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: Micah 5:2
As for you, Bethlehem of Ephrathah, though you are the least significant of Judah’s forces, one who is to be a ruler in Israel on my behalf will come out from you. His origin is from remote times, from ancient days.
IN OUR PRAYERS
Kason Rice, Verna Hofer’s grandson
The Hofer family
Joan Usher
David Mah
Kathy Mah
Wayne Adams
Laura Barta Lindquist
Hank & Bonnie Kor
Jason & Laurie Kor
That we would all experience anew The Light of The World this Christmas.
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!
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
If you purchased a poinsettia, please pick it up Tuesday evening after either of the Christmas Eve Candlelight services.
RADIO BROADCAST (KORN 1490 AM, 101.3 FM 10 AM
We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and to remember that Jesus is the Reason for the Season
given by Ron and Sheilah Gates
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” is new underwear for the Mitchell School District Caring Closet. Boys and Girls sizes XS/4T through youth size XL/18 are needed.
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.
THANK YOU
Dear church family, thanks for the loving care and support given to us in the loss of our brother Carl. Your friendship is a blessing to Carl’s family. Memorials were directed to the stained-glass window project.
~Larry & Mary Crane, Gene & Jeanie Wohl and Bob Olson
A NOTE FROM THE FINANCE TEAM
As 2024 comes to a close, you may be considering your plans for year-end giving. Please prayerfully consider including the church in your plans. Your generous support helps sustain the vital ministries and programs that touch lives. By investing in the work of the church, you play an important role in the church’s mission of sharing the love of Jesus Christ from the heart of Downtown Mitchell. Commitment cards for 2025 giving are still available on the tables by the entrances to the worship center, as well as the connection center in the gathering area. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and continued support.
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)
SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH GROUP
There will not be Sunday School on December 29th or January 5th. Sunday School will resume on Sunday, January 12th.
There will not be youth group on December 25th or January 1st.
Youth group will resume on Wednesday, January 8th.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Natalie’s’ adult bible study will begin again after the Christmas Holiday.
We will be looking at Immerse Poets. We will cover the books of Psalms, Lamentations, Song of Songs, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. We will meet on Sundays beginning January 5th at 9am, and Wednesday evenings beginning January 8th at 7pm. There are books available in the office for $13, please see Tonya for those. There is also a podcast available that you can listen to daily that reads word for word what we are studying. Several of us are using both to get a better understanding of the scriptures. All are welcome to attend.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun., Dec 22, Early Christmas Eve Service 6:30pm
Tue., Dec 24, Office Closing at Noon
Tues., Dec 24, Christmas Eve Services 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Wed., Dec 25, Merry Christmas/Office Closed
Wed., Jan 1, Happy New Year/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
6:30 PM Early Christmas Eve Candlelight Service (Worship Center)
MONDAY
5:30 PM Love Feast Task Force
TUESDAY
12:00 PM Office Closing
4:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
6:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
WEDNESDAY
MERRY CHRISTMAS/OFFICE CLOSED
THURSDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
FRIDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
SATURDAY
NO EVENTS SCHEDULED
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Music- Nancy Theeler & Praise Team
Scripture- Liv Larson
GATHERING SONGS: Let It Be Christmas
Joy to the World
GREETING:
CALL TO WORSHIP:
L: Walking toward Bethlehem,
P: Listening every step of the way
L: For the sound of your name
P: For the announcement that we have found favor with God.
L: Walking toward Bethlehem,
P: Watching every step of the way
L. For a new star in the sky,
P: For guidance in our daily lives.
L: Walking toward Bethlehem,
P: Sensing we are not alone,
L: Angels are all around us.
P: Pointing us in the direction of God.
L: Walking toward Bethlehem,
P: Hoping we shall find a baby in a manger;
L: A simple sign that God loves us still
P: And reason enough to sing God’s praise.
OPENING SONG: O Come All Ye Faithful
CENTERING WORDS:
CENTERING SONG: All Is Well
CENTERING PRAYER:
CHILDREN’S MOMENT: Happy Hallelujah Christmas Song
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE: The Wilson Family
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 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 1:39-56 CEB
MESSAGE: The Unexpected Christmas Gift
SHARING OUR GIFTS:
RECEIVING OUR OFFERING: Glory to the Lamb
CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SENDING SONG: Go, Tell It on the Mountain
BENEDICTION:
POSTLUDE: Go, Tell It on the Mountain
We Wish You a Merry Christmas!