December 28, 2003

Be alert!
God is on the move!

Praise the Lord, heaven and earth!
Clothe yourselves with love.
Christ the Child King has arrived
and is moving to bind everything
together in harmony and peace.

December 28, 2003
Christmas

Gathering in Christ's name

Scripture proclamation Psalm 148
Call to Worship

Leader: On this day of joyful celebration,
let us join the praises of all creation in heaven and on earth.
People: By God's command, all things are created;
today God's glory shines in the face of Jesus;
today God's powerful Spirit is on the move in our world.
ALL: Lord of life, receive our gifts of thanksgiving and praise;unite our hearts in your peace, and make us partners in your work to renew the earth as we gather in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. AMEN

Hymns Good Christian friends, rejoice HWB 210
O come, all ye faithful HWB 212

Children's story Drama - Jr. Youth
Prayer of Confession

Mighty Lord,
you have given us the gift of your Son, whose reign is peace and love.You call us to live in harmony,and you offer us the clothing of compassion and kindness.Open our hearts to receive your wondrous gifts.Renew in us your gift of forgiveness as we forgive one another.Restore us to your love as the peace of Christ rules in our hearts.Fill our hearts with gratitude as we join all nature's praise. In the name of your beloved Son, we pray. AMEN

Proclaiming God's Word

Scripture 1 Samuel 2:18-20,26; Col 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
Sharing our "Gifts for Jesus"
Silent night, holy night HWB 193; Oh, how joyfully, HWB 209
Meditation
Hymn To us a child of hope is born HWB 189

Responding to God's call

Joys and concerns
Pastoral Prayer and the Lord's Prayer
Offering
Announcements
Hymn Go now in peace HWB 429
Benediction

May the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
and may Christ's peace rule in your hearts.

Today

Worship Leader - Maren Tyedmers Hange
Music - Dottie Scott
Meditation - Roy Hange
Nursery - Shumate family

Announcements

Purpose in our Vision:

As a part of our church's vision process we will embark on a 40-day spiritual journey from January 11 until February 22. During this time we are all encouraged to grow in our own walk of faith and witness and be inspired in our vision process through daily readings in the book "Purpose Driven Life", prayer, reflection in Sunday School or small groups and worship services.

In preparation for this time may we pray for:

Prayers and Praises

VMBM: In the advanced English class he teaches in Lezhe, Albania, Allen Umble was telling the students that the good things that we see and experience are remnants of God's perfect creation in Eden. Suddenly a spider descended from the ceiling on its own homespun yarn, right in front of Allen's face. What a perfect illustration of God's amazing creation!

Mennonite Mission Network: Mission Network workers Bruce Yoder and Nancy Frey thank God for the high enrollment of approximately 230 students this year at Benin Bible Institute. Pray that this training will equip the students to be strong leaders in the Beninese church.

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