December 14, 2003

Be alert!
God is on the move!

Focus: Rejoice! Sing for joy! Victory is near.
God is in our midst
liberating the oppressed and
proclaiming the good news of
peace to all people.

December 14, 2003
Week 3 of Advent

Gathering in Christ's name

Service cancelled due to snow

Leader: Sing to the Lord! Shout the good news!
Women: The Lord is near!
Men: The Lord rejoices over us in gladness!
Leader : The Lord sets us free and renews us in love!
ALL: Come, Lord of life,
we gather to celebrate the gift of our salvation,
to proclaim your peace,
and to worship you with thankful hearts,
for you are great in our midst.

Children's story Drama (Monica, Chris, Elizabeth)
Hymn To us a child of hope HWB 189
Prayer of Confession

Liberating God,
we confess that we forget you are in our midst.
We do not always live in freedom,
and we forget to sing your praises,
Deliver us, O God.
Show us your salvation
and move in our lives to renew us in love.
Open our hearts to proclaim your goodness,
to join you in setting captives free,
and to bring liberty and peace to your world. AMEN

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture Zephaniah 3:14-20; Luke 3:7-18; Philippians 4:4-7
Sermon Three Questions for Christmas
Sermon response - Jim Parks
Hymn Oh how shall I receive thee HWB 182

Responding to God's call

Joys and concerns
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
Offering
Announcements
Hymn Joy to the World HWB 318
Benediction

Today

Worship Leader - Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music - Dottie Scott, Alderfer family
Sermon - Roy Hange
Nursery - Miriam Nissley

Announcements

On January 11 we will embark on a 40 day journey following "The Purpose Driven Life" book. There will be copies on tape or CD available for those who prefer that option. Please let Maren know if you would prefer a book on tape or CD.

Conscientious Objectors in the Shenandoah Valley is a fascinating interview with philosopher Bill O'Meara (JMU) and history professor Albert Keim (EMU) heard on "With Good Reason" NPR November 2003. A free copy of the interview on CD is available at www.withgoodreasonradio.org or 1-877-451-5098. For more information call Mark Keller 540-434-5443.

Could you buy a cow... or a half or a quarter? The MCC meat canning project needs more beef animals and these must be purchased. $500 buys one animal that will be turned into tasty meals for hungry people in many places around the world. Send your contribution for a whole or part of an animal to the Mennonite Relief Center, P.O. Box 519, Dayton, VA 22821. For more information contact Contact Leon Rhodes at 540-867-9751.

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: Dolores Beiler has been tutoring two Jamaican girls, Carene and Donesha, after school several days a week. They usually walk over an hour to school each day, and most afternoons the heavens open and all the school children get soaking wet. The girls are happy to spend one night each week at the Beilers' house, which is near the school.

Mennonite Mission Network: Mission Network workers Steve and Betsy Dintaman ask for prayer for fruitful initiatives to recruit more students for Lithuania Christian College from countries of eastern Europe. Steve and Betsy teach at LCC and serve in various capacities.

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

Pray for the new Love, Inc director Ray Klein that he will find joy in his new job and the the Lord will use him to build up this ministry.