Hanging of the Greens Service

December 1, 2013

Morrow First United Methodist Church

Rev. Dr. Ed Judy, Pastor

The Hanging of the Greens Service is a service of preparation for Christ’s coming. The service includes hanging greenery traditionally associated with everlasting life. Cedar is used for royalty, fir and pine boughs for everlasting life, holly symbolizes Jesus’ death and ivy represents the resurrection. Chrismons are ornaments made from Christian symbols like a cross, a star and an angel.

Gathering

Please sign the attendance pads so we may know of your presence on this Lord’s Day. Also, as we gather to worship our Lord, feel free to greet your neighbors in Christian love. However, at the chiming of the hour, please take your seats and prepare your hearts and minds for worship, and out of courtesy for your brothers and sisters in faith, turn

off your cell phones so we can be in a spirit of worship throughout the service.

Opening Words of Grace The day is coming, O Lord, when people will say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that you

may teach us your ways and we may walk in your paths. As swords are beaten into plowshares and spears into

pruning hooks, nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." In

anticipation of the shalom Christ brings to all people, we come now before your throne of grace to give you our

praise and thanksgiving. (Based on Isaiah 2.1-5)

Ritual of Friendship Chris Hoenes, Liturgist Parish Notices/Registration of Attendance Liturgist Words of Grace Liturgist Chiming of the Hour Bell Toller

Prelude, Joyful Praise Ringers (Anna Cox, Director) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Pearce Lighting of the Candles Parker Lewis, Wesley Barefield, Acolytes Choral Call to Worship, TFWS p. 2092 Like a Child Damon

*Call to Worship (Based on Psalms 122) Liturgist

Lighting of the Advent Wreath Kristie Barefield, Wesley Barefield, Savana Schank Hymn, P. 184 (vv. 1 & 3) Of the Father’s Love Begotten arr. Douglas

*Invocation Liturgist

10:55 a.m. Hanging of the Greens Service Color: Blue December 1, 2013

In the days to come Liturgist the mountain of the LORD's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hill; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say:

All:

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob;

that God may teach us God's ways and that we may walk in God's paths." (Isaiah 2:2-3)

With what shall we come to God's house? Keith Larson

Bring branches of cedar and holly, bring evergreens and a pine tree, hang wreaths and garlands.

All:

Make the church fragrant

with the smell of living things and our holy play.

In acts of hanging greens

and listening to the words of prophets and seers

let us make our hearts and this space

a place of inward and outward preparation

for the One who comes to give us second birth.

Opening Prayer:

Lord hear our prayer Liturgist

All: Merciful God, you sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation.

Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may celebrate aright the commemoration of the

nativity, and may await with joy the coming in glory of Jesus Christ or Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and

the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen (UMH p. 201)

*Hymn, P. 211 (vv. 1 & 3) O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Helmore

Hanging Wreaths on the Church Doors Liturgist

People of God, we passed through the entrance of the church and the wreaths to enter the sanctuary and at the doorway to the Christian year on this first Sunday of Advent. We also mark the entrance to the church building and our hearts and minds as portals for Christ to enter.

All:

Come, Lord Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus! Lift up your heads, O gates! Keith Munson and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the Ruler of glory may come in.

Who is the Ruler of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty, Keith Munson the Lord, mighty in battle!

Lift up your heads, O gates!

And be lifted up, O ancient doors!

That the Ruler of glory may come in.

Who is this Ruler of glory? Keith Munson

The Lord of hosts, the Lord is the Ruler of glory! (Psalm 24:7-10)

The Hanging of Bows

Hymn, P. 206 (vv.1&3) I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light Thomerson

Hanging Garlands/Wreaths Keith Larson

How shall we make this place a reminder of our need of repentance and that faithfulness and integrity that comes from God our maker and redeemer?

All:

Let us hang garlands as Hosea speaks the word of God:

A reading from Hosea, chapter 14: Keith Larson

I will heal [my people's] disloyalty; I will love them freely, for my anger has turned from them.

O Ephraim, what have I to do with idols? It is I who answer and look after you. I am like an evergreen cypress; your faithfulness comes from me. Those who are wise understand these things; those who are discerning know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the upright walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them. (Hosea 14:4, 8-9)

Hymn, P. 140 (stanza 1 and refrain) Great Is Thy Faithfulness Runyan

Place of the Poinsettias Liturgist The poinsettia, or “Flower of the Holy Night” as the plant is referred to in Mexico, is the most popular Advent flower. It was discovered growing wild in Mexico and was taken to North America where it was developed into the type of flower seen there today. The star-shaped center of the bloom reminds us of the star that shone on that first Christmas.

