Highlands United Methodist ChurchSecond Sunday of Advent

Handbell ProgramDecember 15, 2013

10:50am_______________________________

UMH: United Methodist Hymnal; ! Congregation standingPlease enter the sanctuary in a spirit of prayer and meditation

Moments of Informal Worship

Pass the Peace

Church Announcements

Opening Voluntary O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Cynthia Dobrinski

Lighting of the Advent Wreath James 5:7-10 Robin Phillips & Elizabeth Gordon

"It Came Upon the Midnight Clear"Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled,

And still their heavenly music floats o’er all the weary world;Above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing,

And ever o’er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.

Response: (All): Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

Opening Prayer

!Advent Hymn “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” UMH #216

Scripture Reading Romans 1:1-7 pew Bible, p.152

Children’s Time (Children in pre-kindergarten through 2nd grade are invited to go downstairs for Children’s

Worship. Younger children are invited to the nursery. Please pick up your children downstairs following worship)

Tithes and Offerings Offertory Silent Night arr. Karen Roth

!Doxology sung to the tune of The First NoelPraise God, from whom all blessings flow,

Praise God, all creatures here below,Praise God above, ye heavenly host,Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel! Born is the King of Israel.

!Offering Prayer

!Hymn of the Word “O Little Town of Bethlehem” UMH #230

Sharing of Our Concerns (If you would like your prayer request to be added to the prayer list in the bulletin

please indicate on the prayer request card.)

Silent Prayer

Pastoral Prayer

The Lord’s PrayerOur Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy

Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we

forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the Kingdom, and

the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Anthem Creation Will Be At Peace -Anna Laura Page

Scripture Reading Matthew 1:18-25! pew Bible, p. 1

Sermon “A Different Perspective”

!Hymn of Faith “What Child is This” UMH #219

!Benediction “Let There Be Peace on Earth”Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me; let there be peace on earth,

the peace that was meant to be. With God our creator, children all are we.Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me;

let this be the moment now. With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:to take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

!Postlude O Come, Let Us Adore Him arr. Lloyd Larson

As the congregation, remember, we are all ministers.You are now entering the mission field.

*******Worship Leaders today: Sermon: Paul Christy; Liturgist: Beth Bowser; Minister of Music: Les Scott; Lay Reader: TBA; Children's Time: Sabrina Cashion ;Organist/Pianist: Bradley Martin; Acolyte: TBA; Children’s Worship: Ginger & McKinley MoseleyServing our Church Today: Ushers: Head Usher: Larry Ray; Team 3: Team Leader: Kenneth Crowe; Team Members: Alan Marsh, Curtis Rich, Austin Forrester; Counters: Jodi Zoellner & Bob Sutton

Welcome to the Highlands United Methodist ChurchA joyous welcome to you! We are glad each of you has come to worship the Lord. Please sign the attendance pad located at each pew so we know of your presence. Hearing Amplification Devices are available from the ushers if needed. Large print copies of the hymnals and Bible are available in the narthex.Birthday Wishes to (December 16) Miranda Dotson, Margaret Heinlein, Owen Leslie; (December 17) Brian Cochran; (December 18) Leo Huckabee; (December 19) LaDonna Keener, Randy Parks; (December 20) Ethan Tate, Meridith Watson; (December 21) Jonathan SmithHappy Anniversary to (December 19) Mike & Becki Bryson

The altar flowers in the church this morning are given in honor of our grandparents, Herbert & Barbara James with much love from your grandchildren.Family Night Supper this week will be a prepared meal. Please make your reservations on the attendance pad today or call the church office no later than 4pm on Monday.

The Highlands Community Christian ChoraleSunday, December 15th at 5:00pm with a reception following

Sunday’s presentation at the Church of the Incarnation

Sunday, December 15thThe Mountain Top Ringers, HUMC’s handbell choir, play a variety of familiar and international carols for

our regular worship service.

