THE WORSHIP OF GOD Sunday, December 2, 2018 - 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.

First Sunday of Advent

Communion Sunday Please contact Rev. Beth LaRocca-Pitts to notify the church of a death or illness.

To reach a minister after office hours in case of emergency, call 1-800-673-0411.

WELCOME HOME TO

This Week at Saint Mark

Church Parking Update

Free parking is available on Sundays until 4pm in either of the 2 church park-

ing lots located directly behind the church. Paid parking is available in the

lot on the other side of the 805 Peachtree condominium building (located

directly across 5th Street). Please be sure a Saint Mark parking decal is

displayed on your windshield. Contact an usher if you need one on Sunday

mornings or call the church office to request one during the week.

**Please note - parking in the lots behind the church on Sundays until 4pm

is free without a Saint Mark decal. At all other times you need to display a

Saint Mark decal in order to park in either church lot for free.**

First Sunday of Advent, December 2

9:00a Morning Worship

10:10a Sunday School classes

10:10a Newcomers class series

10:10a Trustees meeting

11:15a Morning Worship

4:30p ASCA group

Monday, December 3

7:15a Augustine Fellowship

9:00a ESL classes

10:00a Finance volunteers

1:00p Worship planning

1:30p Staff meeting

7:00p Saint Mark@Home groups

7:00p Sentimental Journey rehearsal

7:30p Panache (AGMC) rehearsal

Tuesday, December 4

7:15a Augustine Fellowship

9:00a ESL classes

2:30p Supper Club prep

6:00p AGMC rehearsal

7:00p Crystal Meth Anonymous

Wednesday, December 5

7:15a Augustine Fellowship

9:00a ESL classes

12:00p Midweek Advent worship service

5:00p Beth’s Study of the Bible class

5:30p final fellowship dinner for 2018

6:30p Midweek Retreat programming

6:45p handbell practice

7:30p Chancel Choir practice

8:00p SCA Midtown meeting

Thursday, December 6

7:15a Augustine Fellowship

9:00a ESL classes

Friday, December 7

7:15a Augustine Fellowship

Saturday, December 8

9:00a Breakfast Club

10:00a Crystal Meth Anonymous

11:30a Open Doors

12:00p Spoken Word ministries

Congregational Care

At Home

Jan Bethards

Judi Cheney

Judi Cheney’s brother Sandy Jacksonville, FL

Bill Cox

Michael Collin-Smythe’s father

Suzanne Dunn

Christi Elliott-Earby’s father Walter

Gary Gallman

Andrew Land’s father Jerry

Vanessa Meeks

Sam Vaught’s mother Toni Vaught Roseboro, NC

In Care Facilities

Stephen Fifield Foxglove, East Point

Jeff McMullen's mother Sandra Milledgeville GA

James Stevenson Lenbrook Square

In Military Service

Al Thomas' grandson Cory Carter Ft Bragg NC

Army, Washington, DC

Join us for Midweek Advent Worship

Join us for brief weekly Advent services in the chapel every Wednesday at

noon (Dec. 5, 12, and 19). Services will include readings, prayer and music

led by Rev. Steve Fazenbaker. Stop by the chapel and enjoy a time of

peace and reflection during this busy season.

Our final fellowship dinner for 2018 takes place this Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Weekly fellowship dinners and Midweek Retreat programming will resume

on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.

ADL workshop December 9: A Call to Action: Becoming an Upstander

Saint Mark is pleased to host an interactive workshop presented by the Anti-

Defamation League Southeast to bring people together to examine privilege

and bias in order to gain the skills to fight hate for good. The workshop will be

held in Wade Hall next Sunday, December 9 from 3 to 5pm. For more

information, contact ADL Education Director Erin Beacham at

ebeacham@adlo.org. To RSVP, visit https://support.adl.org/upstander.

Chancel Choir Christmas Concert, December 16

The Chancel Choir proudly presents Bob Chilcott’s On Christmas Night

during both Morning Worship services on Sunday, December 16.

