Ebenezer United Methodist Church

December 15, 2019

Ebenezer United Methodist Church is a

Stephen Ministry Congregation.

Welcome Ministers: 8:30 Dave Rodeheaver

11:00 Deb August Greeters: 8:30 Ann Varey 11:00 Paul Kelley Acolytes: 8:30 11:00 Georgia Jones Ushers: 8:30 Curtis Reedy and Rick Guretsky

11:00 Don Grimes Worship Leaders: 8:30 Al Sowden 11:00 Anna Marie Beasom Communion Servers 8:30 Steve and Garnet Dennis 11:00 John and Linda Stapleford

Flowers today are presented to the Glory of God and

In Loving Memory of Harry Moser and Jasper Moser

Presented by Kristin Moser

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THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom;… For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;… and the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and cone to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness,

and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:1a, 6b, 10

Sunday, December 15, 2019 8:30 & 11:00 AM

GATHERING Greeting & Announcements Kindly sign our pew registers and pass to your neighbor.

If you are first time visitor, we invite you to share your name and USPS & e-mail addresses

as we would like to acknowledge your presence with us today.

CENTERING MUSIC “Come, All Ye Shepherds” Robert J. Powell/Czech Carol

*CALL TO WORSHIP

To you, O LORD, we lift up our hearts! Left Side: In you, gracious God, we put our trust.

Right side: We trust in your faithfulness and goodness. Teach us your ways, LORD, and show us your path.

Left Side: Lead us in your truth. Right Side: You are the God of our salvation.

Your mercy and your love have stood throughout the ages.

Left Side: You have forgiven our sins because of your love for us. Right Side: You are fair and just, always ready to show us the right path.

All: We celebrate your love and faithfulness!

*PRAISE SONG (UMH 203) “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed” ELLACOMBE

LIGHTING THE CANDLES OF ADVENT

(8:30) Kristin Moser (11:00) Sandy & Geoffrey Steggell

Sometimes on our journey, our feet get heavy, our shoulders feel burdened, and our

hearts seem slow. Sometimes in the preparation, the busyness overwhelms us, and we get lost in the doing and the planning and the running. And what we And the answer is

simple: for the joy of it. We forget the joy when we get caught up in the to-do lists. We forget the joy when we worry more about how things look than connecting with others.

Matthew tells us that when John asked if Jesus was the one to come, Jesus responded

by saying look around you. Our call in this Advent journey is to look around us to see

the one who comes already at work among us and to celebrate that presence with joy.

We light the candles of peace and hope and joy to light our way as we journey. [Three candles are lit]

Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, that God may teach us the ways of peace and hope and joy.

Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

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PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

LORD God, in this dry and dusty place, pour out the power of your Spirit

so that your Word may blossom in our lives; through Jesus Christ, our way in the wilderness. Amen.

FIRST TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 35:1-10 This is the Word of the LORD. Thanks be to God.

MINISTRY OF MUSIC

(8:30) “Savior of the Nations, Come” arr. Georgiann H. Toole Chancel Choir

Savior of the Nations, come, Virgin’s Son, make Earth you home,

Marvel now, O heaven and earth That the Lord chose such a birth.

From the Godhead forth you came, and return unto the same,

Captive leading death and hell. High and song of triumph swell!

You, the chosen Holy one, Have over death the victory won. Boundless shall your kingdom be; When Shall we its glories see?

Brightly does your manger shine, Glorious is its light divine.

Let not hate over cloud this light. Ever be our Faith so bright!

(11:00) “Away in the Manger” William J. Kirkpatrick Sharon Keeler, soloist

CHILDREN’S CHAPEL TIME

Kathy Zinn, Lucy Merritt, soloists; Sharon Keeler, guitar

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright,

Round yon virgin mother and child, Holy infant, so tender and mild,

Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.

Stille Nacht, HeiligeNacht!

Alles schlaft, einsam wacht Nur da traute hoch heilige Paar,

Holder Knabe emit lockigem Haar, Schlaf im himmlischer Ruh,

Schlaf im himmlischer Ruh.

EPISTLE LESSON James 5:7-10 This is the Word of the LORD. Thanks be to God.

MESSAGE “A Desert in Bloom” Rev. Mary Browne

PRAYER SONG (UMH 242) “Love Came Down at Christmas” GARTAN

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PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

Here is the table of the LORD, we are gathered to his supper, a foretaste of things eternal.

Come, when you are fearful, to be made new in love. Come, when you are doubtful, to be made strong in faith.

