Weekly Bulletin Dec. 3, 2023
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF TOULON December 3, 2023 – First Sunday in Advent
(*indicates to stand if able)
PRELUDE
CALL TO WORSHIP (responsive)
Leader: Now is the time to wake from sleep,
People: Now is the time to keep watch and stay alert.
Leader: Now is the time for the bridegroom to appear,
People: Now is the time to prepare for Christ.
Leader: For the tables are about to turn over,
People: Those on the margins will be welcomed in.
Leader: The powerful will be brought down from their thrones,
People: The lowly raised up and the hungry filled.
Leader: Now is the time to be ready,
People: Now is the time God will make all things new.
*OPENING HYMN “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You” No. 104
LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF HOPE
Introduction: Pam Sprout
Advent Litany and Lighting of the Candle
The Richards Family
Advent Prayer
Thank you, God, for the hope you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your hope with each other. We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen
ANNOUNCEMENTS, JOYS, AND CONCERNS
WORSHIPING THROUGH PRAYER
Prayers for the People
The Lord’s Prayer
*GLORIA PATRI No. 558
*SHARING SIGNS OF PEACE
SPECIAL MUSIC
YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERMON Jessie Richards
WORSHIPING THROUGH GIVING
OFFERING
*DOXOLOGY No. 563
*OFFERING PRAYER
*HYMN OF PREPARATION “People, Look East” No. 83
SCRIPTURE READING Jeremiah 33: 10-11, 14-18
Mark 8: 27-29
MESSAGE Floyd Ham
*CLOSING HYMN No. 89
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
*BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE
Prayer Requests:
Please pass along your prayer requests to a member of the Deacons; Pam Sprout, Mary Hawk, or Janet Wilkinson
· Jane Heaton
· Judy Beamer
· Heather Chandler (Michelle’s sister)
· Trish Singleton
· Donna Boardman
· Sandy Langdon
· Ed & Donna Jones
· Al & Susan Kitterman and Phil Kitterman
· Mary Lomelino
· Colin Mills, Jordan Minder, & Jack Minders
· Karen Steward (pending surgery)
· Mary Rhodes
· The Family of Linda Bolls
. UPCOMING EVENTS
Dec. 9 – Toulon Christmas Walk/Methodist Church Nativity, set-up at 2:00-4:00, pick-up 7:00-9:00, include a description and history
Dec. 17, 10:30 - Christmas Program and refreshments after the worship service
Dec. 24, 7 PM – Community Christmas Eve Service at Toulon Methodist, the speaker will be Ed Jones
Guest Speakers
Dec. 10, Michelle West
Dec. 17, Ed Jones
Dec. 24, Ed Jones
Dec. 31, Hymn Sing
Jan. 7, Ed Wied