PRAYER CONCERNS

Rebecca Adams & family Mike Godfrey Dee Owens

Daniel Alba Josh Harper Scott Parks

Barbara Allen Cora Henny Les Parry

Frank Battaglia Andrea Hoffman Shirley Paulk & family

Sherry Blanchard David Hoffman Megan Phelphs

Rita Bobko Gwen Hynes Lori Pittard

Charles Bowers Betty Ann Jenkins Mike Porter

Dot Briggs Claire Jerram Betty Powderly

Noah Brock Annette Jones David Ragan

Troy Case Dr. Richard Kamm Porter Grant Richardson

Louise Cimino Sue Kamm Sara Rodrigues

Wayne Cimino Mike Karnoff Henry Rose

Bill Clarke Hope Hughes-Kayse Rebekah Runyan

Kerry Clifford Tanya Kemp Todd Smith

Annette Conrad Judy Kerr Jim Snow

John Cook Barbara Klekner Parker Snow

Doug Coon Jim Klekner Jon Snyder

Terry Coon Laura Kollaros Ed Stanley

Jan Counts Paul Laughlin Doug Swain

Pat Coyle Mary Lockwood Linda Taylor

Crager Family Michelle Lindberg Mike Treichler

Becky Dilks Dorothy Malley Jackie Tuohig

Marcia Farmer Bill Markle Brent VanBuskirk

Donna Fiero Judy McDonald Angie VanZuylen

Karl Fiero Peyton McLamb Judy Walden

Flores family Venus Mendoza Linda Walker

Jakob Alexander Fouke Lelia Mullins Harry Walker

Jim & Peg Forbes Denise Nance Dave Waugh

Kirk Fox Kyle Nance Leslie Welch

Luke Freida Sam Nance Reed & Christine Whiteleather

Lois Gilot Joseph Newfield Gordon Waterworth

Robert Newhart, Sr. George York

Ministry of Encouragement – Let us remember with visits, cards and prayers… Judy Kerr, Bloom at Bluffton, 800 Fording Island Rd, Room 203, Bluffton 29910; Tel: 843.757.2556

We are ready for your requests and your help! Just contact any or all of us (listed below) and let us know your concern and we’ll let the team know right away. If you’re interested in joining the team, contact one of us and we’ll get you included. Pastor Joey – blufftonumc.past@hargray.com call or text – 803.671.1691 Mickaylla – mickayllamcdonald@yahoo.com call or text – 803.515.4227 Pastor Becky – crmc2009@gmail.com call or text – 843.422.6027

BLUFFTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Joey McDonald, Pastor

Becky McCorkendale, Associate Pastor Ella W. Davis, Director of Music

Greg Hollinger, Organist December 3, 2017 –8:30 & 11:00 AM – Color: Purple

1st

Sunday of Advent

GATHERING

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

CHIMING OF THE TRINITY

(The sound of chimes announces the beginning of worship. During the Prelude and Introit, please keep silence to allow all worshipers to prepare mind, heart, and body for the worship of God.)

PRELUDE This is the Truth Sent from Above Noel Rawsthorne

INTROIT (11:00) Advent Introit Anna Laura Page

*HYMN No. 196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus HYFRYDOL

READING Advent Is A Love Poem Written to Us By God Deacon Gregory Burch Jeff Williams (8:30); Lois Barton (11:00

ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY (The Candle of Hope) Elizabeth, Chad, Annabeth,

Emma and Henry Rose (8:30)

Lana and Hugh Armstrong (11:00)

Narrator: Let us now pray in unison: Eternal God, we look to you amidst a world filled with

darkness. Help us to seek the light of your hope, as we

remember your promises and offer our praise to you. Amen.

HYMN No. 204 Emmanuel, Emmanuel McGee

WELCOME NEW MEMBER (11:00) Sharon Luneau

THE PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER (spoken at 8:30) UMH Page 895 (sung at 11:00) Albert Malotte

OFFERTORY The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Noel Rawsthorne

*DOXOLOGY No. 95 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow OLD 100th

CHILDREN’S MOMENT

ANTHEM (11:00) Joy Arising Joseph M. Martin

“Hava nagila” Hebrew translation: “Let us rejoice.” Bob Wilson, percussion

SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION Rev. Joey McDonald Communion Hymn No. 618 Let Us Break Bread Together LET US BREAK BREAD

HYMN No. 140 Great Is Thy Faithfulness FAITHFULNESS

BENEDICTION Rev. Joey McDonald

*INSTRUMENTAL RESPONSE (8:30) May the Lord, Mighty God Martha Stratton

arr. Floyd

*CHORAL RESPONSE (11:00) May the Light of Christ Tom Fettke

“May the light of Christ surround us, and the love of Christ enfold us, and the power of Christ protect us evermore. Forever; forevermore. Amen.”

