The Order Of WOrshipSunday, December 4, 2011

The secOnd sunday Of advenT ... WOrld aids sunday

Making Christmas Count: Thinking

Congregational portions of prayers and responses are in bold type. To avoid disturbing other worshippers, please silence cell phones and pagers. v Please stand, if standing is comfortable. For hymns, please stand at the beginning of the last line of the hymn introduction.

Carillon Chorus

organ Prelude Noel L. C. Daquin Jonas Nordwall, organist organ Chimes

living & growing in Faith Dan Woodward, Lay Leader sharing the PeaCe oF Christ

lighting the advent wreath Dan Strickland and Lisa Baggia “Will You Come & See the Light?” (First time through, soloist ... Second time through, congregation) Will you come and see the light from the stable door? It is shining newly bright, though it shone before. It will be your guiding star; it will show you who you are. Will you hide or decide to meet the light? Choral introit Veni Emanuel

Call to worshiP Dan Woodward, Lay Leader The God who speaks comfort to us calls us here. The God who addresses us with tenderness meets us here. The God who guides us with gentleness cares for us here. We come to prepare a way for the Lord. We come to ready ourselves for the transformation of our lives. We come together to make Christmas count!

v hymn no. 209 Blessed Be the God of Israel

a Conversation with our Children Rev. Donna Pritchard Children’s story

Prayer “... and all God’s children said, “Amen.”

hymn no. 204 Emmanuel Congregational Prayers Dan Woodward, Lay Leader You keep us waiting. You, the God of all time, want us to wait for the right time in which to discover who we are, where we must go, who will be with us, and what we must do. We thank you, God, for this waiting time. You ask us to keep looking. You, the God of all space, want us to look in the right and wrong places for signs of hope, for people who are hopeless, for visions of a better world which will appear among the disappointments of the world we know. We thank you, God, for this looking time. Waiting, looking, we come to you, God, in this silence … moment oF silenCe

Prayers oF interCession and the lord’s Prayer (Hymnal No. 895) Choral amen Your Will Be Done Sjolund

Choral anthem Dona Nobis Pacem Z. R. Stroope Deborah Benke, soloist The Chancel Choir Erick Lichte, conductor

introduCing the sCriPture Rev. Donna Pritchard sCriPture Isaiah 40:1-11; Mark 1:1-8

reFleCtion Make Christmas Count: Thinking The Rev. Donna Pritchard, preaching

hymn no. 204 Emmanuel

Presenting our giFts

oFFertory Prayer Rev. Donna Pritchard oFFertory musiC Welch’ Übermass der Güte J. S. Bach from Cantata No. 17 Mark Woodward, soloist

vdoxology and Presentations oF our oFFerings (Hymn No. 230, verse 4) O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel! the saCrament oF holy Communion (see insert)

Prayer oF resPonse

Lord Jesus Christ, you have put your life into our hands; now we put our lives into yours. Take us, renew us and remake us. What we have been is past; what we shall be, through you, still awaits us. Lead us on. Take us with you, we pray. Amen.

v hymn no. 210 Toda la Tierra (Please be seated for the benediction and the choral response.)

BenediCtion Rev. Donna Pritchard

Choral resPonse Seven Fold Amen Lutkin

Postlude Toccata on Divium Mysterium J. Hancock

The altar flowers today are dedicated to the glory of God and presented by Jeri & Brad Shumate in memory of Jim & Marilyn Mortimore

and in celebration of Lauren & Bree Shumate.

