1

2

December 24, 2017 Fourth Sunday of Advent 10:00 am

Welcome! United Christian Church of Austin is an Open and Affirming congregation, embracing diversity and affirming the dignity and worth of every person created in God’s image. We welcome into full membership and participation in the Body of Christ persons of every race, ethnic background, age, gender, gender expression/identity, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, social-economic background, marital status and faith background. We welcome all to share in the life, leadership, ministry, fellowship, worship, sacraments, responsibilities and blessings of participation in Christ’s Church

WE GATHER IN FAITH

Prelude “Away in a Manger” 19th c. Cradle song Denise Kotrla, piano

Welcome

Preparing to Light the Advent Candle One: "In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be

registered. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David." (Luke 2:1, 3-4)

Today we remember Joseph, worn-out traveler and worried husband, doing what was necessary for the sake of his family, the burden of poverty stifling his hope in the promise of God. There was no room for him, yet he knows to Whom he belongs.

Many: Today we give thanks for the Josephs among us, migrating far from home when there is no choice, fiercely devoted to the ones they love, unwavering in their belief that there is room for all in the kin-dom of God.

One: On this fourth Sunday of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of Joseph, who knocks at the door, ready to take his place among royalty.

3

WE LISTEN FOR GOD’’’’S WORD

Children’’’’s Offering & Message This month: Canned Goods for Bethany

Young children are invited forward to help collect the Children’s Offering and share in the Children’s Message. Following the Children’s Message, they may go to Worship and Wonder.

Sending the Children Forth “Shalom Chaverim”(Peace, friends, till we meet again)

Seeking the Word in Scripture

from the Gospels 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 (Pew Bible, p. 278)

WE SHARE OUR PRAYERS

We Share Our Prayers (Response: “O God, hear our prayer.”)

Including : Barbara Dysonwilliams; Ted Kerr; Kyle Fuller; Olivia Spencer; Annalise Jane Guerrero; Fidela and Alfonso Jimenez; Ernie Crum; Cindy Dever; Ryan Hancock; Lynne; Ingrid Hagenow; and the family and friends of Frank Heckrodt (Elizabeth Larson’s brother) and Bernard “Bernie” Aronson (Dave Aronson’s father). Please send updates to Rev. Nikki Stahl at nikki@uccaustin.org

One: God of surprises, you call us from the narrowness of our traditions, to new ways of being church; from the captivities of culture to creative witness for justice; from the smallness of our horizons to the breadth of your vision. Clear the way in us…

Many: that we might follow you freely and call others to freedom and faith.

One: Jesus, wounded healer, you call us from preoccupation with our own histories and hurts to daily tasks of peacemaking; from privilege to pilgrimage; from insularity to inclusive community. Clear the way in us…

Many: that we might find our heart in you and call others to witness and integrity.

4

One: Holy, transforming Spirit, you call us from fear to faithfulness; from clutter to clarity; from a desire to control to deeper trust; from the refusal to love to a readiness to risk. Clear the way in us…

Many: that together we might experience the beauty and power and danger of the Gospel.

Adapted from J. Puls, G. Cashmore

The Lord’’’’s Prayer, using these or whichever words are closest to your heart Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

We Share the Peace of Christ Peace be with you. And also with you.

Parents: If you’ld like your children to share Communion, now would be a good time to collect them.

WE RESPOND IN FAITH

Call to Engagement & Sharing Our Gifts

Musical Offering “Christmas Selections” Marian and Emmalee Stahl, piano Blessing Our Gifts

WE SHARE HOLY COMMUNION

All are welcome at Christ’s table. Members, guests, first-timers, long-timers, baptized or not, all who desire to know and share the love of God. If you wish, as the trays are passed, take a piece of bread and eat right away, but hold on to a cup, and then we will drink together.

Note: All bread is gluten-free. Both red wine and white grape juice are offered.

