CLAREMONT UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Fourth Sunday of Advent: “Rule with Truth and Grace”

December 22, 2019

Advent Reflection Questions

How can we take a deep breath and, like Joseph, open to discover what may be an unexpected gift in the midst of a difficult situation?

How are we contributing to chaos instead of the reign of truth and grace?

What will help us choose peace and serenity instead of joining chaos when we encounter it?

Who in your life or community needs peaceful joy and the spirit of Christmas?

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Expansion of Our Hearts We gather together to worship the One Who Is Joy,

and as we come together, our hearts expand. We remember that the heavens declare God’s praise

as the sun rises and light multiplies. And we witness that all of nature, including humanity, yearns to grow toward the Light so that all might know joy.

PRELUDE Reflection on “Veni Emmanuel” John Carter *PROCESSIONAL HYMN “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” UMH No. 211

pg. 3 Leader: Psalm 98, upon which the hymn, “Joy to the World” is based…. … “God rules the world” - not with sword or domination - but with “truth and grace.” So let us sing: People: Sing a new song to the Lord. tune: “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” Lift your hearts with gratitude. Sing a new song to the Lord. Lift your hearts with gratitude.

For God’s steadfast love and mercy, ever present, always faithful, leads us on with Peaceful Joy, leads us on with Peaceful Joy.

* Please stand as you are able. UMH is The United Methodist Hymnal. TFWS is The Faith We Sing booklet.

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LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE please be seated Hilda, Sheryl, and Quentin Bizzell

Reader: Holy God, we await again the arrival of Your son, the Prince of Peace. We long for the peaceful waters of joy that run deep and wide underneath all of life. When we feel the chaos of life bearing down on us, help us to remember that it doesn’t have to be this way. Help us to step into a slower rhythm that is your Peaceful Joy. People: Let truth and grace rule our hearts this day. Let truth and grace rule our church this day. Let truth and grace rule the world this day… in the name of Peace. Amen.

Reception of God’s Word As we open to receive the Word and interpret its meaning for our lives,

we connect to the depths of our being where the River of Joy is always flowing. SCRIPTURE READING Helen Dwyer Isaiah 7:13-15 Old Testament pg. 636 (blue) pg. 779 (red) MOMENTS WITH CHILDREN *THE PEACE Leader: The peace of Christ be always with you. People: And also with you!

Please greet one another in the name of Christ, and be seated when the music begins. SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 1:18-25 New Testament pg. 1 (blue) pg. 1 (red) ANTHEM “Joy to the World” Georg F. Handel The Sanctuary Choir arr. David Schwoebel He Rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love. SERMON Rev. Karen Clark Ristine

“Rule with Truth and Grace” SUNG RESPONSE “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” UMH No. 204

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, his name is called Emmanuel. God with us, revealed in us, his name is called Emmanuel.

Words and Music: Bob McGee, 1976, © 1976 C. A. Music

Transformation of Our Lives Connecting with our deepest selves, we are able to accept that all of life

resides within joy’s possibilities—not only the happy moments, but also the sorrows and difficulties of life. Like the work of our hearts, all that flows in can

be given new life, giving us strength and courage for all circumstances.

PRAYERS FOR THE WORLD AND THE PEOPLE OF GOD (prayer list on pg. 7) THE LORD’S PRAYER (Former Methodist Church from UMH No. 895) Our Father (or Mother, Abba, God, Creator), 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. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. OFFERING OUR GIFTS, TITHES, AND PRESENCE/PRAYER CARDS

Please sign the attendance card found in this worship guide. Write prayer requests on the reverse side, giving complete information, and place the card in the offering plate.

OFFERTORY Rondo on “God Rest Ye Merry” Samuel Wesley *OFFERTORY HYMN a Christmas Doxology to the melody of “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God above ye heavenly host. Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Rejoice, rejoice. Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel. *OFFERTORY PRAYER

Compassion for the World

Connecting to Joy can compel us to want this connection for all beings. We leave this place “with passion” (com-passion) for adding our love, peace, hope, and joy to the world.

*HYMN “A Star Shone Bright” pg. 6

*BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Chorale Prelude on “Freu dich sehr” Richard Lind

As the cross passes by, you are encouraged to be seated and listen for how the Spirit touches us through music. We understand if you must quietly leave. Go in peace.

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From Worship & Song, copyright © 2011, Abingdon Press, Nashville, TN. One License number 725011-A

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NEW TO THE PRAYER LIST: Sanja & her Children (Laura & Lottie Lilley-Coles’ friends in Paki-stan); Janice Bishop (Nancy Goodman’s friend); Youth struggling with Mental Health; World Council of Churches Countries of the Week: Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan. THE FULL PRAYER LIST, including those who are unwillingly absent, can be found at http://claremontumc.net/cumc/Newsletters/WINDOW/TheWindow_2019-12-11.pdf, pages 3-4, or you may wish to pick up a copy of the latest issue of The Window from the Narthex.

