November 30th the First Sunday of Advent

This morning we hung the greens, decorated the Christmas Tree and lit the Advent Candle of Hope. Our hope came to us in the form a child wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger 2000 years ago. Through this child lies the opportunity for our repentance to be accepted. Through our repentance Christ has assured us of our renewal and redemption.

Join us for November 30th Worship Service.

Advent Candle / Decorating the Tree / The Praise Team / Lighting the Candle of Hope

This morning we enter into the Season of Advent, the four Sundays leading to Christmas, when we celebrate the gift of life given to us. Advent is approached understanding there are three levels. First there is the physical reality which took place in Bethlehem 2000 years ago. Second, during the next four weeks we renew our hearts and prepare to again accept the joy of receiving the gift of Christ. And finally, there is the affirmation of a second coming, when Christ returns to our world and redeems His believers.

Advent is celebrated in many ways. There is always the decorating of the church with a Christmas Tree, Christmas Wreathes, special programs and litanies, Christmas Cantatas, Nativity Scenes and in almost every church the lighting of the Advent Candles representing Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The center candle, the Christ Candle is lit on Christmas Eve, and again on Christmas Day and the following Sundays during the Christmas Season.

Gathering Music: Praise Team

“Make Way”

Announcements: Chris Buchanan

Call To Worship: Cheryl Leatherman

“Hanging of the Greens” Larry and Chris Murray

Lighting the Advent Candle (Hope) Brenda Andico and Kay Bolton

“O Come, O Come Emanuel”

(#169 verse 1-2-4)

The Sanctuary EverGreens and Poinsettias

“Go Tell it On The Mountain”

(#205)

The Christmas Tree

“O Christmas Tree”

The Nativity

“Away in a Manger

(#185)

The Gifts

“We Three Kings”

(#206 verse 1)

Communal Prayers: Rob Schleef

Scripture: Pastor Bob Ramos

Message: Pastor Bob Ramos

“Make Way for the Messiah This Advent”

Prayer of Dedication: Melissa Patterson

Doxology: Praise Team

Closing Hymn: Praise Team

“Joy to the World”

verses 1 and 4

Word of Blessing: Pastor Bob