Come, when you are regretful, and be made whole. Come, old and young, there is room for all.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of majesty and glory, we are thirsty for your grace. You made a way for us in the wilderness, and still,

in our foolishness, we go astray. We hide our eyes from your presence.

We do not listen to your word. We are lifeless when we ought to dance and speechless

when we ought to sing. Forgive us, O LORD.

Speak peace to our fearful hearts, strengthen our weak hands,

and make firm our feeble knees as we seek to follow in your holy way. Amen.

WORDS OF ASSURANCE

Now return to the LORD with joy and gladness. Sing a song of redemption!

Let sorrow and sighing be no more. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.

Thanks be to God.

*PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST God makes peace within us. Let us claim it.

God makes peace between us. Let us share it. Let us greet another as a sign of God’s peace.

The peace of Christ be with you, always. And also with you.

INVITATION TO THE OFFERING As a farmer plants the seeds and waits for the rains to come,

let us entrust our gifts to the Lord as we await the coming of God’s reign

OFFERTORY

(8:30) “Come, Emmanuel” Pepper Choplin

Ready, waiting, God is with us.

Ready, waiting for Emmanuel God is with us, come, Emmanuel

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Yearning, sighing for Emmanuel

Praying, crying, Emmanuel Come, Emmanuel! O come and with us dwell.

For unto you a Child is born,

To you a Son is given. Thought He arrives through human birth.

He comes with full divinity

No other one has come before, Born of earth, Born of heaven,

Come Emmanuel, Come. O Come and with us dwell.

(11:00) “In the Bleak Midwinter” CRANHAM Offertory Hymn – congregation sings UMH 221, vs. 1, 4

*PRESENTATION OF GIFTS “God, Your Blessings Overflow” Gillette/DIX

God, your blessings overflow! What can we begin to say? How can we begin to show, All our gratitude this day?

God, we join to worship you, Giving thanks for all you do.

*OFFERING PRAYER

Just as a farmer waits patiently for the rains to nourish the crops of the fields,

you call us to be patient as we wait for our gifts to bear fruit and bless those in need.

For you fill the hungry with good things and show mercy to your people. As we dedicate today’s offering to your use,

give us the wisdom to be faithful stewards of your gifts; give us the strength to be holy instruments

of your love and grace. Amen.

*THE GREAT THANKSGIVING FOR ADVENT Musical Setting C UMH 20

*THE 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.

And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

BREAKING THE BREAD AND BLESSING THE CUP

GIVING THE BREAD AND CUP

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THANKSGIVING AFTER COMMUNION (in unison)

LORD, you now have set your servants free to go in peace as you have promised.

For these eyes of ours have seen the Savior whom you have prepared for all the world to see!

Blessing and honor and glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.

*SONG OF SERVICE (UMH 213) “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” TRURO

*DISMISSAL WITH BLESSING

Go and tell others what you hear and see. The blind receive sight and the lame walk.

Go and tell others the hope we have found.

The deaf hear and the dead are raised. Go and tell others the promise of God’s kingdom.

The poor receive justice and mercy and the weak find strength. Go and proclaim the good news.

There is new life in Christ.

May the grace of the Word of life rest upon you; the love of the Source of life embrace you;

and the transforming power of the Breath of life help, strengthen and surprise you,

this day and all your days. Amen.

*GOING FORTH “God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen” Oliver Nelson Russell/English Carol

*please stand, as you are able

UMH: The United Methodist Hymnal (red)

TFWS: The Faith We Sing (black)

††This Order of Worship is subject to the direction of the Holy Spirit. ††

“God, Your Blessings Overflow” – Used with permission.

Tune: Conrad Kocher, 1838, in chorale Treuer Heiland ("For the Beauty of the Earth")

Text: Copyright © 1998 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.

Scriptures in preparation for the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2019:

Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

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Our Prayers

In an effort to list all prayer requests each will appear for 4 weeks as indicated by the number of + after the name

Please pray for the family and friends of William Broelmann III Please pray for family and friends of John Lesko.

Please pray for family and friends of Howard Guthrie. Please pray for all Law Enforcement Officers.

Please continue to remember all who serve our country in the military,

especially pray for those represented from our congregation.

