November 29, 2009

Pre-service music
Call to Worship
Leader: We live in troubled times,
waiting for God's burst of light into our dark world.
Take heart! God will make things right. (pause)
People: As we wait, we pray that the Lord will sustain us
and help us to walk in a right path. May God cast out the fear of darkness and light up our lives with hope.
Leader: We greet Jesus' coming to make things right.
All: Let us worship God, whose mercy promises us new life
through our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Prayer of Invocation
Hymns O come, O come Immanuel HWB 172, v.1,2,3
My Soul is filled with joy STJ 13
Children's story
Hymn Come thou long expected Jesus HWB 178

Hearing

Scripture Jeremiah 33:14-16; Luke 21:25-36
Sermon Big Bang or tiny whisper
Litany of Response:
Leader: Lord, in this time of Advent,
we worry about the future and long for your purposes
to be fulfilled. We pray with the Psalmist:
People: To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
O my God, in you I trust.
Leader: In the midst of uncertainty and fear, we pray
People: do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
Leader: We confess that we have tried many paths
and that wandering has made us very weary.
Women: Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your
paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are
the God of salvation; for you I wait all day long.
Men: Be mindful of your mercy, O LORD, and of your steadfast
love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins
of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast
love remember me, for your goodness' sake, O LORD!
People: We come looking for your grace, not because we
deserve it, but because of your merciful love for all people.
Women: As we wait, we rejoice in your goodness and
righteousness. Teach us your ways.
Men: Good and upright is the LORD,
all the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness.
All: God will make things right. Amen.
Hymn O come, O come, Immanuel HWB 172, v4,5,6

Responding

Sharing of Praises and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
Offering/Hymn Praise God from Whom HWB 119
Announcements
Hymn Arise your light has come STS 30
Benediction

Today

Announcements

Please email all bulletin announcements by Wednesday 8:00 pm to Becky.

Our Christmas program will take place on December 12 at 5 pm. It will be in the form of "Lessons and Carols": music and the Christmas story presented in a variety of forms. You are invited to bring your gift alone or as a group, family, Sunday School Class to this time in form of a play, drama, skit, song, poem or whatever you can think of. Please email me by Wednesday December 9 with the gift you would like to share, so I can put the program together.

Our current seating arrangement of the sanctuary will remain through the Advent season. An evaluation will take place after January 3 with input from the congregation at that point.

Sunday evening November 22 at 7 pm at Charlottesville Mennonite Church. John Filson served as MCC's Iraq Program Coordinator from 2007-2009. Based in Northern Iraq, he worked closely with MCC's Iraq partner organizations on the ground to understand their approaches and offer financial and technical support for their work. John earned a Masters degree in Peace & International Studies from the Joan B. Kroc Institute of International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame in 2007. John is currently working in MCC's advocacy office in Washington DC where he seeks to bring the perspective of ordinary Iraqis affected by U.S. actions to policymakers on Capitol Hill.

Join area Christians in song as a Shenandoah Valley Hymn Sing at Park View Mennonite Church on November 29 at 7 pm. Sam and Janice Showalter will be the music leaders.
Ways to start spreading some warmth to begin this Sunday and throughout December:

Salvation Army Winter Clothing Drive. winter coats, winter vests, hats, scarves, gloves, mittens, warm socks. Please hang and place your donations in the designated clothing rack, located in the back of the Sanctuary

CMC Meal Starters and Community Food Drive
Please place your Meal Starter bags, with non-perishable foods in the Church foyer. Donate in the spirit of giving a favorite meal. Share the recipe in the bag, a inspirational note, some way to share your own personal touch. Small brown bags with goodies for children also welcome. Please consider a donation for the perishables needed. Checks for perishables can be placed in the Sunday offerings and should go to Charlottesville Mennonite Church - and the memo line should say "food drive".Volunteers need to deliver and spread Christmas Joy and Peace to Love Inc. neighbors. Please also place your single items in the basket designated to help the Emergency Food Bank.

Our Community Place is hosting a Benefit Christmas Concert at Park View Mennonite Church on Tuesday, Dec 8th! Come at 6:30pm for fine desserts and hot drinks followed by great music at 7:30 including Trent Wagler, Jonathan Reuel, and many others performing their Christmas favorites. Contact Philip at ourcommunityplace@gmail.com for more info.

Prayers and Praises

MMN: Benin Bible Institute's vision includes agricultural training for pastors, most of whom are self-supporting. Knowledge of farming helps to provide food for pastoral families, and introduces improved techniques into local practice. Pray that God would provide the teaching staff and material resources for this new program.

VMM: In Orange Walk, Belize, Nancy Marshall is leading the Jesus' Deaf Church today. Children and youth in a wide range of ages attend and enthusiastically participate in singing, storytelling and praying. Ask God for strength and wisdom for Nancy as she guides this church.

Pray for the local services for people in need: Love Inc., Shelter for Help in Emergency, Food Bank, Salvation Army, IMPACT--a justice ministry and PACEM-- the initiative for the homeless.

Gathering in Christ's name

Hearing

Responding

Today

Announcements

Prayers and Praises