2025-11-30 - CourtneyR.dev's 2nd Brain

# St. John's United Church of Christ **Chambersburg, Pennsylvania** **November 30, 2025** --- ## Liturgical Context ### Christian Liturgical Calendar **Season**: Advent **Week**: First Sunday of Advent **Lectionary Year**: B **Liturgical Color**: Purple (some traditions use blue) **Christian Observances Today**: - First Sunday of Advent — Beginning of the new liturgical year - Start of the four-week preparation for the celebration of Christ's nativity - Traditional emphasis on the "four last things": Death, Judgment, Heaven, and Hell ### Jewish Calendar **Hebrew Date**: 10 Kislev 5786 **Month**: Kislev (כִּסְלֵו) — The month of dreams, trust, and the miracle of Hanukkah **Jewish Observances**: - Approaching Hanukkah/Chanukah (Festival of Lights), which begins at sundown on December 14, 2025 (25 Kislev) - The month of Kislev commemorates trust in God during dark times—aligning with Advent's themes of hope and waiting ### Ecumenical & Global Observances No major ecumenical observances this week. ### Lectionary Readings (Revised Common Lectionary - Year B) **Hebrew Bible/Old Testament**: Isaiah 64:1-9 *(RCL Year B)* **Psalm**: Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 **Epistle/New Testament**: 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 **Gospel**: Mark 13:24-37 *Note: Today's service uses Isaiah 2:1-5 (the Year A Old Testament reading) alongside Mark 13:24-37 (Year B Gospel), reflecting the UCC's liturgical flexibility.* ### Connection to Today's Message The First Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year with themes of watchfulness, hope, and prophetic vision. The pairing of Isaiah's vision of nations streaming to God's holy mountain with Mark's apocalyptic discourse creates a powerful tension between present struggle and future promise. As we light the first Advent candle—the candle of Hope—we stand in solidarity with the Jewish tradition's Kislev themes of finding light in darkness. The "Vigilant Hope" theme calls us to active waiting: not passive resignation but prophetic imagination that dares to dream God's dream even in uncertain times. --- ## Order of Worship *Please stand in body or in spirit where indicated with asterisk* ### Gathering #### Gathering Song "This is the Day" #### Unison Welcome > "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" #### Announcements #### Chiming of the Trinity #### Prelude ### Call to Worship *from "The Will to Dream"* **Leader**: We gather together in this place: **People**: **prophets and dreamers, singers and poets,** **Leader**: we who dare to imagine a world renewed; **People**: **we who dare to dream God's dream.** **Leader**: We proclaim expectation with Isaiah! **People**: **God's redemption is near!** **Leader**: Through tears and through trials, **People**: **we hold fast to our hope.** **Leader**: Do not fear, for God is faithful. **People**: **Our redemption rises with the dawn.** **Leader**: Come and worship, all you who dream and wait. **People**: **We have come to wonder and praise.** ### Hymn #83: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus **HYFRYDOL 8.7.8.7 D** WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1744 MUSIC: Rowland H. Prichard, 1830 *Higher key, No. 607; lower key, No. 422* **Verse 1:** Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee. Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. **Verse 2:** Born Thy people to deliver, born a child, and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all-sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne. --- ### Lighting of the Advent Candles The birth of Jesus has been told and retold a thousand times in a thousand ways. Its impact cannot be contained in any one perspective. The element of the story we focus on changes how we hear it, how we imagine it, and how we experience it. *(Various Readers)* *(All):* **We light the candle of hope because hope creates a path for a new, unknown story to unfold.** ### Call to Confession *from "The Will to Dream"* Heeding Jesus' call to keep awake, let us be humble and bold in confessing the truth of the brokenness in our hearts, our actions, and our systems. ### Prayer of Confession *from "The Will to Dream"* **God of hope, we confess that we too often seek salvation from that which will not save us. We cling to our own comfort, rather than being generous with our gifts and privilege. We are complicit in systems that benefit us, rather than challenging the exploitation of neighbors and creation. We act from fear rather than faith.** **Transform our hearts with your mercy. Forgive us and renew us. Make us restless for justice. Teach us again to be people of courage and hope. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.