Hymn, P. 254 (v.1) We Three Kings Hopkins, Jr.

Celebration of our Children Ed Judy Children, ages 2 through Kindergarten, leave for Children’s Church (The children place the different pieces of the crèche on the altar)

Hymn, P. 230 (vv. 1 & 4) O Little Town of Bethlehem Redner Lighting the Chrismon Tree Liturgist

God, the Holy One of Israel, is a God of comfort and compassion. With the Chrismon tree we remember God's everlasting promises to the poor and needy. Isaiah spoke of God's making of the wilderness a place of blessing where water and plants, even pine trees, would manifest God's loving action to save and provide.

All:

Place the tree, strong friends, as we hear God's word.

A reading from the prophet Isaiah, chapter 41 Keith Munson When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the LORD will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the LORD has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it. (Isaiah 41:17-20)

Hymn (TFWS 2098, v. 1) The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy arr. Boosey & Co

Hanging Chrismons & Other Symbols of Christ and Faith Liturgist

Here in this place we prepare for the coming of the Lord. Here we will remember his Advent, his birth in Bethlehem, weak and helpless as an infant. And here we rekindle our prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus" as we await his coming as the bright and morning star.

All:

Hang symbols and signs of Christ — ruler, prophet, priest.

Hang stars, crosses, triangles, the "alpha" and the "omega"

to remind us of his identity, his story, and of the holy Trinity.

A reading from the book of Revelation, chapter 22: Keith Larson

"See, I am coming soon ... I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end."

Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they will have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. "It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star." The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And let everyone who hears say, "Come." And let everyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who wishes take the water of life as a gift. (Revelation 22:12-14, 17)

Hymn P. 733 (v. 1) We're Marching to Zion Lowry Offertory Prayer Liturgist Musical Offering Fling Wide the Door arr. Prentiss *Presentation of God’s Tithes and Our Offering The Acolytes *The Doxology P. 95 Congregation

The Word Read & Shared Anthem, Chancel Choir A Song of Christmas Joseph Martin

Meditation Matthew 24:35-44 Dr. Judy

We Depart to Love & Serve *Hymn of Going Forth, P. 213 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates French Carol *Extinguishing of the Candles The Acolytes *Benediction Dr. Judy *The Light Goes Forth *Congregational Response Go Now In Peace Don Besig Go now in peace. Never be afraid. God will go with you each hour of every day.

Go now in faith, steadfast, strong and true. Know He will guide you in all you do.

Go now in love, and show you believe. Reach out to others so all the world can see.

God will be there watching from above. Go now in peace, in faith, and in love. Amen

*Postlude Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Mendelssohn

* stand, as you are able

ΦBefore you leave, please check your area to make sure you have all your items, pick up any loose papers and return hymnals/

bibles to the rack; thank you for keeping the Sanctuary clean and organized.

Ramblers Christmas Breakfast Set for December 3

The Ramblers will be having their Christmas Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3 at Ann & Bill’s Restaurant in Forest Park. Everyone is invited–it doesn’t matter if you normally attend the Ramblers Meeting or not. There will be no charge for the breakfast. The breakfast is the Ramblers Christmas gift to you! Please let

Glenn Barnett know if you will be attending.

Volunteers Needed for Christmas Dinner

Volunteers are needed to decorate tables for the Christmas Dinner on December 15 at 6:15 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. You will need the following items: tablecloth, runner, or placemats, centerpiece, place settings for 8 (dinner plates, silverware, glasses, napkins, coffee cups/saucers or mugs and dessert/salad plates), salt and pepper set. The theme of the table is up to you. If you have any questions, please contact Anna Cox. A signup sheet is posted on

the bulletin board by the church office.

Christmas Gifts

for the

United Methodist

Children’s Home

This year the Adult Sunday School Classes are helping provide Christmas gifts for children in foster care through the United Methodist Children’s Home. The children on our list are 5 month and 20 month old brothers and 7 month and 17 month old sisters. If you are not in a Sunday School Class, but would like to help, you can purchase any of the items listed below or make a check payable to MFUMC for Children’s Home Christmas. The following items are on the wish list: Visa Gift Cards, new baby & toddler Clothing, new baby & toddler toys, Diapers & pull-ups (sizes 3-6 and wipes), baby supplies (crib sheets, baby gates, teething rings, safety items, diaper bags, pacifiers, etc), jackets/coats, cloth & board books for infants & toddlers, gender-neutral toys, dolls (African-American, Hispanic), sturdy suitcases, DVDS (G & PG movies/cartoons), loaded Marta cards. If you purchase gift cards, please turn them in to the church

office. All other donated items should be placed in the Bridge

Builders Sunday School Class by December 9. Please remember

all items should be new.

