SALEM UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1500 North Main

Higginsville, Missouri

web page: salemucchigginsville.org

December 22, 2019 10:30 a.m. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE GATHERING

MUSIC BEFORE WORSHIP

* PROCESSIONAL HYMN “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” No. 123

WELCOME: No matter who you are or where you are in your life’s journey, you are welcome here. Amid these busy days, we pause for worship and to remember the heart of this season. Welcome!

NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION

ADDRESSING OURSELVES TO GOD

RINGING OF THE BELL

Piano Prelude “Gesu Bambino” Yon/ arr. Roed * CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: We have been looking for a sign. People: Emmanuel—God with us. Leader: We have been waiting for a savior. People: Emmanuel—God with us. Leader: The time is near—can it be? People: Emmanuel—God with us. All: Come let us worship the God of sign, wonder, and promise.

* INVOCATION (Unison) O God, whose coming into the world we prepare for even now; O God, who at the same time is always with us, we come this morning, tired from rushing around, tired of trying to meet the demands and expectations of the season. Slow us down. Help us center our thoughts. Restore in us a childlike wonder, and a belief that dreams really do come true. We call on your name. Be with us and in us, Emmanuel. Amen.

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LIGHTING OF THE FOURTH ADVENT CANDLE: Luke 1:26-38 Jordan, Clara, Atticus, and Ellynore Reader 1: O God, we light the fourth candle of Advent. Reader 2: We hear your angel Gabriel and witness the faith of Mary. Fill us with your grace and light. Reader 1: Mary was a young, strong, spiritual woman. Even though her life was not easy, she heard God’s voice and said yes. Her song was a prayer that would uplift those who were downtrodden. Her lyrics shattered the proud and called the world to change. She would bear within her the promised child, Jesus, the Light of the World. This Advent, we respond to God's beckoning to us as well. People: Revealing God, visit us and fill us with your Spirit. Bring your good news to life within us. Give us courage to carry your light into the injustices and shadows of this world. Amen.

*GLORIA PATRI No. 623

HEARING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD

HAND BELL CHOIR "O Come All Ye Faithful" Wade/ arr. Berry

MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN OF ALL AGES June HYMN “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” No. 143 (Please write your joys and concerns on the card and hand it to the usher during the hymn) JOYS AND CONCERNS Preparation for prayer PASTORAL PRAYER, THE LORD’S PRAYER (“debts” and “debtors” words in hymn No. 426)

MORNING OFFERING Offertory “Silent Night” Gruber/ arr. Roed *Doxology No. 625

*Dedication Prayer

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*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Apostle’s Creed (Printed inside back cover of Hymnal)

CHANCEL CHOIR "Peace, Peace, Peace" Austrian Christmas Carol/ arr. Bible and Kingsmore

PRAYER FOR UNDERSTANDING

SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 1: 1-17 (N.T. p. 1)

SERMON “An Uneven Lineage” Tommy

THE SENDING

*HYMN “What Child Is This?” No. 137

*BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE “Go Tell It On the Mountain” African American Spiritual/ arr. Hayes The Worship Service is over and our Service begins. *Indicates please stand if you are able to do so

**************************************** Leading Worship Today:

Rev. Dr. Tommy L. Faris – Pastor Stanton Thompson – Liturgist

June Howell – Christian Education Coordinator Jamie Smith – Substitute Organist/Music Director

Acolyte

GREETING YOU TODAY ARE: North Door: Paige Goetz South Door: Delbert Goetz ALTAR FLOWERS: Are placed in celebration of Paul and June Howell’s third year wedding anniversary.

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IN OUR PRAYERS: Lois (Luehrman) Crane, got to go home from the Rehab Center on Friday, December 20. Please continue to lift her in your prayers as she undergoes rehabilitation over the next several months. Shirley Paul, was hospitalized at Western Missouri Medical Center, she is now at home. Fay Tilly, was hospitalized at Western Missouri Medical Center she is now home recovering. Doris Jane Stoner, is at Meyer Care Center receiving physical therapy. Elva Dean Erdman, has a treatment plan for her cancer. Marvin Rinne, is at home with hospice. Kirk Smith, continued prayers for his lung transplant to happen in God's time.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: YOM COOKIE/BAKE SALE: Do you need some yummy, homemade cookies and/or baked goodies this holiday season? Our annual cookie/bake sale will be held after BOTH worship services today in the Fellowship Hall, and as in the past, you may fill a box (or more!) and make a donation to Youth on Mission at that time.

