Advent IV 12.23.2018

O come, O come, and be our God-with-us O long-sought With-ness for a world without, O secret seed, O hidden spring of light. Come to us Wisdom, come unspoken Name Come Root, and Key, and King, and holy Flame, O quickened little wick so tightly curled, Be folded with us into time and place, Unfold for us the mystery of grace And make a womb of all this wounded world. O heart of heaven beating in the earth O tiny hope within our hopelessness, Come to be born, to bear us to our birth, To touch a dying world with new-made hands And make these rags of time our swaddling bands.

O Emmanuel, Malcolm Guite

Cover artwork:  Advent IV Jason Marta, 2018

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE 1300 E Aloha St First Service 9:00 am Extended Fellowship 10:30 am Second Service 11:30 am

FIRST SERVICE Nursery 6 months - 2 years

Grace Kids Toddlers (2&3): Room 117 PreK: Room 119

SECOND SERVICE Nursery 6 months - 3 years

A D V E N T 2 0 1 8

Advent, the beginning of the church calendar, is the period of time that includes the four Sundays immediately preceding Christmas Day. The English word Advent is derived from the Latin verb advenire, “to come.” Advent has to do with the Lord’s coming to us. The Lord has come to us (at the birth of Christ), continues to come to us through the power of the Holy Spirit, and will come to us again bodily at the end of this age. Advent is a time to reflect upon all of the ways—past, present, and future—in which the Lord enters into our lives and our world.

Please remember that the purpose of Advent is not to imagine ourselves to be living at the time immediately preceding Christ’s birth and so somehow pretend that we are waiting for him to be born. Neither is the purpose of Advent to think sentimental thoughts about the baby Jesus. There is no real spiritual power in any of this. Instead, the purpose of Advent is to pray for the coming of the Lord and to learn how to wait for him.

During Advent we remember his first coming and how he kept his promises to his people in the Hebrew Scriptures. Because he was faithful long ago, we can be assured he will remain faithful to the end. Dwelling on God's faithfulness during Advent is a way of enriching and strengthening our faith.

In addition, we also pray for a greater experience of his presence in our lives today. For this reason, Advent is a great time to begin a new practice of prayer, setting aside time for the Lord in our daily lives. 

And, finally, Advent is a season to consider (or consider again) Jesus' promises to return to us in bodily form. On that day, he will powerfully and graciously deliver us from all evil, overthrow his enemies, and wipe away every tear. In this way, Advent is a time where we foster and cultivate our ability to faithfully and expectantly wait for the Lord's return.

Let us worship!

(Adapted from Rev. Jeff Meyers)

 

 

R E F L E C T I O N Q U O T E S

I celebrate myself, and sing myself, And what I assume you shall assume, For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you...

Creeds and schools in abeyance, Retiring back a while sufficed at what they are, but never forgotten, I harbor for good or bad, I permit to speak at every hazard, Nature without check with original energy. Walt Whitman, "Song of Myself"

[Expressive individualism] suggests not only a desire to pursue one’s own path but also a yearning for fulfillment through the definition and articulation of one’s own identity. It is a drive both to be more like whatever you already are and also to live in society by fully asserting who you are. The capacity of individuals to define the terms of their own existence by defining their personal identities is increasingly equated with liberty and with the meaning of some of our basic rights, and it is given pride of place in our self-understanding. Yuval Levin, The Fractured Republic: Renewing America's Social Contract in the Age of Individualism

To be shaped by grace in a culture of self, the most countercultural act one can commit . . . is to break its only taboo: to commit self-disobedience. To acknowledge that authority does not lie with us, that we ultimately have no autonomy. To admit that we are broken, that we are rebellious against God and his rule. To admit that Christ is ruler. To abandon our rule and to collapse into his arms of grace. To dig deep roots into his love. We don’t just need resilience; we need gospel resilience. Mark Sayers, Disappearing Church: From Cultural Relevance to Gospel Resilience

My baby needs a shepherd, she's lost out on the hill Too late, I tried to call her when the night was cold and still And I tell myself I'll find her but I know I never will My baby needs a shepherd, she's lost out on the hill Emmylou Harris, "My Baby Needs a Shepherd"

 

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F O U R T H S U N D A Y O F A D V E N T Seated

W E L C O M E

Standing C A L L T O W O R S H I P Based on Micah 5, Luke 1 by Laura Jaquith Bartlett, ministrymatters.com

Holy God, your prophet Micah foretold with faith that a new ruler would come forth from Bethlehem— today we celebrate the fulfillment of your promise; your daughter Elizabeth proclaimed with faith that her cousin was to be the mother of her Lord— today we celebrate the fulfillment of your promise; your servant Mary proclaimed with faith that she would be called blessed by all generations— today we celebrate the fulfillment of your promise.   Make us bold enough to proclaim with faith— the coming of your kingdom, the coming of your justice, the coming of your peace. May we sing out the good news of your salvation, trusting in fulfillment of your promises. All this we pray in the name of the one who comes. Amen.

