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
Roger Stunes
The family of Sara Jorgensen for the loss of her father, Robert Muir
The Berry family with the loss of Dr. Jack
LaVerna Neugebauer, LeAnn Moe’s mother
Larry Griffith
Jayne Barnard
Christeen Scheurenbrand
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.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Grief touches our lives in many ways, often arriving unexpectedly, yet always felt deeply. Each December, our church offers a Service of Remembrance- a time to acknowledge our grief and honor loved ones we carry in our hearts during the holiday season. Our Service of Remembrance will be held this afternoon at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel, all are welcome to attend.
DECEMBER FAMILY FUN GATHERING
Join Pastor Amber this afternoon from 3-4pm for some Christmas Fun! We will be making ornaments, decorating the gathering area and enjoying cocoa. All families with kids under 18 are welcome!
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.)
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Our Children’s Christmas Program practice will be held on Saturday, December 13th from 10am-11am. Parents- please bring your children to the chapel. We will fit costumes then we will practice in the Worship Center. Our Christmas Program will be 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 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 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.
“A CHILD IS BORN” ADVENT STUDY
We are offering two different times for the 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 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.
VERSE FOR REFLECTION: Psalm 34:12-14
Which of you desires life, and covets many days to enjoy good? Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit. Depart from evil and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Sunday, December 21st 5:30pm
(Early Christmas Eve Candlelight Service)
Wednesday, December 24th 4:30pm and 6:30pm
(Christmas Eve Candlelight Service)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun., Dec 13, Christmas Program Practice 10-11AM
Sun., Dec 14, Christmas Program
Thurs., Dec 18, Love Feast
Sun. Dec 21,Early Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 5:30
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
2:00 PM Service of Remembrance (Chapel)
3:00 PM Family Fun Gathering
MONDAY
9:00 AM Extended Cabinet (Chapel)
7:00 PM Advent Study with Pastor Keith
TUESDAY
9:30 AM Staff
11:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
4:30 PM TOPS
6:30 PM In A Village
7:00 PM Troop 75
WEDNESDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
10:00 AM Family Ministry
6:30 PM Youth Group
7:00 PM Advent Study with Natalie
THURSDAY
9:00 AM LifeQuest (Dining Room)
12:00 PM United Women in Faith Potluck (Rm. 103)
1:00 PM PALS (Nursery)
7:00 PM United Women in Faith II (Gathering Area)
FRIDAY NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
SATURDAY 10:00-11:00 AM Christmas Program Practice
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Christy Wilson, Carolyn Knight & Song Leaders
Scripture- Becky Moore
GATHERING SONGS: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
(Vs.1,2) 211 UMH
O Come, All Ye Faithful (Vs.1,2,3) 234 UMH
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: As we step into this Advent moment, we come ready to experience
God.
P: Like Mary, we show up with open hearts, willing to hear what
God is saying.
L: God speaks into ordinary life with a message that changes
everything: “Do not be afraid-I am at work.”
P: We hold onto that promise, trusting that God is moving in us
and around us.
L: Today as we light the Peace candle, remembering that God’s
peace grows wherever we say “yes” to God’s calling.
P: We want to live that “yes,” becoming the hands and feet of
Jesus in our world.
L: So, let’s come with expectation-God is near, God is working, God
is speaking.
P: We worship with hope, ready to welcome Emmanuel-
God with us.
OPENING SONG: Like a Child 2092 TFWS
CENTERING PRAYER:
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE: The Roskens Family
Light the Advent Candle (Vs.2) 2090 TFWS
CHILDREN’S MOMENT: Away in a Manger (Vs.1,3) 217 UMH
TIME OF PRAYER: Emmanuel, Emmanuel 204 UMH
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
SCRIPTURE: Luke 1:26-38
MESSAGE: Do Not Be Afraid: When God Interupts!
COMMUNION:
Preparing Our Hearts & the Elements
Sharing in Communion
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING:
The Offering will be received as people come forward for communion
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING:
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Star-Child (Vs.1,2,3) 2095 TFWS
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: Star-Child (Vs.4,5) 2095 TFWS