POSTLUDE Lord of the Dance Noel Rawsthorne *Please stand if you are able.

Acolytes: (8:30) Aidan Bryant (11:00) Audrey Atkins/Luke Bliley/Phillip Court/

Matthew Sapochak/Jones Saylor/Cooper Simpson

Ushers: (8:30) Rich Corson, Dian & Sam Gamble, Ron McAbee (11:00) Doug Dahl, Sara & BJ Jenkins, Dian Litster, Nancy & Al Way

THE CHANCEL CHOIR: Sarah Atkins, Aaron Bliley, Peggy Chandler, John Clingerman, Cecil Corson, Annabel Court, Joanne Davies, Candace Deshler, Betsy Epply, Sharon Hachtman, David Hoffman, Paula Johnson, Debbie Kadzielewski, Ron Kadzielewski, Laurel Karper, Laura Kollaros, Al Litster, Becky Manley, Lynn McPheeters, Venus Mendoza, Joan Morris, Victoria Morrison, Lourri Norris, Allyn Perdue, Mary Ratliff, Carol Rutgers, Ed Sweers, Sarah Sweers.

FLOWERS

The altar flowers are given to the glory of God by the Music Ministry in recognition of Greg Hollinger’s 51st anniversary of service to glorify God through music.

Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary

12/03 – Steve Urbanski, Jr. 12/03 – Jeanne & Brent VanBuskirk 12/05 – Denise Gildner, John White 12/03 – Sandy & Tom Wooster 12/06 – Leon Atkinson, Jr., Hank Shaw, Tom Wooster 12/07 – Barbara & John White 12/07 – Greg Hollinger 12/08– Peyton McLamb 12/11 – Amy Cooper

WELCOME GUESTS!! We are pleased to have you worshiping with us and hope it will be a meaningful experience for you. Please be sure to sign the attendance book in your row to indicate your attendance today. Include children, your address & phone number.

BLUFFTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 3, 2017 1st SUNDAY IN ADVENT 8:30 & 11:00 AM

STEPHEN MINISTRY – In the summer of 1861, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s wife, Frances,

died tragically in a fire. That first Christmas without her, he wrote in his diary, “How inexpressibly

sad are the holidays.” The next year was no better, as he recorded, “ ‘A merry Christmas,’ say the

children, but that is no more for me.”

In 1863, as the American Civil War was dragging on, Longfellow’s son joined the army against

his father’s wishes and was critically injured. On Christmas Day that year, as church bells announced the

arrival of another painful Christmas, Longfellow picked up his pen and began to write, “I Heard the Bells on

Christmas Day. The poem begins pleasantly, lyrically, but then takes a dark turn. The violent imagery of the

pivotal fourth verse ill suits a Christmas carol. “Accursed” cannons “thundered,” mocking the message of

peace. By the fifth and sixth verses, Longfellow’s desolation is nearly complete. “It was as if an earthquake

rent the hearth-stones of a continent,” he wrote. The poet nearly gave up: “And in despair I bowed my

head; ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said.” But then, from the depths of that bleak Christmas day,

Longfellow heard the irrepressible sound of hope. And he wrote this seventh stanza.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth He sleep! The wrong shall fail, the

right prevail, with peace on earth, good-will to men!”

The war raged on and so did memories of his personal tragedies, but it could not stop Christmas. The

Messiah is born! He promises, “I am making everything new!” (Rev. 21:5).

If you are burdened this Christmas with tragedy or loss and would like someone to share your burdens,

please contact a Stephen leader, Mary Ellen Parks, 843.368.1852 or Sara Jenkins 843.705.2172.

Each week, there is a STEPHEN MINISTER from BUMC assigned to hospital duty. If you hear of anyone in the hospital this week Dec 3 –9, please call Mary Ellen Parks, 843.368.1852.

Carrefour Friends – Christmas and the New Year is just around the

corner, but for many elderly in Bluffton what used to be the busiest, most bustling time of the year has now become a time of melancholy and solitude. Their children are all grown up, perhaps have moved far away and have their own families to share the holidays. Friends are getting older or have died. The feelings of loneliness and social

isolation become all too common. There is no deeper sadness than that caused by the feeling that we are alone in the world, that we do

not have a friend, that no one cares for us, that no one is concerned about anything that might happen to us or that no one would care if we were to die. But that is the reality for many lonely people in our community.

