Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church

3rd

Sunday of Advent December 15th

, 2019

“Make the Blessing Known: Unabashed Joy!”

Vista de la Montana UMC 7

th Sunday after Pentecost _ July 12, 2015

United Methodist Church Mission

To make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

OUR MISSION

Our Mission is to reach out to others to help them meet their needs and to welcome them into our family of faith as we gather for worship, fellowship,

education and service.

Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church

* Please stand as you are comfortable

(Please write your Joys and Concerns in the Prayer Book on the stand by the center aisle.

These will be read and prayed for during the Sharing of Concerns and Celebrations.)

COUNTDOWN TO WORSHIP “Christmas Scripture 2”

WELCOME Rev. Fred C. Baum

*BLESSING & GREETING “May you have Unabashed Joy!”

*OPENING HYMN “Joy to the World” (1,2,3) No. 246

*CALL TO WORSHIP Isaiah 35:1-2a,3-6a

Leader: The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and

blossom.

People: Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout

for joy.

Leader: Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those

with fearful hearts,

People: “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with

vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you.”

Leader: Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.

People: Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.

* Advent Confession

I believe in Jesus Christ and in the beauty of the Gospel that began

in Bethlehem. I believe in Him whose Spirit glorified a little town

and of whose coming only the shepherds saw the sign. I believe in

Him whom the kings of the earth ignored and the proud could

never understand. I believe in Him who proclaimed the love of

God to be invincible; who looks at us and enables us to see what

His love sees in us; who by His love brings forgiveness into our

lives and brings our lives into the grace and glory of God!

THE WREATH Gail Parson, Sue Staker, Cliff Terry, Jim Bleess & Robin Conner

LUKE GOSPEL LESSON Luke 1:46-55 46

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47and my spirit rejoices in God my

Savior, 48

for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all

generations will call me blessed, 49

for the Mighty One has done great things for me—

holy is his name. 50

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to

generation. 51

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who

are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52

He has brought down rulers from their thrones but

has lifted up the humble. 53

He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the

rich away empty. 54

He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful 55

to

Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

TIME WITH CHILDREN AND YOUTH Valerie Hammons

PREPARATION FOR PRAYER No. 216

“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming”

PASTORAL PRAYER Rev. Alan Campbell

SHARING OF CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS Rev. Fred Baum

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.

RESPONSE TO PRAYER No. 218

“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” (1,3,4)

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS

Lance & Ruth Ann Nelson and Gene & Diane Bywater

OFFERTORY “Mary, Did You Know? ” (arr. Carol Tornquist) Mary Bellah “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

*DOXOLOGY “All Glory Be to God on High” (6) No. 236

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION Rev. Fred Baum

MATTHEW GOSPEL LESSON Matthew 11:2-11 2

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by

his disciples 3

and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for

another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:

5 the blind

receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are

raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6

And blessed is anyone who

takes no offense at me.”

7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go

out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go

out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in

royal palaces. 9

What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more

than a prophet. 10

This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my

messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the

Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Leader: This is the word of God for the people of God.

People: Thanks be to God!

ANTHEM “All Is Well” (Lloyd Larson) Chancel Choir

SERMON Rev. Fred C. Baum

“Make the Blessing Known: Unabashed Joy”

CLOSING HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” (1,2,3) No. 238

STEPHEN MINISTER Carol Witt

ANNOUNCEMENTS

BENEDICTION Rev. Fred C. Baum

BENEDICTION RESPONSE Chancel Choir

“Joy to the World” (arr. Sanders)

POSTLUDE “Angels We Have Heard on High” (arr. Cindy Berry) Mary Bellah

Welcome to Our Visitors

All visitors are invited and encouraged to explore membership in Vista’s

Congregation. If you are interested in membership contact the church office at

825-1985 and Pastor Fred or Valerie will call you.

Information Available in the Narthex

Upper Room Devotionals,

Care Notes (provided by Stephen Ministry)

2020 Flower Calendar Information from Other Groups and Committees at Vista UMC,

and Offering Envelopes (if requested)

If you requested a name tag from Vista, please check with the greeters.

Please Note: Children & Youth Sunday School and Child Care

are available during the Worship Service.

Vista Christmas Eve Services

Traditional Service with Carols &Communion 3:00 pm

Family Service & Blessing of the Children 6:00 pm

Traditional Service with Carols,

Communion & Candle Lighting 8:00 pm

PLEASE be sure to pick up your box of Offering Envelopes on your way out. The boxes are labeled and in alphabetical order on the table in the Narthex

PLEASE be sure to stop by the Vista Women’s table today as we are

offering our home baked goods at our annual Pre-Christmas Sweet

Shoppe following right after the Church Service!

