Vancouver First United Methodist ChurchVancouver First United Methodist Church
“The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” Jeremiah 33:14
With Advent comes, for many communities, the lighting of the Advent wreath. As you plan for how to incorporate the lighting of the Advent wreath into worship, consider what role this ritual plays in worship. Is it an extension of the call to worship? Or is it an act of praise? Does it have the character of confession? Or is it a bridge into proclamation?
Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:68
Today’s scriptures also give us a wonderful starting place for imagining visuals. As you add light to the Advent wreath each week of the Advent season, consider adding more light to the altar each week so that the altar/chancel creates a visual crescendo into Christmas Eve.
Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! Zephaniah 3:14
Gaudete Sunday holds a special place in many congregations with a gathering full of music, joy, and light as we get closer and closer to the darkest night of the year.
And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth, and he shall be the one of peace. Micah 5: 4-5
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we receive promise with the hope of fruition—not hope as a wish but hope actively moving toward fulfillment.
The people walking in darkness are seeing a brilliant light – upon those who dwell in a land of deep shadows light is shining! Isaiah 9:2
Friends, we made it! Through the preparations and the passion, our presence with another as we receive God’s promise—we made it!
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the LORD, for he commanded and they were created. He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed. Psalm 148:1-6
“I’ll be home for Christmas…” Sorry, I couldn’t help myself. Here we are on the Fifth Day of Christmas and the First Sunday of Christmastide, and you’re probably either tired of being home or loving it. Or both.
WORSHIP INFORMATION
Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. Everyone is invited to participate in this sacrament. We will be providing individual sacraments for the health and safety of our congregation. ALL BREAD USED IS GLUTEN FREE.
Join our webcast on Sunday mornings via YouTube! For those who can’t make it to church on Sundays, we offer a live, online broadcast of our Sunday service. Be sure to download a bulletin to aide in following along.
A fellowship coffee hour follows Sunday worship in the Conrad Room, located in the northeast corner of the main lobby. Additional flyers about programs in the church can be found at the Information Booth located in the main lobby.
