Pastor Bryan Dick
The Third Sunday of Advent
Worship the King
Prelude: “Once in Royal David’s City” arr. W. Wold/J. Innes
Call to Worship
* Responding in Adoration:
(SS bells first) “Angels We Have Heard on High” HFG 192
* God’s Greeting
* We Greet Each Other
* Longing for A Savior: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” PH 328:1,4,6
Sunday School Choir: “Look Up!”
Prayers and Gifts
Congregational Prayer
Offertory: “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” arr. A. Whitworth
Offering received for Christian Education 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: “Joy Has Dawned”
Scripture: Isaiah 60:1-9 (p. 736)
Message: The Beauty Revealed
Prayer
Musical Offering: “Behold, Darkness Shall Cover the Earth” from Messiah (for reflection)
His Coming Draws Near
Litany of Joy & Candlelighting (Katie Hiemstra & Stephanie Dick)
* Song of Response: “Joy to the World! The Lord is Come” PH 337
Blessing
* Benediction
* Closing Hymn: “Shine On Us”
* Postlude
Organist: Marilyn Kooiman
Musicians: Alex Brewster, Gus De Jong, Les Mulder,
Jacquelyn, David & Elaine Vos
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Lorna Molenaar who will celebrate her 82nd birthday on December 20.
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
QUILT HOUSE: In response to the flooding that has affected so many in our area, the Quilt House is once again being prepared for a family to live in it. We thank the quilt ladies for their willingness to move their ministry into the basement of the church. We anticipate that Ken & Lisa Quehrn (teachers from LC) and their son will be moving into the house this week. ~ The Admin Team
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING: Please join us in the church basement tomorrow, 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!
CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Today is the deadline to sign up for Christmas caroling on Saturday, December 20. Meet at church at 5:45 pm. Presently, we have enough carolers for three groups. We are hoping to have 4 groups of 6 people each. For more information, talk to Marv Apol.
TUESDAY LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY: Plan to meet at Bernace Korthuis’ home on Tuesday, December 16 for our Christmas brunch.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR: We will be singing the Hallelujah Chorus for our Candlelight service on December 21, evening service. We have 2 more rehearsals: today at 3:00 pm and next Sunday, 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.
ADMIN MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: The Admin team met on December 9.
• We expressed gratitude at the Thanksgiving offering of almost $17,000.
• We noted that progress is being made on the church network upgrade.
• The upstairs of the Quilt House and the tech closet have been cleaned out.
• We made plans for the special Congregation Meeting on Monday.
• The Deacons will design, distribute and collect contact cards in the pews.
• We thanked Alvin for his years of faithful service as Treasurer.
FROM THE DEACONS: Thank you for your generous giving in both our Thanksgiving offering and for the donations of blankets and quilts to Northwest Hispanic Ministry. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to raise nearly $17,000 for over 30 different ministries, and a special thanks to the Bethel Quilters for the many quilts that were donated to bless the families that Joe Strong serves. We are blessed to have such a generous congregation!
NEXT WEEK’S OFFERING is for Faith Promise which supports the following ministries: Bridges of Hope, Engedi, Envision Ministries, Starfish Ministries, NW Hispanic Ministries, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Christian Hope Association, The Table, Community Outreach, Bethel Quilting, Backpack Buddies, and our missionaries.
SUNDAY
9:00 AM - Sunday School
10:00 AM - Worship Service/Children & Worship
3:00 PM - Rehearsal for Christmas choir
MONDAY
7:00 PM - Congregational meeting
6:30 PM - Cadets Christmas party
TUESDAY
6:30 AM - Men’s Bible study
10:30 AM - Ladies’ Bible study brunch
WEDNESDAY
10:00 AM - Coffee Fellowship
SATURDAY
5:45 PM - Christmas caroling
SUNDAY 21st
9:00 AM - Sunday School
10:00 AM - Worship Service/Children & Worship
5:00 PM - Rehearsal for Christmas choir
6:00 PM - Candlelight Service
7:00 PM - Coffee and goodies in basement
