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December 23, 2009

Christmas Eve Blessings

Christmas Eve is coming. If you are still wondering where you should be, please look at some of the highlights from the service that awaits us (below). We will share special scriptures, music, presentation of gifts and a candle light closing. It’s time to stop and celebrate the true reason for the season, the coming of Christ. The shepards’ story is almost complete. Invite a friend. Service starts at 7 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service
Irving Park United Methodist Church
December 24, 2009

~The Gift of Hope~
Scripture Reading Isaiah 9:2-7
Presentation of the Gift of Hope - Molly Melick
Special Music-He is Born-Rebecca Flores

~The Gift of Faith~
Scripture Reading Luke 2:1-7
Presentation of the Gift of Faith-Alejandra & Daniela Ruiz
Carol The First Noel UMH 245

~The Gift of Peace~
Scripture Reading Luke 2:8-14
Presentation of the Gift of Peace-Abraham Dabdoub
Special Music Hark the Herald Angels Sing-Choir

~The Gift of Friends & Family~
Scripture Reading Psalm 96:1-9
Presentation of the Gift of Friends & Family-Ozeal Lee

~The Gift of Love~
Scripture Reading John 1:14, 16-18
Presentation of the Gift of Love-Brett, Tammi, Tyler, & AJ Williams

~The Gift of Music & Talents~
Scripture Reading Psalm 98:4-9
Presentation of the Gift of Music & Talents-Ruby Keutzer/Jackie Schulz
Special Music-Judas Land-Choir

~The Gift of Joy~
Scripture Reading Luke 2:15-20
Presentation of the Gift of Joy-Joyce & Gerry Mylander
Carol-One Holy Night in Bethlehem

Thank you, God, for coming to us in a human life so expressive of love that two thousand years have not extinguished the flame. May that love burn so brightly in our lives that its fires will spread. Use our offerings to ignite in the world such caring and compassion that all may know joy and peace, in Jesus name. Amen.

Candle Lighting Ceremony

Wherever you are we wish you a blessed Christmas!

There is no service on Christmas Day at IPUMC, but the United Methodist Church is televising a service from the First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas. Set your VCRs or DVRs for this (or stay up late).

Christmas Eve Worship with First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas
http://www.interfaithbroadcasting.com/program.aspx?PID=310

Presented by the National Council of Churches USA; Produced by The United Methodist Church This traditional candlelight service features beautiful arrangements performed by the Christmas Eve Choir and classical brass and drum ensemble, the message “I Am Bringing You Good News” by Dr. John Fiedler, hymns, scriptures and congregational candle-lighting.

Last Sunday we celebrated the gift of Love during our worship service. Thanks to the Mitchell family for lighting our Advent candle. Sunday evening the Longest Night service was held for the first time and enjoyed by those who could be there. Last night was caroling around the neighborhood. Alejandra, Daniela, and Abraham (from our 2009-2010 confirmation class) joined Pastors Emily and Vickie with a neighborhood group that went Christmas Caroling. We had lots of fun, seeing people of all ages smile and (in some cases) sing along while we sang. The outing was to raise money and awareness of our community ministry – Hands to Help Ministry. $350 was raised. Our thanks to to Cynthia Brick and a couple girl scouts who blanketed the neighborhood with flyers this past Saturday to let the residents know we would be coming! Besides the sugar buzz, it was a wonderful night!!

Frank Certa has received the go ahead to return home – one week after open heart surgery! His heart is working at 35%, up from 15%. The doctors want at least 50% so they are going to try medication first. If the medication doesn't work, they'll put in a pacemaker in a couple months. But, what an awesome gift for Christmas for the Certa family and IPUMC.

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Please keep all those who have suffered loss or illness, lack of work, heartbreak or other life challenges in your prayers. Also raise up your joys! If you are interested in being part of our Prayer Network, or would like to have them pray for a special person or cause, contact Tina or Wally Felckowski: bwf79@sbcglobal.net
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Don’t miss, Pastor Vickie’s January Sermon Series—The Prince of Peace has Come … Now What??
During Advent, we were on the lookout for signs of God’s presence in our midst. The signs we looked for were hope, joy, peace, and love. The signs of peace were the most difficult for us to find. Is this because there is so little peace in our world or does peace begin with us? Both! Peace is both an inner state of being and an outer reality that is evident in our relationships with each other. The sermon series will begin on January 17 and conclude on February 14.

Posted by vickie at December 23, 2009 03:39 PM