*Worship design and liturgy adapted from Worship Design Studio www.worshipdesignstudio.com/joy. Used with permission. Music license is available in the church office.

TODAY’S POSTLUDE completes our journey tracing the evolution of the hymn tune Freu dich sehr. In current hymnals, it appears in its original, off-kilter rhythm, but paired with a text by the German hymn-writer, Johann Olearius from 1671. The first verse of this hymn pronounces, “‘Comfort, comfort now my people. Tell of Peace!’ so says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning under sorrow’s load. To God’s people now proclaim that God’s pardon waits for them! Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever!” WE ARE GLAD YOU ARE HERE! Children are always welcome in worship; should you need it, childcare is offered during worship. Claremont United Methodist Church is a welcoming and reconciling congregation, affirming its ministry with the whole family of God regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, economic situation, or marital status. Claremont United Methodist Church believes its diversity is a blessing through which persons are strengthened to love and serve. INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE IN WORSHIP: Because language has the power to shape our thinking about one another, Claremont United Methodist Church uses inclusive language for Bible readings from the New Revised Standard Version. Some historical texts that are widely known and loved are left unaltered. This, we believe, in no way diminishes our commitment to inclusive expression. We invite persons to change the words of hymns deemed to be exclusive so that the hymns might have meaning for all.

OUR PRAYERS PLEASE keep the church office updated on your loved ones.

Large Print Bulletin available ONLINE at claremontumc.net/cumc/Newsletters/. Wi-Fi ID: C.U.M.C.3 and password: cumcmain. Remember your attendance card.

Sunday worship is usually recorded on CD each week. If you’d like a copy, a donation per CD is accepted. Contact the CUMC office, churchoffice@claremontumc.info. Thank you!

FRAGRANCES IN CHURCH (Men and Women): Please be mindful that someone near you may be asthmatic or have chemical sensitivities. We ask you to avoid wearing strong smelling cosmetics, as they may trigger a terrible reaction from others. Thank you!

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TODAY AT CUMC

ACOLYTES: Nora Logsdon, Olivia Delgado, Caroline Delgado

USHERS: Ed Kania, Dave Little

GREETERS: Carl & Peggy Williams & Family

SOUND: Jim Nunn, Brett O’Connor, Darryl Richardson

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP takes place on the patio, following worship. Please come and fellowship over a cup of lemonade, Fair Trade coffee, or tea.

Share the Gift of Hospitality on Sundays: Please consider greeting before worship, or hosting coffee fellowship following worship. All you need bring is your wonderful self! Please sign up in the Narthex. Thank you!

Children’s Ministry on Sundays Children, preschool through 6th grade, are invited to Sunday

School following the Children’s Time in worship. CUMC Kids Choir for all children (kinder-6th grade) rehearses at

10:50 a.m. TODAY, in Room 10. This Sunday morning music program is led by our very own, Katie Franklin Ledsinger.

Calling all YOUTH (6th - 12th grade) TODAY, 10:45am, Room 2, Youth Sunday School TODAY, 11:35am, Room 11, Youth Chimes Rehearsal Coffee Talk and Youth Group are on Christmas break! Coffee Talk will

resume on Wednesday, January 8, and Youth Group will resume on Sunday, January 12.

Questions? Contact Sara Swift Tharpe: (336) 354-8194 or swiftharpe@yahoo.com.

CUMC’s Reconciling Committee Annual Holiday Luncheon TODAY, December 22 at 12:00 p.m. at the home of Dean McVay It will be a potluck gathering - bring your favorite holiday dish to pass. If you would like to attend, please RSVP with Dean at deanmcvay@hotmail.com. All are welcome!

ADULT MINISTRIES & FAITH FORMATION All are welcome!

The Boosters Class is NOT meeting this week or next Sunday, December 29. The class will resume Sunday, January 5 at 10:45-ish in the Round Building Rec. Room. All are welcome!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

The Growing Christians Class meets Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in the Round Building. This week the class an opportunity to share what we have taken from this Season of worship, celebrations, joys, challenges, and unplanned surprises. All are welcome!

The Men’s Enrichment Group will meet next on Wednesday, January 8, 8:00 a.m., at Mt. San Antonio Gardens in the 2nd floor lounge of “D” Building. Visitors welcome! Information/contacts: Harold Unland or Thom Armstrong

Have you ever thought about ushering… We have openings to usher on a quarterly rotation in December, April, August; or January, May, September. If you are interested, please contact the CUMC Office, churchoffice@claremontumc.info. Thank you to all of our ushers!

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Alternative Christmas Celebration We have received $2310 thus far for Dios es Amor, our sister congregation; our goal was $2500. We have received $1840

for The Border Church thus far; our goal was $2500. If you could help us reach those goals, contact Joe DeRoulhac, or Bill and Mary Beck.