 

 

 

Please silence all mobile phones and electronic devices for the duration of the worship service.

Text in bold is read together by the entire congregation. Plain text is read by one of the worship service leaders

The small symbols you will see throughout these pages correspond to a "Key to Liturgy".

Our worship begins each week with a call to worship. We are gathered here today because God, our Creator, desires to have a relationship with us. Whether we realize it or not, he is the one calling us to himself―today and every day.

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Oh Come, Messiah, ComeLyrics and Melody by Isaac Wardell

Arrangement by Isaac Wardell, Mason Neely, and Alex Foote

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“Lectio Sacra” means “sacred reading.” It has been the practice of the church for thousands of years to have portions of the bible read during worship services. The assumption behind this practice is that we are people who need to be shaped by all of God’s word.

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Seated L I G H T I N G O F T H E A D V E N T C A N D L E

Christians adopted the practice of the lighting of candles during Advent in the Middle Ages. Another candle is lit during each of the four Sundays of Advent, signifying hope, love, joy, and peace. L E C T I O S A C R A Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:39-55

Old Testament But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,     who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me     one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old,     from ancient days. Therefore he shall give them up until the time     when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return     to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,     in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great     to the ends of the earth. And he shall be their peace.   Gospel In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.”

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Confession of sin happens within the context of relationship, both with God and each other. We confess together, in community, before a gracious God who has given us himself. Confession both acknowledges our need for mercy and celebrates its abundance in Christ.

Standing C O N F E S S I O N O F S I N by Moira Laidlaw

We give thanks, O God, that you are unchanging, that your concern for justice and righteousness was so strong      that you came in human form to share that concern with us in person.    We confess that all too often we hesitate to speak or act      when we see people being treated unjustly. Forgive us, O God,      for the times when we have been happy to hear the gospel      without truly living it.

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And Mary said,

“My soul magnifies the Lord,    and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.     For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me,     and holy is his name.And his mercy is for those who fear him    from generation to generation.He has shown strength with his arm;    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones     and exalted those of humble estate;he has filled the hungry with good things,    and the rich he has sent away empty.He has helped his servant Israel,    in remembrance of his mercy,as he spoke to our fathers,    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

This is the Word of the Lord Thanks be to God!

I N T E R L U D E O n J o r d a n ’ s B a n k

words: Charles Coffin (1736), trans. John Chandler (1837) | music: Jess Alldredge (2013)

Musical interludes are included in our service in order to provide space for reflection and worship.

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R E C E I V I N G O F G R A C E Based on Luke 1:46-55 by Thom Shuman for "Lectionary Liturgies"

Even now—yes, even in this very moment, God comes to us, bringing hope, bringing forgiveness, bringing grace as freely offered gifts to us. May we open our hearts to the God who is with us, and receive the gifts which have been offered to us.   May the peace of Christ be with you! And also with you!

Forgive us for uncaring attitudes      when we base our opinion of another person's worth on what they own, or how they look; on what they say, or how they live,      rather than accepting them for who they are—      people made in your image. Forgive us when our longing to live simply and with humility      is defeated by selfish desires—      for pursuing profits before seeking your will. Forgive us for placing our hope in anything      other than the Christ-child born in a poor stable. Our hope lies in the promise of your mercy, O God,      extending to those who fear you from generation to generation.  Heal, restore and bless us, we pray,      for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.

(You are invited to confess your sins silently.)

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P R A Y I N G T H E P S A L M S Psalm 80

Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might and come to save us! Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!

(Continued on the next page.)

Praying through the Psalms each week teaches us how to pray, using the prayer book of ancient Israel. As we pray, there will be pauses for reflection.