The pulpit flowers today are dedicated to the glory of God and presented by Richard Horswell in memory of

Lincoln & Luella Horswell and George & Laura Miller. Communion Dan Woodward & Dan Strickland, Lisa Baggia, Bill Birge, Servers Paul Nickell & Wavell Mead, Vern & Betty Groves, Marge Terdal, Aveline Ollinger Ushers Chuck Klang, Bob Fassiotto, Ted & Judy Moon, Steve Hallock, Terry Connell Greeters Carrie Saito, Al Abe, Melba & Bill Rizzo, Lorraine Johnson, Betty-Lou Hare, Rosalie & Clare Humphrey, Dick Palmiter Coffee Hour The Finance Committee Lay Leaders Sonja Connor, Dan Woodward, Cheryl Bittle

United Methodist Church, Oregon-Idaho ConferenceBishop Bishop Robert T. HoshibataAssistant to the Bishop - Metro The Reverend Dr. Lowell Greathouse

First United Methodist ChUrChClergy and Staff

Senior Pastor The Reverend Donna Pritchard ext. 226Minister of Pastoral Care The Reverend Tom Foster ext. 233Director of Children, Youth, & Family Ministries Megan Humphreys-Loving ext. 227Coordinator of Volunteers, Hospitality & Outreach Mark Ohlson ext. 220Church Administrator Christine Bostick ext. 222Administrative Assistant David Jenkins ext. 221Bookkeeper Shirley Blalock ext. 225Nursery Michelle Green, Andrea Miller, Emily Kunkel, ext. 216 Angie Leon Guerrero, Samantha CerlingFacilities Manager Dwight Dragoo ext. 205Custodians Robert Ramirez, Charles Siegfried, Wort Evinger, Isaac Schulz, Cole and Seth Giandomenico

Music StaffArtistic Director of Music and Organist Jonas Nordwall ext. 218Executive Director of Music Kelly Qualls ext. 235Chancel Choir Conductor Erick Lichte Handbell Director Nancy HascallChancel Choir Section Leaders Deborah Benke, soprano Carol Young, alto and Assistant Director Mark Woodward, tenor Benjamin Bell, bassChildren’s Choir Directors Vanessa Unger , Cherub (pre-K-grade 2) Ronnee Edwards, Sound Seekers (grades 3-5) Mark Woodward, Veritas (grades 6-young adult) Karin McDonough, Genesis Ringers and juBELLation

First United Methodist Church, 1838 SW Jefferson, Portland, Oregon 97201Phone: 503/228-3195 Fax: 503/273-8711 Email: office@fumcpdx.org

Visit our website at www.fumcpdx.org

Copies of previous Sunday sermons are available in the church office.

December 4-10, 2011

IRST CHURCHF THIS WEEK AT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 8:30 AM Collins AM, Collins Hall 9:00 AM The ADVENTure, Fireside Room 9:00 AM Changing Christianity, 202 9:00 AM N-YAC Service, Chapel 9:00 AM Church Child Care, Nursery 9:15 AM Faith Links, 134 9:15 AM First Church Library Open, Library 9:30 AM Middle School Sunday School, 209 9:30 AM High School Sunday School, Youth Room 9:30 AM Sound Seekers Rehearsal, 136 9:30 AM Cherub Choir Rehearsal, 206 9:30 AM Chancel Choir, Sanctuary 10:30 AM Sunday Worship, Sanctuary 10:45 AM Children’s Sunday School, Various 11:45 AM Commons in Collins Hall 12:00 PM Genesis Ringers Rehearsal, 130 12:00 PM Youth Ministry Committee, 134

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 9:00 AM Library Volunteers, Library

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 11:00 AM Bridge, 202 7:00 PM Adult Ministries Meeting, Library

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 10:00 AM UMW December Unit Meeting, Fireside Room 11:00 AM UMW Christmas Program, Chapel 1:00 PM Tabitha Sewing Circle, 202 7:00 PM Sanctuary Bell Rehearsal, 202 7:30 PM Boy Scouts Troop 1, 209 & Gym

Goose Hollow Family Shelter503/915-8306 n www.goosehollowfamilyshelter.org

Brandi Tuck, Executive Director

We extend a special welcome to our visitors. Portland First United Methodist Church declares that we will be an advocate for peace in our local communities and world. As a Reconciling Congregation, members of this congregation have pledged to welcome and support all who want to worship with us, regardless of race, gender, class or sexual orientation. We encour-age all of you to note your attendance on the communication card enclosed in your bulletin.

