“Joy to the World: The Heart Prepares”
Matthew 24:36-44
Sunday Worship at Home
Bethel UMC Columbia | Rev. Julie Songer Belman
November 29, 2020
Preparation: Find a spot in your home for yourself/your family to engage in worship. Include your Bible, a candle and a lighter or matches (or battery operated candle or low wattage table lamp), if possible. You might consider a small cross as well.
Welcome: Thank you for joining us! We pray you will be blessed by your time of worship with us today.
Prelude: “Wexford Carol “
**Special thanks to Bill Webb and Nancy Burkhalter for this beautiful piece – it perfectly sets the tone for Advent worship!
The Wexford Carol is one of Ireland’s oldest Christmas Carols and is one of the oldest surviving Carols in the European tradition. Dating back to the 12th century the Wexford Carol is also known by its first line “Good people, all this Christmas time.” (https://www.yourirish.com/traditions/wexford-carol)
Today, consider the first verse as we begin the season of Advent:
Good people all, this Christmas-time,
Consider well and bear in mind
What our good God for us has done,
In sending His beloved Son.
Offertory: “How Great Our Joy” What a treat to hear from our Bethel Handbell choir today!
Your continued support of God’s ongoing work at Bethel UMC is sincerely appreciated. Contributions to the mission of Bethel {Knowing, Loving, Serving: so the world may experience Christ’s Love!} may be made by mailing a check to 4600 Daniel Drive, Columbia SC 29206 or giving online at: bethelmethodistcolumbia.com You may also contact your bank to have them draft a check on your behalf.
Pastoral Prayer: Please join with Pastor Reggie as he prays today. Pray for yourself, your family, your church community, your city, your state, your country, our world. Pray for the global health situation, particularly for those who are sick, those who are lonely, those who are gripped by fear, those who are facing financial hardship, those without safe shelter, those who are hungry, our healthcare workers, our leaders in every realm. Give thanks, once again, for God’s faithfulness and seek God’s guidance for ways to offer love and grace in the world right now.
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, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
Anthem: “Carol for Advent” Enjoy this lovely anthem sung by our Bethel Choir, with accompaniment by Nancy Burkhalter on flute.
Scripture: During the season of Advent, we will be having a special worship series on Joy to the World!
Our Year of Mark will pick back up in January. Today, Pastor Julie is preaching on Psalm 98:4-9 & Matthew 24:36-44. We invite you to open your Bibles (or the Bible app on your phone!) at home and read along.
Sermon: “Joy to the World: The Heart Prepares!”
Benediction: Say these words aloud:
Let us go forth singing with JOY on our lips and HOPE in our hearts,
And share the Good News of Christs’ coming with all. AMEN.
Go in Peace: Check on someone you love today.