Copyright © 2018 RIvers & Robots

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O Lord God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people's prayers? You have fed them with the bread of tears and given them tears to drink in full measure. You make us an object of contention for our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves. Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved!     You brought a vine out of Egypt; you drove out the nations and planted it. You cleared the ground for it; it took deep root and filled the land. The mountains were covered with its shade, the mighty cedars with its branches. It sent out its branches to the sea and its shoots to the River. Why then have you broken down its walls, so that all who pass along the way pluck its fruit? The boar from the forest ravages it, and all that move in the field feed on it.     Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine, the stock that your right hand planted, and for the son whom you made strong for yourself. They have burned it with fire; they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your face! But let your hand be on the man of your right hand, the son of man whom you have made strong for yourself! Then we shall not turn back from you; give us life, and we will call upon your name! Restore us, O Lord God of hosts! Let your face shine, that we may be saved!

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H Y M N O F G O D ’ S L O V E W e A r e N o t O v e r c o m e

Isaac Wardell © 2011 Bifrost Arts

Seated W E L C O M E & A N N O U N C E M E N T S

P A S S I N G T H E P E A C E As recipients of God's grace, we gladly receive peace from him. In response to his grace, we also extend that grace to one another with a handshake or a hug. Traditionally, Christians have greeted one another during this time in the service with the phrase, "May the peace of Christ be with you" and receive back the greeting "And also with you."

Prayer of Belief Lord Jesus, I admit that I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but through you I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment on the cross, and offering forgiveness and new life. Knowing that you have been raised from the dead, I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior and Lord. Amen.

Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin Lord Jesus, grant that I may see in you the fulfillment of all my need and may turn from every false satisfaction to feed on you, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely, and run with perseverance the race set before me, looking to you, the author and perfecter of my faith. Amen.

Prayer for Those Searching for the Truth Jesus, you claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following you as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what you claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and open to me the reality of who you are. Give me an understanding of you that is coherent, convincing, and that leads to the life that you promise. Amen.

G O S P E L L E S S O N Wayward Sheep, Loving Shepherd Micah 5:2-5a Rev. John Haralson

Sermons can be streamed and downloaded at graceseattle.org/resources.

O F F E R I N G

The offering is a way for members and friends of Grace Church Seattle to support the church’s mission and ministry. If you are our guest today, please let us know you’ve joined us today, as well as any comments or prayer requests, by placing your welcome card in the offering basket.

For online giving options, please go to graceseattle.org/givingTo give via text message, text GODISLOVE to 206.859.9405 To give via the Grace app, look up “Grace Church Seattle” on the App Store or Google Play, click download, and click the giving tab within the app to give.

M U S I C A L O F F E R I N G O M a g n i f y

Holy is his name, Holy is his name!

O magnify the Lord; spirit rejoice in God my savior!

I N T E R L U D E

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Jess and Annie Alldredge, 2010

Standing C O L L E C T I V : F O U R T H S U N D A Y I N A D V E N T by Gabriel St. John, 2018

God of the humble, In a time of fear, conflict, and oppression You chose women with stories of  poverty and sorrow  to bring into Being new narratives of  beauty and hope. Like Elizabeth, may we know and greet  the joy of Your spirit in our bodies; Like Mary, may we magnify Your name through the truth of our stories. Because it is in our hunger  and our humility  that Your glory is begotten. Amen.

A collect (KOL-ekt) is simply a prayer meant to gather the intentions of the people and the focus of worship into one succinct prayer.

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G l o r i a P a t r i Words: Gloria Patri, 2nd Century Music: Karl Digerness © 2009 Karl Digerness Music

T H E S A C R A M E N T O F C O M M U N I O N

Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist, is the family meal of Christians. We invite all baptized followers of Jesus Christ who acknowledge their sins against God and their neighbors and confess their need for the grace of Christ to partake of this meal. If you are a Christian and haven’t been baptized, please talk with one of our pastors. We would be honored to baptize you. We hope that this time is helpful to you as you consider your relationship with Jesus Christ and with his people, the church.

If you would like prayer during communion, intercessors will be available at the front of the sanctuary to pray with you.

Allergen-free communion elements (wafer ingredients: organic brown rice flour, organic white rice flour) are available at the center of the communion table. To partake, please dip in the wine cup on the table, then proceed through the line.

Prayer for Receiving Communion Lord Jesus, your perfect life, death, and resurrection are the source of all blessing in this life and the life to come. As I eat this bread and drink this cup, renew me in the joy and glory of knowing and serving you. I come to this table on the basis of your merit only and not my own. As you have completely and fully offered yourself for me, I now completely and fully offer myself to you as a living sacrifice. Amen.

The Sursum Corda (Latin: “Lift up your hearts”) is an opening dialogue in the Eucharistic liturgy of the Christian Church and dates back (at least) to the third century. This text encourages the church to come with thankfulness and joy to the Lord’s table.

