Second Sunday of Advent

Hanging of the Greens

You may now enter worship through the double

doors off the parking lot and check-in is not needed.

Attendance pads are now back in the pews.

Prelude:  “The First Noel” arr. Cherwien

Introit:  “O Come, O Come, Emanuel”, Chancel Choir, Kirk Averitt, Director

Scripture Lessons:  Psalm 72:1-7 and Matthew 3:1-12

Sermon:  “Proclaimed Peace”, Pastor Eva Thai-Erwin Preaching

Today’s worship service is a wonderful tradition of

Good Shepherd and will include participation

from all the church choirs today

Anthems:

• Advent Celebration”, Children’s Choir; Diane Lucas, Director, 
• “People Look East”, arr. Helman, Carillon Ringers and Youth Bells
• “The Holy and the Ivy”, Traditional, arr. Clark, Janice Clark Director, Youth Choir
• “Hark the Glad Sound”, arr. Mallory, Adult Bells, Carolyn Noonchester, Director
• “We’ll Dress This House”, Alfred Burt, Kirk Averitt, Director

Benediction Response:  “Peace, Peace/Silent Night”

Postlude:  “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”, arr. Lani Smith, Stephen Cook, Director of Music, Organ

A printed copy of the worship bulletin that includes the Call to Worship, Prayers, and Announcements will be posted online. It can be found on the church website and Facebook group page every Friday before the Sunday Service.

While our regular technical crew is on vacation, we will be posting the Church Bulletin on the website for your use in referencing the order of worship, including the hymn names and page number in the Red Hymnal (if you have one at home).

The Church Bulletin can be found under ‘News and Events’ then ‘Newsletters & Bulletins’.  Just double click on the most recent version to open.  OR just click on this link: 

https://cgsum.org/events/newsletter

       The word Commitment has been on my mind this past week.  I was recently excused from jury duty that would have involved a 3-week murder trial.  I can only imagine the commitment the jury members must make to be an important part of our country’s justice system.  Speaking of our country, it was humbling to see the Veterans of our church stand up in worship Sunday morning as we recognized them for their commitment and bravery of service.  And how joyful it was to end the service with a Prayer of Thanksgiving for the 2023 Pledge Cards that have been submitted.  

         Thinking of these examples of great commitment, I know it is the individual person who decides to make the personal commitment.  Whether it is to report for jury duty, to serve in the military, or to give financially to the church.  But as I stated in Sunday’s message, things are only successful if all are committed together.  All 12 of the jurors must agree on a verdict.  We never send 1 soldier alone into battle. 

          Church ministries rely on the financial support of many donations and not one single giver.  As Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, there is strength in numbers: “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.  For if either of them falls, the one will lift up their companion.”  

           Each financial gift is treasured and part of our commitment to the church and its ministries.   Thank you to those who have already submitted your 2023 pledge card.  For those who have not been able to do so yet, there is still time. 

Please return them (by mail or in person drop off) any time before the end of the year.  2023 will be a blessed year as we commit financially to the church together and lift one another up in faith!

Sincerely, Pastor Eva