Welcome

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 10:00 AM Shovel & Rake, 110 5:00 PM Intergenerational Ping Pong, Gym 6:00 PM juBELLation Rehearsal, 202 7:00 PM Chancel Choir, Sanctuary

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 10:00 AM Children’s Christmas Pageant Rehearsal, Sanctuary 2:00 PM Joan Hill Memorial Service, Sanctuary

The Commons In Collins Hall

meeting people, meeting needs!

ANTHEM Dona Nobis Pacem by Z. R. Stroope

Dona nobis pacem. (Grant us peace)The wolf will lie with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the goat.And the calf and the lion and yearling togetherDona nobis pacem.And the cow will feed with the bear,And the lion will feed with the ox.And the young child will play near the nest of the viper,Dona nobis pacem.

A shoot will come from the stump of Jesse,From his roots a branch will bear fruit.Dona nobis pacem.And in that day the root of Jesse will stand as a banner to all people,And the place of rest will be glorious!Dona nobis pacem pacem.

2012 ALTAR FLOWER SIGN-UPS CONTINUE TODAYAre you considering a memorial or special occasion flower dedication for 2012? If so, now is the time to sign up for your preferred date. Today in Collins Hall after worship, sign-up sheets will be available so you can choose the week you wish to remember your loved one with birthday, anniversary, other special occasion, or memorial flowers. These dates usually are spoken for quickly, so please see Marty Martin and Agnes Zach at their sign-up table during Coffee Hour to make arrangements to honor those you love with flowers!

“LET’S MAKE A KITCHEN” IS A SUCCESS BECAUSE OF YOU!During November, we collected seven large barrels full of kitchen supplies for our Let’s Make a Kitchen utensil drive. This was another “job well done” by the youth of First Church. All the supplies were picked up by Portland’s Community Warehouse, where they will be distributed to poor and homeless clients. A heartfelt “Thank You” to all who participated in donating needed items.

THIS SUNDAY IS FISH SUNDAYDrivers to deliver our donations to the FISH Center on Hawthorne Blvd. are very much in need. The monthly donations will easily fit in most cars, even sub-compacts, and the FISH Center is located close in, near downtown Portland. Sign-up for this outreach ministry is located on the welcome table in Collins Hall during Coffee Hour. Please thoughtfully consider this as your personal outreach connection to our community.

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS & WORLD BAZAARSee today’s Alternative Christmas insert for full details on how to participate. Come to the Commons in Collins Hall and “make Christmas Count around the world!”

UPDATE ON THE FIRST CHURCH FINANCIAL CAMPAIGN Our Goal ................................................... $881,360Estimates of Giving Received to Date ..... $684,659 (77%)Estimates of Giving Cards thus far ............ 260 Thank you for your support of First Church. If you have not yet turned in your Estimate of Giving, please do so soon! With everyone’s help we can make it to the top!

OFFERTORY Welch’ Übermass der Gütefrom Cantata No. 17 by J. S. Bach

What abundance of goodnessyou present to me!Yet, what can my soul offer you in return?Lord, I know nothing else to bringthan to sing you thanks and praise.

DEATH PENALTY PUBLIC STATEMENTThe Oregon-Idaho Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, in light of the upcoming executions in Idaho and Oregon stands in firm opposition to the death penalty. We value the life of every individual and the citizens of any state should not be involved in putting someone to death.

The Social Principles of the United Methodist Church state: “We believe the death penalty denies the power of Christ to redeem, restore and transform all human beings.” The death penalty does not bring closure to victims’ families and exacts an extreme toll on officials, perpetrators’ families, and those involved in the execution process.

A Standing Resolution of the Oregon-Idaho United Methodist Conference urges all to actively oppose the death penalty and states: “We regard the deliberate taking of life as profoundly incompatible with the Gospel’s core teaching of love, mercy, and forgive-ness.”