5

We Give God Thanks & Praise Rev. Gage and Windell Courson, Elder

Sharing the Sacrament

…let all God’s people say: Thanks be to God. Amen

WE GO FORTH TO SERVE

*Hymn (see insert) “O Christ, How Shall I Meet You” We Are Sent Forth

. . . Now our worship is ended. Let our service begin. Amen

Postlude “Es is ein’ Ros entsprungen” 15th c. German (Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming) Denise Kotrla, piano

6

WHAT’S GOING ON AT UCCAUSTIN

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP TODAY: “Kid-Friendly” Worship @ 4pm and Candlelight Worship @ 11pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE SUNDAY, 12/31 we will have ONE MORNING WORSHIP @ 10am, followed by a potluck brunch and our annual Rainbow Elephant (Re)Gifting Swap. Bring a dish to share and a small gift you received that you feel someone else might enjoy more.

The Church Office will be closed Monday, December 25 for Christmas. Between December 26-Dec. 28, please call before you come because of reduced hours.

Adult Faith Formation classes will be on hiatus until 10am Sunday, January 14

Tuesday Noontime Study Group will be on hiatus for the holidays until Tuesday, January 9. Join us then for faith formation and lively discussion.

Wednesday Evening Activities including choir rehearsal, will resume January 3

End of the Year Giving: If you are considering end of the year giving, remember mailed contributions must be postmarked by midnight on Sunday, December 31 (check your local post office for Saturday closing times). Hand delivered contributions need to be brought to the church office by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28 or placed in the offering tray on Sunday, December 31, to be properly credited to your giving record for 2017. This is an IRS regulation so no exceptions can be made.

ON-GOING THIS WEEK

Breakfast Fellowship, Tuesdays @ 8am, Jim’s Restaurant at Spicewood Springs Rd. and Hwy 183. For more info, contact Kenneth Dalley, kennethdalley@sbcglobal.net

Spearheads Alcoholics Anonymous: Tuesdays @ 7pm, Rm. 6. Small AA meeting for men.

F.E.D GROUPS (FELLOWSHIP EDUCATION & DISCUSSION)

Sundays @ 5pm (member’s homes) Lyn Brown, don.lyn@sbcglobal.net Youthful Moms Sundays (when youth group meets) Andrea Larson,

andrea.larson@gmail.com Saturdays @ 6pm (Stahl’s house) in January Rev. Nikki Stahl, nikki@uccaustin.org LEADERSHIP MEETINGS

Open & Affirming Team 12/31 @ 12pm, Fellowship Hall Kim Jones, txschatz@att.net Committee Night 1/10 @ 6:30pm Chris McCubbin, councilchair@uccaustin.org UCC Council 1/16 @ 7pm, Fellowship Hall Chris McCubbin, councilchair@uccaustin.org Staff Meeting Tuesdays @ 10:30 am, Fellowship Hall Diane Baker, diane@uccaustin.org

7

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

Acolytes: Samuel Flores, Parker Gregg; After Church Clean-Up: John Schwartz; 10:00 Deacons: Samantha Laurence, Linda Laurence, Ray Mata, Jonabel Mata; Elder: Windell Courson; Flowers: Today’s altar flowers are provided the Jamison Family; Greeters: Diane Baker; Liturgist: Carl Schwartz-King; Tellers: Jan Keeling, Jen Barrera CONTACT INFORMATION

United Christian Church of Austin, UCC/DOC 3500 W. Parmer Ln., Austin 78727 tel 512.218.8110 / fax 512.218.8190, weekday office hours: M-Th, 9am-3pm www.UCCAustin.org and www.facebook.com/UnitedChristian Rev. John MacIver Gage, senior pastor john@uccaustin.org Rev. Nikki Williams Stahl, associate pastor nikki@uccaustin.org Pastor Carl Schwartz-King, licensed minister carl@uccaustin.org Rev. Anna Humble, intentional interim director of music music@uccaustin.org Emily Guerrero, children’s ministries coordinator emily@uccaustin.org Meghan Trout, youth ministry coordinator youth@uccaustin.org Diane Baker, church administrator diane@uccaustin.org Betty McDaniel, intern You can now make a contribution to United Christian Church with a quick text message! Simply send a text to 512-842-6662 with the amount you would like to contribute. Make sure to include the dollar sign before the amount. (Example: $25.) Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Once your registration is complete, you will receive text verification and a receipt via email. For future giving, simply send a text with the amount you wish to give, and it will process automatically. Music License: OneLicense.net License #A722068

8