Trinity Table Volunteers Needed on Sunday, December 16

Trinity Table is the oldest, large-scale, continuously operating Sunday soup

kitchen in Atlanta, serving over 200 people every week through partnership

with numerous area churches. This year, a Saint Mark team will prepare and

serve the meal onsite at Trinity UMC on Sunday, Dec. 16. We need volunteers

to prepare sandwiches and pack sack lunches at Saint Mark at10:10am on

Dec. 16, and/or prepare and serve the meal itself at Trinity UMC that day at

11 am. If you can help, contact Jena Mozley at jenamozley@yahoo.com.

Coat Drive

Cold weather is upon us, and while most of us are fortunate to have warm

coats and hats, many folks with limited means do not. From now through

February, Saint Mark will hold a coat drive to help those in need. Please bring

any new or gently worn coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to church so that we

can share them with those who come to our doors. Drop your donations off

in the bins in the narthex. Your generosity is appreciated!

3 Ways to Give at Saint Mark: Online, Mobile, and now Text!

Giving to Saint Mark just got that much easier! Now you can give to Saint

Mark via text. Saint Mark’s assigned number for text donations is 74483.

To give via text, text the word ‘operating’, a space, and the amount you

would like to give. For example, to give $25 you would text 74483, type the

word ‘operating’ then (space) 25. Follow the prompts to sign in to your exist-

ing account (or to create a new account) with SecureGive (and to receive

a confirmation of your donation). Questions? Contact Deana Hilton in the

church office at 404-873-2636 ext. 14.

Saint Mark United Methodist Church

781 Peachtree Street, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30308

(404) 873-2636 • www.stmarkumc.org

The Saint Mark Care Line (after hours emergency): 1-800-673-0411

The Reverend Dr. Beth LaRocca-Pitts Senior Pastor

The Reverend Jennifer Hansen Minister of Outreach & Missions

The Reverend Dr. Joshua M. Noblitt Minister of Social Justice & Evangelism

Ms. Jess Cusick Director of Youth Ministries

Mr. Jonathan Easter Director of Fine Arts

Minister Sheila Stephens Minister of Education & Spiritual Formation

Mr. Rushing Kimball Candler School of Theology Intern

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD

PASTORAL PRAYER Sheila Stephens

OFFERING OURSELVES TO GOD

The Invitation Sheila Stephens

Offertory A Spotless Rose - Bob Chilcott A spotless Rose is blowing, sprung from a tender root,

Of ancient seers’ fore-showing, of Jesse promised fruit.

Its fairest bud unfolds to light amid the cold, cold winter,

and in the dark midnight.

The Rose which I am singing, whereof Isaiah said,

Is from its sweet root springing in Mary, purest Maid.

For through our God’s great love and might,

The Blessed Babe she bare us in a cold winter’s night.

Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath spring!

Of Jesse’s lineage coming as seers of old have sung.

It came, a blossom bright, amid the cold of winter

When half-spent was the night.

*Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God all creatures here below,

Praise God above ye heavenly host, Creator, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, oh Israel.

*PRAYER AFTER THE OFFERING Rushing Kimball

At the preparation of the table

Hymn of Preparation Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

UMH No. 216 ES IST EIN ROS

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Beth LaRocca-Pitts

Prayer of Confession Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.

We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we

have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not

loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive

us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Response UMH No. 482 Lord, Have Mercy KRIEWALD KYRIE

Words of Assurance Beth LaRocca-Pitts

Communion Liturgy after the Prayer of Confession, UMH page 15

Musical Setting Communion Setting - Advent Insert, sides 1 & 2

Communion Music O Come, O Come Emmanuel

UMH No. 211 VENI EMMANUEL

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION Josh Noblitt

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP * - Where indicated, those who are able, please stand.

We sing from 2 hymnals during Sunday morning worship. The United

Methodist Hymnal (UMH) is the large red hymnal in the pew racks.

The Faith We Sing (TFWS) is the smaller black hymnal found in the pews.

Enhanced Listening Devices and large print hymnals are available for those

who need them. Please see an usher for assistance.

WE GATHER

WELCOME AND LIFE OF THE CHURCH Beth LaRocca-Pitts

Leader: We thank God for these opportunities for fellowship and service.

Many: Thanks be to God!

CONCERNS

Leader: For all these persons and all who are in need.

Many: Hold your people near, O God.

JOYS

Leader: We give thanks to God for these blessings.

Many: Thanks be to God!

Leader: Let us take a moment to center our hearts on God.

