# First Sunday of Advent – “Hope Grows” ## *Gathering Song* **This is the Day** This is the day, this is the day That the Lord has made, that the Lord has made We will rejoice, we will rejoice And be glad in it, and be glad in it This is the day that the Lord has made We will rejoice and be glad in it This is the day, this is the day That the Lord has made. --- ## *Unison Welcome* > "No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here." --- ## Announcements # Announcements ## **Holiday Gift Program** - Gifts should be returned to the office no later than **Monday, December 2**. --- ## **Cookie Walk** - **Date and Time**: Saturday, December 7, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - **Location**: Fellowship Hall - **Details**: Purchase homemade cookies to benefit homeless children in the Chambersburg School District for **$10 per pound**. - Bring your cookies to the kitchen on **December 6** from **6:00 to 8:00 p.m.** - A sign-up sheet for bakers is available at the Welcome Center. - **Contact**: Roxanne for questions. --- ## **Advent Book Study** - **Dates and Time**: Mondays, December 2, 9, and 16 at **3:00 p.m.** - **Location**: Conference Room 111 - **Book**: *"Hope in the Dark: Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities"* by Rebecca Solnit. - **Note**: Ensure you purchase the edition with the new forward and afterward. --- ## **Staff Christmas Gift** - It is a tradition at St. John’s UCC to have a special offering envelope designated for Christmas gifts for church staff. - **Deadline**: Submit your envelope designated “Staff Christmas Gift” no later than **Sunday, December 8**, to ensure delivery by Christmas. --- ## **Pajama Drive** - St. John’s Nursery School is hosting a **pajama drive** through **December 4**. - **Request**: Donate brand-new pajamas. - **Purpose**: For every pair of pajamas donated, the nursery school will give a new children’s book to Little Daisy’s Closet. --- ## **Reverse Advent Calendar** - **Description**: A new opportunity to spread holiday cheer by participating in a Reverse Advent Calendar. - **Details**: Information is available in the December Spirit newsletter. --- ## **Operation Dishwasher** - **Purpose**: Thank you for your support to replace the dishwasher in the church kitchen. - **Campaign Goal**: $20,000. - **Progress**: Nearly reaching the goal! --- ## **Victorian Christmas** - **Dates**: December 6 and 7 - **Time**: Evening entertainment - **Location**: Fellowship Hall - **Details**: An evening of entertainment presented by Discover Dance Works. - **Tickets**: $10 fee. - **Contact**: Call 717-414-1166 or email [email protected] for more information. --- ## **Blue Christmas Service** - **Date and Time**: Saturday, December 21, at **3:00 p.m.** - **Location**: St. John’s UCC - **Details**: A community service focusing on hope and healing in the midst of darkness. --- ## **Midweek Advent Services** - **Dates**: - Wednesday, December 11, at Mont Alto UMC (**10 S. Main Street, Mont Alto, PA 17237**) - Wednesday, December 18, at St. Paul Lutheran Church (**44 E. Main Street, Fayetteville, PA 17222**) - **Time**: 7:00 p.m. --- ## **Christmas Eve Worship Services** - **Times**: - 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall - 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary --- ## **Silent Night, Holy Night** - **Details**: Actors are needed to help portray the Christmas story during Christmas Eve services at both **5:00 p.m.** and **7:00 p.m.** - **Sign-Up**: More information is on the Youth Bulletin Board. --- ## **Angel Tree** - **Details**: Gifts for the Angel Tree are due back to the church no later than **Friday, December 6**. --- # **Weekly Schedule at St. John’s** ### **Monday, December 2** - **10:00 a.m.**: Meditation Class – Parlor Room 104 - **3:00 p.m.**: Advent Book Study – Conference Room 111 ### **Tuesday, December 3** - **6:30 p.m.**: Cub Scouts – Fellowship Hall - **7:00 p.m.**: Amistad Praise Band Rehearsal – Fellowship Hall ### **Wednesday, December 4** - **6:00 p.m.**: Spiritual Council Meeting – Room 116 - **7:00 p.m.**: Midweek Advent Service – Fayetteville Otterbein Church ### **Thursday, December 5** - **7:00 a.m.**: Men’s Breakfast – Texas Lunch - **6:00 p.m.**: Girl Scouts – Room 116 - **7:15 p.m.**: Choir Rehearsal – Choir Room 103 ### **Friday, December 6** - **5:00 p.m.**: Colonial Christmas Show – Fellowship Hall ### **Saturday, December 7** - **9:00 a.m.**: Cookie Walk – Fellowship Hall - **5:00 p.m.**: Colonial Christmas Show – Fellowship Hall ### **Sunday, December 8** - **8:45 a.m.**: - Godly Play Class – Room 119 - Spark! Elementary Church School Class – Room 115 - Teen Discussion Class – Youth Room 206 - Wired Word Church School Class – Room 116 - **10:00 a.m.