Post on 24-May-2020
THE WORSHIP OF GOD Sunday, December 2, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.
First Sunday of Advent
Communion Sunday Please contact Rev. Beth LaRocca-Pitts to notify the church of a death or illness.
To reach a minister after office hours in case of emergency, call 1-800-673-0411.
WELCOME HOME TO
This Week at Saint Mark
Church Parking Update
Free parking is available on Sundays until 4pm in either of the 2 church park-
ing lots located directly behind the church. Paid parking is available in the
lot on the other side of the 805 Peachtree condominium building (located
directly across 5th Street). Please be sure a Saint Mark parking decal is
displayed on your windshield. Contact an usher if you need one on Sunday
mornings or call the church office to request one during the week.
**Please note - parking in the lots behind the church on Sundays until 4pm
is free without a Saint Mark decal. At all other times you need to display a
Saint Mark decal in order to park in either church lot for free.**
First Sunday of Advent, December 2
9:00a Morning Worship
10:10a Sunday School classes
10:10a Newcomers class series
10:10a Trustees meeting
11:15a Morning Worship
4:30p ASCA group
Monday, December 3
7:15a Augustine Fellowship
9:00a ESL classes
10:00a Finance volunteers
1:00p Worship planning
1:30p Staff meeting
7:00p Saint Mark@Home groups
7:00p Sentimental Journey rehearsal
7:30p Panache (AGMC) rehearsal
Tuesday, December 4
7:15a Augustine Fellowship
9:00a ESL classes
2:30p Supper Club prep
6:00p AGMC rehearsal
7:00p Crystal Meth Anonymous
Wednesday, December 5
7:15a Augustine Fellowship
9:00a ESL classes
12:00p Midweek Advent worship service
5:00p Beth’s Study of the Bible class
5:30p final fellowship dinner for 2018
6:30p Midweek Retreat programming
6:45p handbell practice
7:30p Chancel Choir practice
8:00p SCA Midtown meeting
Thursday, December 6
7:15a Augustine Fellowship
9:00a ESL classes
Friday, December 7
7:15a Augustine Fellowship
Saturday, December 8
9:00a Breakfast Club
10:00a Crystal Meth Anonymous
11:30a Open Doors
12:00p Spoken Word ministries
Congregational Care
At Home
Jan Bethards
Judi Cheney
Judi Cheney’s brother Sandy Jacksonville, FL
Bill Cox
Michael Collin-Smythe’s father
Suzanne Dunn
Christi Elliott-Earby’s father Walter
Gary Gallman
Andrew Land’s father Jerry
Vanessa Meeks
Sam Vaught’s mother Toni Vaught Roseboro, NC
In Care Facilities
Stephen Fifield Foxglove, East Point
Jeff McMullen's mother Sandra Milledgeville GA
James Stevenson Lenbrook Square
In Military Service
Al Thomas' grandson Cory Carter Ft Bragg NC
Army, Washington, DC
Join us for Midweek Advent Worship
Join us for brief weekly Advent services in the chapel every Wednesday at
noon (Dec. 5, 12, and 19). Services will include readings, prayer and music
led by Rev. Steve Fazenbaker. Stop by the chapel and enjoy a time of
peace and reflection during this busy season.
Our final fellowship dinner for 2018 takes place this Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Weekly fellowship dinners and Midweek Retreat programming will resume
on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
ADL workshop December 9: A Call to Action: Becoming an Upstander
Saint Mark is pleased to host an interactive workshop presented by the Anti-
Defamation League Southeast to bring people together to examine privilege
and bias in order to gain the skills to fight hate for good. The workshop will be
held in Wade Hall next Sunday, December 9 from 3 to 5pm. For more
information, contact ADL Education Director Erin Beacham at
ebeacham@adlo.org. To RSVP, visit https://support.adl.org/upstander.
Chancel Choir Christmas Concert, December 16
The Chancel Choir proudly presents Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night
during both Morning Worship services on Sunday, December 16.