Missionaries We Support: Matt & Erin Reinders (Unalaska UMC) Catherine & Andy Kellogg (Florida)

Joy & Robert Vargas (Paraguay) Valentine Shutsha (Congo)

Sue Givens (Paraguay) Jacquea Akasa Umembudi (Congo)

Michael Fischer (I-Tec)

2020 Confirmation Class

Please remember and support our confirmands throughout their journey with a card or a note (Service

of Confirmation will be May 31, 2020). They appreciate the love and encouragement from their

faith family. Cards and notes may be left in Pastor Mary’s mail slot or

mailed to the church office. Thanking you ahead of time. Arabella Brownlee: 5/22/2007

James DiOrio: 03/21/2005 Ellen Helojoki: 08/29/2006

Ally Hudson: 07/29/2006

Olivia Simmons: 10/14/2005

Ernest Bogert Robin Bogert Wayne Bogert Lucy Broelmann Matt Jones Susan La Medica Ruth Lesko Mike + Louise Pierce + Stephanie Simmons ++ Tom and Donna Sperow Ed Wolfe ++ Amie Wright ++

Ongoing Concerns Joshua August Barbara Donald Bogert Mary Bowers Bill Broelmann Roy Brown Frieda Crossan Ruth Dore Tom Fort, Jr.

Victoria “Bo” Fulton Phil Gardner Kristin Carrie Mack Howard & Louise Pierce Denise Reedy Haley Richart Teddy Terzian Zach Trexler Josh Vible Alex Wiant

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers: As many of you may know, altar flowers can be dedicated “in memory

of” or “in honor of” a family member or friend on any Sunday of the year. The

dedication appears in the Sunday bulletin of your chosen Sunday. If you wish to make

an altar flower dedication ($40/Sunday), please contact Carol in the church office at 731-9495. Thank you!

Adult Sunday School Classes at Ebenezer, classes start at 9:45am. Faith Class Lounge "Walk As Jesus Walked"

“F.I.S.H” Room 204 “Slaying the Giants in Your Life”

The “Hill Toppers” Room with a view “Almost Christmas”

Tuesday Morning Bible Study: Meets every Tuesday at 9:55am in Room 204.

Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex for Connie’s Famous Rolls for

Christmas. Place your order before Dec 16th. Connie will be

making the rolls December 17th and 20th. Want to come help? If you are available to assist, please contact Connie at

csm2250@verizon.net or call her at 302-737-4411

The Pecans are HERE!!!

NEW CROP PECANS have arrived!! The new crop pecans are $12.00 per pound. We have medium pecan pieces & large cold storage halves for $11.50.

Questions or orders please call Brooksie Pruden at 302-239-3191 or

brooksiepru@gmail.com. There is also a sign-up sheet available in the Narthex.

All sales benefit the United Methodist Women’s Missions.

Gifts for the Christ Child

“Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me.” Matt. 18:5

At all of Ebenezer Church’s worship services on Sundays in

December and at both of our Christmas Eve services you are

welcome to bring a gift of baby food for the Christ Child. The items we collect will be distributed to families in need through St. Stephen’s Food Pantry in Wilmington. Your food gifts will truly be a blessing to the young

innocents among us for whom our Lord has a special place in his heart. Please consider this ministry while shopping for your holiday meals and make a visit to the baby food aisle. Thank

you and may God’s Peace be with you in this blessed season.

Reminder: Your 2020 Giving Envelopes sets are available for pick up in

the Workroom (Room #206)

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Tonight from 5:00 to 7:00pm is the

annual Live Nativity. Readings will be held every half hour. Youth of all ages are

welcome and encouraged to participate. Participants should arrive no later than

4:30. A refreshment table will be located in the Narthex. This has become a very

popular community event. We are asking for donations of goodies for the

refreshment table. Please donate something if you can! Donations can be

left in the kitchen any time prior to 4:30 on the 15th.

A healing service for Zach Trexler will be held following the Live Nativity at 7:00pm.

Sunday, Dec. 22nd, at 2:00pm Meet in the sanctuary. Join a merry

group to deliver poinsettias and sing a few carols to our homebound members.

The more, the merrier, and children are especially appreciated by the people we visit. We

will divide up into 4-5 groups, depending on the number of people who show up and each group

will visit 2-3 homebound members. Pamphlets of Christmas carols will be provided so you don’t

have to rely on your memory for the words.

Blue Christmas Service at Ebenezer

Sunday, December 22nd at 7:00 pm

Blue? Yes, blue, as in” the blues;” as in "I am feeling

blue." Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas

holidays. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing

life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a

job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a

question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations make parties

and joviality painful for many people in our congregations and communities.

