St. Andrew

United Methodist

Church Rev. Jeff Childress

December 2nd, 2018

First Sunday of

Advent

Prepare the Way: Series Overview

Advent marks the beginning of another year in the cycle of Scriptures that presents the narrative of the love of God revealed to the world. We will begin this new liturgical year with a seven-part Advent/Christmas/Epiphany sermon series from Discipleship Ministries called, Prepare the Way. Jesus is coming! It is our responsibility to “prepare the way” and get ready. In this season, how will we make a place for Christ to be known in our community?

First Sunday of Advent December 2 Stand Jeremiah 33:14-16 and Luke 21:25-36 The first week of Advent points directly at Christ’s coming, with the passage as one of hope and encouragement. Though fear and foreboding are significant elements of this event, Jesus says, “stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Lk. 21:28).

Second Sunday of Advent December 9 Christmas Cantata

There is Peace in the World Tonight St. Andrew Chancel Choir

Third Sunday of Advent December 16 Do Zephaniah 3:14-20 and Luke 3:7-18

This third week of Advent is always an occasion of joy. With these Scripture lessons, however, comes an expectation that the people of God will “do” something to be a part of the inheritance promised to Abraham. Zephaniah instructs the people to “not let your hands grow weak” (Zep. 3:16), and John offers further teaching: “Bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Lk. 3:7-16).

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 23 Welcome Micah 5:2-5a and Luke 1:39-55

The promise to Abraham is not forgotten this week, in which Mary sings and recalls the covenant of old that shows God’s mercy and justice. Both Bethlehem and Mary will be agents of welcoming God in flesh to earth.

Christmas Eve December 24 Arrive Isaiah 9:2-7 and Luke 2:1-20

Christmas Eve now becomes the point of arrival as Christ—the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”—comes to the world.

First Sunday after Christmas Day December 30 Search Luke 2:41-52 In the ways Jesus comes, it is often easy to become so overwhelmed that we cannot see the presence or work of Christ around us. Just like Mary and Joseph, we find ourselves searching for Jesus, despite knowing all the places and ways in which Christ can be found.

Epiphany Sunday January 6 Find Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12

With enough searching, however, the promise we are given with the story of the Epiphany, is that all who search for Jesus will find him.

ENTRANCE AND GATHERING

Welcome and Grace of Hospitality

*Bringing In the Light of Christ and Opening Praise (screen) Arise, Shine - (screen) Emmanuel

* Lighting the Advent Candle of Hope

Reader: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined... For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Today we remember the prophets of old, who demanded to be heard, who dared to speak of a child to come, unexpected liberator of the people, vulnerable incarnation of the Holiest of Holies, a new name for God.

People: Today we give thanks for the prophets among us, who bring to us surprising new visions of hope, who challenge us to think outside the box, who show us a future we never anticipated.

Reader: On this first Sunday of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of the prophets who renew our faith and remind us of what may be.

*Hymn No. 211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Prayer of Approach (in unison) Lord Jesus Christ, we await your coming. We wait filled with hope, knowing your light will shine in the darkness. We wait anticipating your peace, believing that one day it will fill our world. We wait embracing your love; may we reach out to share it with our neighbors. We wait with joy, in expectation of your birth. Lord we wait. Come soon and fill us with your life and love. Amen.

Tithes and Offerings *Doxology No. 95 Children’s Moment Kara Graham Children ages 3 years – 5th grade may go to Children’s Church. Please follow the adult leaders as they exit the door behind the piano. Choral Anthem Hearts Waiting Chancel Choir

PROCLAMATION AND RESPONSE Old Testament Lesson Jeremiah 33:14-16 *Gospel Lesson Luke 21:25-36 Sermon Prepare the Way: Stand Rev. Jeff Childress Morning Prayer

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Hymnal Page 12

Invitation to the Lord’s Table Confession and Pardon The Great Thanksgiving Receiving the Bread and Cup Prayer of Thanksgiving

*Please stand if you are able. CCLI#1116193

*Affirmation of Faith for Advent We believe in one God, who is Creator, and maker of all we see and all we don't see; who is Ruler of the universe and Source of all creation! We believe in one God, who is Jesus Christ, God from God, Light from Light, true God and true human. He is one with the Creator; the Word made flesh, our Messiah: Savior of all creation! We believe in one God, who is Holy Spirit, breath of God moving among us; who is one with the Creator; one with the Christ; our Comforter and our Guide: Mentor of all creation! *Hymn No. 206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light *Benediction *Closing Praise No. 557 Bless Be the Tie That Binds

Please be in prayer for the family of

David McInturiff. David’s

mother-in-law, Jurrell Yarbrough,

passed away this week.

Who knew you could have so much fun

exercising and eating healthy food?

