Lansdale United Methodist ChurchDecember 15, 2019

Style of Rembrandt (Dutch), Head of Christ, 1650s

Praising God . . . Making Disciples . . . Serving

All300 North Broad St., Lansdale PA 19446

Church (215) 855-8364Fax (215) 855-1534

Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs., 9 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; Fri. 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

office@lansdaleumc.org www.lansdaleumc.org

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Third Sunday of Advent

He will come like dark. One evening when the bursting red December sun draws up the sheet and penny-masks its eye to yield

the star-snowed fields of the sky.

He will come, will come, will come like crying in the night, like blood, like breaking, as the earth writhes to toss him free. He will come like

a child. – “Advent Calendar,” a poem by Rowan Williams

9:00 a.m. Worship Service

Greeting and Welcome

We're glad you're attending our service of worship. Your presence is a joy. We hope you feel welcome and important to us. We pray that the Spirit of God will touch your soul as we worship. Large print bulletins and hearing devices are available. An usher will assist you. White Prayer Cards are also available in your pew for sharing your joys and concerns. An usher will collect them during the hymn following the sermon. Please be sure to tell us who you are. Fill out as much information as you like in the Ritual of Friendship booklet in the pew. Pass it along and meet your pewmates. The (*) signals an invitation to stand if you are comfortable doing so.

Prelude I Wonder as I Wander Nevue

Please prayerfully prepare your heart for worship during the Prelude.

*Call to Worship

Pastor: With joy this day, we anticipate the One who is coming!People: We call him the Word! We call him the Light!Pastor: Like John the Baptist, we are not the light.People: We testify to the light in prayers and presence.Pastor: We testify to the light in gifts and service.People: We testify to the light by the witness of our works.Pastor: May our witness be a sweet sound in the ears of God!People: With joy this day, we look for the coming of Messiah!

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*Hymn Good Christian Friends, Rejoice UMH 224

Lighting the Advent Wreath Hope of Your Coming SchramLance Patterson, Narrator; Chancel Choir; Ruth Rineer, Piano

Prayer for Illumination Judy Patchell, Reader

*First Reading Luke 1:46-55 See Screens

Chancel Choir Anthem Go to Him in Bethlehem Choplin

Second Reading James 5:7-10 Pew Bible NT 231

*Act of Praise Until Jesus Comes W&S 3050

*Gospel Reading Matthew 11:2-11 Pew Bible NT 11

*Act of Praise Glory Be to the Father UMH 70

During the singing of Glory Be to the Father, children age 4 through 4th grade are welcome to join Junior Church held in Bright Beginnings Room. A teacher will meet the children in the area outside the sanctuary doors. All are welcome!

Sermon Jesus Will Come, Bringing Joy! Pastor Bill

*Hymn Come, Let Us Dream W&S 3157 White Prayer Cards will be collected during the hymn.

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*Advent Litany See Screens

Pastor’s Prayer for the People

Prayer of Confession, Silent Prayers, and Pardon

Holy God, your Scriptures teach us that you are gracious, full of mercy, slow to anger, and radiant with unflinching love. The same Scriptures call us to imitate you. We confess we have not always been gracious or merciful. We are sometimes too quick to anger, and our love is lacking. Forgive us, we pray, in the name of Christ our Lord. Free our hearts to imitate you. Free our spirits to be more gracious and merciful. Free us completely to be joyous people, obedient to your call to love, and ablaze with the love of Jesus. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Special Music Koshys

Offering Our Gifts and Prayer of Gratitude

Generosity is the heartbeat of every Christ-Follower. Giving generously nourishes the soul and promotes goodness in the world. Your offering to God through Lansdale Church touches lives, heals brokenness, expresses trust in God to provide for your future, and praises God for all you have in this life. Thank you for giving generously! Send a text contribution to 73256 with the message LansdaleFirstUMC, or use the QR Code to give electronically.

