the things in my life

to which i have said no over and over before relinquishing

to a faint, reluctantly inevitable yes
have been the best
-by far-
things ive done.

-We Gather as Gods PeopleCAROL

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel 211 vss. 1,2,6,7

God Almighty, We Are Waiting

PASSING THE PEACE

YOUNG PEOPLES MESSAGE
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE
The evening of the year is upon us.
We enter the darkness and wait for lights return.
We light one candle to remind us of Gods light
which has come to us all in Christ.
We open our hearts to that light,
and ask for help to shine with the brilliance of love.
We light a second candle to remind us
of the light of justice in the words of the prophets
We open our hearts to the light of justice,
and ask for help in making a just world.

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them
the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to
Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and
when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and
pay him homage.

CENTERING HYMN Come, Come, Emmanuel

Come, come, Emmanuel,
Come, Emmanuel
OPENING TO GOD
In the night sky a small star, winking glory, silent, steady.
In the headlines terror, sorrow's heavy blanket.
In the maiden a baby, hidden, beloved already.
In the darkness soldiers gathering, taking orders.
In the stable a manger prepared since the beginning.
In the streets low murmurs, fear and longing.
In the fields shepherds, half sober, unsuspecting.
In the silence angels ready with songs of healing.
In the window a child's face, waiting, waiting.
The mother and the angels take a deep breath.

CELTIC CALL TO WORSHIP

We gather; We, your people, gather,
for it is time to prepare:
angels are about to burst forth into song,
singing of the peace and hope we need.
We gather; We, your people, gather,
with expectation our guest:
for joy is inviting us to join in the dance
of the shepherds around the night fire.
We gather; We, your people, gather,
eager to begin the celebration:
people; longing to reach Bethlehem;
people; eager to kneel at the manger;
people; ready to cradle the Babe;
people; hoping to be made whole.
We gather; We, your people, gather.
CAROL

We light a third candle to remind us of the magi,

who call us to travel beyond our comfort to find the Christ
We open our hearts to your light,
and ask for help to carry that light into a dark world.
three candles are lit
All our waiting is a waiting for God.
God of our hearts, we wait for you alone.

SGH

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of
them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped
over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had
stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house,
they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and
paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered
him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned
in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by
another road.
Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a
dream and said, Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to
Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search
for the child, to destroy him. Then Joseph got up, took the child
and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there
until the death of Herod.

-We Respond to Gods Word-We Listen for Gods WordCAROL

insert

My Soul Gives Glory to My God

GOSPEL LESSON

REFLECTION
198

Matthew 2:1-14

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of

Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, Where
is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed
his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. When
King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with
him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the
people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They
told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the
prophet:
And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.

Resilient Grace
A Star Shone Bright

HYMN

insert

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORDS PRAYER

OFFERING & DOXOLOGY

UMH 94

-We Scatter to Serve the World-

ANNOUNCEMENTS
BENEDICTION
RESPONSE

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel Shall Come to Thee, O Israel

UMH 211

Birthdays & Anniversaries

Below are people, places, & concerns that folk have lifted up.
Please keep them in your prayers at home.
Please call or email the church office to add to the prayer list.

December 13 - Heidi Noyes

Essex Eats Out Schedule

Dec 18 - St James Dec 25 - EUMC Jan 1 - 1st Congregational
Jan 8 - Holy Family Jan 15 - St. James
Jan 22 - EUMC Jan 29 - St. Pius

Announcements
Blue Christmas Service- The Christmas season can be a very difficult
and lonely time for many of us. The Blue Christmas, which occurs on
the longest night of the year, is an evening to quietly welcome the
Christ child back into our world and our lives. December 21, 7:00 pm.
Buy a Card! Christmas Cards for Pastor's Relief Fund: The Pastor's
Relief Fund is used for many different needs for the people in our
community and in our own church.
You can bring in a Christmas card and put a donation inside for this
fund. Your card will be posted on the board. In the past, these monies
have been used for groceries, gas, utility bills, car repairs, glasses for
youngsters. Every little bit helps to keep this fund going.
Send a Card! We have many young adults away at college or starting
new careers. Please consider send a note this Holiday season to let
them know they are thought of back here at Essex UMC. Addresses are
in the back of the new directory.

Ongoing Prayers, cont.

Brenda
Lenore
T.J.