See Bulletin Inserts for More Information

Christmas Dinner Reservation Form

Deadline for Reservations: December 12

Payment should accompany reservation

Christmas Gifts to Missions

Deadline: December 15

Communion Ministry

for Shut-Ins

Many members of our church family are unable to attend worship services because of illness. They are sent the bulletin each week so they can read about what happened in the

worship service and listen to the service on a CD, but they cannot participate. Would you like to make a difference for our shut-ins by participating in a Communion Ministry? Training will be provided. Teams will administer Communion at the homes of members who have requested the Sacrament. A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board by the church office if you would like to be part of this very special ministry.

Longhorn to Hold

Benefit Breakfasts

The management staff of the Longhorn Steakhouse at 2256 Mt. Zion Parkway, Morrow, will serve breakfast on Saturdays beginning November 30-December 22 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. All proceeds will benefit Grandparents Raising Grandchildren of Clayton County. The menu will include grits, scrambled eggs, pancakes, bacon or sausage, coffee, water or soda. Cost is $5.00 per plate. Longhorn will be accepting CASH ONLY

for this fundraiser. For more information, call 770-210-3200.

Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Celebration

On Saturday, December 7 the Morrow Business & Tourism Association and Events by Mete’ Dela will present City of Morrow’s Annual Christmas in the Park Tree Lighting Ceremony from 5:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. at Milton Daniel City Hall Park. Various activities for the whole family such as live entertainment, food, vendors, children’s activities and the tree lighting ceremony will be featured.

Morrow Market Bazaar

2:00 pm

MFUMC Live Nativity

5:00-7:00 p.m.

Tree Lighting

7:30 pm

Volunteer for Live Nativity

Volunteers are needed for the Live Nativity on December 7 (Christmas in the Park), December 15 (before the Cantata) and December 24 (Christmas Eve). A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board by the church office. See Becky Griffin for more information.

Nursing Home /Independent

Living/ Rehab Patients Ashley Glen Assisted Living and Memory Care (441 Prime Point, Peachtree City, GA 30269: Betty Bishop, Rm 204. Bright View North Andover: Ethel Jewett, 1275 Turnpike St, #1211, North Andover, MA 01845. Brookdale Place: Mary Jordan, Rm 237, 2815 Carl T. Jones Dr, SE, Huntsville, AL 35802. GA War Veterans Home, Wood Bldg, Milledgeville: Charles Mixon, Rm 213. Golden Crest (Morrow): Toni Bish, Rm 10B. Jonesboro Nursing & Rehab: Tootsie Callaway, Rm 116A. Kindred Transitional Care & Rehab Lafayette: Margaret Collins, Rm 110B. Manor on the Square: Christine Hulme, Rm 26, 550 Barrington Dr, Roswell, GA 30075. Oaks at Peake: Mahala Edwards, Rm 107, 400 Foster Rd, Macon, GA 31210. White Oaks at Lanier: Katherine Smith, Rm 103, 255 Elm St, Cumming, GA 30040.

Notebooks are at each entrance to the

sanctuary in which to write your prayer

requests. Please remember to include

your name when you place someone on

the prayer list.

Names placed on the Prayer List will

remain on the list for one month and

then be removed to make room for

additional names. If someone needs to

remain on the Prayer List after the

initial 30 days, call or email the church

office and the name will be added for

the next 30 days.

Shut-Ins Ellen Betsill, Mary & Jerry Brazeal, Roxie Fitzpatrick, Betty Hargis, Paul Kendrick, Doris Melear, Russell Mitchell, Kathy & Bill Peacock, Marline Sargent, Janet Thomaston.

Prayer Requests Debbie Johns (requested by Bob Johns), Mary Anne Brannon, Ricky Evans, Mary Ann Hawkins, Ruby & Joe Henley, Patti Dinkins-Matthews, Anita Thomaston, Rev. Dr. Alan Wakeman.

Remember Our Military

Serving in Afghanistan David Key (son-in-law of Melanie & Bil Johnson)

Serving in Guam Cameron Burrell (great nephew of Linda McElhannon).

