First United Methodist Church of
Wilmington
December
22, 2002 Fourth Sunday in Advent 10:15 a.m.
ORDER OF WORSHIP
As you prepare your hearts and
your minds for worship, reflect on these words:
“I wish
for you a ‘Mary’ Christmas, so that in the dark pockets in your own life, there
would enter today the seed of the Word of God—that Jesus would fill you, until
you abound with his life.”
ENTRANCE
Prelude and Lighting of the Altar Candles
Acolytes
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle Fajardo
Family
*Processional Hymn No. 218 “It Came upon the Midnight Clear”
Introit “Hodie! Christus Natus Est” Chancel Choir
Call to Worship:
Leader: Good
morning!
People:
Good morning!
Leader: Come, holy people, redeemed of God, to follow
the way prepared for you.
People:
Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth among those who please
God.
Leader: Once again
the earth is surprised at a manger, as the glory of God transforms the common
place.
People:
Let us go to Bethlehem to see what God has made known to us.
Leader: Experience
anew the wonder of God’s ways. Kneel in
awe before life that is fresh and new.
People:
Let us glorify and praise God for all who have seen and heard.
Invocation (Unison)
God of all wisdom, our hearts
yearn for the warmth of your love, and our minds search for the light of your
Word. Increase our longing for Christ
our Savior, and strengthen us to grow in love, that at the dawn of his coming
we may rejoice in his presence and welcome the light of his truth. This we ask in the name of Jesus
Christ. Amen.
CONFESSION AND AFFIRMATION
Silent Meditation
Call to Confession
(Pastor)
With expectant hearts we await the
coming of Christ. As he once came in
humility, shall we also come in humility that he can make all things new and
perfect through us in his everlasting kingdom.
Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Merciful God, in your gracious
presence we confess our sin and the sin of this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we
are a people divided against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken
world. Help us, forgive us, and set us
free to serve you in the world as agents of your reconciling love as Jesus
Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Assurance of Forgiveness
(Pastor)
God hears the confession of our hearts and lips. Through Jesus Christ we are forgiven all our
sins, and by the Holy Spirit we are empowered for new life. We believe the good news of Jesus
Christ. Thanks be to God.
*Gloria Patri No. 70
Sacrament of Baptism for Philippe C. Quezon
UMHy pp.39-43
Time With the Children
FRIENDSHIP AND STEWARDSHIP
Parish Life
Pastoral Prayer and Lord’s Prayer Choral
Response
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings
Offering Invitation
“Freely you have received, freely
give, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Matthew 16:26
Offertory Music No. 240 “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” Chancel Choir
*The Doxology
No. 95
*Offertory Prayer
PROCLAMATION
AND RESPONSE
Scripture Luke 1:26-38
Anthem “Sing Gloria” Chancel Choir
Meditation “Wishing
You a ‘Mary’ Christmas”
Pastor Neil Platon
SENDING
FORTH
Hymn No. 220 “Angels from the Realms of
Glory” 1st–3rd Stanzas
(Those who wish to rededicate themselves to God, or give thanks to God
for His many blessings are invited to come forward by the second stanza of this
hymn)
Prayer of Thanksgiving
(Pastor)
*Hymn No. 220 “Angels
from the Realms of Glory” 4th
Stanza
*Benediction
(Pastor)
The Word has become flesh and dwelt among us. Let Christ’s light shine in the darkest corner
of your life. Let Christ’s love shine
in the darkest corners of our world.
God is with us. Alleluia. Amen.
Benediction Response
“The Hallelujah Chorus” Chancel
Choir
Carrying the Light Into the World
Postlude
* If you are able please stand
ASSISTING IN THE SERVICE
Liturgist: Jun
DeVivar Pianist: Trini Yadao
Acolytes: Heather
Cadlaon & Julie Viray
Ushers: Jun
DeVivar (Head Usher), Kubing Millan, Francisco, Fajardo, Sam Lucero
and J.C. Dauz
Fourth Sunday in Advent Candle Lighting – Fajardo Family
Ushers
Next Week: Jun DeVivar (Head Usher), Kubing Millan,
Francisco Fajardo, San Lucero and J.C. Dauz
Offering Steward Schedule
December 22 Lita Cabrera
December 29 Paul and Agnes Cadlaon
January 5 Ora Cajigal and Jose Apuan
January 12 Lucia Caparino
Financial Report – December 15, 2002
Regular Envelope Offering $ 2,318.00
Loose Offering 90.00
Christmas Offering 465.30
Christmas Toys and Food 195.00
Youth Fund 200.00
All Sunday school classes 10.00
T O T A L
$ 3,278.30
Financial
Secretary: Rolando and Jane Mangaoang
Offering
Steward: Joyce David
T O D A Y!
Sunday school for children – theme
“Exploring Faith”
Sunday school for adults – Ilocano
and English
Choir Practice after
church upstairs in choir room
Christmas
Eve (Candlelight) service – December 24 at 7:30 pm
Christmas Institute – December
26th thru 30th at
Mile High Pines
42739 Highway 38, Angelus Oaks 92305 Phone 909-794-2824
www.milehighpines.com FAX 909-794-8884
J a n u a r y
2003
January 3 - Youth and Young Adult Bible
Study resumes.
Church Leadership Retreat – January
4, Saturday at 9 am
January 5 - Pastor’s Forum resumes.
Charge Conference – January
29, Wednesday at 7:30 pm
SPPRC members - meet with Rev. Lily Villamin at 6:30 pm
Church Web Site – www.wilmingtonfumc.org
Call Neva
Johnson 310 834-8442 or email nevabellejohnson@aol.com
your changes/e-mail address plus birthday and anniversary dates