Lansdale United Methodist ChurchDecember 8, 2019

Rembrandt, Christ with Folded Hands, 1650

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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Second Sunday of Advent

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.

– “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 Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine Martin

Please prayerfully prepare your heart for worship during the Prelude.

*Call to Worship

Pastor: the Messiah is on the way!People: We’re eagerly watching and waiting!Pastor: The Messiah will arrive!People: Blessed is the Messiah who comes!Pastor: Lift up your hearts! Lift up your faces!People: We long for the Messiah to come!Pastor: Be cheerful! Be ready! Jesus will come!People: Jesus will come! Glory to God in the highest!

*Hymn God Almighty, We Are Waiting W&S 3047

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Lighting the Advent Wreath Hope of Your Coming Schram

Alex Holnick, Narrator; Chancel Choir; Ruth Rineer, Piano

Prayer for Illumination Michelle Johnson, Reader

Psalter Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 See Screens

Chancel Choir Anthem Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Hyfrydol/Austrian Hymn

First Reading Isaiah 11:1-10 Pew Bible OT 640

*Act of Praise Until Jesus Comes W&S 3050

*Gospel Reading Matthew 3:1-12 Pew Bible NT 2

*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 Hope! Pastor Bill

*Hymn Down by the Jordan W&S 3045 White Prayer Cards will be collected during the hymn.

*Advent Affirmation See Screens

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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 All on a Starry Night Williams/GrahamDeb Moses-Elton, Soloist

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 VENI EMMANUEL The Lord’s Prayer UMH 895

*Hymn You, Lord, Are Both Lamb and Shepherd W&S 3043

*Blessing and Going in Peace to Serve

Postlude Savior of the Nations Come IV Shaw

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It is with sadness that we tell you that Jean Lowe went home to our Lord on December 4. Please keep her daughter, Linda, and her family and friends in prayer. Funeral details are pending.

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Interim Pastor's Weekly NotesSchedule: Mon., 3:00-8:00 p.m.; Tues. & Wed., 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

In worship today, the theme word for this Second Sunday in Advent is "hope." When we are hopeful, we have a deep sense that, though all might not turn out well, all will at least make sense enough to keep us hoping for a better day tomorrow. The morning's three hymns are from Worship & Song, with each offering contemporary imagery and poetry for Advent encased in traditional hymn tunes. We will also share an Advent Affirmation of faith, citing our unique expressions of loyalty and trust during these uncertain days, as they were expressed by Joseph and Mary at Messiah Jesus' first coming and by the apostles as they waited in solemn mystery for the second coming of Messiah Jesus in glory. 

Year-end giving is a matter still on my mind. Some of you may not realize that, unlike in your household where your income is steady and predictable, the church's income is sporadic at times and frequent at times. The frequent times correspond to the seasons of Advent-Christmas and Lent-Easter. Practically speaking, our income is high at the end of each year and high again in either March or April of the next year. In the remaining months, especially the summer, the income is sporadic, which causes a cash flow crisis. These last nine months have been difficult in money matters. Revenue hasn't met the predicted mark. While I'm certain we'll pay all bills related to church operations by year-end, I'm less certain we'll pay our fair share of the conference apportionments. Many people and programs depend on this money. Consider making a special year-end gift to the apportionments. Here again, is what I wrote last week:

Don't put off catching up your giving to the last 48 hours of the year. Catch up! Be generous! Take a stake in your church! Don't put it off! Have a plan! Think about calculating how much you'll spend the last 30 days of the year and reduce it by 10%, which you can then offer some of it to LUMC! Pay ahead on 2020 giving! As always, I thank you for your generous giving! Thank you!

The weekly bit of liturgics focuses on this week's doxology. The Latin root of the word is simply Praise. Our praise for God's gifts this week is a familiar doxology set to the tune of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. The slightly soulful, even mournful, tune setting reminds us that God is to be praised in and out of season, in bright or dark times, and whether life is going well or poorly. Praise, praise, praise! God is with us!  

Commit to praying for your new pastor. Pray too for each other, and me. You are in my daily prayers. Have a blessed week.    

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What’s Going On? December 8 – December 15

Sunday, December 8 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 6:30 p.m. Girl Scouts – New Horizons Room

Monday, December 912:00 p.m. AA – Hecker Room 7:00 p.m. Church Council – Wesleyan Room

Tuesday, December 10 6:00 p.m. Daisy Scouts – Sunday School Rooms 7:00 p.m. GA – Hecker Room Wednesday, December 11 6:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study – West Main Diner 9:30 a.m. Women’s Bible Study – Stringer Auditorium 6:30 p.m. Recovery – Hecker Room 7:00 p.m. Soul Sisters Circle – Barb Siegfried’s home Thursday, December 12 – Circuit Rider Due 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

Saturday, December 14 7:00 p.m. NA – Hecker Room

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

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Prayers

JOYSGeri’s nephew Kevin is responding to chemoSandi’s mom is home from the hospitalThanks for children and new grandchildren

CONCERNSHealing:

Jim FisherPete NollAlexGeri from her foot injuryBethanne’s broken footLuann from back issuesSandi’s friend Jim having surgical procedureJane’s son, Shirley’s brother, Chuck, from

ongoing medical issuesJason and DeAnnaComfort and peace for BrianComfort and peace for Bill and Jana’s friend, John at the death of his wife JaneEllan’s stress due to being the caregiver for her dadJoanne’s friends Martha and Charlie will find a retirement community to take care of their health needsComfort and peace for Kathy and Bill at the passing of Kathy’s mother, LouiseComfort and peace for all those facing the holidays for the first time since the passing of a loved oneCollege students as they finish their semester—for study skills, time management and safety during travel

Happy Birthday to You!

Rebecca Richardson (12/8) Siddalee Styers (12/13)Elena Antoine (12/10) Jacquelyn Norton (12/14)Alexandria Oltmann (12/10) Christopher Tremper (12/14)Douglas Kober (12/13)

Happy Anniversary to You!

Rachel and Frank Kletzel (12/10) Maya and Rays Koshy (12/11)

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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 The flowers on the altar are presented by the family of Gil Clamer in loving memory of his birthday.

More financial support for 2020 - From Warren Shaedle, Financial Secretary Last week, a keying error overstated our total Operations Fund. But, on a positive note, a new intention-of-giving commitment was received from a non-member, which brings the total to $156,758. This amount covers about 39% of our anticipated revenue needed in the new year. Pledges for the Improvement Fund total $7,062. We have received 11 new, 8 increased, and 16 unchanged pledges or intentions-to-give. LUMC 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's 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.  

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

Poinsettia Order Forms are on the bulletin board. Orders are due to Becky in the church office by this Tuesday, December 10. They’re still $13.00 per plant!

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 on 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 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 Services4:00 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

While Christians today hold different viewpoints on when, how, or even whether the Second Advent will occur, virtually all Christians believe that God is dissatisfied with the world in its present state and wants an increase in love, peace, justice, dignity, freedom, and abundance for all. In Advent, the Church thinks afresh about how to join God in the movement towards a world God wants: a world much more like the domain of heaven. Is there a better Advent guide than John the Baptist for this purpose? John the Baptist guides us with a single word of preparation: “Repent!”

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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