cookies and sweets to offer for sale. They can be dropped off in the Coffee Café on Friday, December 14, or by 8 a.m. the day of he sale. Special note: when making cookies for the UMW Christmas Cookie Sale, please be sure to label and identify the cookies by name, and indicate if they contain nuts.

As always, the Wesley UMW appreciates your support of this annual fund-raising project that benefits missions.

Wesley Church’s Hands-To-Hearts Committee is once again looking forward to sponsoring the church’s annual “Birthday Party for Jesus.” This favorite children’s activity takes place in the social room and is for children ages 2 - 8. Reservations will still be accepted. Look for the sign-up forms on the Third Street desk, the Market Street Hospitality Table, and the Donation Station at Murray Avenue.

Giant Food Stores & Weis Markets Gift Cards

You can purchase Cash for Causes gift cards for Giant Food Stores and Weis Markets that will help G.L.O.W. earn cash for their 2019 mission trip. Sue Frederick will have gift cards available every Sunday morning, in the Coffee Café. Cards are available in amounts of $25, $50, or $100 — and, you get dollar for dollar what you spend. Don’t forget: Cash for Causes gift cards make terrific gifts during this season of giving. Your purchase will not only provide a gift for someone, but you will be helping the youth, too. Here is an example of what the youth will earn: $500 of gift cards = $25. The profit for the youth is 5%. This is an easy way to support the youth. The cards can be purchased with cash or checks. Checks should be made payable to Wesley United Methodist Church and in the memo line write – “Cash for Causes.”

Cash for Causes will be an ongoing fundraiser, so you can purchase cards on Sunday mornings or E-mail or call Sue (drf52@aol.com or 570.387.0402 or 570.594.1914) to get gift cards to you.

This Week at Wesley

Today

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. ~ AGAPE Advent

5 p.m. ~ G.L.O.W.

Monday

1 p.m. ~ Wesley Quilters

Tuesday

8:30 a.m. ~ Bloomsburg Ministerium

Wednesday

9:30 a.m. ~ Wesley Staff

7 p.m. ~ AFG Stepping Stones to Recovery

Thursday

6:15 p.m. ~ Bells In Bloom

6:30 p.m. ~ Cub Pack # 25

7 p.m. ~ Board of Trustees

7:30 p.m. ~ Sanctuary Choir

Friday

7 p.m. ~ Cornerstone Concert: Allegro con Fuoco

Saturday

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. ~ Community Friendship Meal

sponsored by BU Office Dean of Students

Next Sunday The Second Sunday in Advent

8 a.m. ~ Worship

9:15 a.m. ~ Sunday School

10:30 a.m. ~ Worship

2 p.m. ~ Birthday Party for Jesus

]^

Please note:

Pastor Mark has no announced office hours

this week To check his availability,

contact him at the church office:

570.784.1407.

You may also call Pastor Mark directly at 570.490.8844,

or E-mail him at mreisinger@susumc.org.

Serving you today . . .

Greeters/Ushers(8 a.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Melissa and Ter ry Everhar t

Greeters (10:30 a.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deb and Bill Forsythe, Third Street Robert Dunkelberger, Market Street

Head Usher (10:30 a.m.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tom Cooper

Advent Candle Presenters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patti and Ter ry Hock, 8 a.m. Tana and Dave Cooper, 10:30 a.m.

Sound Technician . . . . . .Spencer Ross, 8 a.m.; Steve Karaffa, 10:30 a.m.

Projectionists . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ross Family, 8 a.m.; Josh Flook, 10:30 a.m.

Nursery Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy Heddens and Glenda Kowlski

Theology on Tap

You will want to mark your calendar for this month’s Theology on Tap gathering. It takes place on Tuesday, December 11, at 7 p.m., at Balzano’s on Main Street, Bloomsburg. Theology on Tap is a program

of monthly speakers followed by open discussion. It’s sponsored by The First Presbyterian Church, Trinity United Church of Christ, and Wesley United Methodist Church — all of Bloomsburg. The

theme for this year’s gatherings is “Unity in the Community.” Lisa Herald-Doershler is the December guest speaker. She will begin a discussion on “Unity of our Families and Youth.” All are invited to be part of Theology on Tap.

G.L.O.W. Youth — Today — 5 - 8 p.m.

Giving The Gift of Love

After TreeFest ends, G.L.O.W. will help distribute Christmas trees and gifts to area families. Plan to be part of it.

The Mission of Wesley Church is to: KNOW Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. GROW in faith through worship, prayer, and study. GO . . . in service to Christ and His world.

The purpose of Wesley Church is to create disciples who serve Jesus Christ.

Pastor: Mark F. Reisinger ~ Director of Music: Jordan R. Markham

Liturgist (8 a.m.): Jane Bercher

Liturgist (10:30 a.m.): Cynthia Willis

The floral bouquet on the Third Street desk is presented to the glory of God and in loving memory of Richard M. Vanderpool and Julia G. Vanderpool

by Rick, Karen, and the Vanderpool Family.

Let us know you worshipped at Wesley Church this morning by completing the communication/attendance registration card which was handed to you when you entered the sanctuary. If you have recently moved or changed telephone numbers, be sure to indicate that information. New residents and visitors: please provide as much of the contact information as possible.

Each week on the reverse side of the communication card, you will find a list of opportunities in which you can become involved at Wesley Church. This week’s card includes several for you to consider. These are only for your consideration; you are not obligated to check any of these boxes. Completed cards should be deposited in the baskets located near each entrance — or placed in the offering plate.

