The LINK December 2018

Christmas Season 2018

By Danny Wayman

What do you want for Christmas? We hear that question and sometimes ask that

question of others. I want to be sure my family gets what they need and maybe even

some of their wants.

So, what do you want for Christmas? Material gifts are nice. A new electronic device

or a toy to play with are easy to find among the sales and advertisements. Often, my

mom would answer that question with “A family that loves one another. We have all the

things we need.”

Each of us have more things than we need, a few more specific items might be nice;

but many gifts are more important than things. Some gifts make community possible.

Some gifts cause love to grow and expand. Some gifts cause us and others to grow

closer to God. How can we give and receive in 2018 in ways that cause God’s presence

to be more manifest in this world? Many different ways exist to do exactly that.

My grandchildren love to make handmade gifts for one another. It teaches them to

put thought and effort into what they give and appreciation for what they receive. We all

know that consumption is a problem for us in our nation. We are taught to overspend at

Christmas time. The news reports the number of dollars spent during this time of year

and the expectation is that it will always be bigger than last year. The runaway

consumption of earth’s resources needs to be slowed. Maybe that gift is what the future

generations need from us. How do we do that and continue to show love to our families

and friends?

What do you get family and friends for Christmas?

Consider a Daily Devotional from the Upper Room called Disciplines. It follows a

pattern we use to select scriptures for our worship services. Several small groups are

using this for group study and others use this devotional for private time with God each

day.

We are disciples of Jesus Christ. The title Disciplines means to follow a pattern of

being a Disciple. It does not mean correction of disobedience but it does mean to learn

how to be a closer follower of Jesus Christ. How can we be better at following Jesus?

How can we encourage others to be better at following Jesus?

We have several copies of the book “Disciplines” in the front office. We are

suggesting a donation of $10 per copy. It will make a great stocking stuffer for family and

friends, and it will help all of us follow Jesus in the coming year of our Lord, 2019.

In the Spirit

By Bo Ireland

Lately everywhere I look I am asked the question “are you in the spirit?” I have been asked if, only a mere 24 hours after Thanksgiving Day, if we can get “in the spirit” of the holidays by playing Christmas music and hanging up decorations. (No, I am still savoring this moment.) I recall also the invitation to be “in the spirit” that seems to be contagious this time of year with those who are preoccupied with the bone-crushing chasing of a piece of pigskin across a modern day colosseum (Not siding with any particular team here, just noting the team spirit that is present).

In my scripture reading this week, I find John’s words regarding a spiritual state, “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day and I heard behind me a loud voice like the sound of a trumpet… (Rev.1:10).” I am reminded of the “in the Spirit” experiences of Peter (Acts 10:10), Hannah (1 Sam.1:15), and Isaiah (Isa.6) as they are caught up in the Spirit of God. It is on my heart to question myself at each turn and each time I hear the phrase

“in the spirit”. What spirit am I caught up in? Am I “in the spirit” or am I “in the Spirit”?

The Hebrew word for spirit is Rauh. This word translates to wind or breath and is the wind or the breath that God breathes into Adam’s nostrils when creation begins (Gen.2:7). Humankind and all of creation are breathed by God into existence and filled with a rush of holy wind. Truly, I say to you that when I think of being “in the spirit”, I imagine a holy river of God’s breath, Ruah - wind - directing the Body of Christ as a Holy Church to do the will of God. It reminds me of rafting on the Rio Grande; the raft is carried by a force that is greater than that of the occupants. The raft and all those on it can either surrender to the rush that surrounds them or they can fight against the river. As I ponder “in the spirit,” I hope and pray that you and I find a surrender to the Spirit that will surpass any superficial wind that blows. We celebrate a season that is more than football or holiday cheer and is truly filled with the Spirit of God as we are gifted with the birth of Christ Jesus. Let us be “in the Spirit” together.

Come Enjoy our Children’s Musical Drama!

Wise Guys and Starry Skies Written by Kathie Hill & Arranged by Randall Dennis

December 9th at 5:30

(Program is in the Sanctuary and a Reception will follow)

Scriptures This Month

December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Little Ones Micah 5:2-5a Luke1: 46-55

Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-55

December 24

Christmas Eve

A Child is Born! Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96

Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20

December 30

First Sunday After Christmas

Jesus Increased in Wisdom and Years 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26

Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 2:41-52

December 2 First Sunday of Advent

Hearts Not Weighed Down Jeremiah 33:14-16

Psalm 25:1-10 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Luke 21:25-36

December 9 Second Sunday of Advent

The Refiner’s Fire Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79

Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6

December 16

Third Sunday of Advent

Good News to the People Zephaniah 3:14-20

Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

Dear First Church Family,

In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ disciples asked him for a sign by which they would know

him, just as God provided their Israelite ancestors with manna from heaven during their

exodus from Egypt. Jesus told them he is the bread of God that will satisfy every hunger

and thirst. This eternal promise to his followers is a reminder to us, Moore First United

Methodist Church, to share the Bread of Life with one another and with our surrounding

community.

