St. Andrew

United Methodist

Church Rev. Jeff Childress

December 16th, 2018

Third 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).

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

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 Matthew 25:31-46 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. 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.

PRELUDE Bells of St. Andrew Welcome and Grace of Hospitality

*Bringing In the Light of Christ and Opening Praise Hymn No. 251 Go, Tell It on the Mountain

* Lighting the Advent Candle of Joy The Baldwin Family

Reader: "And Mary said, 'My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name'" (Luke 1:46-49). Today we remember Mary, innocent and powerful, sacred and scared, worried and waiting as the Savior of all grows in her womb. She sings boldly when she might be meek; she bears her role in history with the confidence of a warrior; she is the beginning of a mighty revolution as the proud are brought down and the lowly lifted up. People: Today we give thanks for the Marys among us, who step out of the roles society has planned; unintended pioneers determined to do as God asks; fearless and fearfully stepping out in faith, and beckoning us to do the same. Reader: On this third Sunday of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of Mary, mother of God, bearer of the Way.

*Hymn No. 89 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee

Prayer of Approach (in unison)

Lord, grant your Spirit to come this morning and remind us

of the joy of our salvation. Turn us in faith to thanksgiving

and proclamation of the glorious works you have done. Help

us sing for joy, for you have promised us that you will be in our midst as we have gathered here this morning to hear from you. We ask these things in the name of your Son, our Savior and Sovereign King, Jesus Christ. Amen. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism Mark Stanley Bishop

Brothers and sisters in Christ: through the Sacrament of

Baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy church. We are

incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation and given

new birth through water and the Spirit. All this is God’s

gift, offered to us without price.

I present to you this morning, Mark Bishop, for baptism.

Do all of you, as Christ’s body, the church, reaffirm both

your rejection of sin and your commitment to Christ as the

vow made at your baptism?

We do.

Will you nurture one another in the Christian faith and life,

and include Mark, now before you, in your care?

With God’s help we will proclaim the good news and

live according to the example of Christ. We will

surround Mark with a community of love and

forgiveness, that he may grow in his service to others.

We will pray for Mark, that he may be a true disciple

who walks in the way that leads to life.

Baptismal Covenant

Blessing of the Baptismal Waters

Eternal God, pour out your Holy Spirit, to bless this gift of water, and to bless Mark, who receives it, to wash away his sin, and clothe him in righteousness through his life, that dying and being raised with Christ, he may share in his final victory.

All praise to you, Eternal Father, through your Son Jesus Christ, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns forever. Amen. Baptism with Laying On of Hands

Commendation and Welcome

Members of the household of God, I commend Mark

Bishop to your love and care. Do all in your power to

increase his faith, confirm his hope, and perfect him in

love.

We give thanks for all that God has already given you

and we welcome you in Christian love. As members

together with you in the body of Christ and this

congregation of The United Methodist Church, we

renew our covenant faithfully to participate in the

ministries of the church by our prayers, our

presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness, that

in everything God may be glorified through Jesus

Christ.

May the God of all grace, who has called us to eternal

glory in Christ, establish you and strengthen you by the

power of the Holy Spirit, that you may live in grace and

peace. *Please stand if you are able CCLI#1116193

Tithes and Offerings “Beautiful Savior” by Tom Fettke Kim Welborn

*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 Oh, What a Glorious Night

Old Testament Lesson Zephaniah 3:14-20

*Gospel Lesson Luke 3:7-18

Sermon Prepare the Way: Do Rev. Jeff Childress

Morning Prayer and Lord’s Prayer *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. 218 It Came upon the Midnight Clear

*Benediction

*Closing Praise No. 224 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

This Week at St. Andrew December 16, 2018 - December 22, 2018

Monday December 17, 2018

Jesus, Juice & Java 9:00am

Sunday School 9:30am

Morning Worship 10:30am

The Toy Store Story 5:00pm

Reception/Family Night 5:45pm

Sunday December 16, 2018 Wednesday December 19, 2018

Kids for Christ 6:30pm

Bible Study 6:30pm

Chancel Choir 7:30pm

Thursday December 20, 2018

Saturday December 22, 2018 Finance Committee Cancelled

Lucille Searcy S/S class Christmas Lunch

11:30am

Sweet Spirits FLC 11:30am

Gym open for walkers. 5:30pm

Gym Open for walkers. 8:00am Tuesday December 18, 2018

The Toy store Story

Written by:

Evan Baldwin

& Jonas Justus

Featuring

St. Andrew

Kids for Christ

&

Youth.

TONIGHT

December 16, 2018

@ 5:00pm

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 Bill Brown Jane Campbell (Lucy Rackley’s sister)

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

Mother)

Laine Lemon Ken Mattison Annie McJunkins Ann Owens Lucy Rackley Harold Rampey JR Thomas Val Thornton John Vanderhoof 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

J, J & J (Jesus, Juice & Java) will

be served with pastries every

Sunday morning at 9:00am .

Christmas Musical

Next Sunday

December 23, 2018

St. Andrew Chancel Choir

Under the direction of Nancy Brown.

Living the Covenant,

The second segment of the three part Covenant Bible Study series, will

resume in January. The Thursday group will meet on January 3rd at

9 A.M. and the Sunday group will meet at 5 P.M. on January 6th. Both

groups will meet in the Family Life Center.

Please join us at 5:30pm on

December 24 for our Christmas

Eve Candlelight and

Communion Service as we

celebrate the birth of our

Savior.

Don’t forget about the Christmas card

box that is located in the Narthex.

There is a donation of 10 cents per

card that is placed in the box. All

donations will be sent to Epworth

Children’s Home.

Please remember to only put cards in

the box for the members who attend

this church on a regular basis. All

cards for our members who are on the

prayer list to include the Military,

Homebound, Independent Living,

and Nursing Homes, need to be

mailed.

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 16, 2018

Nursery

Tami Finley & Jennifer Johnson

Greeters

Mike & Pam Spirko

Ushers

Mike & Pam Spirko

The Grahams

Abundant Living

Please text your November steps

into Lynn James: 864-360-4324,

or email to Abundantliving-

SAUMC @ Gmail.Com