Trinity Table Volunteers Needed on Sunday, December 16
Trinity Table is the oldest, large-scale, continuously operating Sunday soup
kitchen in Atlanta, serving over 200 people every week through partnership
with numerous area churches. This year, a Saint Mark team will prepare and
serve the meal onsite at Trinity UMC on Sunday, Dec. 16. We need volunteers
to prepare sandwiches and pack sack lunches at Saint Mark at10:10am on
Dec. 16, and/or prepare and serve the meal itself at Trinity UMC that day at
11 am. If you can help, contact Jena Mozley at jenamozley@yahoo.com.
Coat Drive
Cold weather is upon us, and while most of us are fortunate to have warm
coats and hats, many folks with limited means do not. From now through
February, Saint Mark will hold a coat drive to help those in need. Please bring
any new or gently worn coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to church so that we
can share them with those who come to our doors. Drop your donations off
in the bins in the narthex. Your generosity is appreciated!
3 Ways to Give at Saint Mark: Online, Mobile, and now Text!
Giving to Saint Mark just got that much easier! Now you can give to Saint
Mark via text. Saint Mark’s assigned number for text donations is 74483.
To give via text, text the word ‘operating’, a space, and the amount you
would like to give. For example, to give $25 you would text 74483, type the
word ‘operating’ then (space) 25. Follow the prompts to sign in to your exist-
ing account (or to create a new account) with SecureGive (and to receive
a confirmation of your donation). Questions? Contact Deana Hilton in the
church office at 404-873-2636 ext. 14.
Saint Mark United Methodist Church
781 Peachtree Street, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30308
(404) 873-2636 • www.stmarkumc.org
The Saint Mark Care Line (after hours emergency): 1-800-673-0411
The Reverend Dr. Beth LaRocca-Pitts Senior Pastor
The Reverend Jennifer Hansen Minister of Outreach & Missions
The Reverend Dr. Joshua M. Noblitt Minister of Social Justice & Evangelism
Ms. Jess Cusick Director of Youth Ministries
Mr. Jonathan Easter Director of Fine Arts
Minister Sheila Stephens Minister of Education & Spiritual Formation
Mr. Rushing Kimball Candler School of Theology Intern
WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD
PASTORAL PRAYER Sheila Stephens
OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD
The Invitation Sheila Stephens
Offertory A Spotless Rose - Bob Chilcott A spotless Rose is blowing, sprung from a tender root,
Of ancient seers’ fore-showing, of Jesse promised fruit.
Its fairest bud unfolds to light amid the cold, cold winter,
and in the dark midnight.
The Rose which I am singing, whereof Isaiah said,
Is from its sweet root springing in Mary, purest Maid.
For through our God’s great love and might,
The Blessed Babe she bare us in a cold winter’s night.
Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath spring!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming as seers of old have sung.
It came, a blossom bright, amid the cold of winter
When half-spent was the night.
*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise God all creatures here below,
Praise God above ye heavenly host, Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, oh Israel.
*PRAYER AFTER THE OFFERING Rushing Kimball
At the preparation of the table
Hymn of Preparation Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming
UMH No. 216 ES IST EIN ROS
SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Beth LaRocca-Pitts
Prayer of Confession Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.
We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we
have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not
loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive
us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Response UMH No. 482 Lord, Have Mercy KRIEWALD KYRIE
Words of Assurance Beth LaRocca-Pitts
Communion Liturgy after the Prayer of Confession, UMH page 15
Musical Setting Communion Setting - Advent Insert, sides 1 & 2
Communion Music O Come, O Come Emmanuel
UMH No. 211 VENI EMMANUEL
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Josh Noblitt
THE ORDER OF WORSHIP * - Where indicated, those who are able, please stand.
We sing from 2 hymnals during Sunday morning worship. The United
Methodist Hymnal (UMH) is the large red hymnal in the pew racks.
The Faith We Sing (TFWS) is the smaller black hymnal found in the pews.
Enhanced Listening Devices and large print hymnals are available for those
who need them. Please see an usher for assistance.
WE GATHER
WELCOME AND LIFE OF THE CHURCH Beth LaRocca-Pitts
Leader: We thank God for these opportunities for fellowship and service.
Many: Thanks be to God!
CONCERNS
Leader: For all these persons and all who are in need.
Many: Hold your people near, O God.
JOYS
Leader: We give thanks to God for these blessings.
Many: Thanks be to God!