**: Sunday Service – Sanctuary - **1:30 p.m.**: Christmas Caroling – Meet at Fellowship Halls --- ## Passing of the Peace - **Leader**: "The peace of Christ be with you." - **Response**: "And also with you." --- ## wChiming of the Trinity & Prelude --- ## *Call to Worship* **From "From the Manger"** - Sojourners of faith, today we begin the journey to Bethlehem, to the city called "House of Bread." - *We take one step toward Christmas, the first step of many.* - Let this journey transform us from beginning to end. - Whether your belly is full or empty, whether your heart is broken or whole, look toward the manger, toward the stars over the city of David, and find hope. - *We look with hope because Christ is coming* - To fill hearts and satisfy bellies with goodness and peace. - Come, let us worship as we journey to the House of Bread, where our Brother and Friend will be born. - Glory to God, there is hope today. Let us worship! --- ### *Hymn #79* **"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"** **Lyrics**: 1. O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. *Refrain*: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel. 2. O come, O Wisdom from on high, Who orderest all things mightily; To us the path of knowledge show, And teach us in her ways to go. *Refrain* 3. O come, O come, great Lord of might, Who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height In ancient times did give the law In cloud and majesty and awe. *Refrain* 4. O come, O Rod of Jesse’s stem, From ev’ry foe deliver them That trust thy mighty power to save, And give them victory o’er the grave. *Refrain* 5. O come, O Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. *Refrain* 6. O come, O Dayspring from on high, And cheer us by thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight. *Refrain* 7. O come, Desire of nations, bind In one the hearts of humankind; Bid thou our sad divisions cease, And be thyself our King of Peace. *Refrain* --- ## *Opening Prayer* **From "From the Manger"** > Loving God, we rehearse this beloved story, year after year, because, in this world where people are hungry and creation is suffering, the story gives us hope—that all people will be fed, and creation will be restored! We gather to worship in this season of hopeful expectation, knowing you are faithful to meet us here in song, prayer, and scripture. Nourish our hearts as we worship, and prepare us to serve the hungry around us. Amen. --- ## *Lighting of the Advent Candles* - **Participants**: Judy, Alahna, and Owen Hodges - **All (Response)**: > Compassionate God, when we look outward, the season of Advent heightens our awareness of the hunger in the world around us. Just as Jesus came to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the people, you also call us to that high and holy task. Increase our willingness to serve and our capacity to show generosity and compassion. May our actions reflect the character of Jesus, who fed people everywhere he went. Transform us to be your hands and feet, feeding the hungry and comforting the afflicted. Amen. --- ## *Prayer for Illumination* **From "From the Manger"** > Loving God, as we turn our hearts and minds to your message for us today, illuminate the scriptures before us. We begin the season of Advent and remember the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, laid in a manger in Bethlehem, the town called “House of Bread.” Open our eyes to the profound mystery of the Bread of Life born to dwell among us. As we recall the birth and life of Jesus, may we be transformed by the deep connection between the manger and the miracles, between the humble beginnings and the abundant provision. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life, we pray. Amen. --- ## Scripture Readings ### Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSVUE) > 14 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. > 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. > 16 In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” --- ### 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 (NRSVUE) > 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? > 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith. > 11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. > 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. > 13 And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. --- ### Anthem **"My Lord, What a Morning"** - Arr. Greg Gilpin 1. My Lord, what a morning, My Lord, what a morning, Oh, my Lord, what a morning, When the stars begin to fall. 2. You'll hear the trumpet sound To wake the nations underground, Looking to my God's right hand, When the stars begin