Ongoing Prayers
Judy & Diezela
Zachary Roy
John Bartlett
Brooks Family
Michael Parker
Jill & Doug Griffin
Stan Komecki
Jenna Roy
Paul
Dick Shepard
Robin
Jaylene
Mary
Jake Greg
D.J.
Chris
Gloria
Anne
John Young IV


Lifted Up Last Sunday

Jody H - Kelsey and Justin and Patti
- nephew, Eric, recovery from
accident
Jen - Tracie & husband, son born
prematurely
Jen - friend attacked for wearing
hijab
Friend , Aretha, chemo
Roger , hanukkah, Jewish friends



Help us buy a Christmas Goat for Heifer Project! Please make your
check out to EUMC and in the menu line put "goat". This is in lieu of
Operation Christmas Child which weve discontinued supporting.The
goat(s) and chickens will help families feed themselves and support
themselves in the future.
The Essex/Jericho/Underhill Food Shelf is in need of Vegetables (no
green beans please though!), Soup, Peanut Butter, Tuna, Mac &
Cheese, Baked Beans. They also need lots of helpers in December!
Calendar Collection: I will be collecting calendars for the residents at
Green Mountain Nursing Home through December - thank you for your
continuing supports of this projectMidge
Holiday Baskets will be filled and delivered on Saturday, December
19, at 10 AM in Fellowship Hall. Sign up sheets are posted on the
bulletin board suggesting items to be contributed. If you know
someone who would welcome a visit and some goodies for the
holidays, please add their name(s) to the signup sheet. Questions please call Vickie @ 879-7515.

Essex Center United Methodist Church

essex_umc@comcast.net
tel. 878-8304
www.essexumc.com
Ministers: the entire congregation
Lay Leader: Joshua Knox
Equipping Pastor: Rev. V. Mitchell Hay
cell tel. 881-3268 (feel free to call)
mitchellhay@comcast.net
Office Manager: Heidi Evans
Organist: Kathryn Parker Pianists: June Packard, Ellie Uckele
Djembe: Barbara Lemmel Guitar: Richard Randazzo & Mia Burnett
Song Leader: Dana Thomas Projection: Sam Evans
Greeters - Ron & Linda Deming
Ushering - Jeremy & Chuck LaClair, Claire Noble

Essex Center United Methodist Church

13 December 2015

Third Sunday of Advent

CAROL

God Almighty, We Are Waiting W&S 3047

(tune: Nettleton; Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, UMH 400)

CAROL

God Almighty, We Are Waiting W&S 3047

(tune: Nettleton; Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, UMH 400)

CAROL

God Almighty, We Are Waiting W&S 3047

(tune: Nettleton; Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, UMH 400)

God Almighty, we are waiting for a savior to appear.

Meet us in our desert journey; give a sign that you are near:
burning bushes, parted waters, food aplenty in the wild.
As we look for signs & wonders, help us see you in a child.

God Almighty, we are waiting for a savior to appear.

Meet us in our desert journey; give a sign that you are near:
burning bushes, parted waters, food aplenty in the wild.
As we look for signs & wonders, help us see you in a child.

God Almighty, we are waiting for a savior to appear.

Meet us in our desert journey; give a sign that you are near:
burning bushes, parted waters, food aplenty in the wild.
As we look for signs & wonders, help us see you in a child.

God Incarnate, we are waiting for the feast day of your birth.
Looking back & looking forward to the Christ's return to earth.
Help us to proclaim the gospel, 'til the world is reconciled.
Let us set your holy table for each woman, man, & child.

God Incarnate, we are waiting for the feast day of your birth.
Looking back & looking forward to the Christ's return to earth.
Help us to proclaim the gospel, 'til the world is reconciled.
Let us set your holy table for each woman, man, & child.

God Incarnate, we are waiting for the feast day of your birth.
Looking back & looking forward to the Christ's return to earth.
Help us to proclaim the gospel, 'til the world is reconciled.
Let us set your holy table for each woman, man, & child.

God, the Spirit, we are waiting for your presence here and now.
Humbled by our sinful weakness, at your mercy we will bow.
Search our hearts & make us ready,
speak in language strong & mild,
help each one of us, your people, to receive you like a child.

God, the Spirit, we are waiting for your presence here and now.
Humbled by our sinful weakness, at your mercy we will bow.
Search our hearts & make us ready,
speak in language strong & mild,
help each one of us, your people, to receive you like a child.

God, the Spirit, we are waiting for your presence here and now.
Humbled by our sinful weakness, at your mercy we will bow.
Search our hearts & make us ready,
speak in language strong & mild,
help each one of us, your people, to receive you like a child.

CAROL

A Star Shone Bright

W&S 3051

(tune: O Wally Wally; Gift of Love UMH 408)

CAROL

A Star Shone Bright

W&S 3051

(tune: O Wally Wally; Gift of Love UMH 408)

CAROL

A Star Shone Bright

W&S 3051

(tune: O Wally Wally; Gift of Love UMH 408)

A star shone bright across the plain

and calmed the earth so Love could reign.
Twas in a child that hope was born,
a dream fulfilled! O happy morn!

