hank you for worshiping with us this morning. We extend a special welcome to our guests

and ask that you complete a blue or yellow visitor’s card and place it in the offering plate.

or Children: We have trained nursery staff (paid nursery attendant as well as adult volunteers)

for children ages 0-3. During our building renovation and construction project, the nursery

is located across the street at Trinity Chapel, 10 West Church Street. Enter by front center door of

the Chapel or the via the left side walkway entrance of the Chapel. Children age 4 through 2nd

grades are welcome to participate in Children’s Church which follows a special Children’s

Thought for the Day. Children’s Church is also located in Trinity Chapel during construction.

The teachers escort the children to the Chapel after the Thought for the Day and parents will pick

their children up in the Chapel after the 10:30 service has ended. Children are also welcome to

remain in the sanctuary with their parents. Children’s programs, books, crayons and colored

pencils are available in the rear of the sanctuary near the welcome table.

n the pew racks are folders with information about the various aspects of the service. If you

are visiting, please feel free to reach out to someone sitting near you and ask them questions

about the service. Many of our visitors ask us about the time of offering. This is a time in our

service when we respond to God’s gifts of love by offering the gifts of our lives. For many of us,

this is when we make a financial gift towards the ministries and programs of our church. We also

use this time to ask God how we might use the gifts of our hands and hearts in sharing God’s

love. If you are visiting, there is no obligation to give a financial gift. We are just glad you are

worshiping with us.

ll are invited to join us for refreshments and conversation following the service. Weather

permitting we will be meeting on the sidewalk outside the main sanctuary building or in the

basement of the church.

e ask that you please silence your cell phones during our worship service. We also ask that

you refrain from applause after our choirs sing or the bell choirs play and allow the music

to resonate in the quiet of the sanctuary and in your hearts. Our musicians

are playing and singing for the glory of God. They know you appreciate

their efforts and their gift.

here is much information about the church in this bulletin and our

website: www.erucc.org . Donate online by scanning this code:

Thank you.

T F

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EVANGELICAL REFORMED CHURCH

United Church of Christ - An Open and Affirming Congregation -

November 26, 2017 Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost 10:30 a.m.

The numbered hymns are from The New Century Hymnal

†All who are able may stand. Bold print indicates responses by all.

Chimes Concert at 10:00 a.m. from Trinity Chapel’s steeple Welcome and Announcements

†Greeting One Another with the Peace of Christ

Prelude Prelude from “Suite Antique” - John Rutter

Paulela Burchill, flute

†Call to Worship (based on Psalm 100)

Make a joyful noise all the earth

Come worship God with gladness

Come celebrate God’s presence with a song.

Rejoice, God is our creator.

We are God’s people, the sheep of the Good Shepherd.

Come worship God with thanksgiving and praise.

†Opening Prayer (in unison)

God, you have called us from busyness of our lives to gather

with you and each other.

In your presence may the hungry be fed by your spirit,

may the tired find rest in your sanctuary,

may the lost find direction in your teachings,

may the injured find healing in your love, and

may the boastful find humility in your gospel. Amen.

†Opening Hymn All People That on Earth Do Dwell - No. 7

†Call to Confession

†Prayer of Confession

Tightly bound within familiar worlds

and too often sealed off from the worlds of others,

we now take our leave for a more fertile place:

We seek an openness of heart.

We seek the pulse of Spirit.

We seek an ability to perceive.

We seek the capacity to feel

and to act with compassion for others.

In your forgiveness, O God,

return us to broader perspectives

and a firmer courage to live in the realm of Christ.

We seek an openness of heart.

We seek the pulse of Spirit.

We seek an ability to perceive.

We seek the capacity to feel

and to act with compassion for others.

Gracious God, grant us a spirit of wisdom and revelation as we come to know

Christ better. May the stirrings of our hearts guide us away from that which

separates us from you and our ministry, and draw us ever closer to the great

inheritance of hope passed down to us from Jesus the Christ.

Amen.

†Assurance of Pardon

Above all things, in all things, through all things, in this age and

in every age to come, our trust and hope are secure in Christ.

Solo Ostinato from “Suite Antique” - John Rutter

Thought for the Day

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 debts, as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

(Teachers and children ages 4 through 2nd grades may be dismissed for Children’s Church, located in the

back left classroom of the Kindergarten to 2nd grade classroom in Trinity Chapel.)

