December 7th Worship Service

In New Orleans, Louisiana there are parents who are afraid to send their children to school, according to Mayor Helena Moreno, because of the presence of ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) and their plan for a “Swamp Sweep” leading to 5,000 arrests followed by deportations. In the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and Sant Paul, Minnesota, there are approximately 80,000 Somali, most of them US citizens, whom President Trump has labeled as “garbage” and he wants them removed.

As we prepare to light the Advent Candle of “Love” this morning I remember my trip to New York, the ferry ride to Ellis Island, and being amazed by the Statute of Liberty. Engraved on the monument is the poem “The New Colossus” by Emma Lazarus:

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, / With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand, / A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name, / Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command, / The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she, / With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, / The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, / I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Gathering Music:                                      Donna Nelson

“Make Way”

Announcements:                                          Chris Buchanan             

Call To Worship:                                                             Pastor Bob Ramos

Lighting the Advent Candle: Merl and Mark

Candle of Love

Songs of Praise:                                                              Praise Team

 "O Come All Ye Faithful"

"The First Noel"

Accepting New Members: Pastor Ron / Pastor Bob

Congregational Prayer:                                   Pastor Bob Ramos

Scripture:                                      Pastor Ron Urzua

Various

Message:                                                                          Pastor Ron Urzua

"The Messiah Has Come"

Communion: Pastor Ron / Pastor Bob / Lea Blair

“Mary Do You Know”

Recording of Bob Buchanan and Lea Blair Duet

Dedication of Offerings:                                                Rich Brandon

Doxology:                                                                   Praise Team

Closing Song: Praise Team

“Do You Hear What I Hear”

Blessing:                                                              Pastor Ron

Ron Urzua, Pastor

Bob Ramos and Rob Schleef, Commissioned Lay Pastors

Music Director: Aleeya Flores

Accompanist: Donna Nelson

Politically this not quiet where we are today…but in God’s world it is where we need to be. Feed the hungry, cloth the naked, house the homeless, care for the sick, help those who need help. In Matthew Jesus tells us to “love our neighbors as ourselves,” and our neighbors are all around us. Not everyone will accept our love, but we need to provide it to those who will. We are known for our faith by our actions, that is how we are recognized as lights shining in the darkness.

Join us for our December 7th Worship Service.