We ask you to consider your gifts and how you will contribute them to our life-giving

community. How is God calling you to both serve and give? How would you like to be

connected to Moore First Church and the church’s work in Moore?

We pray God will provide you bread for your journey, the power of knowing how we

hope to achieve the ministries of this church, how you can participate, and why all of this

matters.

In Grace,

The Finance Committee and All Committee Chairs

Remember, Consecration Sunday is December 9th.

The 2019 Disciplines

The new Disciplines are now available in the front office. You are

invited to pick one up today. If you are able, please consider a

$10 donation to cover the cost of the devotional.

For emergencies or to talk to a pastor:

Office: 405-794-6671

Danny Wayman: 633-3509

Bo Ireland: 615-7388

www.moorechurch.com

201 W Main Street

Moore, OK 73160

We are a family that cares

for one another.

Please notify Kathy in the church office at

794-6671 with information of any illness, hospi-

talization, surgery, or other needs. If you have an

immediate need and the office is closed, please

call one of the pastors.

Prayer Concern Lists are available from a greeter.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, just as it is well

with your soul. 3 John 2

Caring for One Another

Grief Support

Mondays, November 19th – December 17

th

6:30 p.m. in the Messengers Classroom (Just inside the East Door, room 102)

Resources will be available to use or purchase at the 1st meeting.

Open to all church members and the community.

Facilitated by Elisabeth Berry

A Note from the Safety Team:

In case of an emergency, our Safety Advisor has recommended that all of the

chairs around the back of the Sanctuary be removed for a safer exit. Please help us

keep these areas clear. Thank you.

Thank You for Giving!

The Homeless Ministry Team would like to thank everyone who donated a blanket or coat to the homeless in Moore and South OKC. The collection was a joint effort between New Life UMC and Moore 1st United. Four SUV loads of blankets were delivered to New Life UMC for Pastor Betsy and her team to distribute to the homeless people they visit! Thank you again!

Sun Dec. 2, 2018 8:15 am Sanctuary Worship 9:00 am Biscuits with Blessings (Youth) 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Sanctuary Worship 10:45 am The Moment Worship 11:00 am Tadpole Time 12:15 pm Children’s Rehearsal 4:00 pm Singing Seniors Rehearsal 5:30 pm Singing Seniors Concert 6:30 pm Pie Social Mon Dec. 3, 2018 8:00 am Children/Youth Team Meeting 9:00 am Parents Day Out 10:00 am Staff Meeting 11:30 am 5 Loaves Lunch 6:30 pm Grief Support 7:00 pm Boy Scouts Troop 291 7:00 pm Scout Committee Meeting Tue Dec. 4, 2018 9:00 am Parents Day Out 1:00 pm Bridge Anyone?? 6:00 pm Missions Commitee 6:30 pm HomeGroup-Serenity Sisters 7:00 pm Cub Scouts 7:00 pm Girl Scout Meeting Wed Dec. 5, 2018 9:00 am Parents Day Out 4:00 pm Intercessory Prayer 5:30 pm Midweek Impact Dinner/ Sub-Sandwiches 5:45 pm Chime Choir for Kids 5:50 pm Midweek Impact Worship 6:15 pm 1st United Youth 6:15 pm Exaltation Bells Rehearsal 6:15 pm Home Group-On the Journey 6:15 pm Impact-Children's Activities 6:15 pm Lay Readers' Group 6:15 pm Moment Band Practice 6:15 pm Paint and Pray 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thu Dec. 6, 2018 8:00 am Lay Readers' Group 1:00 pm Horizon Class 5:00 pm Seniors on the Go/ OCU Holiday Musical 7:00 pm Toastmasters Fri Dec. 7, 2018 6:00 pm Kid’s Musical Dress Rehearsal Sat. Dec. 8, 2018 9:00 am UMW General Meeting 9:30 am Kids’s Musical Dress Rehearsal & Lunch 1:00 pm Birthday Party 4:00 pm Seekers Christmas Party 7:00 pm Moment Band at Central Park Celeb.