Hymn The King of Love My Shepherd Is stanzas 1, 2, 3, 6

The Scriptures

Ezekiel 34:11-16,20-24 OT page 803

Matthew 25:31-46 NT page 29

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God.

Sermon

Prayer Solo Aria from ”Suite Antique” - John Rutter Paulela Burchill

Prayers of the People

Prayer Response Hear Our Prayer, O God - No. 769

Hear our prayer, O God, hear our prayer, O God;

Incline your ear to us, and grant us your peace.

Offering of Tithes, Gifts and Lives to Christ’s Service

Generosity may come as an impulse,

but it is cultivated by the practice of regular giving.

Let us today move from beliefs to actions that make a difference in the world.

We give in gratitude for God’s gifts to us,

and we give because we need to live beyond ourselves.

Use this time of offering as an opportunity

to grow and to grow the realm of God.

Offertory King of Glory, King of Peace - C. Callahan

Senior Choir

†Presentation of Gifts

†Offertory Response We Praise You, O God - No. 420, stanza 1

We praise you, O God, our Redeemer, Creator;

in grateful devotion our tribute we bring.

We lay it before you, we kneel and adore you;

we bless your holy name, glad praises we sing.

†Prayer of Dedication (in unison)

God of abundance,

we give these offerings of material goods

as our commitment to give back to you

and to care for your people.

Let our giving remind us to see Jesus all around us.

Use our offerings of money and of our lives

for ministry to your purposes. Amen.

†Closing Hymn For the Fruit of All Creation - No. 425

†Benediction (A Traditional Celtic Blessing)

May the Christ who walks on wounded feet walk with you on the road.

May the Christ who serves with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve.

May the Christ who loves with a wounded heart open your hearts to love.

May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet, and may everyone you

meet see the face of Christ in you. Amen.

† Sevenfold Amen - No. 814

†Postlude Waltz from “Suite Antique” - John Rutter

Please remain seated for the Postlude

WELCOME

We welcome flautist Paulela Burchill to our worship service this morning. Ms. Burchill will be

a featured soloist with the Frederick Symphony Orchestra for their concerts on December 9,

2017.

Worship Notes: The Call to Worship, Prayer of Confession and Benediction are from Seasons of the Spirit.

The Call to Offering and Prayer of Dedication is from Worship Ways, UCC.

The King of Love My Shepherd Is obtained with permission from Hymnary.

The flowers on the altar this morning were placed by Ed Garrett in celebration of the birthdays

of Lee, Lisa Garrett and Dawn Vargas.

The yellow rose bud on the stand is in honor of those who are serving and have served in the

military by John Yetter.

If you are interested in sponsoring the yellow rose, please contact the church office.

Attendance Last Sunday: 8:30 - 14; 10:30 – 187

Every Sunday at 10:30 http://www.ustream.tv/channel/erucc

Want to listen to the sermon again? Visit our youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9_hGBb5tBHeZuvqBvSbX5w

You can get to the link on our homepage at www.erucc.org

December 3 First Sunday in Advent

An angel from the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense. When

Zechariah saw the angel, he was startled and overcome with fear. The angel said, “Don’t be

afraid, Zechariah. Your prayers have been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to your

son and you must name him John… He will make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke

1: 5-25, 57-80 It was just another day at the temple for Zechariah. It was his priestly turn to

make sure everything was done properly and in good order. But it turned into something quite

different when an angel showed up at the altar. Have you ever had a moment in your life after

which you knew nothing would ever be the same? In the midst of great change, hope is always

a welcome thing. Advent can remind us that God makes us ready for whatever unknown may

come our way and calls us to be messengers of #morehope in an ever-changing world.

Holy Communion will be shared as we are seated in the pews this morning. The Senior Choir

will be singing.

Anticipating a stay in the hospital? Please call the Church Office at 301-662-2762. If you

are admitted unexpectedly, please have a family member or friend notify the office.

Hospital and Prayer List – Your pastor wants to be available when members of ERUCC are in

the hospital. Please let us know so that we can visit with you and your family and provide

support. We always ask permission before adding a name to be included in the prayer list or in

the verbal announcements on a Sunday morning. There are many for whom we pray and visit

whose names are not listed in the bulletin by their request.

