November 23, 2003

Thanksgiving in Mission

May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father,
who loved us and by his grace
gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,
Encourage your hearts and strengthen you
in every good deed and word.

II Thessalonians 2:16&17

November 23, 2003

Gathering in Christ's name

Holy, Holy, Holy HWB 75
Psalm 24:1-14 responsively HWB 815
Prayer of confession Psalm 51 HWB 818
Silence
Quartet - Out of the depths I cry to you HWB 133
Lois Alderfer, Dottie Scott, Jeff Myers
Prayer of protection and empowerment HWB 746
Children's Story

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture Phil 4:4-7; Luke 13:10-16
Sermon Thanksgiving in Mission
Stories Out of Africa - Alan Maughlin, Jeff Myers, Jen Larson Sawin
Hymn
Prayer of thanksgiving

Responding to God's call

Joys and concerns
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
Offering Jimmy Fortune
Announcements
Hymn
Closing Song Jimmy Fortune
Benediction HWB 772

Today

Worship Leader - Roy Hange
Music - Jeff Myers, Jimmy Fortune (Clayton's brother-in-law)
Nursery - Stevens Family

* the first part of the service today is taken from the African churches as provided by Mennonite Mission Network

Announcements

Everyone is invited to stay for the fellowship meal
Immediately following the service.

Thank you to all who helped with the work day at church yesterday.

Due to persons with respiratory problems within the congregation we will not be using candles this Advent season.

A community thanksgiving service will be held at First United Methodist Church at 101 Jefferson East Street on November 26 at 7 pm.

First Baptist Church on Park Street will present A Time for Christmas - A dramatic Musical on December 13 & 14 at 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Free Tickets are available beginning December 1.

The pastors will be out of town for Thanksgiving and the following weekend. In case of an emergency please contact a member of the pastoral care team: Lois Alderfer, Mel Janzen, Dottie Scott.

Come Hear Dr. Tony Campolo speak about "Comfortable Christians in an Uncomfortable World" Wednesday, Dec., 3, 7:00p.m. at Harrisonburg Mennonite Church. Tony Campolo will speak to Harrisonburg Mennonite churches on the topic of the role of comfortable suburban Christians in a time when radical Christian vision is needed for hurting people and communities in our world.

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: Last month the new Centro Koinonia church in Bari, Italy, took the first step toward integrating Italians in the children's ministry. Donna Martin and Marcia Lehman met with six women from the church who want to help teach Sunday School. It was so exciting to see the women's enthusiasm and willingness to serve the Lord in this important ministry of the church.

Mennonite Mission Network: At this Thanksgiving season, give thanks for the opportunity to share in God's mission throughout the world. Pray that, with gratitude, individuals and congregations will generously supportthe mission of the church with financial resources.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Foodbank and the Salvation Army.