Sun, Dec. 9, 2018 Consecration Sunday 8:15 am Sanctuary Worship 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Sanctuary & Moment Combined Worship 11:00 am Tadpole Time 12:00 pm Congregation Appreciation Lunch 12:15 pm Chancel Choir/Sound check 4:00 pm Children's Musical Practice 4:45 pm Hand Bells/ Sound check 5:30 pm All-Church Christmas Celebration & Children’s Musical 6:30 pm Reception after Christmas Program Mon Dec. 10, 2018 9:00 pm Parents Day Out 10:00 pm Staff Meeting 11:30 pm 5 Loaves Lunch 12:00 pm Wesley Circle 6:00 pm Moore Fire Dept. Christmas Party 6:30 pm Grief Support 7:00 pm Boy Scouts Troop 291 Tues Dec. 11, 2018 9:00 am Parents Day Out 1:00 pm Bridge Anyone?? 6:30 pm HomeGroup-Serenity Sisters 7:00 pm Cub Scouts 7:00 pm Girl Scouts Meeting Wed Dec. 12, 2018 9:00 am Parents Day Out 9:00 am UMW Quilters 9:45 pm Mary/Tener Circle 3:00 pm Moore Common Thread 4:00 pm Intercessory Prayer 5:30 pm Midweek Impact Dinner/ Frito Chili Pie 5:45 pm Chime Choir for Kids 5:50 pm Midweek Impact Worship 6:15 pm 1st United Youth 6:15 pm Exaltation Bells 6:15 pm Home Group-On the Journey 6:15 pm Impact- Children's Activities 6:15 pm Lay Readers' Group 6:15 pm Moment Band Practice 6:15 pm Paint and Pray 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thu Dec. 13, 2018 8:00 am Lay Readers' Group 10:00 am Seniors on the Go 6:00 pm Scouts Meeting 6:30 pm Boy Scout Leader Roundtable 6:30 pm Charla Circle 6:30 pm Scouts Order of the Arrow 7:00 pm Toastmasters Sun Dec. 16, 2018 8:15 am Sanctuary Worship 9:30 am Church School 9:30 am Coffee with the Pastors

Ministry Calendar for the Month of December

10:45 am Sanctuary Worship 10:45 am The Moment Worship 11:00 am Tadpole Time 2:30 pm 1st United Youth Caroling 5:30 pm After Caroling S'mores! Mon Dec. 17, 2018 9:00 am Parents Day Out 10:00 am Staff Meeting 11:00 am 5 Loaves Lunch 1:00 pm Staff Christmas Lunch 6:00 pm New Life Church Meeting 6:30 pm Grief Support 7:00 pm Boy Scouts Troup 291 Tue Dec. 18, 2018 9:00 am Parents Day Out 10:00 am Worship Planning with Pastors 11:00 am Work Activity Center Christmas Program 1:00 pm Bridge Anyone?? 4:00 pm Seniors on the Go/Bricktown Trip 6:30 pm HomeGroup-Serenity Sisters 7:00 pm Cub Scouts 7:00 pm Girl Scout Meeting Wed Dec 19, 2018 9:00 am Parents Day Out 4:00 pm Intercessory Prayer 5:30 pm Midweek Impact Dinner/ Pizza! 5:45 pm Chime Choir for Kids 5:50 pm Midweek Impact Worship 6:15 pm 1st United Youth 6:15 pm Exaltation Bells 6:15 pm Home Group - On the Journey 6:15 pm Impact Children’s Activities 6:15 pm Lay Readers’ Group 6:15 pm Moment Band Practice 6:15 pm Paint and Pray 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thu Dec. 20, 2018 8:00 am Lay Readers’ Group 6:00 pm Finance Committee 6:00 pm Stephen Ministry 7:00 pm Toastmasters Sat Dec. 22, 2018 Deadline for LINK Articles & Pictures Sun Dec. 23, 2018 8:15 am Sanctuary Worship 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Sanctuary Worship 10:45 am The Moment Worship 11:00 am Tadpole Time 12:00 pm UMW Mission Team Meeting

Ministry Calendar for the Month of December

Mon Dec. 24, 2018 Office Closed/Activities Canceled

Christmas Eve

5:30 pm Christmas Eve Service / Familiy Friendly in CLC 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Sanctuary Service 11:00pm Christmas Eve Sanctuary Service