A letter, commending Governor Kitzhaber’s for his recent statement that, “ ... the death penalty is morally wrong and unjustly administered,” will be available in the narthex and in the Commons in Collins Hall, following worship, for your signature of support.

CHANGING CHRISTIANITY This class meets each Sunday morning at 9:00 AM in Room 202. The class is discussing Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life, by Karen Armstrong.

FAITH LINK: A NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS This class meets each Sunday from 9:15 to 10:15 AM in Room 134 This weekly study analyzes current events from a Methodist perspective. FaithLink is a study for individuals or groups who want to apply their United Methodist beliefs to current faith issues and world events. This essential guide motivates Christians to consider their personal views on important contemporary issues. FaithLink also encourages action for beliefs. Please join us each Sunday for lively discussions and inspiration.

Adult Sunday School Classes AKE

COUNTHRISTMAS

ADVENTure For AllADVENTure is a fun way to explore Advent and will include art, story telling and music in playful learning. The ADVENTure will begin at 9:00 AM in the Fireside Room each Sunday of Advent. Nursery is available during this time, and all ages are welcome to come before choirs start. Come to one or come to all!

ADVENTUREJOIN THE GREAT

UMW DECEMBER UNIT MEETING, DECEMBER 7You are invited to join us as we share charming melodies of Christmas carols from around the world. Jonas Nordwall will be at the organ, joined by flutists Marie Zeller and Anne Kayser, Colleen Foster will provide a meditation and lead us in learning of the origins of some of our favorite hymns. You will be invited to sing, to listen, and to absorb the peace of Christmas. We’ll gather in the Fireside Room at 10:00 AM, on Wednesday, December 7. Highlighting this time will be presentation of useful, handsome tote bags, designed and sewn by the Tabitha Circle, as gifts to the women who are our current shelter guests. At 11:00 AM we move to the Chapel for a time of Christmas music. At noon we return to the Fireside Room for a delectable lunch, featuring “cookies from around the world.” Our church staff will be special guests. Everyone is welcome to the musical program. Please RSVP to Trudy Kayser at 503/292-7528) by December 1, 2011 if you plan to stay for lunch. Cost for lunch is $5.00. We truly hope to see you there! TABITHA CIRCLEThe Tabitha Circle will meet Wednesday, December 7 at 1:00 PM in Room 202. The project of making totes for those in the homeless shelter is due at this time. At 1:30 PM, Ruth Green will give a demonstration on making “undies.”

UMW

Shop for Christmas Dinner for Friendly HouseThis Advent provide a Christmas Dinner for a Friendly House Service for Seniors and Homeless Families program. Simply pick up a grocery bag and list in the Commons in Collins Hall and shop for the dinner. The cost is about $30.00. You can put your own spin on the items, but we just ask you keep in mind potential limitations for cooking. Please return full bags on Sunday, December 11 to the donation table in the narthex. Please do no return completed bags prior to December 11. The bags will be distributed to seniors and families by the folks at the Friendly House.

Volunteer at the ShelterMake Christmas count by volunteering at the Goose Hollow Family Shelter during Advent. Opportunities for service include meal providing, hosting Kid Time, and Over-Night hosting. You can sign up by going to: www.pdxhfs.org or signing up for a Sunday School in Action shift at the shelter. For more info on volunteering, and meal ideas, visit our Sunday School in Action poster in Collins Hall near the kid’s play area.

ChristmasDinner

JONAS NORDWALLFRIENDS

Portland’s First United Methodist Church Friends of Music Present

Sunday, December 11, 20113:00 PM

a ten dollar donation is suggested

Carol in Goose Hollow & Zoo LightsMark your Calendars for December 17. Meet at 5:00 PM in Room 202 at the church to sing Christmas carols and create Christmas cheer. We have invited families from the Goose Hollow Family Shelter to join us in this evening of fun. We will all have pizza dinner together at 6:00 PM at the church. A donation of $10/family will cover the cost of food for your family plus shelter guests. After singing and dinner, we will take the MAX up to the Oregon Zoo for a fun evening of light at the Oregon Zoo. First UMC families are responsible for their max and zoo tickets. (Zoo tickets are $9.00 for adults and $7.50 for children. Sign up with Megan after worship in Collins Hall.