CHANCEL CHOIR NEWS: The Chancel Choir will not rehearse Wednesday, December 25, 2019, or Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

ANNUAL REPORTS are due in the church office by Friday, January 3, 2020. Thank you.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY: It is Pictorial Directory time! Lifetouch will be at the church Feb 6 & 7 from 2-9 p.m. and Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. We will have sign up before and after both services starting on December 29. You can also reserve your appointment online at https://booknow-

lifetouch.appointment-plus.com/b5qq213g/. This time, you also have the option of submitting your own photo, if this is the route you wish to take, please contact Peggy Pragman or Emily Bergsieker. We also need volunteers, so if you would like to help please let us know. See flier insert for more details.

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ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS: Are available in the back of the sanctuary and outside the church office. 2020 ENVELOPES are available in the Fellowship Hall. RIDES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: If you need a ride to the Christmas Eve Service please call the church office by Monday, December 23. We will be happy to pick you up! CHRISTMAS EVE COMMUNION AND CANDLE LIGHT SERVICE will be Tuesday, December 24, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS OFFERING ENVELOPES: If you will not be able to attend the Christmas Eve Candle Light Service or you do not have boxed envelopes with the Christmas Eve offering envelope, please use the purple envelopes in the back of the sanctuary marked “Christmas Fund”. The Christmas Eve offering always goes to a mission. We always send a gift from us to the “Christmas Fund” (Formerly known as “Veterans of the Cross”). YEAR END CHURCH BUSINESS: Please have all church financial contributions and business transactions to the church office by 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 31, 2019. Thank you for your consideration.

STEWARDSHIP NEWS: Please mail or bring to the Church Office your Stewardship “Heart Work” Inventories. Thank you.

INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELLATIONS: If the church council makes the decision to close church because of inclement weather, these are the stations that will have the cancelation notices: KMBC 9, KCWE 29, Fox 4, KCTV 5, 41 Action News, KMMO, KMZU, KOKO. To be added to the church closing text list, send a text message to 81010 with the message @h8k8f7, when you do this you will get a text message telling you the church will be closed if there is inclement weather. Thank you to June Howell for coordinating this!

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NEWS FROM THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE: Pick up one of the Dream Cards to share your dreams for the future of Salem. These will be on display during the year as we remember our past, serve our present, and celebrate our future together. SALEM STORIES: Our 150th anniversary celebration continues when we tell our stories! We hope that you take time to interview someone in the church and let someone interview you! The committee is recommending that you download the StoryCorps app for Apple or Android and utilize this easy to use method for recording your conversation. If this will not work for you, Crystal will be happy to schedule a time with you for you to use one of her devices. More detailed instructions are available in the multipurpose room. Let’s gather our Salem Stories!

COMMUNITY NEWS: JKV AND MEYER CARE CENTER BIBLE STUDY: John Knox Village and Meyer Care Center have a weekly Bible Study that is led, on a rotational schedule, by the Ministerial Fellowship. Liz Lindsey (Presbyterian) will be leading during the month of December. The Bible Study is held every Wednesday, 10:15-10:45 a.m. in the Gathering Room.

UP COMING DATES: December 24 – 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candle Light/ Communion Service December 25 – Christmas Day (Church Office Closed) January 1 – New Year’s Day (Church Office Closed) January 3 – Annual Reports due in the church office January 27 – Souper Supper at Salem

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THIS WEEK’S EVENTS AT SALEM December 22, thru December 29, 2019

Sunday - Fourth Sunday of Advent

YOM Cookie Sale 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 8:45 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Sunday School 9:15 am. Chime Bell Choir Rehearsal 9:25 a.m. Little Notes Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship

11:45 a.m. Confirmation

Food Pantry Preparing Christmas Food

Monday - January Lamplighter Articles Due 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Food Pantry Distribution of Food for Christmas Tuesday - 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candle Light and Communion Service

Wednesday – Christmas Day! Church Office Closed 7:00 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous

7:00 p.m. Al-Anon Thursday - No Activities Scheduled 7:30 p.m. Church Council Meeting Friday - 7:00 p.m. A. A.

Saturday - 9:30 a.m. A. A. Sunday- 8:30 a.m. Early Worship 8:45 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal

9:15 a.m. Sunday School 9:15 am. Chime Bell Choir Rehearsal 9:25 a.m. Little Notes Rehearsal 10:30 a.m. Worship

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POINSETTIAS placed this Christmas Season are in loving memory of:

Thomas Young, Kyle’s Heart Donor, by Kyle, Jill, Bailey, and Logan Warren.

Walter Sr. and Annette Luehrman and Walter Jr. and Pearl Luehrman by Janette, Karen and Lois.