Church-wide CarolingJoin us on December 11th as we spread the Christmas cheer

through song! Meet at HUMC at 3:00pm to carpool to Chestnut Hill, Fidelia Eckerd Nursing Home and homes of church family to

participate in some good ole’ Christmas caroling. Wear something festive! We’ll be finished by 5:00pm.

Mountain Top RingersWednesday, December 18th – 6:00pm

The Mountain Top Ringers present their annual Christmas concert, Ring Christmas Bells, in the Fellowship Hall right after supper.

Along with their selection of sacred carols, the Ringers will present popular secular Christmas songs, including Irving Berlin’s White

Christmas.

Chancel Choir CantataSunday, December 22 – during our 10:50 worship service. This year the Chancel Choir presents “A Ceremony of Lessons and

Carols” by Anna Laura Page and Jean Ann Shafferman. Accompaniment will be four-hands piano, handbells, & percussion.

Christmas Eve Worship ServicesTuesday, December 24

5:00pm a Family-Friendly Candlelight ServiceDrop-in Communion between 7 & 8pm

11:00pm a Candlelight Service

Christmas DayMerry Christmas!

Sunday, December 29thEpiphany Sunday

Sunday, January 6thCovenant Sunday

Needed: Sizes 5 & 6 boys’ diapers (Pampers brand). Please bring to the church office.

Bosnia Mission Fundraiser Congratulations to Debbie Hodges who held the winning “build a Bosnia barn” ticket.

Don’t Forget...to turn your pledge card in for 2014. You can place it in the offering plate, mail it in, or bring to the church office.

Christmas Schedule

Prayer Time on Wednesdays at 4:45pm. We gather in the parlor as a church for weekly prayer time. All are invited.

Church Studies & Activities: Everyone is Invited!Monday

Home Study Group meets at 7:30 pm each Monday at the Motz's house. The Lectionary Texts for the week are discussed.

TuesdayWomen’s Emmaus Group meets at 11:00am in the church parlor.Women’s Bible Study – We are studying: “Some Folks Feel theRain, Others Just Get Wet” by James W. Moore. Please join us in the Parlor at 7:00.

WednesdayVisitation Team – meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon. Men’s Emmaus Group meets at 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall.Wednesday Night Activities 6:00pm - Childcare providedDiscipleship: Going Deeper, a long term study.December 18 – Mountain Top Ringers [Handbells] Christmas ProgramJanuary 1 – NO Wednesday evening meal or programs Happy New YearJanuary 8 – A "Sole Hope" Cutting Party. Bring straight or pinking shears.

All other materials will be provided. Ann Marie Crowe is the coordinator. January 15, 22, 29, & February 5 – A Book Study, “The Will of God in an

Unwilling World”, by Ellsworth Kalas. Led by Meredith Watson Books may be picked up in the church office.

ThursdaySeasonal Discipleship: Going Deeper meets at 10:00am. Afternoon Bible Study will meet at 4:00pm on January 9th

Church Staff: Rev. Paul Christy, Pastor; Rev. Beth Bowser, Associate Pastor; Director of Children & Youth Ministries, Jennifer Forrester; Les Scott, Minister of Music; Sonja DeFoor, Office Manager; Janice Wilson, Financial Secretary; Bradley Martin, Organist/Pianist; Cotton & Bobbie Russell, Nursery Attendants; Marlene & Gary Nix, Sextons

Highlands United Methodist Church, PO Box 1959, Highlands NC 28741e-mail addresses: Church:highlandsumc@icloud.com, Paul: pastorhumc@icloud.com, Beth: bethhumc@icloud.com; Janice Wilson: finsec13@yahoo.com,Jennifer: humcjennifer@gmail.com; Les: les.h.scott@gmail.comChurch (828), 526-3376; Parsonage (828) 526-2465 CCLI # 1455665

Sunday School ~ Elementary aged children are invited to meet each Sunday morning at 9:45am in the children’s Sunday School room downstairs with Luke. 3,4,5, Gang will not meet in December. They will meet on Sunday, January 12th at 5:30pm. Join us for this active, meaningful fun led by Tay and Tamara Bronaugh. Invite a friend!!Children’s Worship Packets: They look like pencil holders. See an usher to help locate one.A Nursery is provided Sunday mornings for children birth through 4 years of age starting at 9:30am downstairs. Please see an usher for help locating the nursery.