T h e S u r s u m C o r d a

The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is meet and right to do so.

 It is right, our duty and our joy, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

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The Sanctus (Latin: “Holy”) is a Christian hymn text, typically sung in response to The Sursum Corda. It is an invitation to join the voices of the church with the heavenly host, who are continually proclaiming the Father’s glory (Isaiah 6:1-3; Matthew 21:9).

by Dan Koch © 2018

Seated T h e W o r d s o f I n s t i t u t i o n

T h e M i n i s t r a t i o n o f C o m m u n i o n

Together we proclaim the mystery of the faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

S a n c t u s

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Standing C o m e , T h o u L o n g - E x p e c t e d J e s u s

Charles Wesley, 1744 Rowland H. Prichard, 1830

S E N D I N G

Let us go forth and serve the world as those who love our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!

Members of the prayer team will be available to pray for you at the front of the sanctuary at the conclusion of each service.

B E N E D I C T I O N Romans 15:12-13 (NIV)

Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”   May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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LifelongGrace Seattle delivers pre-made meals once a week to individuals living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS and/or other chronic diseases. If you would like more information or would like to be part of the delivery team, email Paige Lively at paigelively@gmail.com.Meals Ministry We serve Grace community members with food delivery in case of short-term needs, such as injuries, illnesses, and new children. Volunteers are added to an email list and asked to serve as they are able when needs arise. Currently additional volunteers are needed to help serve the community in this practical way. Contact: Rebecca Ifland rebecca@graceseattle.org

Prayer Ministry We are looking for people who are feeling called to our prayer ministry team. Each Sunday, intercessors from the prayer team will be stationed at the front of the sanctuary to pray with you during communion time and immediately after the service. The prayer team also meets quarterly to pray together for the needs of our church, city, and world. Contact: Heather Andrews prayer@graceseattle.org

Money Management Begins January 23rd, 2019 Planning for the future is hard when you’re living paycheck to paycheck! There’s a better way! Join the Financial Peace University group to learn how to eliminate debt, reduce expenses, and make a plan for the future together! Join us at the SDA Volunteer Park Church (1300 E Aloha St, Seattle) starting January 23, 2019. Feel free to call or message Charles Grenard with any questions at (206) 427-2601 or sign up at  https://fpu.com/1076740. Note: This class is not a Grace Adult Christian Formation class, but it is being led by a regular Grace attendee.

Moms In Prayer Group - South Seattle Moms In Prayer is an international group with the sole purpose of praying for our kids while they attend school. This is a structured hour of prayer that focuses on a different attribute of God every week with time dedicated to intercessory prayer for our children. Open to all moms and all school structures including homeschool. One Moms in Prayer group meets in South Seattle (Hillman City) every Thursday starting September 20th from 1 pm to 2 pm at Rainier Avenue Church. This group is led by Heidi Slater and Lisa Konick. Childcare is available and is a shared cost. To join, please contact Heidi Slater at hydijo@gmail.com. To find a Moms in Prayer group that meets in your area, please go to momsinprayer.org

Women’s Gatherings Contact: Jo Taniguchi at taniguchijo@gmail.com.

Grace Kids Facebook Page For the latest news, messages and resources, check out the Grace Kids Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Grace-Kids-at-Grace-Church-Seattle-940257476071589/ GraceLifeSeattle ListServThe GraceLifeSeattle Listserv is an email group designed to foster spontaneous generosity and hospitality among anyone and everyone who regularly attends Grace. The Listserv will allow anyone who signs up to send out an email to the larger group. It is designed to be used to let others know about a party you’d like to invite others to join, a game night you’d like to host, a request to borrow something, a post to give goods away, a need you’d like to ask for help from the larger group, etc. Contact: Danielle Taniguchi at danielle@graceseattle.org.

O N G O I N G E V E N T S & G R O U P S

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C O M M U N I T Y G R O U P S

Community groups are places of care and community where we learn more about living the Christian life together. Each group is unique and has its own "personality," and yet all groups are focused on growing in relationship with God and with each other. Groups meet on different nights in various neighborhoods around the city, and include time for fellowship, study and reflection, and prayer together. If you have any questions about community groups, contact Debbie (Smith) Tacke at debbie@graceseattle.org.

Parish # Contact Time Meeting Information

1 Bennett Sorbo bsorbo@gmail.com

6:30 pm Tuesdays

Mixed group of adults & kids. Potluck dinner.