Prayer List - Please remember the following people in your prayers this week: Bob Lambie,

Kristen Lee(niece of Dan Smith), Matthew Brunner, Daniel Miller (friend of Schaeberle’s), Jack

Patterson, Carol Lambie, Renata Shorter (friend of the Spear family), Daniel Miller (friend of

the Schaeberle family), Laura Shillingburg(daughter of John and Rebecca), Linda Howard,

Bonnie Devilbiss, Tina Wiles (sister of Pat Hevner),Jack Mens, Julie Clark, Tom Hueting,

Susan Palmer (sister-in-law of Carolyn Roberts),Heleen (sister of Karin Mens), Kathy Blue

Shores (friend of Jean Fish and Barb Biser), Cliff Harrison, Kirstin Homborg (friend of

Katherine Penick), Christopher Furry (friend of Cindy Smith, Jenna & Cindy Duranko), Paul

Ways (friend of Kim Jahoda), Terry Smiley (uncle of Scott Smiley), Joe Jahoda (Kim Jahoda’s

dad), Gretchen Manuel (niece of Audrey Rayfield), Marcia Eisenstein (friend of Sue Kreh), and

Carol Cone (friend of the Slades).

Jack Patterson Cliff Harrison Bonnie Devilbiss Kristen Lee

10710 Grangerford Court 7407 Willow Rd.-AL340 10 West 14th. Street 7 Trey Court

New Market MD 21774 Frederick, MD 21702 Frederick, MD 21701 Fredericksburg, VA

22405

Bob Lambie Laura Shillingburg

105 Sandstone Drive PO Box 275

#127 Jefferson, MD 21755

Walkersville MD 21793

We ask you to remember all of those currently serving in the Armed Forces. Your prayers and

cards are welcomed and appreciated by those on our prayer list.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING December 3

Our regularly scheduled December church business meeting will take place on December 3rd

following the 10:30 a.m. service. The principal agenda items will be the Mission Spending Plan

for 2018 and updates on the building project.

Lunch will be provided. Please consider staying after services for this important meeting and

fellowship opportunity.

Flower Sponsor Needed: We have an opening on Sunday, December 10th. If you are interested in sponsoring the altar

flowers for $40, please contact Amy in the church office at 301-662-2762 or

aaguilar@erucc.org. Thank you!

Weekly Education Opportunities

SUNDAY: 9:30-10:15 a.m. in Trinity Chapel

Let’s Talk - in Trinity Chapel

Sunday, November 26 “Let’s just Talk”

Today we will have a conversation with each other. Come and enjoy some coffee and breakfast

goodies and join members and friends in sharing what’s on your heart and mind. Facilitated by

Pastor Daniel.

Sunday, December 3, 10, and 17 Names for The Messiah

Our Sunday morning Advent study will be Names for The Messiah, a book by Walter

Brueggemann. Over the course of three weeks we will look at the names used in Isaiah 9:2-7.

From the introduction to Brueggemann’s book: “Isaiah 9:2-7 is a well-known oracle, a divine

utterance given to us, that uses four royal titles in verse 6 – Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. This Advent study will ponder each title and how the

people understood it then, how Jesus did or did not fulfill the title, and how Christians interpret

Jesus as the representative of that title.”

Join us on one, two, or every Sunday morning as we “ponder” together. (Led by Pastor Daniel)

FOR THE CHILDREN & YOUTH Christian Education classes are located in Trinity

Chapel.

Wednesday Evening Discussion Group. 7 p.m. in Trinity Chapel West Classroom. We are

watching a DVD of lectures by Professor Amy-Jill Levine on “Great Figures of the New

Testament”. This study will run through December and January. This group is facilitated by

Esther Ziegler.

Tuesday Morning Bible Study 11:00 am – Noon

The Lodge at Willow Ponds (Homewood)—Classroom A

Through December 19 Six Week Study on the Book of Romans with Pastor Daniel

Paul’s Letter to the Romans is the first of Paul’s letters in the New Testament canon, the longest

of them (16 Chapters), and, in many respects, the most significant. The Letter to the Romans is

written to a congregation Paul neither founded nor knew, but was hoping to visit soon. For this

reason, Romans both introduces Paul and also the major themes of his mature thinking about

what God has done in Jesus Christ.

