United Methodist Church December 2, 2018 Marilyn Jones Senior Pastor
Couts United Methodist Church Sunday, December 2, 2018 1st Sunday in Advent - Liturgical Color - Purple COUNTDOWN Prepare the Way of the Lord #207 WELCOME / REGISTRATION Pastor Clint Jones (Please fill out the registration on the last page of the bulletin, tear along the perforated line and place in the offering plate.) LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH - HOPE All: (sung) Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus, #196 verse 1 Leader: God of hope and promise, protection and strength, you made covenant with us to send your presence to earth. God of hope and endurance, you foretold of the coming kingdom of God. All: We, God s people, affirm your covenant with us. We stand ready, hearts full of hope, for God will fulfill the promises made to God s people. As the psalmist declares, so do we: All the Lord s paths are loving and faithful for those who keep his covenant and laws. Leader: On this first Sunday of Advent, we light this candle of hope to remind us to stand alert and seek the kingdom of God in our midst. (Light the candle of Hope) All: (sung) Come, thou Long-Expected Jesus # 196 verse 2 OPENING PRAYER *CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The Chosen One is coming in a cloud with great power and glory! People: Thanks be to God! Leader: The beloved Son is coming in humble estate with a love that embraces all. People: Thanks be to God! OPENING PRAISE OLD TESTAMENT READING Jeremiah 33: 14-16 Congregation 2 O Come, O Come Emmanuel #211 vs 1, 2 & 7 O Come All Ye Faithful #234 vs 1, 3 & 6 Do You Hear What I Hear?
OFFERING / PRAYER / LORD S PRAYER When Hope Came Down - Lisa Cockerell, solo CHILDREN S STORY Lydia Bertram CHILDREN S CHURCH Mona Holderfield (Children s Church is for children 3-Kindergarten. They will return to the sanctuary during Communion) SCRIPTURE Luke 21: 25-36 MESSAGE Sermon Series: Prepare the Way Stand HOLY COMMUNION Lord, I Need You *INVITATION/COMMITMENT Congregation (If you want to join Couts United Methodist Church and/or make a commitment to Christ, you are invited to meet Pastor Marilyn at this time at the front of the sanctuary.) Hark The Herald Angels Sing #240 *BENEDICTION *If you are able, we invite you to stand. December 2, 2018 Sound Butch Hott Slides Chris Campbell Usher Ricky Torbett & Bobby Curry Children s Sermon Lydia Bertram Children s Church Kathy McAdams Stewards Jimmie Whitt & Randy Samson Greeters & Hospitality Table Couts Staff and Friends Van Drivers Rob Worsham December 9, 2018 Worship Volunteers Sound Mar Rooney Slides Becky Bond Usher Ricky Torbett Children s Sermon Kathy Smith Children s Church Kathy McAdams Stewards Eliza Utley & Nancy Martin Greeters & Hospitality Table GPS Sunday School Class Van Driver Paul & Kathy McAdams 3
for the week of December 2nd Today 9:30 am - Sunday School 10:30 am- Worship 11:30 a.m. - Advent Wreath Making Activity - Lentil Soup Served 1:30 p.m. - Play and Pray - Holland Lake Park Monday 7:00 p.m. - Boy Scouts Tuesday 7:00 am - Men s Breakfast at Wanda s Restaurant 9:00 a.m. - CCA Mom s Devotional 10:00 a.m. - Church Staff Meeting Wednesday Holland Lake Christmas Store 2:00 p.m. - Prayer Force 3:30 p.m. - Kidzone 5:15 p.m. - Snack Supper 6:00 p.m. - Wednesday Worship - Fellowship Hall 6:30 p.m. - Bible Studies, Tweens, Youth 7:00 p.m. - Praise Band Rehearsal Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - Sewing at the church Fellowship Hall - making Wheel Chair bags and Harvest Festival Projects for 2019 The Way Forward Meetings led by Bishop Lowry Arborlawn UMC - Fort Worth 2-4 for Clergy and Staff 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm for Laity Friday 7:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Emmaus Community Gathering Silvercreek UMC - Azle 4 In case of pastoral emergency, please call 682-333-2589
PLEASE LIFT IN PRAYER 5
Couts UMC Youth Loving God, Loving Neighbor Youth Sunday School 9:30 am - 10:15 am Wednesday Youth 5:15 p.m. - Snack Supper 6:00 p.m. - Youth A New Christmas Tree for the Church There is a Christmas money tree in the Welcome Center - funds will be used to purchase a new Christmas Tree for the church. Snack Supper Menu Wednesday, December 5 Sloppy Joes & Chips Wednesday - Pathfinder Class and Thursday - GPS Class December 12 & 13 Sign up in the Welcome Center to help 6 As of 11/15/2018 Debt Reduction Commitment Total: $381,448 $249,002 paid pledges Total Debt Paid $310,780.41 Loan Balance: As of 11/15/2018 - $597,787.26 5
Prayer Request Please tear off on the perforated line and place in the offering (Prayer requests that are submitted on this form are given to and prayed for by our Prayer Force the following Wednesday) Name requesting prayer for: Submitted by : Comments: Advent Wreath Making Today, Sunday, Dec. 2nd following worship Lentil Soup provided Please sign up so we can have enough materials for all. If you made one last year, please bring it with you on that day and you can freshen it up. Play and Pray (A ministry of Couts UMC) Every Sunday afternoon 1:30 p.m. Holland Lake Park Fox Hollow Christmas Party Tues., Dec. 4th 6-7:30 p.m. Children s Ministry Team invites you to volunteer to help with the party at Fox Hollow To find out more information, see Sarah Moden-Alliston Holland Lake Christmas Shop Wednesday, December 5th Collecting gifts in the Welcome Center Needed Items: Large lotion with pump, large piece puzzles, cologne, stuffed animals, baby dolls, blankets, scarfs, and calendars. See Eliza Utely to volunteer or see what else is needed. 7
Member Visitor Active in another church in Weatherford Out of town guest Wish to join Desire a call Attend Couts Regularly First Time Visitor Comments Email Address: Telephone # Street Address: City Zip Name:_(Please list all of your family that are in attendance) 11/25/2018 If you are visiting Couts, we want to welcome you and we hope that you have a great worship experience with us today. Please fill out the contact information, tear on the perforated line and put in the offering plate. Attendance Registration / Welcome Visitors 8 A Way Forward Thurs., Dec. 6th Arborlawn UMC 2-4pm - Clergy & Church Staff 6:30-8:30 pm - Laity A presentation by Bishop Lowrey about the General Conference in February. Emmaus Community Dinner 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 7th Silvercreek UMC Azle, Texas Bring a covered dish to share. Called Church Council Meeting Sunday, Dec. 9th 11:30 a.m. Fellowship Hall Voting on 2019 budget 4:00 p.m. - Family Service 7:00 p.m. - Lessons & Carols both are Candlelight / Communion In case of an emergency and you need to get in touch with someone at the church when the office is closed, please dial 682-333-0589