to fall. 3. You'll hear the sinner moan To wake the nations underground, Looking to my God's right hand, When the stars begin to fall. 4. You'll hear the Christian shout To wake the nations underground, Looking to my God's right hand, When the stars begin to fall. --- ## *Children’s Message* **Roxanne Davenport** > Children’s Corner will be offered following the Children’s Message. --- ## Scripture Reading ### Luke 2:1-7 (NRSVUE) > 1 In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. > 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. > 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. > 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. > 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. > 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. > 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. --- ### Matthew 14:13-21 (NRSVUE) > 13 Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a deserted place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. > 14 When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. > 15 When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” > 16 Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” > 17 They replied, “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” > 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” > 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. > 20 And all ate and were filled, and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. > 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. --- ## Sermon ## Sharing of Joys and Concerns ## Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer ## Invitation to Giving ## *Offertory* ### *Invitation to Giving* - **Leader**: "We give, not out of obligation, but out of a response to God’s abundant love. May we give generously so that others may experience hope and healing through our shared ministry." ### *Offertory Response* **From *Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship*** > Hope in the God who reigns above, > Who holds us all in steadfast love; > Whose spirit blows across the earth, > Preparing us for second birth. Amen. ### *Prayer of Dedication* **From "From the Manger"** > Generous God, these gifts and offerings are a tangible expression of our hope in Christ. May they nourish those who hunger and spread your love and justice. Bless our giving, inspire us to share with compassion, and help us to trust in your abundant provision. Amen. ## *Hymn #723: "Canticle of the Turning"* *(Include all verses and refrain as provided in your image.)* 1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout That the God of my heart is great, And my spirit sings of the wondrous things That you bring to the ones who wait. You fixed your sight on your servant's plight, And my weakness you did not spurn, So from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn? *Refrain*: My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn. Wipe away all tears, For the dawn draws near, And the world is about to turn! 2. Though I am small, my God, my all, You work great things in me, And your mercy will last from the depths of the past To the end of the age to be. Your very name puts the proud to shame, And to those who would for you yearn, You will show your might, put the strong to flight, For the world is about to turn. *Refrain* 3. From the halls of power to the fortress tower, Not a stone will be left on stone. Let the king beware, for your justice tears Every tyrant from his throne. The hungry poor shall weep no more, For the food they can never earn; There are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed, For the world is about to turn. *Refrain* 4. Though the nations rage from age to age, We remember who holds us fast: God's mercy must deliver us From the conqueror's crushing grasp. This saving word that our forebears heard Is the promise which holds us bound, 'Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God, Who is turning the world around. *Refrain* ## Affirmation of Hope *From the Manger* ## Postlude ## Analysis ### **🔄 Replay** - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emOEfsYYHNE ### **🎙 Speaker** - **Speaker**: {{speaker}} - What is the speaker's background, including their role in the church and relevant experience? - How might the speaker's background influence their perspective on today's message? - Were the speaker's style and delivery inclusive of different cultural backgrounds and learning needs? ### **📅 Date** - **Date**: {{today}} - What is the significance of today's date in relation to the sermon? - Is the date important within the **liturgical calendar** (e.g., Advent, Good Shepherd Sunday)? - How does the date's theme connect with the sermon