*Praise God’s Gifts Advent Doxology See Screens The Lord’s Prayer See Screens

*Hymn It Came Upon the Midnight Clear UMH 218

*Blessing and Going in Peace to Serve

Postlude Angels from the Realms VI Rineer

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Interim Pastor's Weekly NotesSchedule: Tuesday & Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Today in worship, we light the third candle of the Advent Wreath. Many churches place a pink rose candle in the third position. Pink rose is the liturgical color of Joy, leading to calling this day Gaudete Sunday. In the Latin version of Luke 2, the angel proclaims gaudium magnum (“great joy”) to the shepherds that the Messiah is born in Bethlehem of Judea. Many churches proclaim this Sunday, therefore, as Shepherd’s Sunday. Hymns in the service transition us from the themes of Christ’s second coming to reflecting on his first coming in the humblest human birth known to all humanity. Soon we will fill the sanctuary with the music of Christmas. Year-end giving remains on my mind. Recently, the Missions Team conducted another successful and meaningful Giving Tree experience for some children at Oak Park Elementary School. Last week, I spoke with a guidance counselor at the school who lavished praise on the loving and generous people of our congregation. You may recall I visited with the counselor and the principal to discuss a high impact mission project at the school. They have now put an idea forward: the school’s gymnasium needs a new projector to aid in their educational and entertainment experiences. The price tag is hefty: $15,000. I believe it is possible for our congregation to lead this effort. We could structure personal giving, building partnerships with other congregations in town, and asking for donations from area businesses and corporations. Here’s where year-end giving comes in. If you’d like to direct a year-end gift to this effort as “seed money,” I’d be happy for you to do so. And! Your company may match your charitable giving at year-end. If they do, could you consider giving a year-end gift to LUMC to close our giving gap or to provide seed money for a community project?    This Week in Liturgy focuses on the Advent Litany. A litany is a prayer offered as a petition for help directed to God and prayed by a leader and a congregation. The content of such antiphonal prayers may be repetitious around a single theme. The litany today focuses on asking God for help to seek the light of Christ so desperately needed in our world today. This form or type of prayer is yet another example of ways to respond to the proclaimed word of God in a sermon, homily, or brief message. Very soon, I will send an e-mail to the congregation revealing the goals I have set with the Pastor-Parish Relations Team to be met during my final six months with you. Half our time is nearly behind us! It’s been my/our joy to serve Christ among you. Thank you for your ongoing prayers for me, for your new pastor to come, and for your church. Let your prayers continue. I pray for you every single day!  

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What’s Going On? December 15 – December 22

Sunday, December 15 9:00 a.m. Worship Service (Nursery Care – infants-age 3)10:00 a.m. Fellowship – Stringer Auditorium10:30 a.m. Sunday School – All ages10:30 a.m. Verge! Bible Study – Sanctuary 3:00 p.m. Live Nativity – Broad Street 5:30 p.m. Caroling – Meet in Stringer Auditorium 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts – New Horizons Room

Monday, December 1612:00 p.m. AA – Hecker Room 7:00 p.m. Missions – Conference Room

Tuesday, December 17 6:00 p.m. Daisy Scouts – Sunday School Rooms 7:00 p.m. GA – Hecker Room Wednesday, December 18 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study – West Main Diner 6:30 p.m. Recovery – Hecker Room 7:30 p.m. NPASF – Conference Room Thursday, December 19 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

Friday, December 20 2:30 p.m. Youth Group – Meet to go to Shady Maple and Sight and Sound

Saturday, December 21 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

Sunday, December 22 8:30 a.m. St. Nick Breakfast – Stringer Auditorium 10:00 a.m. Morning Christmas Matins Service – Sanctuary

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Prayers

JOYS

CONCERNSHealing:

Jim FisherPete NollAlexLuann from back issuesJane’s son, Shirley’s brother, Chuck, ongoing medical issuesJane fell and fractured her hipBret’s father, Leslie, who has a thoracic aortaaneurysmSandi’s niece Jennifer had surgerySandi and Paul’s friends Jim and Ken who areboth recovering from surgery

Jason and DeAnnaComfort and peace for BrianCollege students as they finish their semester—for study skills, time management and safety during travelComfort for the family of Michelle F. who passed awayComfort for Nadine and her family on the passing of her motherPeace for Bill Starrett, Jr., and his children, Bill III and Lynne, as he has been place on hospiceSkip and Shirley’s son-in-law John and his family as he battles a cancer complicationMary as she goes through strong chemoJean Lowe’s daughters, Linda and Karen, and her 4 granddaughters on her passingA Peaceful and just resolution to the ongoing conflict in Hong Kong

Happy Birthday to You!