Sunday School ~ Youth, grades 6-12 are invited to Sunday School each Sunday morning at 9:45. This week we will begin an Advent Study titled, Finding Bethlehem in the Midst of Bedlam. Where do youth fit into the Christmas business? This study helps youth to turn their eyes to Bethlehem in the midst of the everyday "bedlam" that encompass their lives, especially during the Christmas season.SYF (Sunday Youth Fellowship) ~High School youth (grades 9-12) are invited for dinner and a study each Sunday evening from 5:30-7pm. We will begin with dinner at 5:30. Each Sunday we have a short lesson followed by meaningful discussion. I hope you will join us for this time of learning and fellowship! Invite a friend:) Wednesday Night Youth - We are doing a study titled, "Journey to Awareness" where we learn who the "rich" among us really are and what "we" can offer others. We hope you will join us on Wednesdays from 6-7pm!! Youth Christmas Party ~ We hope you will join us for the Youth Christmas Party at Jennifer and Robbie Forrester’s house on Sunday, December 22nd from 5:30-8pm. All youth (grades 6-12) are invited!! There will be food, fun, and a gift exchange ($10 max). There will also be a prize for the best Christmas outfit:)Youth Bowling ~ As part of SYF, the youth will go bowling on Sunday, January 26th. All ages of youth are invited:) We will leave HUMC at 4pm and return by 8pm. I hope everyone can join us. Invite a friend!!!

The United Methodist Men’s Breakfast will meet on Saturday, December 21st at 8:30am at the Sports Page. All men are invited.

Worship Service Attendance on 12/8/13: 9:09-93 10:50-138 Love God. Offer Christ to All.

Highlands United Methodist ChurchPost Office Box 1959

Highlands, North Carolina 28741website address: www.highlandsmethodist.org

(828) 526-3376December 15, 2013

10:50amPaul Christy, Pastor

Beth Bowser, Associate PastorLes Scott, Minister of Music

Amy Coles, District SuperintendentLarry Goodpaster, Bishop

Come to Sunday School at 9:45am!

Buck’s class (starts at 9:30 at Buck’s Coffee Shop) is beginning a new Fall series entitled, “Adult Bible Studies focusing on Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms 104. Living in a covenant relationship with God”. Led by Wiley & Sarah Sloan & Fred & Elizabeth Motz.

Seekers are currently studying the book of Colossians. (meets in the Board Room) Led by Bob Gregory

Abundant Life is currently studying Titus, Hebrews, Ephesians, Colossians, & 1 John. (meets in the parlor) Facilitated by Jan Potts

Over & Under 50 Disciples is studying: “Looking at the Old Testament through History and Archeology”. Led by Ken Bowser.

Adult ClassesNursery provided

Homeless Outreach – bring sample size or hotel shampoos and soap and place in box on the credenza across from Sonja’s office. These will be given to area homeless shelters.Food Pantry – Anyone in need, either temporarily or regularly, may visit the Pantry on Mondays from 3:30 – 5:30pm. Donations are accepted at the church office. Items most needed: rice, canned fruit, black beans, juices, tomato products, & bread. We now have enough egg cartons so we don’t need any more donations. Thank you.Nail Benders meet on an as needed basis to go paint, build, clean, and landscape for those in our community who need help. If you want to get involved call the church. Life Challenge is a Christian Discipleship Program created to help people with life controlling issues. We can help fund this program by providing gently-used clothing, household items, and small furniture for their Resale Shop in Dillsboro. Please bring your items to the church.

Missions