and readings? ### **📍 Location** - **Location**: {{location}} - How does the location (church, community, or cultural setting) influence the sermon’s context? - Are there specific cultural or social dynamics of the location that inform the message? ### **📜 Title** - **Title**: {{Untitled}} - What initial expectations or thoughts arise based on the title of the sermon? --- ## **Service Flow and Engagement** ### **🗒 Summary of the Service** - What is the central message or summary of today's service? - How was the message linked to the service's overall theme? ### **👋 Opening Remarks / Welcome** - Who delivered the opening remarks, and what tone was set? - Was the welcome inclusive of different races, genders, orientations, socioeconomic statuses, or abilities? - How were diverse **learning styles** (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) engaged during the introduction? ### **📖 Call to Worship** - What specific Scriptures, quotes, or reflections were used to call the congregation to worship? - Were justice, equity, or reconciliation themes included? - Were **multisensory elements** (visual displays, music, movement) used to engage various learning styles? ### **🎵 Hymns / Worship Songs** - List each hymn or song in the order they were sung. - Were the hymns reflective of diverse cultural backgrounds? - Were the lyrics affirming of all identities (e.g., avoiding gendered language, affirming LGBTQIA+ identities)? - Were the hymns accessible to all learning preferences (e.g., lyrics displayed for visual learners, adjustments for auditory needs)? ### **🙏 Prayer and Meditation** - Who led the prayer or meditation session? - Were there key themes related to justice, marginalized communities, or inclusion? - How were diverse **learning needs** accommodated (e.g., guided imagery for visual learners, moments of silence for reflection)? ### **🙋 Congregational Prayer Requests** - What specific prayer requests were made by congregation members? - Did the requests address marginalized communities or social justice causes (e.g., racial equity, disability justice, LGBTQIA+ inclusion)? - Were the requests presented in a way that was accessible to everyone (e.g., clear articulation, written or visual sharing)? ### **📖 Scripture Readings** - List each passage read aloud, including the book, chapter, and verse. - Was the scripture interpreted to emphasize themes of equity, inclusion, or reconciliation? - Did the readers reflect diversity within the congregation, and were interpretations accessible to a wide range of learning needs? ### **🎶 Special Music / Performances** - Document any solo performances, choir numbers, or instrumental pieces. - How did the music integrate with the service's themes of diversity or social justice? - Were there opportunities for active participation (e.g., clapping, singing) to engage **kinesthetic learners**? - Were visual aids used for those who might need additional support to follow along? --- ## **Sermon Analysis** ### **🗒 Sermon Summary** - **Central Message**: Christ’s birth in the "House of Bread" symbolizes hope and sustenance. Jesus defies scarcity and skepticism by providing abundance through his ministry. - **Connection to Liturgical Focus**: The sermon aligns with Advent themes of anticipation and preparation, emphasizing Christ as the bread of life who nourishes both physically and spiritually. ### **🎙 Preaching Style** - **Style**: Narrative with elements of expository teaching. - **Examples Used**: References to the feeding of the 5,000 and reflections on the symbolism of bread in biblical history and today. - **Inclusivity**: Incorporated references to systemic hunger issues but could enhance engagement with multisensory aids for diverse learners. ### **🗣 Intonation and Delivery** - **Effectiveness**: Delivered with a clear and welcoming tone, emphasizing hope and connection. - **Cultural Sensitivity**: The delivery was inclusive but lacked explicit references to diverse cultural perspectives. - **Engagement Techniques**: Vocal inflections underscored key messages, but visual aids or interactive elements could enhance accessibility. ### **📝 Content Structure** - **Organization**: Well-structured with a clear introduction, thematic development, and strong conclusion. - **Transitions**: Seamlessly connected scripture, theological reflections, and practical applications. - **Support for Learning**: Provided scriptural repetition and thematic reinforcement for deeper understanding. ### **👥 Engagement and Application** - **Congregational Engagement**: Encouraged active participation through service initiatives like the reverse Advent calendar. - **Practical Applications**: Highlighted actionable steps for addressing