Serving Stateside David Barker (grandson of Susie Atkinson), Michael Bass (great nephew of Linda McElhannon), Matt Allen (husband of Darcy Bloom Allen), Luke Davis (son of Jackie & Don Davis), Jayson Dooley (son of Nannette Dooley), Brian Ellis (son-in-law of Janie & Jerry Griffin), Craig Jenkins (son of Linda Jenkins), 2nd Lt. Kyle L. J. Phillips (grandson of Larry Phillips), Dan Ruffino (cousin of Chuck Ruffino).

Public Safety

Remember the men and women who

serve in the fire and police

departments and all first responders

in your prayers. They risk their lives

every time they answer a call.

A gift in honor of Mary Bellinger designated for the Food Pantry has been received from Dan & Charlotte Brady. A gift designated for the Food Pantry in honor of Mary & Hagood

Bellinger has been received from Doug & Margaret Cobb. Carol Roberts has given a gift in memory of her mother, Carolyn

Kendrick, designated for the sanctuary sound system.

Honorariums and Memorials

Morrow First United Methodist Church

2013 Schedule of Holiday Activities

Saturday, December 7

Christmas Cantata

“Sing A Song of Christmas”

The Chancel Choir

Donna Weeks, Director

Jackie Davis, Accompanist

5:00 p.m. Sanctuary

Christmas Dinner Reservations for reserved

seating are required

Prepared by Andrew & Anna Cox,

Diane Cox and Crew

6:15 p.m. Fellowship Hall

Live Nativity

4:15-4:30 p.m.

Church Grounds

Tuesday, December 24

Christmas Eve

5:00-5:45 p.m. Communion

5:00-5:45 p.m. Live Nativity

5:45-6:00 p.m. Music

6:00-7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service

Live Nativity Milton Daniel City Hall Park

5:00-7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 15

Christmas in the Park

December 2013 Menus and Programs

Servers: Searchers Class

Cashier: Sharlene Cochran

December 4

Program: Making Advent Wreaths. Bring live or artificial greenery and wire

cutters and make an Advent wreath for your home.

Devotional: Larry Cochran.

Cooks: Searchers Class.

Menu: Meatballs and Rice, Green Beans, Salad, Bread, Dessert, Coffee, Tea,

Lemonade.

Cleanup: Scouts.

December 11

Program: Christmas Sing-a-long. Under the direction of Donna Weeks, we will

sing some of our favorite Christmas songs.

Devotional: Mary Anne Brannon.

Cook: Susan Crawford. Menu: To be determined.

Cleanup: Searchers Class.

December 18

Program: Children’s Christmas Program. The children present their annual

Christmas program under the direction of Susan Adams, Kristen Barefield, Anna

Cox and Becky Griffin.

Devotional: Doug Jewett.

Cook: Susan Crawford. Menu: To be determined.

Cleanup: Scouts.

December 25: No WWNS, Merry Christmas!

January 1, 2014: No WWNS, Happy New Year!

Sunday, Dec 1 TODAY Aids Awareness Offering

————— NO UMM BREAKFAST.

9:00 a.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal, sanctuary.

Monday, Dec 2

9:30 a.m. Aerobics, fellowship hall. Also meets Friday, Dec 6.

10:30 a.m. Comfort & Joy Prayer Shawl Ministry, Conference Room.

5:00 p.m. Electa Share provides dinner to Good Shepherd

Clinic staff/volunteers.

7:00 p.m. Boy Scout Troup 112, Scout Hut.

Tuesday, Dec 3

8:30 a.m. Ramblers Christmas Breakfast, Anne & Bill’s

Restaurant, Forest Park. ALL ARE WELCOME!

5:00 p.m. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon Book

Study, Searchers Class.

Wednesday, Dec 4

10:00 a.m. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon Book

Study, Searchers Class.

6:00 p.m. WWNS, Fellowship Hall.

7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, Music Room.

Thursday, Dec 5

10:00 a.m. Food Pantry open until noon. VOLUNTEERS

NEEDED.

Friday, Dec 6

9:30 a.m. Women of Christmas Book Study, Searchers

Class.

Saturday, Dec 7

8:00 a.m. Delta Kappa Gamma until noon, Fellowship Hall.

Christmas in the Park, Morrow.

Sunday, Dec 8

9:00 a.m. Bell Choir Rehearsal, Music Room.

9:45 a.m. Sunday School for all ages.

10:55 a.m. Worship Service, sanctuary.

12:30 p.m. UMW Executive Committee Planning Session

until 2, Conference Room.

This Week at MFUMC

Dec 1-Dec 8, 2013