A star shone bright across the plain

and calmed the earth so Love could reign.
Twas in a child that hope was born,
a dream fulfilled! O happy morn!

A star shone bright across the plain

and calmed the earth so Love could reign.
Twas in a child that hope was born,
a dream fulfilled! O happy morn!

O Son of God, Incarnate Word,

O Wisdoms Light, whom angels heard,
come forth again, our hearts console.
O heal our hurts and make us whole.

O Son of God, Incarnate Word,

O Wisdoms Light, whom angels heard,
come forth again, our hearts console.
O heal our hurts and make us whole.

O Son of God, Incarnate Word,

O Wisdoms Light, whom angels heard,
come forth again, our hearts console.
O heal our hurts and make us whole.

From Bethlehem, come to our day;

reveal to us your holy way.
Be born again, Eternal Fire;
O Spirit come, our souls inspire.

From Bethlehem, come to our day;

reveal to us your holy way.
Be born again, Eternal Fire;
O Spirit come, our souls inspire.

O star shine forth, once more this night,

and flood our streets with heavnly Light,
til every heart in Christ shall see
the glory of eternity!

O star shine forth, once more this night,

and flood our streets with heavnly Light,
til every heart in Christ shall see
the glory of eternity!

From Bethlehem, come to our day;

reveal to us your holy way.
Be born again, Eternal Fire;
O Spirit come, our souls inspire.
O star shine forth, once more this night,
and flood our streets with heavnly Light,
til every heart in Christ shall see
the glory of eternity!

Sun, 28 Dec: Celtic Service 10:00 am (no Sunday School)

Tue, 15 Dec:

Calendar

Tue, 15 Dec:

Office Hours
Church: 9-10:30am
Phoenix Books: 10:40-noon

Wed, 16 Dec: Potluck and Book of Common Prayer Service

Thu, 17 Dec: Food Shelf Set up 6:30 pm GSLC
Fri, 18 Dec:

Food Shelf Distribution 9:00 am GSLC

Sun, 20 Dec: Cookie Auction! After worship. Proceeds to Youth

Group Mission Trip. Invite a friend this Sunday!
Mon, 21 Dec: Blue Christmas (Longest Night) 7 pm.

Choir Practice 6:30 pm

Wed, 16 Dec: Potluck and Book of Common Prayer Service
Thu, 17 Dec: Food Shelf Set up 6:30 pm GSLC
Fri, 18 Dec:

Fri, 25 Dec:

Essex Eats Out at EUMC 5:30 pm

Food Shelf Distribution 9:00 am GSLC

Sun, 20 Dec: Cookie Auction! After worship. Proceeds to Youth

Group Mission Trip. Invite a friend this Sunday!
Mon, 21 Dec: Blue Christmas (Longest Night) 7 pm.
Thu, 24 Dec: Family Worship Service 4:30 p.m.

Thu, 24 Dec: Family Worship Service 4:30 p.m.

Lessons & Carols Service 8:00 p.m.

Tue, 15 Dec:

Choir Practice 6:30 pm

Wed, 16 Dec: Potluck and Book of Common Prayer Service
Thu, 17 Dec: Food Shelf Set up 6:30 pm GSLC
Fri, 18 Dec:

Essex Eats Out at EUMC 5:30 pm

Sun, 28 Dec: Celtic Service 10:00 am (no Sunday School)

Food Shelf Distribution 9:00 am GSLC

Sun, 20 Dec: Cookie Auction! After worship. Proceeds to Youth

Group Mission Trip. Invite a friend this Sunday!
Mon, 21 Dec: Blue Christmas (Longest Night) 7 pm.
Thu, 24 Dec: Family Worship Service 4:30 p.m.
Lessons & Carols Service 8:00 p.m.

Lessons & Carols Service 8:00 p.m.

Fri, 25 Dec:

Office Hours
Church: 9-10:30am
Phoenix Books: 10:40-noon
Mansfield Bible Study, 1:45 pm.

Mansfield Bible Study, 1:45 pm.

Mansfield Bible Study, 1:45 pm.

Choir Practice 6:30 pm

Calendar

Office Hours
Church: 9-10:30am
Phoenix Books: 10:40-noon

Calendar

Fri, 25 Dec:

Essex Eats Out at EUMC 5:30 pm

Sun, 28 Dec: Celtic Service 10:00 am (no Sunday School)