During the holidays it is an incredible comfort for these seniors to get a friendly visit. If you are interested in becoming a friend for someone who really needs one, please contact us at carrefourfriends@gmail.com or call Jackie Tuohig at 913.748.5929.

Carrefour Friends……care for friends.

BRUNCH BUNCH will be on December 10th

, 12:45 p.m. at Bonefish Grill on Hilton Head. Reservations with Russ Rymer, rjrymer@hargray.com or call 843.298.6566.

MIRACLE JARS – The money collected for the Ralph Johnson VA medical center in Charleston amounted to

$691. Thank-you for your generous donations. Miracle Jars for December are going to Helen’s Hope. This is a Bluffton UMC

mission that was created by Meredith Inglis, who was inspired when she was ill during her freshman/junior years of high school. Through her numerous

stints of time in the hospital, she recognized the need to minister to sick children and their families who spend time in the hospital. Helen’s Hope, which Meredith named after her grandmother, buys pillow pets and devotionals for nurses to distribute to patients at Beaufort Memorial Hospital who need encouragement and hope. In addition to the pillow pets and devotionals, Hilton Head Christian Academy’s (Meredith’s high school) art classes are painting ceiling tiles and artwork for the walls to decorate and brighten the atmosphere in the Beaufort Memorial children’s wing.

ANGEL TREE – Is in the Narthex, you do not have to get every suggestion on each child's name. If you do purchase everything, keep to a maximum of $50.00. Wrap the gift with the

name or boy/girl and age on the outside of the gift. Return by Dec. 10th

.

The Mission Team will also have the Perry Family added. The Father was in a car accident with broken legs and pelvis and some brain damage. His wife is an assistant teacher at Hardeeville, and is now in Atlanta with him for rehab, so no one will be able to work for

quite a while. Christmas is the last thing they are thinking about now. They have 3 children. We will get their names & wishes. We can collect for them until Dec. 17

th.

Christmas Cards are in and may be picked up in the Fellowship Hall on Sundays after each service. We also have some extras as well if anyone would like to purchase some.

The Lord of Life Lutheran Church Stephen Ministry team is hosting a Blue Christmas service on Monday, December 4

th at 6:30 PM. This is a service of comfort and hope for those who are lonely, grieving or going

through a difficult time during the holiday season. This service was initiated several years ago and it has proven to be very helpful to many people who need a special time of sharing and caring during the holidays.

Lord of Life Lutheran Church is located at 351 Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton. If you have questions about the service, you may contact the church at 843.757.4774 or you may call Sara Jenkins at 843.705.2172.

YES!! It is that time of year again! Not the time to try and figure out how you are going to survive the in-laws for 2, 3, dare I say 4 days (Lord help us). Not the time to decide, "Well if I leave early Sunday morning rather than Saturday, I might miss most of the traffic on I-95 (yeah right). No, it's the time of year to show our BUMC staff how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication throughout the year! Please join with me

and donate to our staff Christmas bonus, and when you do, make the check out to BUMC and write Staff Christmas Gift in the subject line. I appreciate your generosity and so will they!!

Merry Christmas from SPPRC! – —Aaron Bliley - chairperson Thanks to all of you, the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Holiday Brass Quintet

Concert is almost sold out! This is only possible through your prayers and support. Only 10 tickets remain available for sale. Please visit Markel's Card & Gift Shop at

Kittie’s Crossing to purchase tickets. I am looking forward to seeing you at the concert Tuesday, Dec. 12

th at 7 PM!

Thank you again!!—Ella

BLUFFTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 3, 2017 BLUFFTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH DECEMBER 3, 2017 1st SUNDAY IN ADVENT 8:30 & 11:00 AM 1st SUNDAY IN ADVENT 8:30 & 11:00 AM

Children’s HAPPENINGS

Volunteers are always welcomed in our nursery.

Please note: Children aged 7 and older are asked to remain in the Sanctuary after

Children’s Moment. Our attendants need to focus their attention on the very littles of

our church. Thank you for your understanding.

Children’s Sunday School is currently meeting in the old choir room

beginning at 10am. Come join!