In making his case to the Romans, Paul addresses some of the great themes of the Christian

story: sin and grace, salvation, election, and the trustworthiness of the promises of God. Paul

also writes at length about what the implications of the Gospel and the new life in Jesus Christ

are for Christians and their congregations. Study books available in the church office.

Tuesday, November 28 Romans 3: 21-4:25

Atonement: God Does for Us What We Cannot Do for Ourselves

Tuesday, December 5 Romans 5: 1-21

Justification: The Company of Forgiven Sinners

Tuesday, December 12 Romans 6: 1-7:25

The Transformed Life: Struggling With Sin

Tuesday, December 19 Romans 8: 1-39

The Transformed Life: Patient Hope

Save the Date: Disaster Recovery Work Trip

Daytona Beach, Florida

April 8-14

Contact Pastor Daniel for more information

Wednesday Advent Services

Trinity Chapel 10 West Church Street

December 6, 13 and 20

12 noon – 12:15 p.m. Service of Prayer

12:15 – 12:50 Soup Lunch & Reflection

The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem

A simple girl

An ordinary man

An unforgettable destination

Our Wednesday noon services will take us on a journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem through

the stories of Mary, Joseph, and Elizabeth. Our resource guide for these series is the work of

Adam Hamilton using historical information, archaeological findings, and personal reflections,

Hamilton illuminates this most amazing moment in history.

BABYSITTING NIGHT

Friday, December 15

5-10 p.m.

At the Church

Members of the ERUCC Youth Group are willing and able to

care for your children while you enjoy an evening out. Please

call the church office if you wish to take advantage of this

opportunity. Donations will be accepted towards our trips to the UCC Regional Youth Event

and our hosting of our German partners in July of 2018.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

TODAY! From Noon – 2:00 p.m.

The more hands, the merrier, and the quicker we will get things done.

Join us after morning worship to help ready the church for Christmas.

BUILDING NEEDS Would You Consider a Gift?

Air conditioning repairs for main sanctuary

A few days before Easter, we learned that one of two air handlers for the sanctuary was no

longer able to be repaired. The air conditioning in the sanctuary was installed in 1987 as a gift

and it has served us well. As this is an unbudgeted expense, we would appreciate any extra

mile gifts towards replacing the air conditioning. We’re looking at around a $45,000 price tag.

We have received $8,950 toward this project and the donors would like to challenge members

of the congregation to consider a second-mile gift towards replacing the air handlers.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKS are available in the back of the sanctuary and chapel.

This year we are making available “Watch” from the UCC Still Speaking Writers’ Group. Each

book contains a devotion including a verse from scripture and a prayer for every day in Advent

beginning December 3rd through Christmas Day. Please help yourself to a copy. If you desire,

a suggested donation is $5.00.

ERUCC YOUTH SCHEDULE December 2017

Sunday, December 3 Dress-up Christmas Dinner 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. At Edenton

Put on your finest and come for a special dinner. Kim Sexton is working on this and will

provide more details later.

Youth needs for upcoming fundraiser: 9 inch round or square foil pans with clear lids,

22 oz. festive tumblers, 8 inch boxes, plastic clamshells from fruits or veggies, small plastic

containers with lids from restaurants or grocery stores, 9-12 inch odd plates you may have

around your home, small orchard boxes with handles. Please have to church by November 27th.

Youth Cookie Fundraiser—the youth will be selling cookies(in batches of 3 dozen) on Dec.

10th after the 10:30 service. If you are interested in pre-ordering some of these deliciously,

made with love cookies, see any youth. A smaller quantity may also be available on the day of

the sale. Please consider some for your family or to gift to others. Thank you.

The (No) Christmas Bazaar

Knitted hats and dishcloths made by Mary Meyer available after the November

26 and December 3 services. We will also be accepting cash or check donations

from the congregation. Remember, you can purchase hats for the shelter,

too....just designate your donation for the purchase of hats for them.

Thanks in advance for your support !!

HATS $5.00, DISHCLOTHS $2.00. PLEASE HELP US OUT AND BRING

CORRECT CHANGE.