4 Daniel Rogersgraddy462@gmail.com

7:30 pmEvery other Wednesday

Mixed group of adults & kids. Potluck dinner.

4 Danielle Taniguchidanielle@graceseattle.org

7:00 pmThursdays

Mixed group of adults. Light Snacks.

4 Erika Schuyler erikaschuyler@gmail.com

7 pm - 8:30 pm 2nd & 4th Thursdays

Mixed group of adults & kids.

9 Susan Rose susanguppy@gmail.com

6:30 pm 2nd & 4th Wednesdays

Mixed group of adults & kids. Light dinner.

10 Gwen St. John gwenstjohn@hotmail.com

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Tuesdays

Mixed group of adults & kids. Potluck dinner.

Parish # Neighborhood

1 Ballard, Fremont, Greenwood, Bitterlake, Broadview

4 Lake City, Maple Leaf, Northgate, Pinehurst, Lake Forest Park, N. View

Ridge, Woodinville, Wedgwood

8 Eastlake, Lower Capitol Hill, South Lake

Union

Parish # Neighborhood

9 Arbor Heights, Burien, Delridge, Fauntleroy, Highland

Park, South Park, West Seattle, Westwood

10 Beacon Hill, Columbia City, Hillman City, Kent, Mt. Baker, Rainier Valley, Renton, Seward Park, Tacoma

P a r i s h N u m b e r K e y

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A N N O U N C E M E N T S & U P C O M I N G E V E N T S See our full calendar at graceseattle.org/events/calendar Sign up for our email list by emailing office@graceseattle.org

Extended Fellowship TODAY Sunday, Dec. 23rd @ 10:30 AM Fellowship Hall Please join us for extended fellowship in the downstairs Fellowship Hall of the church. We will have light snacks, coffee and tea for everyone to enjoy.

Christmas Cards If you serve in any capacity at our church (Sunday Servers, Grace Kids, Connection Center, Community Group leaders/hosts), please pick up your signed Christmas cards in the foyer of the church. Thank you for all you do for our church!

Christmas Eve Services Monday, Dec. 24th @ 4 PM & 6 PM We will be celebrating Christmas Eve during our two evening Lessons & Carols services at 4 PM and 6 PM. Childcare will be provided during both services. Please also feel free to bring cookies to share from 5-6 PM.

Christmas Eve Service Opportunity Monday, Dec. 24th @ 4 PM and 6PM Services We plan to provide care for young children (6 months - 3 years old) at both Lessons and Carols Services on Christmas Eve. Many visitors come to this service and we want to provide them with a safe and welcoming place for their children if the service isn't quite right for them yet. Please consider helping in this way. Your generosity with your time and energy would be much appreciated! If interested, please contact Nicole Herring at nicole@graceseattle.org.

New Sunday Schedule Begins Sunday, January 6th 2019 As the church staff and leadership examined the issue of our second service attendance and considered the congregational survey results, we believe the best option for us is to adopt the following new Sunday schedule:  

•     9 AM worship (Nursery, Toddlers, Pre-K) •     10:45 AM worship (Nursery) •     10:45-11:30 AM Christian Formation Classes (Grace

Kids, YCG, Adult classes)

In addition—approximately once every two months—we will alter the schedule to have one worship service at 9am followed by a church-wide fellowship brunch for everyone after the service. For any questions, or to be added to our email list, please email Danielle at danielle@graceseattle.org.

Garfield High School Winter Drive High school students have so many challenges already; then add the stress of being homeless. We are collecting basic needs and cold weather items for the homeless students at Garfield High School to extend care to them. Please bring the following items to church: socks, underwear, gloves, hats, and healthy snacks like granola bars and fruit snacks. We will be running this drive through Sunday, January 6. For more info contact  Coleen Marta at coleen@graceseattle.org

Grief and Loss Support Group NEW TIME: First Sunday of each month at 9:00-10:20 AM   Classroom #218 (down the hallway to the left of the sanctuary) This ministry provides a time and space to share our grief and loss with one another, so that we can be consoled in knowing that we are not alone in our suffering. If you are experiencing grief over the death of a loved one, infertility, the loss of health, difficult family dynamics, the loss of a job, or another loss, join us. There is no grief or loss too big or too small.  The participants simply listen to, and pray for, each person that shares. A moderator describes the group guidelines at the start of each meeting. We meet on the first Sunday of the month from 9:00 to 10:20 am; please come as often or as seldom as you need. If you have questions please contact Lisa Behringer at cozycottage@mac.com.