Leader: Let us take a moment to center our hearts on God.
PRELUDE AND CHIMES Pastorale on Lo, How a Rose - John Leavitt
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Members of the Foundations Class
Response O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
UMH No. 211, 4th stanza VENI EMMANUEL *CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 25 Jess Cusick One: To you, O LORD, we lift up our souls; O God, we put our trust in you;
Many: Let none who look to you be put to shame;
One: Show us your ways, O LORD, and teach us your paths.
Many: Lead us in your truth and teach us for you are the God of our
salvation;
One: Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, for they are
everlasting.
All: Remember us according to your love and for the sake of your
goodness, O LORD.
*HYMN Hail to the Lord’s Anointed
UMH No. 203 ELLACOMBE
*PASSING OF THE PEACE
WE HEAR GOD’S WORD
THE GIFTS OF AND FOR OUR YOUNGER CHURCH Jennifer Hansen If you have not already done so this morning, please take this opportunity to sign
the attendance pad in your pew.
Old Testament Lesson Jeremiah 33:14-16 Beth LaRocca-Pitts
SERMON “The Righteous Branch” Beth LaRocca-Pitts
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Enter to Fellowship Sit to Pray Stand to Worship Leave to Share
WE ARE SENT FORTH INTO GOD’S WORLD
*HYMN OF DEDICATION
UMH No. 213 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates TRURO
*INVITATION AND BENEDICTION Beth LaRocca-Pitts
POSTLUDE Toccata on Veni Emmanuel - Andrew Carter
Welcome, Visitors!
We’re so happy you have chosen to worship with us today! Please stop by
the Visitor’s Center in the narthex (near the front doors to the sanctuary)
before you leave - we have a special gift for you!
Today at Saint Mark
Today is the First Sunday of Advent. Advent devotionals written by members
of the Saint Mark community are available this morning. Be sure to pick up
your copy in the narthex.
This morning we will bless the toys we collected for Pride for Parents.
Pride for Parents is a program that operates a toy store in metro Atlanta
where parents can shop for toys for their children at greatly reduced cost,
giving them the dignity to provide for their children at Christmas instead of
receiving a handout. Today’s Communion offering will also go to support
Pride for Parents.
Newcomers Class series begins Our Newcomer class series begins today and
continues on Sundays, Dec. 9, 16, and 23 at 10:10am in the parlor. Anyone
who is new to Saint Mark or who is considering joining the church is invited to
attend and will have the opportunity to join on Sunday, December 23.
Contact Rev. Josh Noblitt at jnoblitt@stmarkumc.org. for details.
New Foundations Advent Study begins Join the Foundations Class for the
Adam Hamilton study Faithful: Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph. In life,
we encounter circumstances that we would have never chosen for
ourselves. At times it can be tempting just to walk away. Joseph provides us
a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don't understand
and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Exchange
your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas season. Learn to accept
and glorify God's will even when circumstances make it difficult to do so.
Join us in room 111 Sunday mornings in December at 10:10 - all are welcome!
New Faith Seekers Advent Study begins Join the Faith Seekers class for
Adam Hamilton’s study Moses - In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet
facilitated by Robert Giacomini. Moses’ life was one challenge after the
next, but although he initially resisted God’s calling, by the end of his life he
successfully fulfilled the role he was given. Join author Adam Hamilton as he
travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea, and the wilderness
exploring the sites of Moses’ life. As historical information, archaeological
data, and biblical text are shared, you’ll gain a better understanding of
Moses’ significance in your life today and you’ll discover how you too can
turn your own reluctance into boldness. This class meets every Sunday
morning at 10:10am in room 205. Join us!
Music reproduced within this document is done so with permission under license: CCLI 2253952
Assisting in Worship Today
Soundboard: Kale Wright & Deanna Dennis
Greeters: Angie Robbins and Donna Wissinger
Communion Servers: 9:00 Bob Brown, Greg Brown, Pam Buzbee
11:15 Frank Atkinson, Roger Brown, John Flatt
Usher Team: Jon Atteberry, Head Usher; Tom Baugh, team captain; Brian Bennett,
Tracy Brown, John Davidson, Saundra Kelley, Will Mathews, Doug Neal