Thank you for letting us know you worshipped at Wesley today.

Wesley United Methodist Church 130 West Third Street, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania 17815-1709

Telephone: 570.784.1407 Fax: 570.784.7937 www.wesleybloom.org

Welcome to Bethlehem and Advent worship at Wesley Church

*Please stand where indicated by the asterisk.

Congregation responds in bold italics. THE PRELUDE THE WORDS OF WELCOME *SIGNS OF PEACE AND HOSPITALITY *THE OPENING/PROCESSIONAL HYMN

“My Lord, What a Morning” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UMH # 719 Hymn Tune: Burleigh

THE MORNING PRAYER

In the advent seasons, when the past has fled, unasked, away and there is nothing left to do but wait, God, shelter us. Be our surrounding darkness; be the fertile soil out of which hope springs in due time. In uncertain times, help us to greet the dawn and labor on, love on, in faith awaiting Your purpose hid in You waiting to be born in due time. Amen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Duck, U.S.A., 20th Century THE AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (8 a.m.)

The Apostles’ Creed, Traditional Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UMH # 881 THE PRESENTATION OF THE ADVENT LAMP LIGHT THE SUNG RESPONSE by The Sanctuary Choir (10:30 a.m.)

“Advent Candle Blessings” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Wallace THE OFFERING with offertory (8 a.m.) THE OFFERING with congregational offertory hymn (10:30 a.m.)

“I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UMH # 206 Hymn Tune: Houston

*THE DEDICATION OF OUR GIFTS TO GOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UMH # 95

Hymn Tune: Old 100th

THE CHILDREN’S CHAT THE PASTORAL PRAYER

THE HEBREW SCRIPTURE

Jeremiah 33: 14 - 16. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Testament Pew Bible Page 694/696

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God. THE SCRIPTURE RESPONSE (Verse 1 only at 10:30 a.m.)

“People, Look East” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UMH # 202 Hymn Tune Besancon

*THE GOSPEL LESSON

Luke 21: 25 - 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Testament Pew Bible Page 79/80

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.

People: Thanks be to God. THE MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pastor Mark Reisinger THE ADVENT SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

People: Who is invited to the Lord’s Table?

Leader: In this Advent season as always all are invited; the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the lowest and the least; sinners and saints together in communion. Come find your place here where there are no strangers or foreigners, only brothers and sisters in the sight of God.

People: Why do we give thanks at this table?

Leader: We give thanks because Jesus showed us the way, we give thanks because Jesus is the Way. Jesus was a gift from God for the world. He was called Immanuel, “God with us.” He came to save us from our sins. Jesus lived a life of thankfulness and gave His life as a sacrifice for many. We give thanks that He is our Savior, Christ the Lord.

People: Why do we eat and drink at this table?

Leader: We eat because on the night before Jesus died, He ate with His friends. He gave them bread and said, “This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” At that same meal He took a cup of wine and said, “Drink this cup. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

People: What do we remember at this table?

Leader: We remember Jesus’ birth and his presence as God with us. We remember Jesus’ life and his love. We remember Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. We remember the resurrection and the promise of life. We remember that we are waiting in hope to see Jesus again.

Let us pray:

Leader: God of grace, thank You for this bread and wine, and for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. God of hope, fill us with Your Spirit today that we might have the wisdom to understand the mystery of this table, and the depth and height and breadth and length of Your love for us. Pour out Your Holy Spirit on these gifts that this bread and cup would be for us the body and blood of Christ. Through this meal, strengthen us to be followers of Jesus, a community of peace in a broken world. THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

*THE HYMN

“Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .UMH # 718 Verse 1: All

Verses 2: Choir Only Verses 3 - 4: All

Hymn Tune: Helmsley *THE ANNOUNCEMENTS *THE BENEDICTION *THE CHORAL BENEDICTION (10:30 a.m.) *THE POSTLUDE

It’s the first day of Advent when we Christians begin celebrating the coming of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Celebration and worship are the means of proclaiming Advent. Come worship; sing the carols of Christmas, listen to the God-given talented voices, instrumentalists, and entertainers of our community.

This is an event you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars now, and plan to attend.

A love offering will be taken to help the AGAPE Heating Assistance Fund.

Dr. / Mr. / Mrs. / Ms.

Name: Change in contact information E-mail address: _________________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________ Apt: ___________ Town/City: ____________________________________ State: ________ Zip: _________________ Best Contact Telephone: (____) _______________________________________________________

If 1st or 2nd-time guest, how did you hear about Wesley Church? _________________________________________________ (Name of person who invited you, radio, website, newspaper, other.)

130 West Third Street, Bloomsburg, PA Please print all information.

.

The First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018

1st-Time Guest

2nd-Time Guest

Regular Attendee

Member

� I/we would be interested in delivering a Christmas gift to one or more of the Wesley LAMs during this Advent/Christmas season.

� I/we will plan to attend this Friday’s Cornerstone Concert Series, “Allegro Con Fuoco,” and I/we will invite a friend,

neighbor, or relative to come along. � I/we will bake and donate fresh homemade cookies or other sweets to benefit the upcoming UMW Christmas Cookie &

Sweet Sale which will be held on Saturday, December 15. � During this holiday time of year, I/we will remember through prayer, visits, and gifts those who are less fortunate,

alone, lonely, or dealing with illness.