Louis and Dora Homfeld, Delores Fricke, Bud Soendker, Ryland Homfeld, and Walter Homfeld by Chris and Pam Homfeld and families.

Grace Schemmer by Kenneth Schemmer and family.

Loved ones by Lowell, Rhonda, Lydia, and Charles Grumke.

In loving memory of Palmer, Elizabeth, Max, and Alan Schloman and other loved ones by Maxine Schloman and

family.

Ervin and Lillian Telgemeier, Harold and Wilma Heil by Ken and Sharon Telgemeier.

Loved ones by Ed and Alice Davis, Greg Berry, Kevin, Angie, Chase and Clayton Berry, Mark and Sarah Berry, Scott and Cindy Sommerville and family.

Deloras Hook, family members, and other loved ones by C.W. Hook and family.

In loving memory of Jerry Niemeier and other loved ones by Wanda Niemeier and family.

In loving memory of loved ones by Vida Mehrhoff.

In loving memory of Herb Fleischmann, Wesley & Ruby Fleischmann, and Marvin and Verna Aversman by Jeanne Fleischmann, Delbert & Amy Goetz and family, and Aron & Shelly Fleischmann and family.

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Don Schuette by Shawn and Julie Davenport, Dalton and Wyatt Wilkinson.

In loving memory of Henry and Ethel Gadt, Alan Michael Davenport, Joann Knapheide, and Eugene and Sharon Gadt by Bill and Marilyn Davenport and family.

In loving memory of Gene Bottemuller and Clarence and Lois

Schowengerdt, brothers Clarence Jr, and Richard, and sisters Mary Elizabeth and Cyndy by Barbara Bottemuller.

In loving memory of family and friends by Sharon Hoefer.

In memory of loved ones by Hubert and Mary Dickmeier and family.

In loving memory of Rob Hoefer by his family.

Robert Sander and other loved ones by Evelyn, Paula, Bill, Abby, Cole, and Scott.

In loving memory of Ann Nuelle, Mary Morgan, Bret and Carol Tankesley, by Cindy, Blake, Camille, and Austin. Ginny and Mark Arndt, Grandpa Jay, Leanna Berry, and other loved ones by the Arndt, Green, Berry, and Catts families.

Alvin and LuElla Ridder, Alvin Ridder Jr. and wife Rose, Rose Ella Walker and Peggy Steed by Bob and Peggy Pragman and Jerry and Sue Garrett and Family. A. W. “Bud” Green and other loved ones by Ken and Angie Green.

In loving memory of Arvil and Alice June Homfeld, Bill and Muriel McMartin, Jill Jirak and Kane and other loved ones by Lester and Mary Homfeld.

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Connie Thaller by Arthur Thaller, Paul, June, and Anna Sue Howell, Pete and Mandy Thaller and family, Ronnie and Angie Kumm and family, and Andy and Elizebeth Kumm and family. In loving memory of Bob and Dorothy Bodenstab and other loved ones by Roy and Janice Johnson. In memory of Kenneth and Helen Diestelkamp, Kenneth White, W. W. Kirchhoff and other loved ones, by Eric and Gail, Jeremy, Heather, Jocelyn and Brynlee, Caleb, Dani, Laith, Layden, and Lawson. In loving memory of James H. Stoner, Henry and Betty Stoner, Fred and Ada Asman, Carolyn Yoss, and other loved ones by Doris Jane Stoner and family. In loving memory of Max and Dorothy Nieman, Walter and Miriam Kempfe, and other loved ones by Douglas and Mary Kempfe and family. In loving memory of Louis and Vera Bergsieker and Warren and Velma Cramer by the Ronnie Bergsieker family.

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Lessons from the angels To frightened shepherds on the first Christmas Eve, a host of angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14, KJV). Nineteenth-century minister Charles Kingsley explained how these key words tell the meaning of Jesus’ birth and give meaning to our lives. • Glory. “That little babe, lying in the manger among the cattle, was showing the very highest glory of the great God who had made heaven and earth. To stoop, to condescend, to have mercy, to forgive — that is the highest glory of God.” • Peace. “God is not selfish. He sacrificed himself for us. Sacrifice yourselves then for each other! Give up your own pride, your own selfishness, your own interest for each other, and you will be ... at peace.” • Good will. “God loves you, and he wills to raise you out of this selfish, quarrelsome life of sin, into a loving, brotherly, peaceful life of righteousness. That babe in the manger at Bethlehem is a sign to you and me that God will freely give us that spirit of love if we ask for it.”