SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

 

(*Stand, as you are able)

Tolling of the Tower Bell

 

GATHERING FOR WORSHIP

(Please register your attendance by

signing the pew register)

 

Prelude       Comfort, Comfort, Now My People  Gerald Near

                                (Freu dich Sehr)

 

*Call to Worship                                                              

L:       Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.

P:      For the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.

 

*Introit                                                                             

 

*Hymn             Hail to the Lord’s Anointed            No. 203

 

Advent Candle Lighting                                    The Fraziers

      L:      Pray, saddle your donkey, O Prince of Peace, and COME.  Bring us peace in our world, peace in our hearts, peace in our families.

      P:     Pacify our turbulent lives that we might become peacemakers: children blessed by our most blessed God of Peace.

 

(Sung)

Peace is a ribbon that circles the earth, giving a promise of safety and worth.  When God is a child there’s joy in our song.  The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid.

 

Gathering of Joys and Concerns for Prayer

 

Pastoral Prayer & Lord’s Prayer

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.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.

HEARING GOD’S WORD

 

The Prophecy                                       Isaiah 40:1-11 (p. 667)

      L:      May the Lord add the blessing to the reading of His Word.

 

The Gospel                                                 Mark 1:1-8 (p. 34)

      L:      This is the Word of the Lord.

      P:     Thanks be to God.

 

Sermon                    “Wilderness Callings”      Rev. Karin Walker

 

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

 

Offertory         Comfort, Comfort, O My People  arr. H. Hopson

 

*Doxology                                                                            

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise God, all creatures here below.  Praise God above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

 

The Great Thanksgiving

      L:      The Lord be with you.

      P:     And also with you.

      L:      Lift up your hearts.

      P:     We lift them up to the Lord.

      L:      Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

      P:     It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 

Giving of Bread and Cup

(Today, communion is by intinction.  Please dip your bread into the cup and partake.  We practice open communion, meaning all people of every age and religion are welcome to partake of the Lord’s Supper.)

 

*Hymn                Let There Be Peace on Earth            No. 431

 

*Benediction

 

*Choral Response                   

 

Postlude          My Soul Gives Glory to My God    D. N. Johnson

(Morning Song)

Please feel free to sit and enjoy the postlude.

† † † † † †

 

 

THE ALTAR FLOWERS are given by

Carol Davies & Steve Lillie in celebration of the birthdays of their boys, Ted & James

 

If you are a guest today, we are delighted to have you worship with us.  Please sign the pew register and stop by our Hospitality Center in the Narthex.  Large print hymnals are available in the Church Office.

 

Acolyte.............................................................................. Mitchell Baker

Crucifer............................................................................. Michael Porter

Liturgist................................................................................ Chris Higgins

Greeters........................................................... Diane Grimes, Lee Keefer

                                                                        Charlie & Libby Bransford

Sound........................................... David Furman, John Regan, Stu Foster

Ushers........................................................ Paul Englehart, Harold Moyer

                                                             Wayne Thompson, Rebecca Little

 

† † † † † †

 

Pastor                                                        Deacon/Minister of Ed. & Yth.

Rev. Karin W. Walker                                Rev. Richard L. Buckingham

Minister of Visitation                                                       Director of Music

Rev. John C. Walker                                        Mr. N. Thomas Pedersen

Pastoral Counselor                                                                       Organist

Mrs. Mandi Mader                                                        Mr. Marvin Mills

 

Church Phone: 301-933-7933; FAX Phone: 301-933-4418

Home Page: http://www.stpaulsk.org/

E-mail: mailto:stpaulsk@erols.com

Rev. Karin W. Walker’s e-mail: mailto:RevKarin@msn.com

Rev. John C. Walker’s e-mail: friartuck4@verizon.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We would like to thank the wonderful people that arrange our beautiful flowers every week!  They are: Becky Little, Nancy McArdle, Marie Powell, & Norma Townsend.

 

 

Activities for the week of December 4, 2005

 

Sunday                            12/04/05

  8:00 a.m.                         Worship with Communion – Sanctuary

  9:00 a.m.                         Joyful Rising Service - Sanctuary

10:15 a.m.                         Traditional Worship with Communion – Sanctuary

10:15 a.m.                         Sunday School – Classrooms

10:15 a.m.                         Adult Sermon Discussion Group – Parlor

11:30 a.m.                         New Members Class – Library

11:30-3:30                        UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot (See 1.)

  6:30 p.m.                        Youth Recreation – Multipurpose Room

  7:00 p.m.                        UMYF – Usual Rooms

 

Monday                          12/05/05

11:00 a.m.                         “Stretchersize” – Octagon

  1:00 p.m.                        Disciple II – 109

  1-6 p.m.                          UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot

  7:30 p.m.                        BSA Troop #439 – Multipurpose Room

  7:30 p.m.                        Spanish Class – Room 119 (All are welcome!)

  7:30 p.m.                        Disciple II – 109

 

Tuesday                          12/06/05

10:00 a.m.                         Prayer Lift – Chapel

10:45 a.m.                         Bible Study (Scripture Reflections) – Library

  1-6 p.m.                          UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot

7:30 p.m.                          Daughters of Sarah – Andrea Hopkins’ home

 

Wednesday                    12/07/05

  1-6 p.m.                         UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot

10:30 a.m.                         Deborah & Miriam Circles - Octagon

  6:00 p.m.                        Children’s Choir – Room 211 (See 2.)

  6:30 p.m.                        Sarah Circle-Christmas Pot-luck Dinner – Jean McKinney’s home

  6:30 p.m.                        UMM Dinner & Meeting – Heavener Hall (See 3.)