PRELUDE AND CHIMES Pastorale on Lo, How a Rose - John Leavitt

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Members of the Foundations Class

Response O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

UMH No. 211, 4th stanza VENI EMMANUEL *CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 25 Jess Cusick One: To you, O LORD, we lift up our souls; O God, we put our trust in you;

Many: Let none who look to you be put to shame;

One: Show us your ways, O LORD, and teach us your paths.

Many: Lead us in your truth and teach us for you are the God of our

salvation;

One: Remember, O LORD, your compassion and love, for they are

everlasting.

All: Remember us according to your love and for the sake of your

goodness, O LORD.

*HYMN Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

UMH No. 203 ELLACOMBE

*PASSING OF THE PEACE

WE HEAR GOD’S WORD

THE GIFTS OF AND FOR OUR YOUNGER CHURCH Jennifer Hansen If you have not already done so this morning, please take this opportunity to sign

the attendance pad in your pew.

Old Testament Lesson Jeremiah 33:14-16 Beth LaRocca-Pitts

SERMON “The Righteous Branch” Beth LaRocca-Pitts

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

Enter to Fellowship Sit to Pray Stand to Worship Leave to Share

WE ARE SENT FORTH INTO GOD’S WORLD

*HYMN OF DEDICATION

UMH No. 213 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates TRURO

*INVITATION AND BENEDICTION Beth LaRocca-Pitts

POSTLUDE Toccata on Veni Emmanuel - Andrew Carter

Welcome, Visitors!

We’re so happy you have chosen to worship with us today! Please stop by

the Visitor’s Center in the narthex (near the front doors to the sanctuary)

before you leave - we have a special gift for you!

Today at Saint Mark

Today is the First Sunday of Advent. Advent devotionals written by members

of the Saint Mark community are available this morning. Be sure to pick up

your copy in the narthex.

This morning we will bless the toys we collected for Pride for Parents.

Pride for Parents is a program that operates a toy store in metro Atlanta

where parents can shop for toys for their children at greatly reduced cost,

giving them the dignity to provide for their children at Christmas instead of

receiving a handout. Today’s Communion offering will also go to support

Pride for Parents.

Newcomers Class series begins Our Newcomer class series begins today and

continues on Sundays, Dec. 9, 16, and 23 at 10:10am in the parlor. Anyone

who is new to Saint Mark or who is considering joining the church is invited to

attend and will have the opportunity to join on Sunday, December 23.

Contact Rev. Josh Noblitt at jnoblitt@stmarkumc.org. for details.

New Foundations Advent Study begins Join the Foundations Class for the

Adam Hamilton study Faithful: Christmas through the Eyes of Joseph. In life,

we encounter circumstances that we would have never chosen for

ourselves. At times it can be tempting just to walk away. Joseph provides us

a great example of humbly obeying God even when we don't understand

and faithfully moving forward in the strength that God provides. Exchange

your doubt for courage this Advent and Christmas season. Learn to accept

and glorify God's will even when circumstances make it difficult to do so.

Join us in room 111 Sunday mornings in December at 10:10 - all are welcome!

New Faith Seekers Advent Study begins Join the Faith Seekers class for

Adam Hamilton’s study Moses - In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet

facilitated by Robert Giacomini. Moses’ life was one challenge after the

next, but although he initially resisted God’s calling, by the end of his life he

successfully fulfilled the role he was given. Join author Adam Hamilton as he

travels from Egypt to Mt. Sinai, the Nile, the Red Sea, and the wilderness

exploring the sites of Moses’ life. As historical information, archaeological

data, and biblical text are shared, you’ll gain a better understanding of

Moses’ significance in your life today and you’ll discover how you too can

turn your own reluctance into boldness. This class meets every Sunday

morning at 10:10am in room 205. Join us!

Music reproduced within this document is done so with permission under license: CCLI 2253952

Assisting in Worship Today

Soundboard: Kale Wright & Deanna Dennis

Greeters: Angie Robbins and Donna Wissinger

Communion Servers: 9:00 Bob Brown, Greg Brown, Pam Buzbee

11:15 Frank Atkinson, Roger Brown, John Flatt

Usher Team: Jon Atteberry, Head Usher; Tom Baugh, team captain; Brian Bennett,

Tracy Brown, John Davidson, Saundra Kelley, Will Mathews, Doug Neal