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
Bryan Vogel
Priscilla Stevenson
Jackie Hess
Charlotte Chenoweth
LaVerna Neugebauer, LeAnn Moe’s mother
Larry Griffith
Jayne Barnard
Jason Rice, Verna Hofer’s grandson
Laura Barta Lindquist
Pray for all those dealing with tragedy, loss, and difficult life situations at this time of year.
CELEBRATION
The baptism of Wilder Duane Buechler, McKayla & Anthony’s son
BAPTISM
The rose on the platform is in honor of the baptism of Wilder Duane Buechler. We welcome Wilder into our church family.
OFFICE CLOSED
The church office will close at noon on Christmas Eve Day, December 24th and will be closed all day on Christmas Day, December 25th. We wish our church family a very Merry Christmas!
LIVESTREAM
We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and to remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season given by Ron and Sheilah Gates.
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.)
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 if you wish. As we decorate the tree together, we honor those who shaped our lives and continue to shine in our hearts.
WINTER CONNECTION
Winter Connection is an annual event for Middle School and High School youth sponsored by the Dakotas Conference Council on Youth Ministry. This year’s event will be held in Sioux Falls at Sioux Falls First UMC. Winter Connection is an opportunity for youth to gather, share, worship, and serve others. The event will be held January 30-31, and the cost is $40 per person. Please let Pastor Amber know if you plan on attending and if you have any questions.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
If you purchased a poinsettia, please pick it up after any of the Christmas Eve Candlelight services.
ATTENTION MOMS!
Starting Sunday, Jan 11th, a new ministry called “Common Grounds: Downtown Moms” will begin. Moms are invited to gather for coffee, connection, and encouragement while kids are in Sunday School. No prep, no pressure- just a welcoming place to relax, breathe, and belong.
BELOVED WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Join us at our church for a two- day women’s conference experience featuring worship, encouragement, and connection. All women from our church and community are welcome as we gather and are reminded that we are deeply loved. Sign up today in the gathering area!
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP
There will not be Sunday School on December 21st or December 28th. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 4th.
There will not be Youth Group on December 24th or December 31st.
Youth Group will resume on January 7th.
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.
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)
VERSE FOR REFLECTION: Psalm 146:5-7
Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Thurs., Jan.1, New Year’s Day/Office Closed
Sun., Jan. 4, Sunday School Resumes
Wed., Jan.7, Youth Group Resumes
Thurs., Jan.8, Love Feast
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY
9:00 AM Adult Bible Study (Dave’s Rm. S1)
10:00 AM Worship Service
5:30 PM Early Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
MONDAY
7:00 PM Advent Study with Pastor Keith and Natalie
TUESDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
9:30 AM Staff
4:30 PM TOPS
7:00 PM Troop 75
WEDNESDAY
CHRISTMAS EVE/OFFICE CLOSING AT NOON
4:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
6:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
THURSDAY
MERRY CHRISTMAS/OFFICE CLOSED
FRIDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
SATURDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Praise Team
Scripture-Teresa Campbell
GATHERING SONGS: Let It Be Christmas
Glory to the Lamb
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: Today we gather in love.
P: Love that steadies trembling hearts
L: Love that listens when fear grows loud
P: Love that trusts God when the future is unclear.
L: We remember Joseph, interrupted, uncertain, afraid…
P: Yet guided by a gentle word: Do not be afraid.
L: Today we come, drawn by the love made flesh among us
P: Anchored by the promise of Emmanuel.
L: Come, let us worship the God…
P: Whose perfect love leads us into courage, grace, and a
new tomorrow.
OPENING SONG: O Come All Ye Faithful
CENTERING PRAYER:
CENTERING SONG: All Is Well
LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE: The Fuerst and Carmody Families
Light The Advent Candle (Vs.4) 2090 TFWS
CHILDREN’S MOMENT: Mary Had a Baby
BAPTISM:
Song- I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
Baptism Covenant II Page 39-43 #1,3,4,8,11 16 UMH
Song- I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry
TIME OF PRAYER: Emmanuel
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: Matthew 1:18-25
MESSAGE: Do Not Be Afraid: Actions Speak Louder…
SHARING OUR GIFTS:
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING: Do You Hear What I Hear
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Angels We Have Heard on High
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: Angels We Have Heard on High