Bulletin 12.3.2023

Downtown Mitchell

First United  Methodist Church

          310 N Rowley

        Mitchell SD 57301

Sharing the love of Jesus

from the heart of Downtown

wifi password: L&ve1234

 VERSE FOR REFLECTION: Luke 1:68-69

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David.”

IN OUR PRAYERS

Matt Barnard

Jane Dahme

Carol and Harlan Phinney

Sharon Broghammer

Mike Muntefering

Robert Janssen

Mary Wingfield

Marge Scheurenbrand

Hayden Mathis

Janette Adams

Janice Kayser

Arnold Dolejsi

Louise Metz

Nancy Laurendeau

Ruth Creasey

Stephani Scheurenbrand

Laura Barta Lindquist

Those that need His healing touch

Praying for those working for Peace and Release in the world.

COOKIE SUNDAY

Today is Cookie Sunday! Don’t forget to grab a cookie!

 RADIO BROADCAST (KORN 1490 AM, 101.3 FM 10 AM)

Is given today by Paul and Ellen Miskimins.

 LIVESTREAM

Is given in memory of Janet Nelson by the Russell Families: Sondra, Annika & Travis, and Toby & April.

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

~ Radio Broadcast KORN1490 AM & 101.3 FM at 10:00 am, Sunday     

~ 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” will be hamburger helper for the Mitchell High School Food Pantry. Currently they are helping an average of 25- 30 students each week.

CONSECRATION SUNDAY

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our Consecration Sunday. If you weren’t with us, it’s not too late to participate. estimate of giving cards are available at both entryways into the worship center. You can fill out the card with your financial commitments as well as the areas where you are willing to serve in our church or community and return them to the office.

LOVE FEAST

Love Feast will be serving their Christmas meal on December 21st. Workers and donations are needed. Please see Carol with the sign-up sheet in the gathering area prior and after service.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Our Children’s Christmas Program will be held on Sunday, December 10th during worship. We are asking for candy canes by Wednesday, which can be dropped off in the church office. Thank you!

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

If you would like to purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one, please fill out a Christmas Poinsettia card which are located at the Connection Center desk and as you enter the Worship Center. The cost is $15, and the deadline is December 17th. We encourage you  to take them after either Christmas Eve service.

ADVENT STUDY “HEAVEN & EARTH” BY WILL WILLIMON

This year’s Advent Study is a zoom-based study led by Bishop Lanette Plambeck, but Pastor Keith will gather with anyone from our church family that wishes to participate. The study will be held for four weeks beginning Nov. 28th from 7-8:15. You can participate in this study from your home or the church, but you must sign up through the conference website: https://www.dakotasumc.org/news/join-the-2023-advent-study-in-heaven-and-earth. We have books ($14.50 ea.) available so please contact the office to purchase one or if you have any questions.

FESTIVAL OF THE NATIVITY

We are excited to host a Festival of the Nativity. We have a beautiful display of nativities (that our church families are willing to share) set up in the chapel. The open house dates and times are Saturday, Dec. 2nd 9am-noon and Sunday, Dec. 3rd 11am-1pm with a presentation with Dr. Forbes at 1pm. We hope this event will help bring the true spirit of Christmas into your hearts and homes as we remember the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE

The Health Ministry’s annual Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, Dec. 10th at 2pm. Please call the office 996-7721 to give us the name of your loved one to remember and to make a reservation to receive an angel ornament.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

Thursday, December 21st 6:30PM ~

   (Early Christmas Eve Candlelight Service)

Sunday, December 24th 10AM ~

   (Normal Worship Service)

Sunday, December 24th 4:30PM and 6:30PM ~

   (Christmas Eve Candlelight Services)

WEDNESDAY NIGHT YOUTH MEALS

There are still opportunities available to help with the meals for our youth. There is a sign-up sheet on the connection center desk. If you have any questions, please let us know

UPCOMING EVENTS – 2023

Tues., Dec 5, Advent Study 7PM

Thurs., Dec 7, Love Feast 5:30PM

Sat., Dec. 9, Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal 9AM

Sun., Dec 10, Children’s Christmas Program 10AM

Sun., Dec 10, Service of Remembrance 2PM

CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK

SUNDAY

9:00 AM          Sunday School

9:00 AM          Adult Sunday School

10:00 AM        Worship

MONDAY

8:00-4:00         Cabinet Meeting

7:00 PM          Troop 75

TUESDAY

9:30 AM          Staff

4:30 PM          TOPS

7:00 PM          Advent Study 

WEDNESDAY

6:00 PM          Overflow/Supper

7:00 PM          Youth Group

7:00 PM          Adult Bible Study

THURSDAY  

5:30 PM          Love Feast

FRIDAY          NO EVENTS SCHEDULED

SATURDAY

9:00 AM          Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal

9:00 AM          Handbell Practice

ORDER OF WORSHIP

Music- Praise Team

Scripture- Paul Mah

Message- Dr. Bruce Forbes

GATHERING SONGS: What Did You Say Was the Baby’s Name

                                      Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord                                                                                       

GREETING:  

CALL TO WORSHIP:

                    Voices In Praise- “Mary, Did you Know”

CENTERING WORDS:

CENTERING SONG: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel  

CENTERING PRAYER:                       

CHILDREN’S MOMENT: Let’s Get Ready, A Savior’s Coming

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE: Wilson Family

            Light the Advent Candle  Vs.1  2090 TFWS

TIME OF PRAYER: Emmanuel, 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: Luke 1:46-55 & 2:1-7 

MESSAGE: Characters of Christmas- Mary, One of Us- Dr. Bruce Forbes

COMMUNION:

            Preparing our Hearts

            Preparing the Elements

            Sharing in Communion

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING: 

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SENDING SONG: Glory to the Lamb                         

BENEDICTION:

POSTLUDE: Glory to the Lamb