Welcome to

POLK CITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“Reaching Out, Growing and Serving in Christ”

Church  984-6274

Mark Haverland, Pastor  964-4000

Becky Beck, RN Parish Nurse  685-3195

Web Page:    http://www.gbgm-umc.org/polkcityumc

We extend a special welcome to all visitors, who are requested not to put money in the collection plate.  Those who attend this church regularly have committed their time and resources so that you can be our guests.  Immediately following the service, everyone is invited to share in fellowship and refreshments.  A nursery is available during worship for very young children.

Sunday, December 1, 2002

First Sunday in Advent

Invitation to Prepare — Church Bell

Welcome and Announcements— (Please sign the attendance pads)

Advent Wreath

Mark 13:24-26, 32, 33, 35, 37

But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken.

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

Keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come ... in the evening, or at midnight, or at dawn. Keep awake.

Such amazing things happen in the sky to herald the return of the Son of Man:
... Jesus, coming in the clouds
... the sun grows dark
... the moon doesn't shine
... stars fall from the heavens

So different from that first coming 2000 years ago:
... with angels singing of God's glory and peace on earth
... with the single star guiding the way to the manger
... with shepherds and wise men — rich and poor — coming to worship

And so we watch, and wait, and stay alert, waiting again for the coming of Jesus. And we light a single candle in preparation for that glorious day.

Light the first candle on the Advent wreath.

And even if the sun should grow dark,
even if the moon refuses to shine,
even if the stars should fall from the sky,
we will have Jesus, the Light of the World, to shine brightly in our hearts, lighting our way.

ALL: Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

 

Opening Song   Christmas Medley

Call to Worship:

L:   God said through the prophet Isaiah, "I am God, and there is no one like me,

C:   "declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done,

L:  "saying, 'My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention' (Isa 46:9b-10).

C:  "I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have planned, and I will do it" (Isa 46:11b).

L:   God's will for us and for all God's creation will surely be. This is our hope; this is our faith. Let us worship God with gladness and expectation as we await the day of the Lord.

 

*Opening Song #211 O Come, O Come Immanuel

 

*Invocation:

   Creator and redeemer God, we praise you for the wonders of your creation, and the wonder yet to unfold of bringing to completion that which was begun through your word and continued through your word made flesh in Jesus. While we yearn and wait for what we do not yet see, we hold fast to the vision of a new heaven and a new earth, the day when Christ's reign of love and peace, justice and righteousness will prevail in all fullness. And as we wait, help us to faithfully watch and pray, worship and work in the Spirit and power of our living Lord.

*The Lord’s Prayer:

   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 for ever.  Amen

*Assurance of Pardon:

   The gift of God's love and forgiveness is not delayed, but in Christ has been made a true and present reality for all who confess their sin and trust in him. This is grace for us who even now are continuously being transformed into the people God will have us to be. Praise be to God for this wondrous assurance and hope!

*Act of Praise  #2077 You Alone Are Holy

 

Children’s Story

 

Celebration and Concerns

#2086  Open Our Eyes

Call to Prayer:

        Leader:  The Lord be with you.

        People:   And also with you.

Leader:   Let us pray.

Personal Prayers in Silence

Pastoral Prayer

Come, Lord Jesus. Make us discontent with the present, eager for the future.

     Come, Lord Jesus. Give us confidence that you hear us when we cry out, that you not only hear, but that you also come to us and care about us.

     Come, Lord Jesus. Give us your promised new heavens and new earth. Bless us with your presence. Come, stand among us, beside us. Save us from the world and from ourselves.

     Come, Lord Jesus. Amen.

 

 

Responsive Reading — Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

        Listen to us, O shepherd of your people,

        hear us, leader of your flock;

        you are high above all creatures;

        reveal yourself to your people,

        show your strength, O God, and save us.

"Show us your mercy and we will be saved!"

        How much longer, Almighty God?

        How much longer will you be angry with us?

        To eat, you have given us the bread of sorrows,

        and to drink, the wine of tears;

        conflict abounds wherever we turn.

"Show us your mercy and we will be saved!"

        Permit your hand to rest

        on the one at your right hand,

        or the one to whom you have given strength.

        Then we will never forsake you;

        give us life,

        and we will call on your name.

"Show us your mercy and we will be saved!"

           

*Hymn #256  We Would See Jesus

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 25:31-46

Sermon:  Watchful Waiting

Mark Haverland

Offering 

*The Offertory (to #566— Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love”)

        Use us as channels for you, Lord,

        Use this our offering

        To serve your people in the world,

        New life and hope to bring.

Prayer of Dedication

 

#Hymn #2282 I’ll Fly Away

*Commissioning:

     Go out to boldly proclaim your faith in the surety of the incoming day of the Lord in all fullness.  Wait and expect, wait and work, for such is the calling of faith.