Alternative ChristmasSee today’s insert for complete information on Alternative Christmas.

Preacher’s PubCome discuss the week’s Scripture passages at the Goose Hollow Inn (directly across the street from the church) on Wednesdays, December 7 and 14 at 7:00 PM. This is a relaxed Bible study and fellowship opportunity.

Longest Night ServiceThere will be a Longest Night Service on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at 5:00 PM in the Chapel. This service is designed to help and encourage those who have experienced loss, and anyone who finds Christmas a difficult and emotional time.

Christmas Eve Services“The shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place ...’” We encourage you to attend three of four Advent services and bring someone to a Christmas Eve service.

Christmas Eve Services 5:00 PM Family Friendly worship with the Children’s Nativity Pageant

7:00 & 9:00 PM Candlelight and Carols and a variety of special music

11:00 PM Communion Candlelight service in the Chapel

CALLING ALL CHRISTMAS BAKERS FOR THE CHRISTMAS POPS CONCERT WASSAIL RECEPTION Your Lay Leaders are hosting a reception following the December 11, 2011 Pops of the Season Concert and we are requesting your help. Last year it was standing room only for this joyful musical event, and our church bakers donated a wondrous variety of goodies to share with our many members and guests who were in attendance. We are hoping you may be able to help again this year. You can bring your donations to the Collins Hall kitchen anytime on December 11th. (Be sure to clearly mark them “For the Concert Reception.”) We invite everyone to join us at this Christmas celebration. We also are recruiting members to help with set-up and hosting. Please contact Cheryl Bittle or Sonja Connor if you are able to help.

NATIVITY PAGEANT REHEARSALSThe children of First Church will be presenting a Nativity Pageant in the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve service. All children are invited to participate! We will have two rehearsals:

Saturday, December 10 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (readers only rehearsal) Sunday, December 18 after worship (an all-cast dress rehearsal)

Contact Megan Humprheys-Loving if you would like your child to participate: mhumphreys-loving@fumcpdx.org or 503/228-3195 ext. 227

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTYFirst Church youth will gather for some holiday games, gingerbread house building, and an award for the best holiday cookie or baked good (bring enough to share!) Join us on Sunday, December 11, 2011 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM in the Youth Room. All youth are welcome.

Sacrament of Holy communion

invitation God’s Banquet is coming … Come and taste the grace eternal, come and see that God is good.

tHe Great tHankSGivinG

God is with us.We are not alone.Christ is present here.The Spirit moves within us.Let us give thanks to God,In memory and in hope.Blessings be to you, Creator God … O come, O come, Emmanuel.

SanctuS

tHe Story remembered

Yet even now, as we prepare to celebrate his birth, we remember the life that this baby will live … In our remembering we sing the mystery of faith.

memorial acclamation

tHe Spirit tranSformS

God, you poured your Spirit on Mary and she found the courage to respond. Pour out your Spirit on us gathered here. Open us up to the possibilities of your hope and power. Strengthen us in our time of waiting and give us the courage to make Christmas count.

Great amen

receivinG tHe elementS

Alternative Christmas 2011Portland’s First United Methodist Church

around the world

Did you know that First UMC has Covenant Relationships with three missionaries across the globe? Covenant Relationships are our way to support the work of missionary through the General Board of Global Ministries.

Our church has supported many missionaries through the years and our Covenant Relationships for 2012-2014 have just been renewed. Our Covenant Missionaries may be familiar to you from their recent visits to First Church. They are: Gordon and Teca Greathouse in Brazil, Clara Biswas in Cambodia, and Janet Lahr-Lewis in the Holy Land.

