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: Isaiah 40:3-5
A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”
IN OUR PRAYERS
The Davis family with the passing of Loren, Earl’s brother
The Ruml family with the passing of Phil, Mark & Kathy’s brother-in-law
The Sonne family with the loss of John
Wayne Adams
Joan Dolejsi
Laura Barta Lindquist
Hank & Bonnie Kor
Jason & Laurie Kor
As the title of a great hymn suggests, Count Your Blessings. As we approach Thanksgiving, take some time this week to make a list of the people in your life you are grateful for. Reflect on why you are grateful for them. Then finally, give thanks to God for those people in your life.
ADVENT SOUP LUNCHEON FUNDRAISER
Today, following worship service our youth will be serving soup in the dining room, change of location from what was previously advertised.
RADIO BROADCAST (KORN 1490 AM, 101.3 FM 10 AM
There is not a sponsor this week. If you would like to sponsor the radio broadcast, please call the office.
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
~ 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 new youth underwear for the Mitchell School District Caring Closet. Boys and Girls sizes XS/4T through youth size XL/18 are needed.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Our Children’s Christmas Program will be held on Sunday, December 8th during worship. We need candy canes for the children’s Christmas bags. If you would like to donate them, please drop them off in the church office.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
The Health Ministry’s annual Service of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, December 8th at 2pm. Please call the church office at
605-996-7721 to give us the name of your loved one to remember and to make a reservation to receive an angel ornament.
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, they are located at the Connection Center desk and at the entrances to the Worship Center. The cost is $15, and the deadline is December 15th. We encourage you to take your purchased poinsettia following either of our Christmas Eve services.
HELP WANTED
We are seeking a self-motivated individual to fill the position of full-time custodian. The custodian will be responsible for maintaining the church building and premises. Candidate should have janitorial and basic maintenance skills and be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Apply in person at FUMC or email tonya@downtownfirstumc.com. Wage is dependent on experience. A full list of duties and responsibilities are available upon request.
COMMITMENT AND CELEBRATION
Thank you to all of you who have either given a completed commitment card or have returned one to the church office. Filling out this card is a way of celebrating the blessings God has given you! If you have not yet done so, there are commitment cards at the end of each pew. Feel free to fill one out and place it in the offering plate as it is passed, or bring the card forward after worship has ended and place it in the basket at the front of the platform. Filling out a commitment card is a way to make a commitment to God and our church. Doing so also helps the Finance Team know how to better prepare the 2025 budget. Again…Thank You!
LOVE FEAST
Love Feast will be serving their Christmas meal on December 19th. Workers and donations are needed for the meal. Please see Carol with the sign-up sheet in the gathering area prior to and after service.
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
Sunday, December 22nd 10am
(Normal Worship Service)
Sunday, December 22nd 6:30pm
(Early Christmas Eve Candlelight Service)
Tuesday, December 24th 4:30pm and 6:30pm
(Christmas Eve Candlelight Service)
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun., Dec 8, Children’s Christmas Program
Sun., Dec 8, Service of Remembrance 2pm
Thurs., Dec 19, Love Feast
Sun., Dec 22, Early Christmas Eve Service 6:30pm
Tues., Dec 24, Christmas Eve Services 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Wed., Dec 25, Merry Christmas/Office Closed
CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK
SUNDAY
9:00 AM Adult Bible Study (Dave’s Rm S1)
9:00 AM Sunday School/Confirmation
10:00 AM Worship
11:00 AM Youth Soup Fundraiser (Dining Room)
MONDAY
8:30 AM Extended Cabinet
TUESDAY
9:30 AM Staff
4:30 PM TOPS
7:00 PM Troop 75
WEDNESDAY
6:00 PM Supper/Overflow
7:00 PM Youth Group
THURSDAY
4:30 PM Women’s Singing Group Practice
5:30 PM Love Feast
FRIDAY
9:00 AM PALS (Nursery)
10:00 AM DWU Senior Recital Practice
SATURDAY
9:00 AM Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Carolyn Knight, Christy Wilson, & Song Leaders
Scripture- Trinity Wilson
GATHERING SONGS: Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus 196 UMH
Like a Child 2092 TFWS
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: A voice cries in the wilderness,
P: A word needing to be heard.
L: Prepare the way.
P: Get ready all hearts,
L: Create a quiet place.
P: Listen. Listen deep.
L. A voice shouting in the desert:
P: Feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, proclaim good news.
L: Make ready the world,
P: To receive God’s Good News.
L: Christ is coming!
P: Rejoice!!
OPENING SONG: In the Bleak Midwinter Vs.1,3,4 221 UMH
CENTERING PRAYER:
CHILDREN’S MOMENT: Away in a Manger Vs.1,3 217 UMH
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE: The Wilson Family
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 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 21:25-36
MESSAGE: Three Christmas Surprises
Rev. Joel Allen
SHARING OUR GIFTS:
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING: Some Children See Him
Kyra, Syndie, Henry, and Jordan
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Star-Child Vs.1,2,3 2095 TFWS
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: Star-Child Vs.4,5 2095 TFWS