Downtown Mitchell
First United Methodist Church
“Sharing the love of Jesus from the heart of Downtown”
310 N Rowley
Mitchell SD 57301
www.downtownfirstumc.com
wifi password: L&ve1234
“We exist to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing love and grace to all we encounter, by living out God’s Kingdom together.”
IN OUR PRAYERS
The Berry family with the loss of Dr. Jack
LaVerna Neugebauer, LeAnn Moe’s mother
Larry Griffith
Jayne Barnard
Emile Laurendeau
Christeen Scheurenbrand
Jason Rice, Verna Hofer’s grandson
Laura Barta Lindquist
Pray for our church as we make commitments and plans for our future.
SPECIAL SUNDAY
United Methodist Student Day is Sunday, November 30th. This special offering provides scholarships funds for United Methodist College students. There are special offering envelopes on the tables as you enter the worship center.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
The Health Ministry’s annual Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, December 7th at 2pm in the chapel. Please call the church office at 605-996-7721 to give us the name of your loved one to remember and to make a reservation to receive an angel ornament or there is a sign-up sheet on the Welcome Desk located by the office door.
LIVESTREAM
Is given anonymously.
OUR WORSHIP OPTIONS ARE:
~ In person each Sunday at 10:00 am
~ Mitchell Telecom channel 110 at 10:00 am
~A link to our livestream is provided on our Facebook page for
Sunday Worship: @MitchellsDowntownChurch
~ Livestream on our website (www.downtownfirstumc.com) live at
10:00 am on Sundays or at any time.
MISSION OF THE MONTH
Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota
DECEMBER “ONE THING”
Our December “One Thing” will be cup noodles for a new mission opportunity for our church.
CHURCH DIRECTORY PHOTOS
Thank you to all that have stopped by to have your pictures taken for our church directory. This is the last Sunday that our “photo booth” will be in the chapel. Please, if you haven’t already, stop by and have your photo taken.
BISHOP’S THANKSGIVING OFFERING
This year’s Bishops Thanksgiving Offering will help support Feeding South Dakota and the Great Plains Food Bank, vital ministries that provide nourishment to thousands of our neighbors across the Dakotas. There is a donation box in the gathering area on one of the tables.
CONFIRMATION CLASS
The 8th grade confirmation class will be attending Holy Family Catholic Church today, Nov 30th. We will meet from 9:30- 10:15, at which time we will walk to Holy Family. The students will return to FUMC at 11:30.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Our Children’s Christmas Program will be held on Sunday, December 14th during worship. We are collecting prepackaged popcorn, soft Christmas candy, and Candy canes for the Christmas bags. Donations can be dropped off in the office.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia, please fill out a Christmas poinsettia card which is located on the tables as you enter the worship center. The cost is $15, and the deadline is December 15th.
COMMITMENT SUNDAY
Thank you to all that have filled out and returned a commitment card. You still have time to fill one out if you have not done so yet. There are cards on tables throughout the church. Filling out this card is a way of celebrating the blessings God has provided as well as celebrating what God is doing in our midst.
“A CHILD IS BORN” ADVENT STUDY
Beginning next week, we will be offering two different times for the Advent study- Monday evenings beginning December 1st at 7pm led by Pastor Keith and Wednesday evenings beginning December 3rd at 7pm led by Natalie Piel. Bishop Lanette will also provide leadership in these groups through Zoom or video links. Books are available in the church office for $15.
LOVEFEAST
The Downtown FUMC Love Feast turkey dinner is Thursday, Dec.,18. Workers and donations are needed for the meal. See the sign-up sheet in the gathering area prior to and after worship service.
We are accepting donations for new socks (all sizes) for our guests.
SAINT JOHN’S BIBLE ON DISPLAY
For the next couple of weeks, one of the volumes of The Saint John’s Bible will be on display in our gathering area. This stunning, hand-illuminated Scripture invites us to slow down, look closely, and let God’s Word speak in a fresh way. We are grateful to Dakota Wesleyan University for loaning us this volume so more people can experience this remarkable work. Take a moment to turn a few pages and enjoy this extraordinary blend of faith and art.
YEAR- END GIVING
As we enter the final month of the year, we invite you to consider Downtown Mitchell First UMC in your year-end giving plans. In addition to traditional gifts, the church is able to receive a variety of non-cash contributions such as grain, stock, and minimum required distributions. These options can offer meaningful stewardship opportunities while also providing potential tax advantages. If you have questions or would like guidance, please contact the church office or Craig McManus, the Finance Team chair. We are grateful for the many ways you support the ministry we share.
DECEMBER FAMILY FUN GATHERING
Mark your calendar for an afternoon of Christmas Fun- December 7th from 3-4pm. We will be making ornaments, decorating the gathering area and enjoying cocoa. All families with kids under 18 are welcome!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun., Dec 7, Service of Remembrance (2pm-Chapel)
Sun., Dec 7, Family Fun Gathering (3-4pm)
Sun., Dec 14, Christmas Program
Thurs., Dec 18, Love Feast
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY
9:00 AM Sunday School
9:00 AM Adult Bible Study (Dave’s Rm. S1)
10:00 AM Worship Service
MONDAY
10:00 AM Dr. Berry’s Visitation/ Funeral Service at 11 AM
4:30 PM Alexis Scroggins Piano Recital
7:00 PM Advent Study with Pastor Keith
TUESDAY
9:30 AM Staff
11:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
4:30 PM TOPS
7:00 PM Troop 75
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
6:30-8:30 PM Youth Group
7:00 PM Advent Study with Natalie
THURSDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
5:30 PM Love Feast
FRIDAY
9:00 AM PALS (Nursery)
SATURDAY NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Nancy Nelson & Song Leaders
Scripture Reader- Bruce Fritzemeier
HYMN SING: Now Thank We All Our God 102 UMH
Spirit of the Living God 393 UMH
I Am Thine, O Lord 419 UMH
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light 206 UMH
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: In this season of waiting, we come with hearts that long for hope.
P: We wait for God’s promise to break into our world again.
L: Advent begins with a whisper: Do not be afraid.
P: We listen for God’s voice that calms our fears and strengthens
our faith.
L: As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we make room for light in the
midst of our darkness.
P: We open our lives to the One who brings peace, courage,
and joy.
L: Come, let us worship the God who meets us in the waiting.
P: We come with expectation and trust - ready to welcome
Emmanuel.
OPENING SONG: Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
(Vs.1,2,4) 694 UMH
CENTERING PRAYER:
LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE: The Laffey Family
Light the Advent Candle (Vs.1) 2090 TFWS
CHILDREN’S MOMENT:
TIME OF PRAYER:
Silent Reflection~ Pastor’s Prayer ~ The Lord’s Prayer
(I will be alternating between the Traditional and an Alternate that is more contemporary in wording)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen
SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:5-16 (CEB)
MESSAGE: Do Not Be Afraid: Closer Than They Appear!
SHARING OUR GIFTS:
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING:
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Come, Thou Long- Expected Jesus 196 UMH
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: