Portsmouth United Church of Christ

Sunday, December 9, 2018 Second Sunday of Advent

The Rev. Dr. Luci Fleming, Pastor

I f you are able, please stand where indicated by the Dove sign, and please recite the bold text aloud.

Prelude ........................... Mr. Ross Creecy, Minister of Music

The Light and Word of Christ Enters .......... Processional “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Hymn #206)

The Invocation, Welcome, and Announcements ...... Pastor Fleming

The Poinsettias decorating the Sanctuary have been placed to the glory of God by:

David Combs, in Memory of Sister Sue Campbell,

and Brother Ray Combs

Pastor Luci Fleming, in Memory of my Brothers

David and “Bro” and Genie

Judy Hamilton, for Mom, Dad, Bob, Linda and Barbara

Philip & Karen Jones, in Honor of All Parents

Susie Keele, in Honor of Sisters Eva and Betty Smith

David Renfro, in Memory of Mother and Father,

Sister Francine Renfro-Mack, and Timothy Klipfel

Martin Swain, in Honor of Philip and Karen Jones

Mary Sue Thomas, in Memory of

Christine and Albert Morrison

Louise Twine, in Memory of Husband James,

and Son Charles R. Wheeler

The 47th Annual

Hanging of the Greens

“ T h e H a n gi n g o f t h e Gr ee n s ”

A tradition of Portsmouth United since 1971

For all who have joined us today, we welcome you. For the past forty-six years we have celebrated the “Hanging of the Greens” as part of our Advent tradition. This special service will help us understand the various cultural traditions that help us celebrate the coming of the Christ Child. This is a service in which everybody may participate in decorating the Sanctuary for Christmas. So, please feel free to join us in this meaningful celebration.

Meaning and Lighting of the Candles

Hymn #373 (vs.1 & 3) ......... “The Light of the World Is Jesus”

Story and Placing of the Poinsettias

“A Carol for the Baby” ............................ Our Christmas Choir

History and Meaning of the Crèche

Hymn #213 (all verses) ............................ “Away in a Manger”

Presentation of the Bible and Gospel Lesson

Luke 2:1-14 ..................................................... Pastor Fleming

Hymn #194 ................................................ “Joy to the World!”

“Mary, Did You Know?” ....... Pamela Morris and Ross Creecy

The Offertory (Offering Our Gifts to God) ............... Narrators

The Doxology #623 ..................................... Old Hundredth

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Hosts; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

Prayer of Dedication ................................. Narrators & All

God, whose faithfulness exceeds the limits of the

earth, accept these gifts of our hearts and hands.

May they be multiplied and magnified as the living

presence of Christ’s peace in the world. Amen.

Closing ....... “Let There Be Peace on Earth” ................... All

Benediction .................................................. Pastor Fleming

Postlude ....................................................... Minister of Music

Peace

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Principals for Today’s Service

Narrators: Mary Sue Thomas & David Renfro

Ushers: Mike Hasty & Martin Swain; Acolyte: Nicholas Hasty

Steward: Mike Hasty; Greeters: Mike & Martin

Stewardship Report for 12/2/17

Offering Given – $1,850.00 Attendance – 9

Stewardship Opportunities This Month (Use envelopes provided in the pew and designate your gift, please.)

Benevolence: “Local/Regional Hunger Fund”

Funds: Youth • Diaconate • Improvement • UCC Disaster

Portsmouth United Prayer Request

Church Family: The Hasty family

Church Members: Jacob Elias; Judy Hamilton; Mike Hasty; Ernest Malcolm; Rosa Sykes; and, Ann Turner

Friends: Crystal Hamilton (Judy’s daughter); Diane House (Phil’s sister); and, Betty Smith (Susie’s sister)

Scheduled Meetings and Announcements

Dec 18: Church Council and Diaconate Meeting (7:00 p.m.)

Dec 24: Christmas Eve Candlelight and Holy Communion Service (6:30 p.m.)

Dec 30: YOUTH SUNDAY! – Come show your support for our youth, as they conduct various aspects of the Worship Service.

(New Year 2019) Jan 6: Holy Communion (Coffee Hour after Worship)

COMMUNICATE YOUR CARE (Members who are unable join us, and those on the prayer list.)

Ann Holland: 376-7457 Rosa Sykes: 488-9562

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Church School – 9:45 a.m.

Worship – 11:00 a.m.

Bible Study & Prayer Meeting – Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.

CHURCH INFORMATION

Pastor .................................................. Rev. Dr. Luci Fleming 757-749-0206 (Cell) • Email: pastor.fleming@portsmouthucc.org

Minister of Music .......................................... Mr. Ross Creecy

Church Council Chairperson ............................ Mr. Phil Jones

Diaconate Chairperson ................................ Mrs. Susie Keele

Ministers........................................................ All the Members

PORTSMOUTH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5900 Portsmouth Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23701

757.488.6075

office@portsmouthucc.org • www.portsmouthucc.org

WE GATHER TO WORSHIP OUR GOD

“All Earth Is Waiting” (“Toda La Tierra”) ... Our Christmas Choir

“The Meaning of the Advent Wreath” ................... Narrators

Lighting the Second Advent Candle

Reader .............................................................. Mike Hasty

Lighting the PEACE Candle ........................ Nicholas Hasty

Passing of the Peace ................................. Narrators & All Let us celebrate God’s love by embracing one another.

May the Peace of Christ be with you; People: And also with you.

T h e M e a n i n g o f t h e F e s t i va l O c c a s i o n

Narrators ....................... Mary Sue Thomas and David Renfro

The Entrance of the Greens

Hymn #214 (vs. 1 & 2) ........... “Good Christian Men, Rejoice”

Entrance and Hanging of the Holly Wreaths

Hymn #188 (vs. 1 & 3) .................... “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

History of the Bells

Hymn #208 (vs. 1, 3 & 4) .... “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”

Significance of the Christmas Tree

Hymn #221 (all verses) ............................ “O Christmas Tree”

Story of the Mistletoe

Hymn #191 (vs. 1 & 3) .......... “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

Have a

Joyful & Safe

Christmas Season!

PORTSMOUTH UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5900 Portsmouth Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23701

757.488.6075 office@portsmouthucc.org www.portsmouthucc.org

Hanging

Greens

A Tradition of Portsmouth United since 1971

OF THE

THE 47TH

ANNUAL