Pastor Bryan Dick
The Second Sunday of Advent
Worship the King
Prelude:
Call to Worship
* Responding in Adoration: “He Shall Reign Forevermore”
* God’s Greeting
* We Greet Each Other
Longing for A Savior: “Jesus, Joy of the Highest Heaven”
(SS verse 1, join on verse 2)
Prayers and Gifts
Congregational Prayer
Offertory —Offering received for General Fund
Children are invited forward for a Children’s Message as the
deacons come to present the offerings
God’s Word
Children’s Message
Children age 3 – 2nd grade are dismissed afterward to Children & Worship
* Song of Preparation: “Create in Me A Clean Heart, O God””
Scripture: Malachi 2:17 – 3:5 (p. 954)
Message: Refined and Purified
Prayer
Musical Offering: “And He Shall Purify” from the Messiah
His Coming Draws Near
Litany of Peace & Candle Lighting (Cy De Jong & Vern Meenderinck)
Song of Response: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” PH 345
Blessing
* Benediction
* Closing Hymn: “Go, Tell It On the Mountain” PH 356
* Postlude
Pianist: Laura Te Velde
Praise team: Carissa Hiemstra, Elaine Vos
* indicates to stand if able
ADVENT WORSHIP: The Messiah is an oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel in 1741, based on a series of scripture texts (compiled by Charles Jennens) which tell the story of Jesus Christ in three parts: the prophecy and birth of Jesus, the crucifixion and resurrection, and the exalted state of Christ. Handel wrote each movement within these parts based on a specific passage of scripture. This year for Advent we are going to prepare for the coming of Jesus through the scriptures and music of this work of art. The sermons are going to come from the scriptures highlighted in the prophecy section and after the sermon we will hear one of the movements inspired by those verses. Our Advent wreath readings will be based on the scriptures that point to the future: the eternal heavenly reign of Christ. Our Candlelight Service will culminate with having a choir sing the "Hallelujah Chorus." It is my prayer that as we enjoy the man-made beauty of this piece of music, it may give us a greater understanding of the depth and riches of the divine beauty of the Good News of the birth of Jesus. ~Pastor Bryan
COMBINED CRC SERVICE: King’s Men of Song Advent Service at Third CRC, tonight at 6 pm.
BETHEL WOMEN’S BRUNCH and Goodie exchange is Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 in the church basement. Please let us know if you will be joining us by Tuesday, December 9. Information was placed in your church mailbox or extra copies are available in the back of church.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Please join us in the church basement on Monday, December 15, at 7 PM for a special congregational meeting. We will be voting on two motions from Council. One motion is to replace the roof over the west end of the church building. The other motion is to move ahead on renovations to the library, Fireside Room, and upstairs kitchen. The presentation will include a 3D walkthrough of the proposed renovations that you won't want to miss. Hope to see you there!
PASTOR BRYAN will be out of town from this afternoon until late Wednesday. Please contact your Care Community elder if a need arises.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Next Sunday, December 14, is the deadline to sign up for Christmas caroling on Saturday, December 20 from 6-7 pm. Presently, we have enough carolers for one group. We need 4 groups of 6 people each to sing to everyone on the list. For more information, talk to Marv Apol.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR: We will be singing the Hallelujah Chorus for our Candlelight service on December 21, evening service. We have 3 rehearsals: today at 11:30 am; next Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm; December 21 at 5 pm. This is open to Bethel and community singers! Invite anyone who loves to sing to join our choir and enjoy the Candlelight Service with us.
FELLOWSHIP TIME: We will have coffee and Christmas goodies in the basement following the 6 pm Candlelight Service on December 21. If able, please bring a plate of either sweet or savory goodies to share. Please bring items to the basement kitchen prior to the service.
SUNDAY
9:00 AM - Sunday School
10:00 AM - Worship Service/Children & Worship
11:30 AM - Rehearsal for Christmas choir
6:00 PM - Combined Service at Third CRC
TUESDAY
6:30 AM - Men’s Bible study
10:00 AM - Ladies’ Bible study
7:00 PM - Admin Team
WEDNESDAY
10:00 AM - Coffee Fellowship
SATURDAY
10:00 AM - Women’s brunch/goodie exchange
SUNDAY 14th
9:00 AM - Sunday School
10:00 AM - Worship Service/Children & Worship
3:00 PM - Rehearsal for Christmas choir
6:00 PM - Youth Group Christmas party
