Smithville United Methodist Church
PO Box 293, 505 N Hwy 169
Smithville, MO 64089
816-532-3200
Celebrating Life through Divine Worship
First Sunday of Advent
November 27, 2011
The time of centering
Advent, like its cousin Lent, is a season for prayer and reformation of our hearts. Since it comes at winter time, fire is a fitting sign to help us celebrate Advent…If Christ is to come more fully into our lives this Christmas, if God is to become really incarnate for us, then fire will have to be present in our prayer. Our worship and devotion will have to stoke the kind of fire in our souls that can truly change our hearts. Ours is a great responsibility not to waste this Advent time. (Edward Hays)
PRELUDE Worship begins as the music is played
ENTRANCE OF THE LIGHT
INVOCATION
Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present. Seek God’s Light! (Edward Hays, adapted)
WELCOME
LIGHTING THE 1st ADVENT CANDLE: Bob and Winona Lee
*SONGS OF PRAISE "Advent Song" (Verse 1) 2090
"Emmanuel, Emmanuel" 204
CALL TO WORSHIP LEADER: Stay awake!
PEOPLE: The Savior is coming!
LEADER: The child will soon be born.
PEOPLE: Stay awake!
LEADER: The Lord will knock at our door.
PEOPLE: The baby will prompt angels to sing.
LEADER: Stay awake!
PEOPLE: The Redeemer will return.
LEADER: The infant will astound the wise.
PEOPLE: Stay awake!
LEADER: The Christ child will become our shepherd and guide.
ALL: To one and all – stay awake! The Savior is coming!
CHILDREN’S SERMON
TIME OF PRAYER
Silent Prayer
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
SPECIAL MUSIC Adult Choir
OUR DISCIPLESHIP OF GIVING
Offering
Doxology
Prayer of Dedication
HYMN OF PREPARATION "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" 196
SCRIPTURE Psalm 139:7-12
SERMON “The Light in the Window”
UNISON PRAYER
God of light, we hunger for you. Your stars shine brightly above us, like the Star of Bethlehem. May your light guide us through the clutter of this Advent season, touching all people, touching us. Let your light shine into the depths and corners of our lives as we wait for you. God Almighty, may we seek your light. Amen. *HYMN FOR GOING FORTH "God Almighty, We Are Waiting" 3047
TAKING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST INTO THE WORLD
BENEDICTION
LEADER: Take
time, in the busyness of this season, for quiet reflection—for the light of
God’s love is discernible everywhere.
PEOPLE: We will let ourselves be surprised by
wonder, and set aside time to offer quiet thanks.
LEADER: The good news of Advent is this: Christ is coming. Christ is
always coming.
PEOPLE: We will welcome Christ into our hearts. We will go forth
from this place in hope and expectation! We will seek God’s Light. Amen
POSTLUDE
*Please stand if you are able when indicated by an asterisk
Please pray for: Cora Borgmier, Lou Petersen, Carol White, Barb Kravec, Roger and Nona Steinbrink, and for all the people that are having medical or surgical worries.
The memorial book is opened in loving memory of Marian Dibben
Ushers for today, November 27th are Chick and Martha Koslowsky, Tommy Mast and Zach Shipp.
HANGING OF THE GREEN
Monday, November 28th
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Soup supper provided at 6:00 pm
Everyone is welcomed to come and help decorate the church for Christmas.
The Advent study will be held on Wednesday's at 4, 6 & 7 pm.
Childcare will be provided at the 7 pm study only.
This year’s Advent theme is “Shine! Light for all People.”
Wednesday, November 30: “The Light in the Window”
Wednesday, December 7: “The Light in the World”
Wednesday, December 14: “Shine a Light”
Wednesday, December 21: “The Horizon is Bright”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2011
DURING THE 10:00 am WORSHIP SERVICE
UMW will have Christmas and gift items for sale at the “Christmas Shop” in the Genesis room on Sunday Dec. 11th after church. We’ll have toys, jewelry, decorations, quilts, pillows, etc.
Tickets are 1 for a $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. The drawing
will be after the Chili/Soup Supper. Please contact any UMW member for
tickets. Drawing will be Thursday, December 8th.
