Welcome to Lithia Springs Methodist Church
Sunday worship bulletin for December 22, 2024.
A printable PDF version of this bulletin can be downloaded here.
Wi-Fi is available for our guests.
The flowers in the chancel area are given to the glory of God.
*Please stand as you are comfortable.
Chiming of the Hour
Glenn McElroy
Welcome, Announcements and Invocation
Rev. Thomas Long
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
Karen Forehand
Prelude
“The First Noel” Arr. Mary McDonald
Glenn McElroy
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Bill and Cynthia Camp
Hymn*
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” #174
Affirmation of Faith*
The Apostles’ Creed #691
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
Amen.
Pastoral Prayer; Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
Scripture: John 1:1-5
Susan Savage
Hymn*
“Away in a Manger” #197
Offertory Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long
For online giving visit: https://613e4b45.churchtrac.com/give
Offertory
Arden Patterson-Peppers
Doxology* #682
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Words Thomas Ken; Music Louis Bourgeois CCLI 1152573
Scripture*: Luke 2:1-20
Jim Lantz
The Birth of Jesus
2:1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.
Sermon
Rev. Thomas Long
Anthem
“Once Upon a Holy Night” Arr. Camp Kirkland
Chancel Choir
Hymn/Candle Lighting*
“Silent Night” #199
Benediction
Rev. Thomas Long
Postlude
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” John Innes
Glenn McElroy
If you have been visiting with us, we would love to be able to connect with you! Please take a Visitor’s Card from the pew, complete it, and place it in the offering plate.
Thank you for worshiping with us!
This Week’s Schedule
Today, December 22:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
12:00 p.m. LSMC Christmas Party
Monday, December 23:
7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 62
Sunday, December 29:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service
The church office will be closed on Tuesday, December 24 and Wednesday, December 25 in observation of Christmas.
Thank you to all the incredible volunteers who worked so diligently over the past few weeks and months in the planning and setting up for How Far to Bethlehem, from building the scenes, cooking soups, making sandwiches, Little Debbie donations, preparing the costumes, to all the volunteers who turned the scenes into a Live production. It was a wonderful weekend of fellowship as well as being the hands and feet of Jesus by spreading the word of the birth of Jesus Christ to the community. We had over 150 cars drive through in three nights. We look forward to next year and making it even better!
Yours in Christ,
How Far to Bethlehem Committee
Donate Used Eyeglasses
The Progressive Class is carrying on the legacy of Barbara Marquez, who dedicated 20 years to sending eyeglasses into the mission field. Your donation of gently used eyeglasses can help bring the gift of clear vision to those in need. A collection box is located in the Progressive classroom. Thank you for continuing this impactful ministry!
LSMC Christmas Party!
Immediately following worship service TODAY, we will head down to the Fellowship Hall for a fun, festive and catered celebration! We would love for you to join us!
Website & YouTube Channel Launch
We are excited to share that our official website and YouTube channel are now live! Visit our website at lithiaspringsmethodist.org for the latest news, events, and resources. And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel at youtube.com/@LithiaSpringsMethodistChurch to enjoy recordings of our Sunday worship services. While you’re there, be sure to hit the “Subscribe” button so you never miss out on new content. We look forward to staying connected with you online!
To contact the church office,
please send correspondence to
[email protected]
Or call 770.948.5429
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