Pastor: David Range
December 10, 2023
Miramar United Methodist Church
in the heart of Miramar, a place for gathering, healing, and sending out friends, helping to create a sense of family to find new life in Christ.
Part of the United Methodist family where we make disciples for the
Transformation of the world.
Order of Worship for Second Sunday in Advent - Peace
December 10, 2023 8:30 and 11:00 services
Please see the end of the bulletin for some additional important information
CALL TO WORSHIP
*HYMN 203 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed+
1. Hail to the Lord's Anointed, great David's greater Son!
Hail in the time appointed, his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free;
to take away transgression, and rule in equity.
2. He comes with succor speedy to those who suffer wrong;
to help the poor and needy, and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing, their darkness turn to light,
whose souls, condemned and dying, are precious in his sight.
3. He shall come down like showers upon the fruitful earth;
love, joy, and hope, like flowers, spring in his path to birth.
Before him on the mountains, shall peace, the herald, go,
and righteousness, in fountains, from hill to valley flow.
4. To him shall prayer unceasing and daily vows ascend;
his kingdom still increasing, a kingdom without end.
The tide of time shall never his covenant remove;
his name shall stand forever; that name to us is love.
WORDS: James Montgomery, 1821 MUSIC: Gesangbuch der H. W. k. Hofkapelle, 1784, alt; adapt. and harm. by W. H. Monk, 1868
Advent reading:
Advent Candle 2: PEACE
In days when God’s people longed for peace, Isaiah declared, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of the messenger who brings good news, the good news of peace and salvation, the news that the God of Israel reigns! We who gather today also seek comfort and peace. We long for real peace, true peace, just peace.
We light these candles as signs of God’s hope and peace. May they be beacons calling us to repent and to live the good news of Jesus Christ as we wait and watch and labor for the day when all people can gather together to worship and glorify God.
*PRAISE AND WORSHIP
He Came Down That We May Have Peace
He came down that we may have peace;
He came down that we may have peace;
He came down that we may have peace;
Hallelujah forevermore.
Down By the Riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
Well, I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, (Where?)
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, down by the riverside
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I'm gonna put on my long white robe, (Where?)
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside
I'm gonna put on my long white robe, down by the riverside,
I'm gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I’m gonna try on my starry crown, (Where?)
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside;
I’m gonna try on my starry crown, down by the riverside,
I’m gonna study war no more.
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I’m gonna meet my loving Jesus, (Where?)
Down by the riverside, down by the riverside, down by the riverside;
I’m gonna meet my loving Jesus, down by the riverside,
I'm gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
I ain't gonna study war no more, I ain't gonna study war no more
King of Kings
King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords, Glory Hallelujah
King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords, Glory Hallelujah
Jesus, Prince Of Peace, Glory Hallelujah,
Jesus, Prince Of Peace, Glory Hallelujah
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Happy birthday to you, Jesus loves you it’s true,
May the Lord bless and keep you,
Happy birthday to you.
Happy Anniversary to you, happy Anniversary to you
Happy Anniversary dear friends, happy Anniversary to you
TODAY: At 6:00 p.m. All Church Christmas Concert. This concert’s offering will go as seed money for the Memorial Day Picnic. So let us rejoice in our opportunities to reach the community for Christ. Please contact Willard Kennedy 786 332 7326, Dennis Bent 954 391 0700 or Dr. Hubert Fulford to contribute an item.
MONDAY: Finance Committee 7:00 p.m. Admin Council at 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. on Pastor’s Zoom link, please write him for the link at miramarpastor@gmail.com
THURSDAY: Choir practice 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY: United Women in Faith Christmas Dinner from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Ola Duhaney or Vicky Weller
SATURDAY: Youth Group Party, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
NEXT SUNDAY: The Christmas Cantata, Bethlehem Morning, will be performed at a joint 10:00 a.m. service.
A New Member Session will follow the service. If you would like to attend, please talk to Pastor David or just come to his office on that day.
FRIDAY, December 22 Children’s Club 7 to 8:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, December 24, Sunday morning worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. with the Christmas Eve Lessons and Carol Service at 7:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, December 31 Joint 10:00 a.m. service as it is the fifth Sunday of the month. The Youth Group will conduct the service. Watch Night service will be at 11:00 p.m. so that as we conclude at midnight we can rejoice together for the grace of God in what has been and expect something good for what will be.
TODAY the Mission Wreath is up and ready for you to pay for a bulb to thank God for something good, to remember someone who has died, or to honor someone. Please fill out a form and add it to your envelope or other payment.
We honor the hard work of our church administrative assistant, music director, custodian, lawn care workers and you are invited to place a gift in the “Staff Christmas Gift” envelope. Thank you.
PRESCHOOL TOY DRIVE: November 27 through December 15, please support our Toy Drive by donating unwrapped toys for children ages 2-11. These gifts will be distributed to the children here at MUMPS. God bless your giving hands!
For Sharing of the Spirit, please wave at the YouTube camera and say, “the peace of the Lord be with you,” and then wave at your neighbor in the sanctuary and say, “and also with you”.
Please stand for the gospel of Mark 1:1-8
CHILDREN’S TIME
*HYMN 217 Away in a Manger+
1 Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
the little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.
2 The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
but little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the sky,
and stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
3 Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay
close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
and fit us for heaven to live with thee there.
WORDS: Anon. MUSIC: James R. Murray, 1887
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Please place your offering in the baskets at the 3 doors leading into the sanctuary on your way in or out.
The Mission Offering today is for to Apportionments Good Samaritan Fund
Next Sunday our Mission Offering goes Women in Distress
Prayer of Dedication
One minute musical interlude while worshipers prepare their offering. Instructions for giving online, by check or text are in the section after the Order of Service.