Several in our congregation have participated in Volunteer In Mission teams to two of these countries; Brazil in 2010 and the Holy Land in 2011. We hope to take a team to Cambodia in February of 2013.

To further highlight our mission relationships, the Global Missions Committee has lifted up three projects for our support during this season of giving. First UMC has a missionary presence in each of these three countries

BRAZIL

CAMBODIA

HOLY LAND

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4Alternative Christmas Gift Certificates,supporting the work described in this brochure

Palestinian Olive Oil and Related Items,benefiting Global mission work and the Palestinian people

Cambodian Scarves,benefiting the work of Clara Biswas in Cambodia

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11Alternative Christmas Gift Certificates,supporting the work described in this brochure

Palestinian Olive Oil and Related Items,benefiting Global mission work and the Palestinian people

Guatemalan Crafts,benefiting the work of Los Amigos de Los Romeritos,a day care center for Guatemalan street children

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18Alternative Christmas Gift Certificates,supporting the work described in this brochure

Palestinian Olive Oil and Related Items,benefiting Global mission work and the Palestinian people

Cambodian Scarves,benefiting the work of Clara Biswas in Cambodia

WORLD BAZAAR

Each Sunday in Collins Hall, after worship, you can come and experience a World Bazaar ... shop for unique Christmas gifts that will also benefit our mission work around the world.

Planet Church will alsomake the popularChinook Books

available during Advent.

Garbage Dump Ministry CAMBODIA

$5.00 $20.00 $50.00 Other $__________

Fresh Shade & Water Project BRAZIL

$5.00 $20.00 $50.00 Other $__________

Wadi Fukin Community Center PALESTINE

$5.00 $20.00 $50.00 Other $__________

Alternative Christmas Advance Descriptions

CAMBODIA: GARBAGE DUMP MINISTRY Families living in or near Phnom Penh’s garbage dumps eke out a living by digging in the garbage for food and items to sell. One hundred soda cans will generate the equivalent of two cents. Tonle Basak/Bording are educational projects in the slums surrounding the dumps. Young children attend school for half a day, while continuing to help their families gather garbage the rest of the day; older children obtain vocational skills to obtain jobs that will help lift their families from poverty. Enrichment programs are also provided. Clara Biswas, First UMC’s covenant missionary in Cambodia, coordinates this project. First Church is in a Covenant Relationship with Ms. Biswas.

BRAZIL: SHADE & FRESH WATER PROJECT In the extensive slum areas of Brazil’s large cities, children attend school only four hours a day. The children face the hazards of the street the remainder of the day. To address this problem, Gordon & Teca Greathouse, FUMC’s covenant missionaries in Brazil, have established centers called “Shade & Fresh Water” near the slums. The centers provide a safe place, where children from elementary and middle school come to be fed (sometimes their only meal of the day) and to learn. At the centers their lives are enriched by music, art, libraries, and computer labs. PALESTINE: WADI FUKIN COMMUNITY CENTER Wadi Fukin is a Muslim Palestinian village of 1200 people that is a few miles from Bethlehem in the West Bank. It is the only one of 531 Palestinian villages that has been returned to its land since the depopulation of Arab towns in 1948-1950. The community center in Wadi Fukin, under the guidance of First UMC covenant missionary Janet Lahr-Lewis, is the first United Methodist Community Development Project outside of the United States. The center was opened in February 2011, and the village board has developed a women’s program for health and activities, as well as a Youth Program which is designed especially for young men ages 18 to 30, who are needing to practice critical thinking in the areas of politics and culture as well as practical skills. The village has also invested in beehives and has begun to raise bees to produce honey for income, to help support the center.

Alternative Christmas Advance Donation Form Checks that accompany this form should be made out to:

First UMC and marked Alternative Christmas in the memo.

Name and Phone NumberTOTAL AMOUNT

$

Alternative Christmas 2011Portland’s First United Methodist Church

around the world