Silent Retreat January 18-20th, 2019 Palisades Retreat Center, Federal Way Dan & Renee Huie will lead this weekend silent retreat at the beginning of 2019 at the Palisades Retreat Center in Federal Way. The retreat will begin on Friday afternoon at 3:30 and will end at 2 pm on Sunday. During the retreat, each retreatant will meet with a spiritual director (Dan or Renee) to process times of prayer and to mutually discern the movements of the Holy Spirit, what is coming up in prayer and in relationship with God. Cost for the retreat is $225/person, which includes all meals and private room. Space is limited to the first eight people who register - registration closes on December 31st. To register, email danielle@graceseattle.org.

Year-End Giving to Grace Grace exists through the generosity of our people. If you would like to give to Grace and have your donation count towards 2018 giving: • Make a contribution during a worship service on or before

December 31st. • Give online or through the app on or before December 31st. • Mail your contribution to our office, postmarked by December

31st. Our address is: Grace Church Seattle, 400 E Pine St, #215, Seattle, WA 98122

• In addition, if you'd like to gift stock to the church, you can give to the church and save Capital Gains taxes. Visit the PCA Foundation website at https://pcafoundation.com/giving/ and click on the “Stock” tab.

Volunteers Needed for Grace Kids Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Please help us make Grace a place where all children are welcomed, known, and loved. We are currently in need in the following areas for Grace Kids classes, starting in January:

• PreK class, 1st service• Nursery, 2nd service

Please prayerfully consider serving in a vital component of Christ’s ministry here at Grace (Matt 19:14)! If you have any questions, or would like to start the application process for serving with Grace Kids, please contact Nicole Herring at nicole@graceseattle.org. 

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Micah 5:2-5a

[2] But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,     who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me     one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old,     from ancient days. [3] Therefore he shall give them up until the time     when she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of his brothers shall return     to the people of Israel. [4] And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,     in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great     to the ends of the earth. [5] And he shall be their peace.

S E R M O N T E X T

S T A F F Rev. John Haralson, Pastor john@graceseattle.org Rev. Jason Davison, Pastor of Children, Youth, and Families jason@graceseattle.orgDebbie (Smith) Tacke, Community Formation Director debbie@graceseattle.org Jess Alldredge, Worship Arts Director jess@graceseattle.org Danielle Taniguchi, Administrator, danielle@graceseattle.org Nicole Herring, Grace Kids Ministry Administrator, nicole@graceseattle.org Noni Wilson, Bookkeeper bookkeeper@graceseattle.org Jasmine Amador, Grace Kids Host

M I N I S T R Y C O O R D I N A T O R S Jason Davison, YCG jason@graceseattle.org Rebecca Ifland, Meals Ministry rebecca@graceseattle.org Brian & Jessica Youtzy, Connection Center bjyoutzy@gmail.com Abby St. Hilaire, Serving the World abby@graceseattle.org Jo Taniguchi, Premarital Mentoring taniguchijo@gmail.com

E L D E R S Dan Huie dan@graceseattle.org Darik Taniguchi darik@graceseattle.org Nat Taylor nat@graceseattle.org Adam Schuyler adam@graceseattle.org

D E A C O N S Heather Andrews heather@graceseattle.org Rebecca Ifland rebecca@graceseattle.org Coleen Marta coleen@graceseattle.org Tamarack Randall tamarack@graceseattle.org Grace Weigel grace@graceseattle.org

R E F O R M E D U N I V E R S I T Y F E L L O W S H I P ( R U F ) Rev. Drew Burdette drew.burdette@ruf.org

MAKING DISCIPLES. SERVING THE CITY.

Grace Church Seattle is a worshipping community in Capitol Hill, Seattle rooted in the belief that the historic Christian gospel is true, compelling, and transformative.

Worship Location 1300 E Aloha St Seattle, WA 98102 Office Location 400 E Pine, Suite 215 Seattle, WA 98122

graceseattle.org office@graceseattle.org

S U N D A Y W O R S H I P S C H E D U L E

12/23 Fourth Sunday of Advent Worship Service 9 AM and 11:30 AM Extended Fellowship 10:30 AM

12/24 Christmas Eve: Lessons & Carols Services at 4 PM and 6 PM Bring Cookies to Share at 5-6PM

12/30 First Sunday in Christmastide One Worship Service 9 AM

1/06 Epiphany Sunday Worship Service 9 AM and 10:45 AM Christian Formation Classes 10:45 AM

1/13 First Sunday after Epiphany Worship Service 9 AM and 10:45 AM Christian Formation Classes 10:45 AM