A WORSHIP NOTE ABOUT THE SEASON OF ADVENT Advent begins the new Christian year with a season of expectation,

anticipation, and preparation for the first and second coming of Christ.The color purple symbolizes the royalty of the One for whom we wait

and hope. The theme of light is prominent during Advent to remind us that Christ is the light who comes into the world.

The Advent wreath is a simple circle of evergreen branches, a sign of life without end. A candle for each Sunday in Advent

surround the Christ candle, reminding us that Christ is our hope, peace, joy, and love.

The Chrismon Tree is also full of light; symbols of the Christian faith grace its boughs. The Chrismons on the tree point us to the character

and nature of God in Christ, and to our life of faith in Christ.We pray that the keeping of Advent will make us watchful and ready

for the coming of God in Christ who brings salvation to all.

AN ORDER FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD

ENTRANCE

GATHERING OF THE CHURCH

PRELUDE Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus arr. Martin

BRINGING IN THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

* CALL TO WORSHIPLeader: Christ will come in humble means to inaugurate his kingdom, bringing salvation to all. People: Christ will come again in the fullness of his glory to complete his kingdom. Let us be ready and watchful! All: O come, O come, Emmanuel!

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE

* HYMN 211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Coffin Stanzas 1 through 4

BLESSING of the ADVENT WREATH and CHRISMON TREELeader: We pray that the keeping of Advent may open our hearts to God’s love in Christ. People: Come, Lord Jesus!Leader: We pray that this simple and circular evergreen wreath, a sign of life without end, may remind us of God’s love without end. People: Come, Lord Jesus!

Leader: We pray that this Chrismon tree may remind us that Jesus made the cross a tree of life and light, dispelling our sin and darkness, bringing complete healing to our brokenness, and peace to all who receive him. People: Come, Lord Jesus!Eternal God, in your grace and providence, you have made all ages a preparation for the kingdom of your Son. Your Church awaits with joy and singing your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. We pray for his light to shine into our darkness. Amen. Adapted from the Book of Blessings and United Methodist Book of Worship

A RESPONSE (to be sung by all – No. 207 x2) Prepare the way of the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord, And all people will see the salvation of our God. [During the singing of the response, the first Advent Candle will be lighted and Chrismons will be placed on the Chrismon tree.]

THE HANGING OF THE GREENS

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 9:2-3, 6-7The Righteous Reign of the Coming King

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

ANTHEM Advent Kyrie Lantz [During the singing by the Chancel Choir,

evergreen wreaths will be placed in the windows.]

FIRST GOSPEL LESSON John 1:1-5, 14The First Coming of God in Christ

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.

What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it…the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

* SECOND GOSPEL LESSON Mark 13: 24-27, 32-37The Coming of the Son of Man

(Jesus said) But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.

* A RESPONSE (to be sung by all – No. 249)We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song that comes down Through the night from the heavenly throng. Ay! We shout to the lovely evangel they bring, and we greet in His cradle our Savior and King!

SERMON With Joy and Singing Also incorporating Isaiah 35:1-1

* HYMN 196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Wesley

* AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: THE NICENE CREED No. 880

* THE GLORIA PATRI Glory be to the FatherAnd to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;As it was in the beginning,Is now and ever shall be,World without end. Amen. Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER No. 895

Sharing the Heart of Christ from the Heart of Cary

WELCOME TO FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH CARY

We welcome you to First United Methodist Church–Cary, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray that our time of worship will draw you closer to God and invite you to join us for worship on Sunday mornings. Our regular schedule includes Sanctuary services at 8:25, 9:45, and 11:05, 1st on Chatham at The Cary at 9:45, and our Celebration service in the Fellowship Hall at 11:11. We invite you to stop by our information table in the large narthex if you have any questions about our church. Also, our website, firstcary.com, may provide the information you need.We invite you to join us for coffee on Sunday mornings at “First Cup” after each service in the back of the fellowship hall!WORSHIP LEADERS THIS MORNING: Preacher: The Reverend Martha McLean, Pastor of Christian Formation Liturgist: Christine Hildebrand, Director of Leadership Development Choir Director: Kerry Johnston, Director of Music Ministry Organist: Christy Farrior, Assoc. Director of Music Ministry Pianist: David Griffin Lay Readers: 8:25 Karen Stinneford Chris Dresp 9:45 Jenn George Michele Coakley 11:05 Kris Gustafson Doug Richmond Acolytes: Crucifers: 8:25 Katherine Stinneford Lily Rowe 9:45 Kendyl George Hannah George 11:05 Grace Gustafson Morgan Gustafson

A Stephen Minister is available in the large narthex after each church service to meet and pray with anyone who would like to.

First Sunday of AdventNovember 30, 2014

With Joy and Singing

A tapestry version of Burne-Jones’s 1878 stained glass window at Salisbury Cathedral, woven by Morris and Co.

THE PRESENTATION OF GOD’S TITHES AND OUR OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Meditation on “Divinum Mysterium” arr. Wolz

* THE DOXOLOGYPraise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise him, all creatures here below:Praise him above, ye heavenly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

THE SENDING FORTH

* HYMN 184 Of the Father’s Love Begotten Prudentius* CARRYING THE LIGHT INTO THE WORLD* DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING* CHORAL RESPONSE* THE CHIMING OF THE TRINITY

To honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, please remain standing for all the chimes of the

Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

* POSTLUDE Noel Nouvelet trad. French carol* Please stand as you are able.

Listening devices are available at the sound booth in the back of the sanctuary. Kids and YouthChildren are always welcome! Bulletins and crayon packs are available at each entrance to the Sanctuary. Nursery and Sunday school classes are available for infants through fifth grade. Youth (grades 6-12) gather in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30. Our ushers are happy to escort you and your child or youth to the Children’s or Youth Ministry area. Cell Phones and Text Messaging interfere with other people’s worship. As an act of worship and as a courtesy to others, please turn off these electronic devices.

Prayer Concerns You may view the list of prayer concerns at firstcary.com/prayerlist

firstcary.com • 919-467-1861

Hanging of the Greens