hunger and inequality, fostering community involvement. ### **📖 Scripture Breakdown** - **Luke 2:7**: The manger symbolizes humility and God’s provision, central to Advent reflections. - **Matthew 14:13-21**: The feeding of the 5,000 illustrates Christ’s defiance of scarcity and his call to generosity. - **Jeremiah and 1 Thessalonians**: Complementary readings emphasized hope and justice as Advent themes. ### Logical Reasoning - **Sound Arguments**: The sermon effectively connected theological concepts to contemporary issues, such as systemic hunger. - **Reasoning Strengths**: Grounded in scriptural evidence, the sermon avoided fallacies and maintained logical coherence. - **Areas for Improvement**: Could incorporate more diverse cultural or historical examples to enhance universal relevance. ### **📚 References** - **Theologians Referenced**: While specific information on Rev. Dr. G.P. Park's analysis of the manger's symbolism is not readily available, you might find insights on the symbolism of the manger in articles like [The Symbolism of the Manger - Shepherd of Souls](https://www.shepherdofsouls.com/the-symbolism-of-the-manger/). - **Supplemental Texts**: Benjamin Kramer's Advent devotional reflections are not directly accessible through the provided search results.However, for Advent reflections, you might explore resources such as [Advent Resources - IgnatianSpirituality.com](https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/advent/). ### **🗨 Quotes and Illustrative Stories** - **Impactful Quote**: “Hope and fear cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Invite one to stay.” – Maya Angelou. This quote is featured in [Spiritual Quotation by Maya Angelou | Spirituality & Practice](https://www.spiritualityandpractice.com/quotes/quotations/view/24858/spiritual-quotation). - **Illustrative Stories**: Connected the symbolism of bread to Jesus’ ministry and the reverse Advent calendar to modern justice work. ### **🔄 Calls to Action** - **Service Opportunities**: Participation in the reverse Advent calendar to address hunger in the community. - **Reflective Practices**: Encouraged congregants to examine personal contributions to equity and justice. - **Next Steps**: Extend advocacy efforts to address systemic causes of hunger and inequality. - ## **Additional Service Elements** ### **📢 Announcements / Church News** - List the announcements made during the service. - Were there any community outreach or initiatives focused on DEIB, social justice, or advocacy? - Were the announcements presented in a way that engaged all learning styles? ### **💰 Offering / Tithes** - How was the offering introduced? - Were there causes related to justice, equity, or marginalized communities highlighted? - Was the offering process accessible to all learning preferences (e.g., clear instructions, visually supportive materials)? ### **🙏 Benediction / Closing Prayer** - Who led the closing prayer, and what themes were emphasized? - Was the benediction inclusive and focused on fostering a sense of belonging and justice? - Were different **learning styles** considered in the final hymn or prayer? ### **🤝 Post-Service Fellowship** - Were there informal or formal gatherings after the service, and were they inclusive of all people? - How did the congregation interact, and were individuals from marginalized groups welcomed? - Were fellowship activities designed to engage **various learning needs**, ensuring different abilities and preferences were respected? --- ## **Personal Reflections and Critical Evaluation** ### **💭 Personal Reflection** - How did this service resonate with me personally? - Did the service and sermon effectively communicate messages of **inclusivity** and **social justice**? - What new insights or perspectives have emerged from the service? ### **🧠 Critical Evaluation of the Sermon** 1. **📖 Biblical Accuracy**: Was the sermon faithful to the scriptures referenced? 2. **📜 Theological Soundness**: Did the sermon align with established Christian theology, or were there controversial points? 3. **🛠 Practical Application**: How were biblical truths applied to real-world issues, and were solutions practical for daily life? 4. **📚 Cultural and Historical Context**: Was the historical and cultural background of the scriptures considered? 5. **🗣 Speaker’s Delivery**: Was the delivery inclusive of different learning styles and respectful of diverse backgrounds? ### **📑 Main Points** 1. 2. 3. ### **🙌 Actionable Takeaways** - What actions can I take based on this service's message? ### **🙏 Prayer Points** - What personal prayer points have emerged from this service? - Are there specific areas of focus related to social, cultural, or spiritual matters?