Tue Dec. 25, 2018 Office Closed/Activities Canceled

Merry Christmas! Wed Dec. 26, 2018 Office Closed/Activities Canceled Thu Dec. 27, 2018 8:00 am Lay Readers’ Group Sun Dec. 30, 2018 Noisy Offering 8:15 am Sanctuary Worship 9:30 am Church School 10:45 am Sanctuary Worship 10:45 am The Moment Worship 11:00 am Tadpole Time 6:00 pm 1st United Youth

December Wednesday Night Dinner Menu

Dec. 5 - Sub-Sandwiches, Chips & Dessert

Dec. 12 - Frito Chili Pie, Salad & Dessert

Dec. 19 - Pizza & Salad

No dinner Dec. 26 Merry Christmas!

Birthdays

12/1 Dorothy Calvery

12/4 Jean Krows

12/5 Elmer Percival

12/5 Ruth Stults

12/5 Kevin Walker

12/7 Mamta Dabhi

12/8 Jim Clanahan

12/8 Jana Douglas

Anniversaries

12/7 Jimmy & Valerie Cowherd

December 2, 2018

Sanctuary Order of Worship

Gathering Music

Greeting & Hymn Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus UMH 196

Lighting of the Advent Candle

Speak to us, Lord. Speak to us in the waiting, the watching, the hoping, the longing, the sorrow, the sighing, the rejoicing. Speak to us by your Word in these Advent days, and walk with us until the day of your coming. Amen (Written by Rev. Andy James)

Scripture Responsive Reading Psalm 25:1-10

Hymn Be Thou My Vision UMH 451

Sermon Hearts Not Weighed Down Luke 21:25-36

Invitation, Confession of Sin

Passing the Peace of Jesus Christ

The Offering 8:15: Beautiful Star of Bethlehem Lance Collier, Violin

10:45: On Christmas Night Singing Seniors

The Prayer of Great Thanksgiving

The Lord’s Prayer

Receiving Communion

Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel UMH 211

To receive Jesus as Savior or become a member of Moore 1st,

please come forward during the singing of this hymn.

Welcoming New Members

Blessing

Mission Serve God. Grow Disciples. Share Christ.

Going Forth Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

Service of Worship December 2, 2018

We Gather Together

Welcome

Praise Song: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Call to Worship—Psalm 25 (congregational)

Praise Song: My Soul Magnifies the Lord

We Pray Together

Confession & Pardon

Joys and Concerns

Lord’s Prayer

Prayer Song: Great are You Lord

We Study Together

Moment Kids (Children's Sermon)

Sermon Series: Something Righteous comes this way

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-16

Sermon Title: Thus Sayeth the Lord

We Respond Together

Invitation to Give our Lives, our Tithes & Offerings

Praise Song: Mary’s Boy Child

Doxology

Communion

Baptism and Reception of New Members

We Go Forth to Do God’s Will

Sending Forth Song: All the People Said Amen

Announcements

Benediction

*We welcome and encourage our young people to be active in our service.

We encourage our children to dance during worship songs and then return to be

with their families during service. Busy Boxes (Activity/coloring trays) are

available near the entrance to the sanctuary.

Leadership Elected at the 2018 Charge Conference

SUNDAY: Dinner @ 5:30 p.m. / Worship & Activities @ 6:00 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Dinner @ 5:30 p.m. / Activities & Devotion @ 6:15 p.m.

Youth & Family Director: Lisa Smith / moorefirstunitedyouth@gmail.com

1st United Youth

Activities in December

Ticket sales begin December 2 for “Uncle Phil’s Diner” Dinner Theatre!

Performances are February 23 at 5:30 p.m. & February 24 at 1:00 p.m.

December 2, “Carol - Gram” Orders begin! Would you like the Youth to deliver a Christmas Carol & Hot Chocolate to someone special? Stop by the table in the Fellowship Hall between services and order one!!

Biscuits with Blessings!

Biscuits & Gravy will be served in the Fellowship Hall Today!

9:00-10:30

Only One Buck $ a Biscuit!

Come and Support the Youth!

Falalala lalalala! Youth Caroling!

Sunday, December 16

Meet at the church at 2:30 p.m. 1st United Youth will bring Christmas cheer to those who need a blessing.

When we return we will enjoy s’mores provided by the Boy Scouts!

Everyone is invited to join in the fun!