Thank you in advance for support for our final Fundraiser for this year!!

Vista de la Montaña United Methodist Church

3001 E. Miravista Lane, Tucson, AZ 85739

Office: 825-1985 E-mail: VistaUMC@aol.com

Sunday Worship 10:00 am

Visit our website: www.vistaumc.org

Assisting Our Worship Today

Acolyte Mischa White

Liturgist Linda Whittington

Greeters Bill & Mary Jane Hillmann

Visitor’s Desk Joe & Sue Staker

Ushers Bill & Dixie Ayers, Slim Crowson, &Marty Lenzini

Children’s Moment Valerie Hammons

Audio & Video Nancy Yob, Teresa Sanders & the Live Stream Team

Snacks Louise & Jay O’Donald and Jean & Jerry Browning

Hospitality Partners Louise & Jay O’Donald and Nan & Ben Millard

Coffee Jan Crown

Flowers Darrell & Gail Parson in memory of son, Dylan

Floral Arrangements by Janet Arnett

Stephen Minister(s) Carol Witt

Sunday Lock-Up Cheryl McGuire

Prayers for Our Churches Each month churches in the South District pray with and for each other.

Please pray for the pastors, congregation and community of the following:

December 2019

Chaplains & Counselors in the South District

The Inn Project, Tucson

TMM Family Services – people served and Staff, Tucson

Fuente de Vida (our sister church in Agua Prieta, Mexico)

Consecration Sunday Update $427,201 in pledges have been received. Updated totals:

4 No Pledge 17 Decreased

14 New pledges 47 Remained the same

73 Increased their pledge

155 Total Pledges in Vista Church Catalina

From San Manuel Vista Fellowship we had 7 pledges totaling $4576! This

mission continues to grow in numbers, Spirit and giving!!

The

UPPER ROOM

This material is reprinted from the The Upper Room magazine, copyright 2016 by the Upper Room, Inc.,

P.O. Box 340004, Nashville, TN 37203-0004, www.upperroom.org, and is used by permission of the

publisher.

Compassion Connection

Hospitalized

At Home In Need of Continued Prayers for Healing Sharon Boyce, Nancy Fowler, Peggy Marks, Fran Hampton, Betty Jean Emberton,

Shawn Oelrich, Kay Gragg, Bob Sherman, Bob Langwig, George Dunkel,

Home Bound John & Joan Davies, Bob & Eileen Herd, JoJo Evans

Grant Robinson, Mary Raynor, Jim Simon, Zoan Gentner (Hospice)

Jimmy Simon, Hospice Care @ home

Remember Amazon SMILE! Don’t forget to use your Amazon Smile account when shopping online. When you use Amazon Smile, Vista UMC receives money! Here’s how:

1. Go to smile.amazon.com

2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials

3. Choose a charitable organization tab and find/select Vista de la Montana UMC

4. Start Shopping!

Vista Song of Joy Chorus Concert

Today is the day for the much anticipated Christmas Concert of

the Vista Song of Joy Chorus followed by a reception. Everyone

is cordially invited to attend. This family concert will feature

favorite Christmas carols, songs, and an original Christmas story

by Alice Tompkins. You will be amazed, surprised and enjoy a

joyous musical experience! Santa, little and teen elves and

adorable angels accompanied by Rudolph, the Red Nosed

Reindeer will delight us all!

Don't miss it! It starts promptly at 2pm today at the church!

Vista de la Montana UMC 7

th Sunday after Pentecost _ July 12, 2015

Goodie Alert!!! We need goodies for January and February 2020.

There is an instruction sheet available to help you with this task,

Please see Delores on the patio to sign up after the service

Christmas Stocking Project This year we will be donating 100+ Christmas stockings to

Eagles Wings of Grace in Tucson. This Christian based

organization provides training and assistance to women trying to go from

homelessness or unemployment to the world of work. Pick up your stocking(s) in

the narthex and return it filled with little gifts by Wednesday, December 18th.

For more information contact Jan Bohe (520-825-9725) or Jan Hopke-Almer

(520-818-2504).

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy:

Daily Readings for Advent by John Piper (available on Amazon)

This Advent Season we will be celebrating the 300th Anniversary of the hymn “Joy to the World”. Please join us as we focus on Praying for Fullness This Christmas. We

will meet in the Patio Room beginning Wednesday, December 4, at 10:00 a.m.

Contact Gail Parson, gailvistaworship@comcast.net, or (520)-275-7117.