** ### Assurance of Grace *from "The Will to Dream"* Heaven and earth may pass away, but God's faithfulness is sure. You are forgiven and forever claimed as beloved of God, through the saving love of Jesus Christ. Amen. ### Passing of the Peace *from "The Will to Dream"* Where two or three are gathered, the prophetic Spirit is among us, inspiring our imagination and creating peace in our midst. Greet your fellow travelers now with the peace of Christ, and let these small doses of repair and reconciliation ripple out into a world in need of transformation. May the peace of Christ be with you. **And also with you.** --- ## Scripture and Sermon ### Scripture Reading Mark 13:24-37 > [!bible]+ [Mark 13:24-37 - AMP](https://bolls.life/AMP/41/13/) > 24. "But in those days, after [the suffering and distress of] that tribulation, <e>the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light</e>, > 25. <e>and the stars will be falling</e> from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. > 26. Then they will see <e>the Son of Man coming in clouds</e> with great power and glory [in royal majesty and splendor]. > 27. And then He will send out the angels, and will gather together His elect [those He has chosen for Himself] from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven. > 28. "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branch becomes tender and it puts out its leaves, you recognize that summer is near. > 29. Even so, you too, when you see these things happening, know [for certain] that He is near, right at the door. > 30. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, this generation [the people living when these signs and events begin] will not pass away until all these things take place. > 31. Heaven and earth [as now known] will pass away, but My words will not pass away. > 32. But of that [exact] day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son [in His humanity], but the Father alone. > 33. "Be on guard and stay constantly alert[and pray]; for you do not know when the appointed time will come. > 34. It is like a man away on a journey, who when he left home put his servants in charge, each with his particular task, and also ordered the doorkeeper to be continually alert. > 35. Therefore, be continually on the alert—for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— > 36. [stay alert,] in case he should come suddenly and unexpectedly and find you asleep and unprepared. > 37. What I say to you I say to everyone, 'Be on the alert [stay awake and be continually cautious]!'" %% #Mark13 %% ### Anthem Concertato on "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus" *arr. Robert Lau* ### Children's Message Roxanne Davenport *Children's Corner will be offered following the Children's Message* ### Additional Scripture Isaiah 2:1-5 > [!bible]+ [Isaiah 2:1-5 - AMP](https://bolls.life/AMP/23/2/) > 1. The word [from God] which Isaiah son of Amoz saw [in a vision] concerning [the nation of] Judah and [its capital city] Jerusalem. > 2. Now it will come to pass that In the last days The mountain of the house of the LORD Will be [firmly] established as the highest of the mountains, And will be exalted above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it. > 3. And many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house (temple) of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go out from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. > 4. And He will judge between the nations, And will mediate [disputes] for many peoples; And they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up the sword against nation, And never again will they learn war. > 5. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD. %% #Isaiah2 %% ### Sermon **Preacher**: Rev. Caroline E. Saxton **Title**: [I'll add title here] **Theme**: Vigilant Hope #### Sermon Notes ##### Introduction ##### Main Points ###### Point 1: ###### Point 2: ###### Point 3: ##### Illustrations/Stories ##### Scripture Connections ##### Key Quotes #### Personal Reflections ##### What spoke to me: ##### Questions raised: ##### Challenges/Convictions: ##### Liturgical Context Reflections: How does today's liturgical season/observance deepen my understanding of the message? #### Applications ##### This week I will: - [ ] - [ ] - [ ] ##### People to pray for: ##### Follow-up study: #### Connections *Links to other sermons, books, or notes* --- ## Response ### Dedication of the Hoffman Homes Gifts ### Sharing of Joys and Concerns ### Prayers of the People and The Lord's Prayer (Debts) ### Invitation to Giving ### Offertory ### 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 "The Will to Dream"* **Holy God, we bring our gifts and offerings to you because the voices of the prophets remind us of something bigger, something greater than any system this world offers us. We believe when we trust you with our resources, the kin(g)dom of God comes much closer to reality on earth. Help us steward these gifts to create abundant life and love. Amen.