*Benediction: 

     God, who as Creator, Word, and Spirit began a good work in creation, and who will bring to manifestation its completion, blesses us with power and peace in believing. Amen.

 

*Postlude……………………………….*Indicates congregation stands

NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Junior High Youth Group meets Wednesdays at the church from 7:00-8:00 p.m. Contact Mary Jones at 999-2678.

Church Directories – The latest church directories are available on the table by the door to the sanctuary.  Let Joan Hart know of any corrections.

United Methodist Women -- Contact Linda Pennington or Mary Jones with any questions.

Sunday School—Bill Blakely will teach a 5,6,7 grade class.  Families will students in those grades should talk with Bill.

Staff/Parish Meeting — Sunday, December 8, 11:00 am.

Charge Conference — David Stout, our District Superintendent, has given us permission to hold our own Charge Conference this year and for me to chair it.  We will likely hold this Charge Conference in early January to allow us to complete the budget and nominations with an eye to next year’s goals and challenges.

New Members — We will receive new members next Sunday, December 8.  At this point, Bill & Denise Blakely, Don & Tess Young, Jodi Ahlichs and Terry McGee, Marg Trask, Glenda Elliot,   .  And one Baptism, as well:  .  Let me know if I have missed someone.

Land Purchase — We close on the lots next door this week.

Health and Wellness Ministries: Contact Becky Beck, RN, parish nurse 685-3195

Counseling:  Contact Pastor Haverland at 984-6274 for counseling or referrals to various counseling services and support groups.

Food Pantry:  Donations welcome any Sunday.  Food is distributed at eight sites in the metro-area to those in need.  Contact Linda Pennington at 984-6693.

Family Fund: All quarters in the collection plate go for financial and pastoral assistance for families and travelers in need in our community.

Luke’s Clinic:  Physicals, vaccines, flu shots, and other medical care. Open Wednesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Alcoholics Anonymous:  Meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

CHRISTIAN GROWTH AND FELLOWSHIP

Senior High Youth Group:  Contact Linda Erickson  984-6138

Junior High Youth Group:  Contact Mary Jones at 999-2678.

Food Pantry Drivers

(Fill in blanks and place in offering or contact Linda Pennington 984-6693)

November—Marilyn Molleck

December—Teresa and Matt Miller

The food pantry Warehouse is located at 3816 36th St, Des Moines.  See Linda Pennington for instructions.  We have contributed $2,244.89 to the Food Pantry this year.  Keep up the good work.

Reception Hosts

(Fill in blanks and place in offering)

December 1 — Tijm, Olga and Christopher Kline

December 8 — Linda Link—Jackie Cook & girls

December 15 — Greg, Mary, Kathryn Lamka

December 22 — Blakely’s

December 29 — Bring leftover Christmas goodies

 

Ushers

(Fill in blanks and place in offering)

November — Dan & Mai Golbuff

December — Tim, Olga, Christopher Kline

Worship Leaders

(Fill in the blanks and place in offering)

November—Becky Beck

Meal Site

(Fill out and place in offering)

Four people are needed to serve the meal prepared by others for Our Community Kitchen from 5:30 –7:00 pm on the second Wednesday of each month.  Sign up and place this form in the offering. Call Shari Miller for more information (984-6517).

November 13 —

 

(Mark 13:24-37 NRSV)  "But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, (25) and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. (26) Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory. (27) Then he will send out the angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. (28) "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. (29) So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. (30) Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. (31) Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (32) "But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (33) Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come. (34) It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. (35) Therefore, keep awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, (36) or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. (37) And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake."

Prayers for the Week

Nursery  (during worship

December 1 — Shari Miller

December 8 — Jennifer Stann

December 15 —  Chris Russell

December 22 — Mai Golbuff

December 29 —  Kristin and Katie

A Service of Holy Communion

 

L:      Christ our Lord invites to his table all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin and seek to live in peace with one another.

M:    Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart.  We have failed to be an obedient church.  We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy.  Forgive us, we pray.  Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

N:     Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God’s love toward us.  In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven.

O:    In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

P:      Let us offer one another signs of reconciliation and love.

L:   Come to this sacred table, not because you must, but because you may; come to testify not that you are righteous, but that you sincerely love our lord Jesus Christ, and desire to be his true disciples; come not because you are strong, but because you are weak; not because you have any claim on the grace of God, but stand in constant need of his mercy and help; come to seek the presence and Spirit of Christ.

Prayer of Blessing

Loving God, pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here and on these gifts of bread and wine.  Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ that we may be for the world the Body of Christ redeemed by his blood.  By your spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory and we feast at his heavenly banquet.  Through your Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit in your holy church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever.  Amen.

The Bread and the Cup

The Prayer of Thanksgiving

Bountiful God, we give you thanks that you have refreshed us at your table by granting us the presence of Christ.  Strengthen our faith, increase our love for one another, and send us into the world in courage and peace, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.