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
praise him all creatures here below,
praise him above, ye heavenly hosts,
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
Sunday School children go out to their classes
Jesus Loves Me This I Know
1 Jesus loves me! this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
2 Jesus loves me, this I know, as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee, saying, "Let them come to me.“
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
3 Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give, light and love to all who live.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
WORDS: St. 1 Anna B. Warner, 1860; Sts. 2-3 David Rutherford MacGuire MUSIC: William B. Bradbury, 1862
TIME OF SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS
(please email miramarpastor@gmail.com)
PRAYER HYMN 218 It Came Upon a Midnight Clear+
1 It came upon the midnight clear,
that glorious song of old,
from angels bending near the earth
to touch their harps of gold:
"Peace on the earth, good will to men,
from heaven's all-gracious King."
The world in solemn stillness lay,
to hear the angels sing.
2 Still through the cloven skies they come
with peaceful wings unfurled,
and still their heavenly music floats
o'er all the weary world;
above its sad and lowly plains,
they bend on hovering wing,
and ever o'er its Babel sounds
the blessed angels sing.
3 And ye, beneath life's crushing load,
whose forms are bending low,
who toil along the climbing way
with painful steps and slow,
look now! for glad and golden hours
come swiftly on the wing.
O rest beside the weary road,
and hear the angels sing!
4 For lo! the days are hastening on,
by prophet seen of old,
when with the ever-circling years
shall come the time foretold
when peace shall over all the earth
its ancient splendors fling,
and the whole world send back the song
which now the angels sing.
WORDS: Edmund H. Sears, 1849 MUSIC: Richard Storrs Willis, 1850
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND 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, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
SERMON Where do you figure John the Baptist comes in? Pastor David Range
HYMN OF SENDING FORTH 431 Let There Be Peace on Earth+
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me;
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be.
With God our creator, children all are we.
Let us walk with each other in perfect harmony.
Let peace begin with me; let this be the moment now.
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.
WORDS & MUSIC: Sy Miller and Jill Jackson; TUNE: WORLD PEACE
BENEDICTION
All music under ccli #24249
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We give God thanks for this opportunity to worship together in-person in our sanctuary as well as online. Please wear your mask and greet each with a wave, an elbow or fist bump. Please maintain social distance and sit at either end or the middle of the pew. In the pews we ask you to sit, in every other pew, spaced out as best you can. Seats are also available in the foyer and the fellowship hall if needed. Both have been set up with screens for the PowerPoint presentation and live video stream from the pulpit. We will continue to live stream the services on Twitter and YouTube for those who would like to continue to participate from home.
The offering will be received in the baskets at the three entry points of the sanctuary. No bulletins will be handed out, everything you need will be on the screens. No need to call or email ahead for a place to worship, you are invited to the sanctuary any time for in-person worship. Come as you are!
Remember there are two ways you can watch our services. One is on YouTube.com by typing in the search bar: Miramar UMC and then you should see the service live streamed. If you subscribe to our service through YouTube.com you can set up reminders for the day before or 15 minutes before, whatever you like.
The other way to “gather” in virtual worship is through the Twitter service available by going to our miramarumc.org website. Pass around the information so that others may join in worship by clicking on the Twitter bird icon on the home page. We will continue our 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services (except when we have a fifth Sunday of the month 10:00 a.m. service.) If you lose the service for a few seconds do not worry it will probably come back, but if it is longer than a few seconds you might try clicking the refresh button in your browser window.
Please email your prayer requests for uplifting on Sundays by sending them to miramarpastor@gmail.com. It is best if you send them by Saturday NOON if possible.
Our church prayer meeting is online on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and you may contact Marvia Aitken or Vinessa Edwards mamaness@bellsouth.net for the link.
This week, Monday through Thursday there will be someone in the church office from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. each day, and you may make an appointment to see the pastor at these or other times. Please remember to enter from the south entrance near the Pastor’s office. No other doors will be open for church business. The preschool is open but you should still come in by the south entrance because the north entrance from the parking lot must be dedicated for the little children of the preschool. Please let friends with preschool aged children know that they can enroll the children in our preschool.
WAYS to give:
1. Online giving is available through our website miramarumc.org. On the home page the ‘Donate’ icon (a hand with a dollar sign above it) is located at the top left corner and on the right under “Contact Us” you will see the same icon along with “Donate Online.” Click on either location for instructions. If you need help call the church office at 954-989-4711. Thanks to all who have signed up for this. The regular tithes and offerings of the church are a great source of blessing.
2. You can also mail a check to Miramar United Methodist Church. If you have your offering envelopes you will see that the address of the church is printed for mailing purposes and your offering can be mailed in this envelope when you apply a stamp. You may also use a regular envelope and address it to: MUMC, 2507 Utopia Drive, Miramar FL 33023. Just put your check inside, mark which funds you would like to support, put a stamp on and let the United States Postal Service do the rest! Or bring it by after the Sunday services, someone will be in the church for one hour after the worship finishes as well as Mon-Thurs 1-5 pm. We trust God will keep us strong.
3. Also, we have the option of giving by text! Use 833-931-1791 to GivePlusText and when you text any amount, by putting that number in the message, you will be prompted to register, then fill out the details of your name, address and means of payment, and the contribution will go in! If you enter an email address you will get an immediate receipt. It is easy! If you have an Apple phone you may also get Vanco’s GivePlusMobile by downloading the app from the App Store. You may also look up YouTube videos to show how all this is done.
Thank you for your prayers! Grace and peace, Pastor David