** ### Hymn #86: Now the Heavens Start to Whisper **JEFFERSON 8.7.8.7 D** WORDS: Mary Louise Bringle, 2005 MUSIC: Alexander Johnson's *Tennessee Harmony*, 1818; harm. *Lutheran Book of Worship*, 1978 Words © 2006 by GIA Publications, Inc. Harm. © 1978 *Lutheran Book of Worship*. **Verse 1:** Now the heavens start to whisper, as the veil is growing thin. Earth from slumber wakes to listen to the stirring, faint within: seed of promise, child to spring from Jesse's stem! Like the soil beneath the frost-line, hearts grow soft to welcome Him. **Verse 2:** Heavy clouds that block the moonlight now begin to drift away. Diamond brilliance through the darkness shines the hope of coming day: Christ, the rose of Sharon, gleams with in the outcast, fans to fullness; hearts grow warm to welcome Him. **Verse 3:** Christ, eternal Sun of justice, come to bless with fire and fragrance hours of yearning, hurt, and need. In the lonely, in the stranger, deep-ly planted, grown from view: Like Heaven's ember, who comes to teach our hearts to welcome You. --- "Now the Heavens Start to Whisper" ### Affirmation of Hope *from "The Will to Dream" (on screen)* ### Charge & Benediction *from "The Will to Dream"* ### Postlude (seated) --- ## Worship Leadership | Role | Participant | |------|-------------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | Deacon in Charge | Cathy Kinton | | Lector | Lloyd Beers | | Children's Corner | Scot and Melinda Orndorff | | Media Coordinators | Calvin Frantz, Muneath Ham, Heidi Ramos | | Bulletin cover | John (traqair57) on Flickr | --- ## Church Information ### St. John's Vision We are called to love, to learn, to worship and to witness in Christ as a congregation that welcomes everyone, and seeks service that will advance God's realm on earth. ### St. John's Mission To grow in love of God and neighbor ### Worship Resources - *"The Will to Dream" Advent liturgy* © 2025 Illustrated Ministry - *Touch Holiness: Resources for Worship*, edited by Ruth C. Duck and Maren C. Tirabassi ### The Flowers at the Foot of the Cross Given to the Glory of God. ### Family-Friendly Spaces The "Nursery Nook in the Narthex" quiet area and infant/toddler space in the Parlor are available for children and families to use during worship. Age-appropriate activity bags are also available. See the deacon for assistance. ### Coffee Hour Please join us for coffee hour after worship! ### Birthdays This Week - 12/03 Jeanne Welch - 12/04 Stephanie Brown - 12/05 Mary Moyer and Chani Wolfe --- ## News and Announcements ### This Week at St. John's #### Today: November Birthday Celebration No Bible Study on the Book of Acts — We'll resume with Chapter 23 on December 7. #### Monday, December 1 - 10:00 am — Chi Gong/Zazen silent body energy and soulful meditation — Parlor Room 104 - 1:30 pm — Monday Afternoon Book Study (Ch. 11) — Conference Room 111 - 5:00 pm — Craft Night – Christmas Ornaments — Room 202 - 7:00 pm — Boy Scouts — Fellowship Hall #### Tuesday, December 2 *(Church Office Closes at Noon)* - 5:30 pm — Yoga — Room 202 - 6:00 pm — Ladies' Bible - Zoom - 6:30 pm — Cub Scouts — Fellowship Hall/then break into smaller groups #### Wednesday, December 3 - 7:00 pm — Midweek Advent Services - Mont Alto UMC (10 S. Main Street Mont Alto, PA 17237) #### Thursday, December 4 - 7:00 am — Men's Breakfast — Texas Lunch - 6:00 pm — Bell Choir Practice — Bell Room 117 - 7:15 pm — Choir Rehearsal — Choir Room 103 #### Friday, December 5 - 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm — Cookies for Kids drop off — Kitchen #### Saturday, December 6 - 9:00 am – 12:00 pm — Cookies for Kids — Fellowship Hall #### Sunday, December 7 - 8:45 am — Godly Play Class — Room 119 - 8:45 am — SPARK! Elementary Church School Class — Room 115 - 8:45 am — Teen Discussion Class — Room 206 - 8:45 am — Wired Word Church School Class — Room 116 - 10:00 am — Sunday Worship — Sanctuary - 1:00 pm — Christmas Caroling (potluck to follow ~4:15 pm in Fellowship Hall) --- ### Upcoming Events & Opportunities #### Angel Tree and Hoffman Homes Gift Tags Hoffman Homes' gifts will be dedicated in worship on November 30; Angel Tree gifts will be dedicated on December 7. #### Pastoral Coverage Pastor Caroline will be away December 2-6. Rev. Julia Brown of Solomon's UCC in Chambersburg and Rev. Irene Pouliot of Trinity UCC in State Line are "on call." In the event of a pastoral emergency, please contact the church office and they will get your message to the pastor on call. Pastor Caroline will return to lead worship on Sunday, December 7. #### Cookies for Kids (Cookie Walk) Saturday, December 6. Sign-up sheets to provide homemade cookies or candy are located in both lobbies. All proceeds from this event will go to support kids in our community by partnering with local organizations. Contact Roxanne Davenport or Harold Collier with any questions. Thanks for your support of this terrific event! #### Church Directory Update As we work to finalize our new photo directory, we need your updated contact information. If your address, phone number or email address