For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.

Welcome to Lithia Springs Methodist Church

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

Prelude
“He is Born” Arr. Mary McDonald
Glenn McElroy

Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Bart Arther

Hymn*
“Angels From the Realms of Glory” #190

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.

Anthem
“Christ is Born (Medley)” Arr. Russell Mauldin
Chancel Choir

Pastoral Prayer; Lord’s Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long

Children’s Time
Rev. Thomas Long

Offertory Prayer
Rev. Thomas Long

For online giving visit: https://613e4b45.churchtrac.com/give

Offertory
Claire and Rose Livingston

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

Hymn*
“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” #180

Scripture*: Luke 2:22-40
Margaret L. Jackson

Jesus Presented in the Temple
22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32  a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Leader: This is the Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon
Rev. Thomas Long

Hymn*
“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” #195

Benediction
Rev. Thomas Long

Postlude
“O Come, All Ye Faithful” Arr. Mary McDonald
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!

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This Week’s Schedule

Today, December 29:
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School
9:45 a.m. Children’s Sunday School
11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Sunday, January 5, 2025:
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 Wednesday, January 1 in observation of the New Year.

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

Dishes Pickup
Please come to the Fellowship Hall before Sunday School and after worship on Sunday, January 5th to reclaim any of your dishes left in the kitchen over the years. The kitchen renovation begins in January and this is a crucial step in the process.

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