This Week at St. Andrew December 2, 2018 - December 8, 2018

Tuesday December 4, 2018

SPRC Meeting 8:30am

Jesus, Juice & Java 9:00am

Sunday School 9:30am

Morning Worship 10:30am

Sunday December 2, 2018 Wednesday December 5, 2018

Kids for Christ 6:30pm

Bible Study 6:30pm

Chancel Choir 7:30pm

Thursday December 6, 2018

Saturday December 8th

Bell Practice 7:00pm

Prayer Shawl Ministry 4:00pm

Gym open for walkers. 5:30pm Gym Open for walkers. 8:00am

Decorate the Church 9:00am

The Toy store Story

Written by:

Evan Baldwin

& Jonas Justus

Featuring

St. Andrew

Kids for Christ

&

Youth.

December 16, 2018

@

5:00 P.M.

Immediately following The Toy Store Story, a

reception will be held in the Family Life Center.

Everyone is invited!

Snacks, Fun and Fellowship.

REGULAR SCHEDULED MONTHLY MEETINGS/

ACTIVITIES

Every Sunday Jesus, Juice & Java @ 9:00am

Sunday School @ 9:30am

Morning Worship Service @ 10:30am

UMYF @ 5:00pm

Every Wednesday Bible Study @ 6:30pm

Kids For Christ @ 6:30pm

Chancel Choir @ 7:30pm

Blood Pressure Screening Every 1st Sunday @

10:15am - 10:30am

11:30am - 11:45am

Communion Service Every 1st Sunday @ 10:30am Service

Ad Board Meeting Every other 3rd Monday @ 7:00pm

Bells of St. Andrew Every 1st, 3rd & 4th Thursday@ 7:00pm

COM Every other 2nd Sunday @ 6:00pm

Finance Committee Every 3rd Monday @ 6:00pm

Lucille Searcy Circle Every 2nd Thursday @ 6:30pm

Men’s Club Meeting Every 2nd Tuesday @ 6:30pm

Sweet Spirits Every 3rd Tuesday @ 11:30am

Trustees Every 2nd Monday @ 6:30pm

Walkers Every Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30pm

Every Thursday 5:30 - 6:30pm

Every Saturday 8:00 - 9:00am

Walkers can also meet downtown Easley on the 3rd Saturdays

@9:00 am.

Family & Friends Patricia Booty Jane Campbell (Lucy Rackley’s sister)

Janet Chase Janet Crane Tammy Crane Susan Dodgens Robin Few Pat Finley Lala Freeman Anita Gilland (Kristi Padgett’s

Mother)

Laine Lemon Ken Mattison Melissa Mattison Annie McJunkins Ann Owens Lucy Rackley Harold Rampey JR Thomas Val Thornton John Vanderhoof The Family of Carol Varn Military Michael Burton Anthony Grayson Tom Hansen Kyle Moytka Douglas Nobles Gabe Pszonowsky Nathan Rampey Kristian Robinson Stephan Sampson Andrew Simer Shawn Weiler

Homebound Helen Chastain Joyce Crowe Betty Owens Ray and Mary Pace John Smith Magdalene Williams Mildred Williams Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Nursing Homes

Brookdale Dwaine & Ruth Stanley Margaret Sorrells National Health Care Doris Hayes Oakview Assisted Living Anne Keith Magnolias of Easley Pete Bush Ed MCCollum

Prayer Requests

DECEMBER MISSION

2018

“The Angel Tree”

St. Andrew is offering the Angel

Tree for Special Needs children

from West End Elementary

School and children that Santa is unable to visit, ages 10 years

and younger. There will also be $25.00 Ingles gift cards for

people who need the Church’s assistance.

When you take an Angel off the tree, write down the Angel

number on the Angel Tree log and your name (so we can keep

track of all our Angels).

For the Ingles gift cards, please attach the Angel to your

$25.00 donation and place in the collection plate. Since the

Ingles cards lose value over time we will purchase them as

needed.

All gifts for the children must be returned no later than

Wednesday, December 12th in the Mission Room (beside the

Nursery). That will give West End teachers time to pick up the

gifts for the children before school is out for the Christmas

holiday.

Make sure you check the Angel off on the log and put all the

gifts in a bag with the Angel affixed to the bag.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING OUR

MISSION, AND HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY.

From: In Memory of:

Randy & Monique German Raymond Sanders

Lucille Searcy SS Class Raymond Sanders

Memorials to the General Fund

Christmas Musical

December 9, 2018

St. Andrew Chancel Choir

Under the direction of Nancy Brown.

J, J & J (Jesus, Juice &

Java) will be served

with pastries every

Sunday

morning at 9:00am .

St. Andrew United Methodist Church

309 Pelzer Highway Easley, South Carolina 29642

Phone: 864-859-1567

Office Hours Monday - Thursday 8:30am - 4:00pm

Email

churchoffice1567@yahoo.com AbundantlivingSAUMC@gmail.Com

Website

www.standrewunited.weebly.com

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Nursery

Addison Pitts & Angie Johnson

Greeters

Virginia Wallace & Roy Taylor

Ushers

Virginia Wallace

Jim Thornton

Jean Booty

Roy Taylor

Abundant Living

Please text your November steps

into Lynn James: 864-360-4324,

or email to Abundantliving-

SAUMC @ Gmail.Com