has changed, please share this with the church office. Thank you! #### Bell Fest Sunday, December 14, 7 pm in the Sanctuary. Join us for beautiful music featuring the handbell choirs of SJUCC, First Lutheran, Park Avenue UMC, and Messiah UMC (Ship). #### Welcome, Rochelle Moyer! Rochelle is St. John's new Office Assistant, joining Tonya Schwartz, our Office Administrator. Rochelle is here M-F from 9 am-1 pm. Stop by and say hi! #### Reverse Advent Calendar Mission Challenge Helps us to share God's love through giving to others as we prepare to receive the gift of Jesus. Wrapped boxes with a calendar of desired items are available in both lobbies. These gifts of food will be dedicated on Christmas Eve. #### Christmas Caroling To our shut-in church family members will be Sunday, December 7, leaving at 1:00 pm. We'd love you to join us! We will end ~4:15 pm with a potluck in Fellowship Hall. #### Silent Night, Holy Night Sign up on the youth bulletin or see Roxanne if you would like to help dramatize the Christmas story during the Christmas Eve service at 6:30 pm. #### December First Fruits Will go to support Salvation Army and continuing their work of helping those in our community who are struggling. Thank you for your generosity in supporting the Angel Tree and the many other ways they serve children and families in Chambersburg. #### Staff Christmas Gifts Are a way we at St. John's honor our talented staff at Christmas. If you would like to participate, please designate "Staff Christmas Gift" on your envelope or check; contributions should be submitted by Sunday, December 7. #### United Way Winter Warmth Drive Currently underway through January 16. Please see the December Spirit for a full list of desired items to donate in the boxes in both lobbies. Thank you for supporting these efforts to care for our neighbors, feeding the hungry and clothing the cold. #### November/December Upper Room Devotionals are currently available at the Welcome Center. We suggest a donation of $1 for small print/$2 for large print copies. If you would like to have a copy mailed to you, please contact the church office. #### Bible and a Beer An opportunity to talk about our faith in public. Join us on the 3rd Monday of the month at the Trojan Diner at 6:30 pm. Our next gathering will be December 15. --- ## Council Congregational Survey - December 2025 *Greetings! As we look toward the future, we want to be responsive to the needs of our congregation. A short 3-question survey has been developed by the Council to help garner feedback in three areas of our ministry together: Community Engagement, Congregational Care, and Spiritual Life. Please review the descriptions/responsibilities of each standing committee and the question they pose (this sheet is double sided to provide ample space to respond to each question). Your ideas and feedback are incredibly value as we move forward. Please return this survey to the church office by December 30, 2025. This survey will also be sent out electronically.* —The Council of St. John's UCC and Pastor Caroline ### Community Engagement The Community Engagement Committee is responsible for building relationships and maintaining engagement with our community, overseeing outreach to our local and global communities, and partnering with other churches and organizations as we remain faithful to our mission to grow in love of God and neighbor. **Question**: With many options and great needs in our community, where are the needs of our community most apparent to you? Who are the community partners, churches and/or organizations we may include in our efforts? ### Congregational Care The Congregational Care Committee works to nurture and promote a loving and caring culture to ensure a healthy and supportive congregation and live into our vision as a Christian church. **Question**: What kind of support do you need from your church family? ### Spiritual Life The Spiritual Life Committee, with the help of the Worship Support Team, is responsible for worship, education, spiritual formation, and communion. The Spiritual Life Committee ensures our congregation establishes and lives a covenantal relationship with one another while nurturing a welcoming culture for visitors and members of the community. **Question**: Beyond the classes currently being offered, what adult Christian education/faith formation opportunities would you like to see, and participate in, if offered at St. John's? --- ## Staff Contact Information | Role | Name | Contact | |------|------|---------| | Pastor | Rev. Caroline E. Saxton | [email protected], (641) 260-1868 (cell) | | Office Administrator | Tonya Schwartz | [email protected], (717) 263-8593 (office) | | Music Director | Gary Crum | | | Organist | Barbara Motichka | | | Director of Children & Youth | Roxanne Davenport | | | Pastor Emeritus | Rev. Stephen W. Hoffman | | --- ## Personal Notes --- *Template based on St. John's UCC bulletin, November 30, 2025*