  7:00 p.m.                        Lydia Circle – meet at Tavira Restaurant

  7:00 p.m.                        Youth Choir – Room 211

  7:00 p.m.                        Prayer & Praise Service – Chapel

  8:00 p.m.                        Joyful Team Rehearsal - Sanctuary

 

Thursday                        12/08/05

  1-6 p.m.                         UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot

  7:30 p.m.                        Handbell Rehearsal – Sanctuary & Room 109

  8:00 p.m.                        Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – Room 211

 

Friday                              12/09/05

  1-7 p.m.                          UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot

  6:30 p.m.                        Prisca Circle – Multipurpose Room & Room 205

 

Saturday                          12/10/05

11:00 a.m.                         UMW Christmas Luncheon – Heavener Hall (See 4.)

  9-6 p.m.                          UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot

 

Sunday                            12/11/05

  8:00 a.m.                         Worship with Communion – Sanctuary

  9:00 a.m.                         Joyful Rising Service - Sanctuary

10:15 a.m.                         Traditional Worship – Sanctuary

10:15 a.m.                         Sunday School – Classrooms

10:15 a.m.                         Adult Sermon Discussion Group – Parlor

  2 p.m.                             Spirits Basketball Game - Woodside UMC

11:30-3:30                        UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Parking Lot

11:30 a.m.                         Justice & Compassion (film) – Heavener Hall (See 5.)

  6:30 p.m.                        Youth Recreation – Multipurpose Room

  7:00 p.m.                        UMYF – Usual Rooms

 

Worship attendance last Sunday = 297

Sunday School attendance last Sunday = 109

 

1. UMM Christmas Tree Sale – Volunteers are needed, please sign up in the Church Office.  If you have any questions, call Harold Moyer (301-946-1865) or Jerry Watkins (301-942-7405).

 

2. Children’s Christmas Pageant – Children interested in singing in the pageant, directed by Tom Pedersen and Elvie Melegrito, are welcome to attend practices on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.  Included in the “Calling All Angels” production is a new song written by our own Meg Baker.  The pageant is held at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve and is always a special gift to the congregation.  If you have any questions, call Sarah Beck (301-949-9619) or Debra McCurry (301-949-5955).

 

3. The UMM are having a potluck supper & general meeting on Wed., Dec. 7th at 6:30 p.m.  If you bring a main dish, there is no charge; otherwise the cost is $5 payable at the door.  Around 8, the St. Paul’s Quartet will entertain.  Please sign up in the Church Office.

 

4. UMW Annual Christmas Luncheon – All women are invited!  Mark your calendar for December 10th at 11 a.m. for installation of officers and a program followed by a potluck lunch.  Sign up in the Church Office by TODAY!  (sign up to bring either dessert or a salad.)  Reservations are required.

 

5. Wal-Mart Film.  The Justice and Compassion Ministry is hosting a screening of the new film “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price,” next Sunday, Dec. 11, 11:30a.m. Heavener Hall. “This film tells the real story of the corrosive effects that Wal-Mart wreaks upon the communities in which it operates and the men and women it employs.” Bring your bag lunch. Coffee and soft drinks will be served.

 

Poinsettias – Orders for poinsettias to beautify our Sanctuary at Christmas will be taken after each of the three services today and December 11.  The cost is $10.75 per plant, and you may choose red or white.  Poinsettias will be available for pick up after the Christmas Eve service.  You can also sponsor church door wreaths, at a cost of $18 per wreath.  Both poinsettias and wreathes may be designated in honor or memory of loved ones.  Please make checks payable to St. Paul’s UMC.  Contact Betsy Sanford if you have questions (301-942-5208).

 

ORDER YOUR ALTAR FLOWERS FOR 2006.  January 1, 8, & 29 need sponsors.  The cost is $55 per Sunday.  Please sign up on the 2006 FLOWER CALENDAR, located on the bulletin board in the Church Office and fill out the yellow form, give to the office volunteer.

In observance of Human Rights Day, the Justice & Compassion Ministry encourages participation in a “Worker’s Rights are Human Rights Rally” on Thursday, Dec. 8, 12 Noon, AFL-CIO bldg., 815 16th St., NW, Washington, DC.

 

The Friendship Club will meet on December 13 in Heavener Hall at 11:30.  The club will provide baked ham.  Please bring a side dish or dessert.  St. Paul’s Quartet will be the entertainment.

 

ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFTS - Do you want to give really meaningful gifts this year?  Choose from three mission projects:  Christ House in Washington DC, US Hurricane Relief through UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief), or South Asia Earthquake Relief through UMCOR.  Alternative cards are available today and next Sunday in the Narthex before and after the 9 o’clock and 10:15 services.  For your donation you will receive attractive cards to give your family and friends, telling them of your gifts in their honor.  Make it a special Christmas!

 

The Justice & Compassion Team is sponsoring a Star Tree to provide gifts to children who participate in the TEAM after school program in DC.  The tree is in the Octagon.  Also, a purchase of a gift certificate (Safeway or Giant) for their family would be appreciated.  The gifts will need to be brought (wrapped), with the star taken from the tree with them, to the church by Wednesday, Dec. 14th.  Questions? – contact Kaye McMullen (301-942-8986) or Kim Longsworth (301320-3684).

 

St. Paul’s

United Methodist Church

10401 Armory Ave., Kensington, Maryland 20895

 

 

 

THE PURPOSE of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

is to invite and welcome all:

 

— To worship God

                        — To grow as disciples of Jesus Christ

                                    — To love and support one another

— To do justice and serve

        compassionately in the world

 

“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8a