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
Priscilla Stevenson
Jackie Hess
The family of Sara Jorgensen for the loss of her father, Robert Muir
LaVerna Neugebauer, LeAnn Moe’s mother
Larry Griffith
Jayne Barnard
Jason Rice, Verna Hofer’s grandson
Laura Barta Lindquist
Pray for all of us as followers of Jesus that this Advent Season will interrupt and speak into our lives.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Our Children’s Christmas Program will be presented on Sunday Dec. 14th, during worship service. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this special program possible and to those who donated candy for the children.
NOISY BUCKETS
Today is Noisy Bucket Sunday! All donations in the noisy buckets will go to the Mitchell Elementary School lunch program. Thank you for your support towards our children in need.
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
Global Aids Project
DECEMBER “ONE THING”
Our December “One Thing” is cup noodles for our new Little Free Pantry (which will be installed by the ramp.)
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
If you would like to purchase a poinsettia to help us decorate our worship center for Christmas, please fill out a Christmas Poinsettia Order Card, located on the table as you enter the worship center or on the Welcome Desk by the church offices. The cost is $15, and the deadline is Monday, December 15th.
COMMITMENTS
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.
REMEMBRANCE TREE
This Christmas, we invite you to stop by the hallway near the chapel and add an angel to our Remembrance Tree. You may write the names of any loved ones you’re missing along with a memory is you wish. As we decorate the tree together, we honor those who shaped our lives and continue to shine in our hearts.
“A CHILD IS BORN” ADVENT STUDY
We are offering two different times for this year’s Advent study- Monday evenings at 7pm led by Pastor Keith and Wednesday evenings 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 next week Thursday, Dec.,18. Workers and donations are still needed. 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.
VERSE FOR REFLECTION: James 5:7-8 (CEB)
Therefore, brothers and sisters, you must be patient as you wait for the coming of the Lord. Consider the farmer who waits patiently for the coming of rain in the fall and spring, looking forward to the precious fruit of the earth. 8 You also must wait patiently, strengthening your resolve, because the coming of the Lord is near.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Sunday, December 21st 5:30pm
(Early Christmas Eve Candlelight Service w/ Pastor Amber)
Wednesday, December 24th 4:30pm and 6:30pm
(Christmas Eve Candlelight Services w/ Pastor Keith)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun. Dec 21, Early Christmas Eve Service 5:30
Wed., Dec 24, Christmas Eve Services 4:30 & 6:30
Thurs., Dec 25, Merry Christmas/Office Closed
Thurs., Jan.1, Happy New Year/Office Closed
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
3:00 PM Cub Scout Pack 75
MONDAY
7:00 PM DWU Music Recital
7:00 PM Advent Study with Pastor Keith
TUESDAY
9:30 AM Staff
11:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
4:30 PM TOPS
5:30 PM Heart & Sole
7:00 PM Troop 75
7:00 PM DWU Music Recital
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
6:30 PM Youth Group
7:00 PM Advent Study with Natalie
THURSDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
5:30 PM Love Feast
FRIDAY NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
SATURDAY NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Praise Team
Children’s Christmas Program
GATHERING SONGS: What Did You Say Was the Baby’s Name?
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: Come, joy,
P: Lighten our spirits
L: Come, hope,
P: Lift us from despair.
L: Come, peace,
P: Ease our frantic worry.
L: Come, love,
P: Shine in all we do.
L: Come, Jesus,
P: Be born in us anew.
L: Come, Lord,
P: Set us free.
L: Come, God,
P: Rule in our hearts and world, today and everyday!
OPENING SONG: Joy to the World
CENTERING PRAYER:
CENTERING SONG: Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord
LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE: The Parker & Horstman Families
Light The Advent Candle (Vs.3) 2090 TFWS
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:
TIME OF PRAYER: O Little Town of Bethlehem
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 is in heaven, honored be your name. Your kingdom Come; your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us, not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours, God, is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, now and forever. Amen
SHARING OUR GIFTS:
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING: Little Drummer Boy
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Go Tell It On the Mountain
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: Go Tell It On the Mountain