PUMC Dec 3 Bulletin

WELCOME TO

Princeton United Methodist Church We are a diverse faith community, engaged in enlivening spiritually thirsty people to joyfully respond to God’s love and grow as disciples of Christ, so that together we may experience the fullness of life.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR STAFF ONGOING We hope you will consider giving generously to Christmas gifts for staff this year. Your gift of a check, cash, or electronic payment is most appreciated. Please mark your gift “Staff Gift.” If you have any questions, please contact Iona Harding at ifkharding@gmail.com.

DIAPER DRIVE ONGOING Help us meet our goal of collecting 3,000 diapers to provide for some of our youngest neighbors. Please bring any size, but larger sizes (5, 6, 7, and trainers) are especially needed.

Diapers can be placed under the Christmas Tree. You can also participate by sending a check to the church office and noting the diaper drive, or using this QR code to go to their amazon wishlist.

RINGING THE SALVATION ARMY BELLS ONGOING Yes, the bells of the Salvation Army will be ringing all over Princeton this year. If you are interested in participating in this traditional Advent activity which raises funds for the Trenton Citadel Corps of the Salvation Army and their missional programs, please contact Capt. Alan Porchetti at (609) 599‐9373 Ext. 132.

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DECEMBER 3, 2023 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

THE CHURCH GATHERS

Pre-Service Music Call to Worship

Moortgat

Noël A Sanctified Art

In God’s house, we can be joyful.

We can be grateful. We can be hopeful.

In God’s house, we can be weary.

We can be anxious. We can be grieving.

In God’s house, we can be honest - inspired or tired, delighted or doubtful, connected or curious, and everything in between.

This is God’s house. You are welcome exactly as you are. Let us worship our loving God.

Hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel v 1,2,3 UMH #211 Anna Griffiths, Michael May, Edwin and Lighting of the Advent Wreath Francia Francisco

How does a weary world hope?

By telling stories of hope, by lighting candles in the night, and planting seeds in the winter that will bloom in the spring.

By praying for children as they grow, and picking up trash on the sidewalk. By insisting that small acts can make a difference.

There are a million ways to practice hope. So today we light the candle of hope as a reminder and a charge.

With God’s help, may we bring hope into a weary world. (#211 v4)

Prayer of Confession

A Sanctified Art

Gracious God, we are weary. For weary bodies that ache and cry out, we pray: Forgive us for pushing ourselves too hard. Remind us that we deserve Sabbath rest.

For weary minds that feel overwhelmed and saturated with news, we pray: Forgive us for creating so many distractions. Remind us that in the quiet, we can hear you.

For weary hearts that long to feel the joy of this season, we pray: Forgive us for being impatient with ourselves. Remind us that healing takes time, and that joy and grief can coexist.

For the weary edges of our faith that struggle to hold onto hope, Forgive us. Remind us of Zechariah and Elizabeth. remind us that your good news knows no bounds. Amen.

Words of Assurance

silence for prayer

Family of faith, no matter how many times we wear ourselves thin, no matter how many times we ask ourselves, “How can this be?” God’s love keeps showing up for us. So say this with me: We are loved. We are claimed. We are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen

SHARING IN WORSHIP TODAY Acolytes - Evelyn Bass, Edie Potts Liturgists - Vinette Jones, Allie Rosner Bass Reader - Andrew Aryeetay Musicians - Julia Hanna, Chancel Choir, Children’s Choir Ushers - Bob Nuse, Charles Bass, Lou Davelman, Reggie Cann, Paul Manulik

TODAY'S FLOWERS ARE GIVEN

TO HEAR THE WORD AND REFLECT

Music Ministry Christmas Carol Medley Angels We Have Heard on High/Away In a Manger/Love Came Down at Christmas Children's Time Where Children Belong TFWS #2233 Scripture Readings Luke 1:1-23; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 This is the Word of Life. Thanks be to God. Sermon We acknowledge our weariness Rev. Tayler Necoechea

TO RESPOND IN FAITH

Prayers of the People Offertory

A Song for Advent

Holy Communion

arr. Jon Paige UMH #13

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kin-dom 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.

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kindom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Prayer After Receiving

Eternal God, we give you thanks for this holy mystery in which you have given yourself to us. Grant that we may go into the world in the strength of your Spirit, to give ourselves for others, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

AND SCATTERS TO BE IN THE WORLD Hymn

People Look East

UMH #202

Benediction Postlude

Allegro from Quatre petits morceaux

Ippolitov-Ivanov

PRAYER CONCERNS Prayers for the people of Israel and Palestine and also from Ukraine and Russia as they deal with the unbelievable horrors of war, and for leaders to find ways to peaceful resolution.

Prayers for the lonely and depressed and for those giving them aid.

Prayers of comfort and healing for all who are sick or undergoing surgery and prayers of thanks and praise for all who have experienced healing.

HAVE PRAYER CONCERNS?

In memory of my parents

BY ED SPROLES

For our Prayer Chain, call Yvonne Macdonald at 609-577-8369 or email her at yvonnee.mac@verizon.net. Email Pastor Tayler Necoechea at tayler@princetonumc.org when you or a family member is in the hospital or in need of a pastoral call.