Haley Harper (12/16) Charlee Shaw (12/19)Owen Kennedy (12/16) Nerissa Wright (12/20)Carol Hagenbuch (12/17) Alexis Stefanowicz (12/21)

Happy Anniversary to You!

Steve and Kerri Johnson (12/15)

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We always pray for:Unspoken requestsSafe travels for all those traveling Guidance and wisdom for church leadershipGuidance and wisdom for our government leadershipPeace to worship without fearAll those seeking shelterAll those affected by mental illnessAll affected by natural disastersAll men and women serving in our Armed Forces and their families

PRAYER CHAINContact Joanne Jacoby at (215) 822-3157 if you’d like to add a joy or concern.

Youth Group meets each Sunday from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. If you’re in grades 7 through 12, please join us for games, worship, fun lessons, and fellowship. Any questions, talk to Ian Bonner or Mike RichardsonBRING YOUR FRIENDS!!

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FIRST TIME GUEST?WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!

Please be sure to introduce yourself to one of our ushers.

MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE! Chancel Choir rehearses on Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.If you’re interested in joining the choir, speak to Rays or any choir member.

New singers are always welcome!

Bulletin Deadline is Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.Please have any announcements to Becky (office@lansdaleumc.org) by that time to be included in that week’s bulletin.

ALTAR FLOWERS If you would like to sponsor altar flowers, please contact Joan Johnson or Becky in the church office two weeks in advance.

2020 Financial Support Continues to IncreaseFrom Warren Shaedle, Financial Secretary

Good news! Four additional pledge/intent-to-give cards were received last week, bringing the Operations Fund total to $165,858, which covers about 43% of revenue needed next year. Improvement Fund pledges now total $7,062. We have received 13 new, 1 increased, and 16 unchanged cards. As we celebrate the third Sunday of Advent, our church needs each of us to consider prayerfully and seriously our financial support to move forward beyond what has been a tough year for us in money matters. We need all those with hearts for giving to give. It is not too late to pledge a portion of what God has entrusted to us. Recently, reminder letters with pledge cards were mailed to members who have made a pledge in past years but perhaps have overlooked this important aspect of supporting God’s church. Pledge cards are also available in the Narthex or contact me at warren1438@gmail.com.

GOD’S YOUTH IN MOTION

Mission Emphasis for December – St. John United Methodist Church

The Blue Envelope Mission Emphasis for December is designated to support St. John UMC, Bridgeton, NJ. This church is designated as an Historic Native American Methodist Church, and is the fifth oldest Native American Church in the nation. It is the home church to many members of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation. The church building has been described as a “place of meeting for tribal affairs when none were available or allowed and a place of ministry to help the spiritual and physical needs of those in need.” Rev. Roy Bundy serves as pastor and leads a Native American worship service on the fifth Sunday of each month. They also hold VBS every summer with a recently developed curriculum tailored around the traditional teachings of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape and other Native American tribes.

To support this emphasis, make checks payable to “LUMC,” memo: “St. John UMC.” Use your blue boxed or a yellow pew envelope. You may also give online through our website (www.lansdaleumc.org) or text LansdaleFirstUMC to 73256 to give your gift electronically.

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Wawa Shorti Hoagie Coupons are available year round. They are $4 each, and the UMW receives $1 from each coupon to help support their local and global missions. Order sheets are on the bulletin board or contact Maryellen Reinmiller at 215-913-1666.

Redner’s ReceiptsThe UMW is still collecting receipts from Redner’s. If you shop there, remember to scan your Redner’s card at checkout, then bring your entire receipt and put it in the container in the phone booth.

FellowshipPlease sign up on the bulletin board outside of Stringer to host fellowship.   Thanks!

United Methodist missionaries embody the presence of Christ in service both near and far away. Together in mission through LUMC's payment of apportionments to the World Service Fund, the General Board of Global Ministries deploys more than 400 missionaries to serve in more than 70 countries. Your generous offerings ensure the vital work of missionaries will continue as they share Christ's love around the world when people need it most!  

Coming Up

Wednesday morning Women’s Bible Study will not be meeting again until Wednesday, January 8.