Christmas Cards Available in the Narthex

Dee is back with a huge assortment of beautiful Christmas Cards. They will be available for your purchase today in the narthex. These cards are hand made by the ladies from our sister church in Agua Prieta. What a bargain at only 50 cents each, plus there are gift bags as well.

If you would like to send your sponsored child in Agua Prieta a Christmas Card or small gift you can send it to the following address:

C/O Maria de los Angeles Villacaña (Your Child’s name)

PO Box 749 Douglas AZ 85608

Warm Clothing and Bedding Drive is Heating Up Again!

As you critique your “winter wardrobe,” please consider donating those

items that remain in the back of your closet – or bottom of your drawer

year after year! Each year, during the months of December and January,

Vista collects new and/or gently used warm clothing (socks, jackets,

gloves, scarves, robes, sweaters, etc.) and bedding (blankets and

bedspreads). Items placed in a large Christmas Box in the Narthex will be

delivered weekly to IMPACT’S Clothing Bank where they can be

distributed in a timely manner to area residents in need.

New Members

Today we welcome Gene and Diane Bywater. They come to us from Milford, OH and actively involved in their Methodist church, already singing in the Vista Choir. We are so glad they chose Vista UMC.

We also welcome Lance and Ruth Ann Nelson today. Ruth comes from a long line of Methodist pastors and worked at Better Homes and Garden Magazine! Lance is from Rockford, IL and served in the Army!

We welcome our new members today!

Vista Calendar

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2019

10 AM WORSHIP SERVICE – TRADITIONAL

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL – 11:15 AM, PATIO RM

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG,

SAN MANUEL, 4:00 PM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2019

LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY, 9:30 AM, PATIO RM

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2019

CHRISTMAS EVE

SERVICE WITH COMMUNION, 3:00 PM

FAMILY SERVICE, 6:00 PM

SERVICE WITH CAROLS, CANDLE LIGHTING &

COMMUNION, 8:OO PM

WEDESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2019

CHRISTMAS DAY – OFFICE CLOSED

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2019

OFFICE CLOSED IN HONOR OF CHRISTMAS

LANDSCAPING, 8:00 AM

NO BELL CHOIR, 6:30 PM, SANCTUARY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2019

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2019

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2019 10 AM WORSHIP SERVICE – TRADITIONAL

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL – 11:15 AM, PATIO RM

SONG OF JOY CONCERT, 2:00 PM, SANCTUARY

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 219 LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY, 9:30 AM, PATIO RM

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019 FINANCE COMMITTEE, 3:00 PM, PATIO RM

CHURCH COUNCIL, 4:00 PM, SANCTUARY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019

CARPET CLEANING INTERCESSORY PRAYER, 8:45 AM, PATIO ROOM

CHANCEL CHOIR, 7:00 PM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2019

CARPET CLEANING LANDSCAPING, 8:00 AM

SNAK PAK, 12:00 PM, PATIO ROOM

NO - BELL CHOIR, 6:30 PM, SANCTUARY

FRIDAY, DECEMBER20, 2019 CREATIVE HANDS, 9:00 AM, PATIO ROOM

MEMORY CHOIR, 10:00 AM, SANCTUARY

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2019

Notice

Today is your last chance to place an order for Poinsettias. The order forms and envelopes are on a table in the narthex.

The orders and your check can be placed in the envelope and put in the basket

Important Notice Please note that next Wednesday & Thursday we will be having the carpet cleaned in the Sanctuary, Narthex and the Patio Room. Please plan accordingly. (No meetings, etc.)

The Herb Rosemary is the part of “Nature” we lift up today.

Today we sang the hymn, “Lo, How a Rose E’re Blooming,” a 15th-century

German text that uses the metaphor of a rose in relationship to the birth of Jesus

from the womb of Mary. The rosemary plant became connected with the Virgin

Mary, and folklore developed that it was Mary's favorite plant. Along with its

popularity and connection to Mary was the belief that it could protect you from evil

spirits. Perhaps this association is not far off as rosemary has antioxidant

properties and can help boost the immune system, making us more able to fight

off harmful substances in our bodies, perhaps an apt metaphor for also fortifying

us to work to eliminate harmful things in our world.

Rosemary is also sometimes called the friendship plant and it was the most

common garnish at Christmas meals in the Middle ages. It is also known as the

remembrance herb, used at Christmas to remember the birth of Jesus.

In the late 1700’s, a special Christmas Rosemary Service was started in Ripon

Cathedral School where a red apple, with a sprig of Rosemary in the top of it, was

sold by the schoolboys to the members of the congregation. An activity you might

try this week is to cook some recipes using rosemary and apples to bring some joy

to your palate and to those with whom you share it.