Safeguarding Houses of Worship: November 29th at 4 pm. At ERUCC Over 50 people from across Frederick County met on Thursday, October 26 at Evangelical

Reformed United Church of Christ to receive information about the importance of preparing for

disasters and identifying vulnerabilities. We also learned about an app that is available from

The Justice Technology Information Center (part of the U.S. Department of Justice) that takes a

step by step approach to assessing vulnerability and building a response plan for Houses of

Worship.

Many in attendance were interested in additional training for preparedness. Therefore, Lt. Mark

Landahl, Ph.D.,Homeland Security Commander, Western Maryland Information Center,

Frederick County Sheriff's Office will be returning to lead active shooter training for clergy and

lay leaders of Houses of Worship. The program will be held on Wednesday, November 29th

at 4 pm at Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ, 11 West Church Street,

Frederick, MD 21701. Please contact Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel for further information at bkdaniel@erucc.org or

301-662-2762. If you are planning to attend, please email or phone and let us know. Please

feel free to share this information with your colleagues.

We are looking for organists to play in Trinity Chapel during the Candlelight Tour

of Historic Houses of Worship, on Tuesday, December 26. If interested in playing,

contact Dick Williams (even if you played last year). rlw113@aol.com or 301 305

3244.

Looking Ahead

Sunday, January 28th Catawba College Musicians

10:30 Worship Service

Afternoon Concert at ERUCC

***We will be looking for housing for 20 students

Sunday, February 4th Following Worship – Visit and Fellowship Event

Junior Fire Company, 535 N Market St, Frederick

CALENDAR

November 26 through December 3

SUNDAY – 11/26

8:30 a.m. Worship in Trinity Chapel

9:30 a.m. Education for All Ages

10:00 a.m. Chimes Concert

10:30 a.m. Morning Worship 11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 12:00 p.m. Greening of the Church

MONDAY – 11/27

5:00 p.m. Monday Mess Hall

5:30 p.m. Children’s Choir

Youth Bells

6:00 p.m. Young Spirit

6:30 p.m. Adult Bells

7:00 p.m. Consistory

TUESDAY – 11/28

8:00 a.m. Construction Meeting 11:00 a.m. Bible Study 12:00 p.m. Faithful Friends

7:00 p.m. Book Group WEDNESDAY – 11/29 4:00 p.m. Safeguarding Houses of Worship

7:00 p.m. Bible Study

THURSDAY – 11/30

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

FRIDAY – 12/1

SATURDAY – 12/2

SUNDAY – 12/3

8:30 a.m. Worship in Trinity Chapel

9:30 a.m. Education for All Ages

10:00 a.m. Chimes Concert

10:30 a.m. Morning Worship

12:00 p.m. Congregational Meeting

6:00 p.m. Youth Dress Up Dinner

Serving you on 11/26/2017: Deacons: Eric Weakly and Dan Zander

Greeters: Tom and Rachel Ford

Betsy Fisher &

Joyce Ann Schmid

Elder: Starr Schaeberle

Scripture Reader: Jim Weitz

Acolyte: Jared Hueting

Sound System: Keith Stickley

Nursery: Thomasa Pomeroy

Chimers: Dick Williams - Sat.

Tricia Coffey - Sun.

Welcome Table: Betsy Selby & Ave Barr

Coffee Fellowship: Brian Hernandez &

Brian Stacey

Serving you on 12/3/2017: Deacons: Marc Kline and Linda Coyle

Greeters: Charles and Patti Garst

Holly and Emma Davis

Elder: Allen Flora

Scripture Reader: Glenn Wallace

Acolyte: Kali Chappell

Sound System: Jeff Baker

Nursery: Laura Rhoderick

Chimers: TBD- Sat.

TBD - Sun.

Welcome Table: Pat Condo and

Charlotte Henderson

Coffee Fellowship: Congregational Meeting

Ministers - All the People of Evangelical Reformed Church

Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Senior Pastor (bkdaniel@erucc.org)

Rev. Fred Wenner, Pastor Emeritus (faw500@msn.com)

Kim Sexton, Associate for Children’s Ministry (ksexton@erucc.org)

Alison E. Shafer, Organist & Choir Director

Tricia Coffey, Head Chimer & Children & Youth Choir Director

TBD, Bell Choir Director

Amy Aguilar, Office Administrator (erucc@erucc.org)

Sherry Murray, Nursery

15 West Church Street, Frederick, MD 21701 (ph) 301-662-2762 www.erucc.org

Last CHANCE