There is a growing attentiveness to the needs of people who are blue at

Christmas. Increasing numbers of churches are creating sacred space for people living

through dark times. Such services are reflective, accepting where we really are, and holding out healing and hope.

Ebenezer Church is holding a Service of the Longest Night (or Blue Christmas

service) on Sunday, December 22nd at 7:00 pm. It will include quiet carols, an inspiring message and Holy Communion. Please join us in worshiping our God of light, who meets

us in our times of darkness and deepest needs

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CHRISTMAS EVE

4:30 pm The very

popular Family Do It Yourself Christmas Pageant will be held December 24th at

4:30pm. Costumes for children and youth will be available at 4:00pm.

8:00 pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

featuring Congregational Carols, Chancel Choir & Good Chimes Handbell Ensemble,

including “Silent Night” sung by candlelight.

Donations to Family Promise in lien of Poinsettias In Memory of: In Honor of: Given by: My Parents, Nora and Robert Mays Marlene Tribbitt

Lisa Goodyear and Wayne Richardson Cecil Richardson Avis Groseclose Nancy Williams Cecil Ellison, Lucille Ellison Betz and Jane L. Stapleford John and Linda Stapleford

Our Parents and Loved Ones Steve and Shirley Austin In Loving Memory of my Parents

In Memory of My Loving Husband, Bill Irwin Delia Irwin Marvin and Doris Pruden and

Marion and Louisa Williams Don and Brooksie Pruden David Just and Loved Ones Bill and Barbara Just

Loved Ones Ron and Carolyn Klein Our Loved Ones Douglas and Kathleen Gibney

Pam Connelly, Our Daughter Peggy and Don Connelly

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2019 Poinsettia Donations and Dedications

In Memory of: In Honor of: Given by: J. Thomas Jarrell His Family

Paul’s mother, Erma M. Lewis and stepfather, Milford Lewis Janet’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. Carlos W. Elliott Our Christian friends, Russell Brelsford and Paul Smoker Paul and Janet Kelley

Joan Schlosser Steve and Garnett Dennis Our Loved Ones Douglas and Kathleen Gibney

Himide Steve and Garnett Dennis

Ebenezer’s Ringers and Singers Our Parents Willard and Beth Jackson Donald Bowers His wife, Mary and Family

My Husband, Dick My Parents, George and Katherine Skinner Sherri Hodgson

My Husband Jay and Loved Ones Jay and Sarah Thomas Zelda Thomas Mr. & Mrs. William L. Broelmann, Jr. and Mr. & Mrs. John S. Recupero Mrs. Lucy Broelmann

Mr. William Broelmann III & Mr. & Mrs. William J. Broelmann Loved Ones Humphreys and Powell Families

Harry Moser, Jr. Kristin Moser Our Children and Grandchildren

Matt. Laura, Zach and Cassie Paul and Bev Shunta Loved Ones Linda Heller

Our Parents Our Family Aram and Teddy Terzian Family Promise Families Deb August

John Richart Jeannette Richart Henry Clemmon’s Family, Bill Allen’s Family and Reedy Family Curtis Reedy and Family

Olive and Norris Greenplate and Suellen and Gary Ward Helen and Burton Ward and Family

Harold and Lucille Dexter Tom Crescenzo, Jr. Tom and Judy Crescenzo

Cecil Ellison, Lucille Ellison Betz and Jane L. Stapleford John and Linda Stapleford In Loving Memory of my Parents In Memory of My Loving Husband, Bill Irwin Delia Irwin

2019 Poinsettia Donations and Dedications

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In Memory of: In Honor of: Given by: Melvin Dempsey Brian, Cindy and Brianna Dempsey Peggy Dempsey

Loved Ones Phil and Shirley Gardner

Marvin and Doris Pruden and Marion and Louisa Williams Don and Brooksie Pruden David Just and Loved Ones Bill and Barbara Just

Loved Ones Ron and Carolyn Klein

Chad and Karla Stephenson Gladys La Fountain Howard and Louise Pierce Gerald and Marion Lynch Harry M. Nelson Michael and Helen Lynch

Thomas and Gretchen Fort Charles and Julie Fort and Thomas Fort, Jr. Eve Lodge Helojoki and Doris H. and Thomas S. Lodge The Helojoki Family

Jay and Ray Browne Marian and Harold Hagemann Pastor Mary and

Jackie and Ralph Julian Rick Browne Our Parents: Robert and Catherine Irving

Leonard and Mary Guretsky Richard and Donna Guretsky Lisa Goodyear and Wayne Richardson

Cecil Richardson Avis Groseclose Nancy Williams Our Parents: Mary and Allen Vines and Grace and Harry Pankok Carl and Margie Pankok

Peggy Feldmann Margie Pankok Loved Ones Mr. and Mrs. Mark L. Miller Sr.,

Marybeth Miller, Elyse, Wright and Mark Miller Jr.