Peace at the Border, Al Streyffeler

Send the Hope of Christmas… Send a letter for Amnesty International! December’s letter is on the front desk in the Narthex. Attached is an update on recent cases. Please mail the letters by the end of the month. Thank you!

Reading the Bible Together, a weekly Bible study led by Rev. Karen and Rev. Martha, is on Christmas break! The Bible study will resume on Wednesday, January 8 at 9:45 a.m. in Room 2. All are welcome, whether you are a beginner with the Bible or a seasoned veteran! Speak to Rev. Karen or Rev. Martha if you have questions.

In Observance of Christmas… The Claremont UMC Office will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday, December 25 and 26. The office will reopen Friday, December 27.

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CHRISTMAS AT CLAREMONT UMC

Christmas Eve Tuesday, December 24

We light the Christ candle… Worship times below

4:00 p.m. Worship for ALL, designed with Children & Families in mind. The CUMC Kids Choir will sing

and the Youth Chimes will play during worship. The youth will share in leading worship. Children are always welcome in worship; and childcare is available.

7:00 p.m. Worship with Lessons, Carols, and Candle-Lighting

Worship is enhanced with familiar carols, and the spoken word will unfold the drama of Christmas. CUMC’s adult choir and hand bell choir will share special music, and candles will be lit throughout the congregation as all join in the carol, “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Children are always welcome in worship; and childcare is available.

11:00 p.m. Worship with Lessons, Carols, and Candle-Lighting with Holy Communion

Worship is enhanced with familiar carols and scriptures that point to the birth of Christ, as well as special music. We share the sacrament of Holy Communion, and candles are lit throughout the congregation as all join in the carol, “Silent Night, Holy Night.”

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Sunday, December 22, 2019 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:15a-12:00p Infant and Toddler Care—Room 3 9:30a Worship–Sanctuary 9:50a Children’s Sunday School Class Locations: Preschool-Kindergarten– Yellow Room Grades 1-3—Round Building, Room 25 Grades 4-6—Round Building, Room 23 10:30a Coffee Fellowship—Patio and Narthex 10:45a Youth Sunday School—Room 2 10:50a CUMC Kids Choir Rehearsal—Room 10 11:00a The Growing Christians Class—Round Building 11:35a Youth Chimes Rehearsal—Room 11 12:00p Circuit Ringers Rehearsal—Room 11 5:00-7:00p Girl Scouts—Narthex Monday, December 23, 2019 6:15p Al Anon—Room 11 Tuesday, December 24, 2019 Christmas Eve

4:00p Christmas Eve Worship: focus on families & children—Sanctuary 7:00p Christmas Eve Worship—Sanctuary 11:00p Christmas Eve Worship with Holy Communion—Sanctuary

Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Christmas Day CUMC Office Closed 6:30p Women’s Alcoholics Anonymous—Room 11 8:00p Gay Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous—Room 11 Thursday, December 26, 2019 Merry Christmas CUMC Office Closed Saturday, December 28, 2019 10:30a 7th Day Adventist Worship & Study—Round Building Sunday, December 29, 2019 9:15a-12:00p Infant and Toddler Care—Room 3 9:30a Worship–Sanctuary 9:50a Children’s Sunday School Class Locations: Preschool-Kindergarten– Yellow Room Grades 1-6—Round Building 10:30a Coffee Fellowship—Patio and Narthex Deadline: The Window January 8 articles

THIS WEEK AT CUMC

www.claremontumc.net ~ churchoffice@claremontumc.info Office: 909-624-9021 Fax: 909-624-7308 ~ 211 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711

Nurturing spirits…Working for justice…

Serving others and creation…

Ministers: The Whole Congregation

Clergy and Staff The Rev. Karen Clark Ristine ~ Lead Pastor x224

The Rev. Martha Morales ~ Minister of Education and Caring Ministries x231 Jessica Johnston, M.Div. ~ Church Administrator x222

Genaro Cordova ~ Facilities Engineer Jeri Bollman, M.S. ~ Director: CUMC Preschool

Sara Swift Tharpe, M.Div. ~ Director of Youth Ministries Dena Dissmeyer ~ Director of Children’s Ministries

Katie Franklin Ledsinger, M.A. ~ Organist; Director of The Circuit Ringers, CUMC Kids Choir, and Youth Chimes

Jared Pugh ~ Director of The Sanctuary Choir Moon Young Kong and Mateo Mamea ~ Pastoral Interns Marie Soltero and Elizabeth Slater ~ Nursery Attendants

Mateo Mamea ~ Sunday Custodian Leeann Nabors ~ The Clinebell Institute

Located in the California Pacific Annual Conference

The Rev. Dr. Grant J. Hagiya ~ Resident Bishop The Rev. Melissa Roux MacKinnon ~ East District Superintendent

In covenant with United Methodist Missionaries

Mozart Adevu ~ West Africa Stephen Copley ~ Arkansas

In covenant with Dios es Amor Methodist Church ~ Tijuana, Mexico