HELP is Needed!We are in desperate need of people to help with the St. Nick Breakfast on December 22. As of this week, we have no volunteers committed to cook. If you’re available and willing to help, please contact Liz Bonner ASAP. We’d like to have a hot breakfast with St. Nick instead of simply a continental breakfast.

Save the Date!Lansdale UMC will be hosting a Blood Drive this Thursday, December 19, from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. Make your appointment by calling 1-800-733-2767 or visit

RedCrossBlood.org and enter Lansdale United Methodist Church. You can also sign up in the narthex with Mary Noll after worship this morning.

This Week in Sunday School

After sharing in fellowship, please join us in one of our adult Sunday school classes at 10:30. Bring your coffee with you!

Verge! Bible Study in December

Beginning November 3, Pastor Bill will lead a Bible Study on the Gospel according to Matthew's chapters 1-4, which include the Infancy Gospel and the origins of Jesus' early ministry. The study will explore the language, theology, and cultural influences present in the gospel. All that's needed is a desire to learn and your favorite Bible.

New Horizons class will attend Verge! through December.

Wesleyan class will have an Advent Meditation based on the Lectionary Scripture readings for each Sunday in December. We meet upstairs in Room A202. All are welcome.

Upper Room class will be studying A Case for Christmas during the Advent season. The class will meet upstairs in Room A207.

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ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS EVENTS

Sunday, December 15, 3:00-5:00 p.m.Live Nativity on the front lawn of the churchPerformances run every 10-15 minutes.Join us for refreshments inside!

Sunday, December 15, 5:30 p.m.Christmas Caroling to homebound membersMeet in Stringer at 5:30, and return to Stringer for refreshments

Sunday, December 228:30 a.m. St. Nick Breakfast in Stringer Auditorium

Join us for breakfast and a visit from St. Nicholas10:00 a.m. Morning Christmas Matins in the sanctuary

Join us for a service of Christmas music and carols, readings and the blessing of our Nativity scene

Tuesday, December 24, 4:00, 7:00 p.m.Christmas Eve Services (Nursery Care available at both services)4:00 p.m. Family Christmas Service7:00 p.m. Christmas Candlelight Service with communion

Regular Sunday Worship9:00 a.m. Worship Service10:00 a.m. Fellowship in Stringer Auditorium10:30 a.m. Sunday school for all ages10:30 a.m. Verge! Bible Study in the sanctuaryNursery Care available all morning

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Sermon Notes

He will come like the last leaf’s fall. One night when the December wind has flayed the trees to bone, and earth wakes choking on the mould, the soft shroud’s folding.

He will come like frost. One morning when the shrinking earth opens on mist, to find itself arrested in the net of alien, sword-set beauty.

He will come like dark. One evening when the bursting red December sun draws up the sheet and penny-masks its eye to yield the star-snowed fields of the sky.

He will come, will come, will come like crying in the night, like blood, like breaking, as the earth writhes to toss him free. He will come like a child.

– “Advent Calendar,” a poem by Rowan Williams

Advent is an odd time to consider the virtue of patience. And yet, patience is the key virtue of Advent as we await the coming age of God in Christ's royal return. Advent seems better suited to frenzy. And yet, the Epistle of James encourages Advent’s waiters to wait with patience. Where will this patience come from? From confidence in the ultimate will of God to manifest justice, mercy, and love upon the whole creation. From confidence in the ultimate certainty that God holds the future and knows the future, we are thus encouraged to wait out life’s dark days in patience.  

Here’s How to Contact Our Pastor and Staff

Interim Pastor – Bill Lentz pastorbill@lansdaleumc.orgAdministrative Assistant – Becky Conrad office@lansdaleumc.orgDirector of Music Ministry – Rays Koshy rjnewkoshy@gmail.comOrganist – Ruth Rineer ruth.e.rineer@gmail.comChildren’s Education Director - Liz Bonner lumceducation@verizon.netBright Beginnings Nursery School Dir. – Liz Bonner BrightBeginnings5@verizon.netNursery Director – Donna Fritz clod21361@aol.comYouth Directors– Ian Bonner and Mike Richardson lumcyouthteam@gmail.comCustodian – Bill Scheetz wps80jr@gmail.comEmergency Contact – Pastor Bill – 484-767-2352

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