A Note From Pastor Robyne
Hello friends,
Sunday begins the Advent season, and we will light the first candle on the Advent wreath – the candle of hope. Hope may not be the first thing that comes to mind during the Christmas season, but there is much to consider.
In fact, hope is a very prominent theme in Advent. The anticipation of the coming Messiah is always in light of the hope we have in his return. Just as the Israelites hoped for their deliverance, we too look forward to the final deliverance, his return in glory where he will create a new heaven and a new earth. As the prophet Isaiah proclaims:
"But those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
God has promised us he will deliver us. He encourages us by his Holy Spirit to cling to his promises, to love his word and to cherish his statutes. He makes clear paths for our feet so that we continue to press forward in a world which is often so dark. We eagerly anticipate the coming of our Lord, who “shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (Jn 1:4).
Come and let us rejoice in the hope of our Lord, this Sunday.
My Christmas luncheon will follow the Hanging of the Greens Service, all are invited.
See you Sunday at 10am
Pastor Robyne
Order of Worship
Because there are so many moving parts during the Hanging of the Greens Service, we will be using a bulletin. All readings will be given prior to the beginning of worship.
Call to Worship - Patt McDowell.
Opening Prayer - Claire Motley
The Meaning of the Service - Karen Bradley
The Call to Celebration - Debbie Scanlan
Lesson of Christmas - Lu Ann Jestor
Reading of the Sanctuary Evergreens - Leeann Reynolds
The Chrisom Reading - Trish Chambers
The Christmas Tree Reading - Sharon Sheppard
The Christmas Poinsettia Reading - Liz Killan
Lighting the Advent Candle - Kenny and Susi Ayers.
Scripture.Message - Pastor Robyne
The Nativity Reading - Tammy Graw
Songs:UMH #211 "O Come, O Come Emmanuel
UMH #240 "Hark the Herald Angels Sing"
"Deck the Halls"
UMH #196 "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"
"O Christmas Tree"
"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"
UMH #230 "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
UMH #251 "Go Tell it on the Mountain"
Announcements
#BOOKSFORAFRICA
Books For Africa is our October - December non profit partner.Every 5 check in or reviews will provide one book.Watsi enables anyone to directly fund life-changing healthcare for a patient in need around the world. By partnering with local medical teams, Watsi is bringing dignified care to women, children, and other vulnerable communities who otherwise would be left behind because of financial constraints or access to quality healthcare.
Blue Christmas Luncheon
Blue Christmas LuncheonDecember 17th, 11:15am - 12:30pmThis time is in honor of those who are experiencing grief and struggling with loss during the holiday season. There will be soup, chili, salad, and bread. After fellowship, we will come into the sanctuary where we will light a candle for our loved ones and say some prayers. You do not need to be a member of Orchard Church to attend.
Send Us Your Prayers
Prayers of joy or prayers of lament, please let us know how we can pray for you! Send your prayers to pa[email protected] with the subject line "Prayer Request".
Online Offering & Tithe
To support our ministries through monetary donations, please use the link below to give online.
Give Online
United Methodist Study
No Class Dec 6
Food Distribution
NOTE DATE CHANGE FOR DECEMBER December 9 & 16 9:30 -11:00 or until all supplies are exhausted.
Advent/Christmas Series Dec 3
The Gift of Being Present Advent/Christmas Worship Series begins Dec 3rd , 10am Advent can be filled with worry about finding the perfect Christmas gifts. Deep down we want people in our lives to know they are special and that we love them. But sometimes we overlook the greatest gift of all… our very presence. Like a shepherd who never leaves the flock, we are held close. This season, we are invited to be the gift of presence for our loved ones, for our communities, for those who need it most.
Hanging of the Greens Service
Come join us on Sunday, December 3rd first Sunday of Advent, 10am.This Christian ceremony is when many congregations adorn their churches, with Advent and Christmas decorations in preparation for Christmastide. There is singing, scripture, a short message and of course decorating. Everyone is invited.It will be a wonderful time!
The Itzel's live at Orchard Church
EXPERIENCE WORSHIP THAT BRINGS FAMILIES TOGETHEROur songs are the heart of our ministry.Our concerts are where those songs come to life!The Itzel's live at Orchard ChurchDecember 31st at 10 AMFree Love offering will be collected