December 21, 2003

Be alert!
God is on the move!

Magnify the Lord! The fruit of Mary's
womb brings us salvation.
God is on the move
creating a surprising new world order
of mercy, truth, and peace.

December 21, 2003
Christmas

Gathering in Christ's name

Scripture proclamation Psalm 80:1-7
Call to Worship

Leader: Magnify the Lord! Rejoice in God our Savior.
People: The Mighty One, whose name is holy,
is doing great things for all people
according to the promise.
Leader: From the blessed fruit of Mary's womb,
God is making a new order of mercy, truth and peace.
ALL: Lord of life, look with favor upon your servants who have come to do your will and to worship you this day. AMEN

Hymns Come thou long expected Jesus HWB 178
Hark! the herald angels sing HWB 201

Children's story Drama by April, Karina, Jacob & Aaron
Hymn To us a child HWB 189

Prayer of Confession

Mothering God, the time of birth draws near,
but we confess we are not yet ready.
At every turn we see cruelty and injustice;
we feel helpless against such overwhelming odds.
Even within our own hearts a place is not fully prepared to receive you. Remind us that your order is not our order.
(Silence)
Restore us, O God of hosts;
let your face shine, that we may be saved. AMEN

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:39-55; Luke 3:7-18
Sermon "Three questions for Christmas"
Sermon response Jim Parks
Hymn Lo, how a rose e'er blooming HWB 211

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 - Jeff, Jacob & Aaron Myers
Sermon - Roy Hange
Scripture - Sandra Fuentes

Announcements

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

You are invited to join the Hange family for cookies and fellowship around the tree on December 21 at 4 - 6 pm. Just bring yourselves. Cookies and drinks provided.

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 have to be purchased. $500 buys one animal for relief in many places around the world. Send your contribution to the Mennonite Relief Center, P.O. Box 519, Dayton, VA 22821. For more information contact Leon Rhodes at 540-867-9751.

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: The Centro Koinonia church in Bari, Italy, is planning to hold
a Christmas program today. The children will perform a skit, written
by Mariangela and Valeria, about the Christmas story from the perspective of the angels. The children will also sing a couple songs,
one of which was written by Valeria.

Mennonite Mission Network: At this Christmas season, pray for all Mission Network workers as they share the truth of Christ's coming. Pray especially for workers Cliff and Natasha Dueck, who both teach several Bible studies in a congregation near Kherson, Ukraine.

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 homeless people during this cold weather season.