United Methodist Women (UMW)

The holidays are here. It does not seem possible. Where did 2018 go? Thanksgiving is a time

to remember what we are thankful for. The United Methodist Women are very thankful to

everyone who made this year a success. This includes all UMW members and officers. Thank you

for the support of the District Leadership Training Program. Thank you to all the UMW members

and the congregation for the support of the Chicken Noodle Dinner. A special thank you to the

congregation who helped make all the mission plans for the year happen. Thank you to all who

helped by enjoying our meals, participating in the programs we offered, supporting the Fall

Festival and the quilt offering.

The final UMW general meeting is to be held Saturday, December 8th at 9 a.m. The Wesley

Circle will host the brunch. The program is the installation of 2019 officers. The special mission

recognition pin will be rewarded. Mark your calendar for this enjoyable fellowship.

Singing Seniors Christmas Concert!

This Sunday, December 2 at 5:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Come enjoy our talented Singing Seniors

as they sing in the Christmas Season!

Then, please stay and join us for the Pie Social! (After the concert in the Fellowship Hall)

Seniors on the Go

The Mustang Ramblers, a five piece band, entertained when Seniors on the Go met in Fellowship

Hall for their monthly fellowship luncheon on November 8, 2018. Hosts and hostesses were Ann and

Hal Myers, Paula Pace, Shirley and Dale Monday, Julie Julius and Dale Bergman. 52 members

attended.

Landon Heath has lined up a dance program “Home for the Holidays” at OCU on December 6, cost

is $20 and on December 18 a trip to see the Christmas lights at the Botanical Gardens, the cost is $8

plus your meal at Toby Keith’s. To reserve a spot, turn in a form by December 13 and show up at

4:30 p.m. Landon also announced the church has bought a new church van.

Lila Mulkey shared those who are ailing and those on the mend: A sympathy card was sent to the

Dick Prince family, a Thinking of You card going to Virginia Wallace, Louise Villeramette for a

broken knee cap, and a Thank You to the Crusaders Class for a donation made to Seniors on the

Go in memory of Ann Pace’s son.

President Joyce Statton announced the next meeting will be on December 13 when the Junior High

Choirs will perform. So at that time, come and enjoy the food, fellowship and fun.

Reprinted from The Upper Room Disciplines 2019. Copyright © 2018. Used by permission of Upper Room Books.

For more information, visit upperroombooks.com.

Moore 1st

UMC Staff

Pastors: Danny Wayman and Bo Ireland

Director of Youth and Families: Lisa Smith

Business Manager: Robert Krows

Director of Children’s Ministry: Audrey MacDonald

Administrative Assistant: Kathy Gragg

Kitchen Manager: Dorise Biddie

Director of Music: Ginny Pass

Accompanist: Eddie West

Director of the Singing Seniors: Phyllis Nichols

PDO Teaching Director: Jerri Walker

PDO Teachers: Ursula DeSpanie & Van Thai

Childcare: Judy Rogers, Becky Lawton,

Van Thai, Belen Mancilla, and Taylor Morrison

Equipping the congregation for the work of ministry for the building up of the Body of Christ.

Moore 1st UMC

201 West Main

Moore Oklahoma 73160

moorechurch.com

405.794.6671

Our Mission:

With Everyone: Serve God. Grow Disciples. Share Christ.

Love One

Another

as Jesus Christ

Loves Us

The December 2nd

Sanctuary Worship Team

Readers: 8:15: Geneva Hogan

10:45: The Krows Family

Acolytes: 8:15: Lois Willison & Susie Barnes

10:45: Gabe Robinson & Bethany Harper

Musicians: Curt Bauer-Piano, Eddie West-Organ

Tech Team: Rick Green, Matt Maupin,

Heather Kalkbrenner

Head Ushers: David Green, Bobby Moore Communion Coordinator: Linda Starling

This month THE LINK, our December newsletter, is

combined with the December 2nd weekly bulletin.

Enjoy reading about your church active in

ministry. THE LINK is available in the front

office or at the greeting location outside the

sanctuary. We will email it to everyone who

requests it.

If you are not receiving it by email, please

email Kathy.Gragg@moorechurch.com to be

added to the list. If you would like it physically

mailed to you, please contact Kathy in the

church office to have your name added to the

mailing list (405-794-6671).

*Note: Deadline for submitting an article or

pictures to THE LINK is on the 22nd

of the

month. Email submission is preferred. Also, if

you are receiving emails from Moore 1st

and

would like to be removed from our lists,

please email:

Kathy.Gragg@moorechurch.com.

The cover is the decoration of the Christmas

tree for 2018.