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A million words would not be enough to

thank all of you, who made our second annual Cookie Walk such a large

success! We could not have imagined a more perfect setting with the most

wonderful assortment of cookies that have graced the tables at Ebenezer,

and oh so delicious. From the decorations, to crafters, to Santa’s

Secret Shop donations, everything went so smoothly. Each one of you

added your own special touch to make this day special. Thank you, Thank

you!!! The Lord was with us, “Let us your

servants, see you work again; let our

children see your glory. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful, Yes make our efforts successful! Psalm 90:16-17

Donna Guretsky

RALLY AROUND OUR

EBENEZER YOUTH

Friday, January 10th at 5:20 p.m.

Support G3 (God’s Grace Group) on their journey to the Conference Youth Rally in Ocean City, Maryland.

They will be leaving the church at 5:30 to be in OCMD by 8:00 for the opening session.

We want to invite and encourage you to come by at 5:20pm to surround the youth and leaders who will be traveling to OCMD with a circle of love, support, and prayer for this

journey in discipleship. Please talk with Megan or Mike Jones if you have any questions.

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On the Calendar, this week….

Sun 12/15 3rd Sunday in Advent 8:30am Worship

9:45am Sunday School/Conformation Class/Advent Study 11:00am Worship

5:00pm Live Nativity 7:00pm Healing Worship Service

Mon 12/16 7:15pm 2x4 Class -- CLC Tues 12/17 9:50am Advent Study -- Room 204

11:30am AA Meeting -- Room 204

Wed 12/18 10:00am AA Meeting -- Room 204 11:00am Intercessory Prayer -- Pastor’s Office

7:00pm Good Chimes -- Music Room 7:15pm 2 x 4 Class -- CLC

7:30pm Al Anon -- Room 204 Thurs 12/19 9:45am TLC -- CLC

10:00am Visual Arts 6:00pm BSA50 -- CLC

6:30pm Advent Study -- Room 204 6:45pm NA -- GHH & Old Kitchen

7:30pm Chancel Choir -- Sanctuary & Music Room Fri 12/20 8:30am Daybreak Counseling -- Lounge

11:15am Preschool Christmas Pageant -- CLC 6:00pm 2 X 4 Dance -- CLC

Sat 12/21 9:30pm NA -- GHH & Old Kitchen

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Looking forward….

STAY CONNECTED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA!

Website: www.EbenezerUMCNewark.org and Facebook: Ebenezer UMC Newark. If you have information about an event which you would like featured on the website, please contact Lori Brown loribrown927@msn.com, or Rick Browne at rbrowne646@gmail.com.

Sun 12/22 4th Sunday in Advent 8:30am Worship

9:45am Sunday School/Conformation Class/Advent Study 11:00am Worship

2:00pm Christmas Caroling and Poinsettias for Shut Ins 3:00pm Millcroft Ministries

7:00pm Blue Christmas Service Mon 12/23 7:15pm 2x4 Class -- CLC

Tues 12/24 11:30am AA Meeting -- Room 204

4:30pm Family Service 8:00pm Worship Service

Wed 12/25 Christmas Day 10:00am AA Meeting -- GHH

10:30am Worship Service Thurs 12/26 9:45am TLC -- CLC

10:00am Visual Arts 6:00pm BSA50 -- CLC

6:45pm NA -- GHH & Old Kitchen Fri 12/27 8:30am Daybreak Counseling -- Lounge

8:00pm 2 X 4 Dance -- CLC Sat 12/28 9:30pm NA -- GHH & Old Kitchen

All our members, ministers Rev. Mary H. Browne, Senior Pastor contact @ eumc_pastor@verizon.net

Robert Rudolph, Music Director contact @ eumc_music@aol.com

Calvin Keeler, Sr., Minister of Visitation Megan

Burns, Preschool Director Megan & Mike Jones, Youth Ministry

Carol Coney, Administrative Assistant Jackie Scott, Facilities Manager

Church email:NewarkEbenezerUMC@verizon.net