YOUR Youth Group Leader Team thanks our teens and their families for a great fall season! Our Wednesdays may be over, but we’re not done yet…Jesus loved a good party (remember the wedding at Canaan?) and so do WE! Remember to RSVP and attend our Christmas Party on Saturday, December 9th from 6-9 PM. Mary and Joseph entertained an odd assortment of guests around the manger…help us and be part of our ‘odd assortment’ at putt-putt. Join Us!

Bluffton United Methodist Church – 1853-2017 – 164 Years “The Mission of BUMC is to make disciples for Jesus Christ by sharing our loving relationship with Him

through all our actions in worship, nurture, education, evangelism and outreach.” Enter to Worship, Depart to Serve – A “Stephen Ministry” Church Pastor – Joey McDonald; Associate Pastor – Becky McCorkendale

Director of Music – Ella W. Davis; Organist – Greg L. Hollinger Office Administrator – Pat Simmons; Children’s Coordinator – Melissa Bliley

Nursery Attendants – Alexis Bothe, Mike Grunder, Mary Gump, Nicole Jozic, Kelly Masotti, Amara Niemczyk NURSERY CARE PROVIDED 8:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EVERY SUNDAY

Hearing assistance devices are available in the narthex for your use during worship. LARGE PRINT hymnals are available for your use during the worship service.

They are located on a table in the Narthex.

Worship Hours 8:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.; Adult Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Sunday School 10 a.m. Church Office: 843.757.3351, Church Office E-mail – blufftonumc@hargray.com; Web Site – http://www.blufftonumc.org Pastor’s cell – 803.671.1691; email– blufftonumc.past@hargray.com; Pastor’s address: 86 Boundary St, Bluffton SC 29910

Office hours – Mon–Thurs 9:30a–2:30p Mail address: Bluffton UMC, PO Box 368, Bluffton, SC 29910

Attendance 8:30: 87; 11:00: 163; Total: 250; Adult SS: 10 Nursery: (8:30) -; (11:00) -- Children’s & Jr. SS: 10

Today 12/03 8:30 AM Worship Service Sanctuary Today 12/03 9:30 AM Adult Sunday School Conference room Today 12/03 9:30 AM Men’s Bible Study Church Office Today 12/03 10:00 AM Children’s Sunday School Education Wing Today 12/03 11:00 AM Worship Service Sanctuary Monday 12/04 7:00 PM Wesley Ringers Sanctuary Tuesday 12/05 3:00 PM Stephen Ministers meeting Conference room Tuesday 12/05 5 – 6:30 PM Lowcountry Jazz Band rehearsal Fellowship Hall Tuesday 12/05 7:00 PM Church Council Conference room Tuesday 12/05 7:30 PM AA & Al-anon meetings Fellowship & SS rms Wednesday 12/06 9 – 12 PM Evolution Big Band rehearsal Fellowship Hall Wednesday 12/06 6:30 PM Cherub Choir Sanctuary Wednesday 12/06 6:45 PM Chancel Choir Sanctuary Thursday 12/07 6:30 PM AA Beginners Group Fellowship Hall Thursday 12/07 7:30 PM AA & Al-anon meetings Fellowship & SS rms Friday 12/08 7:00 PM Treble Vocal Ensemble rehearsal Sanctuary Saturday 12/09 11:00 AM UMW Luncheon/Install Officers Private home (Mingledorff) Saturday 12/09 6 – 9 PM Youth Group Christmas party Off-site Sunday 12/10 8:30 AM Worship Service w/Wesley Ringers Sanctuary Sunday 12/10 9:30 AM Adult Sunday School Conference room Sunday 12/10 10:15 AM Cherub Choir Warm-up Music Suite Sunday 12/10 9:30 AM Men’s Bible Study Church Office Sunday 12/10 10:00 AM Children’s Sunday School Education Wing Sunday 12/10 11:00 AM Worship Service w/Wesley Ringers Sanctuary and Chancel & Cherub Choirs

ANNOUNCEMENTS Next Sunday, December 10

th, The Wesley Ringers will participate in both services

and The Cherub Choir will participate in the 11 AM service.

On Sunday, December 17th

at 8:30 & 11:00 AM, Chancel Choir and William Court and Erin Reichert, narrators, will present the cantata “Sing Joy to All the World!” by Lloyd Larson. Also participating in the presentation will be instrumentalists: Janice Creech, piano, Karen Wyld, flute, Kathleen Duncan, oboe, Lucy Scandrett, harp, Bob Wilson, Elizabeth Kelson, Don Jemella, percussionists.

Share the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth by inviting family, friends, and neighbors to join you at this special worship service.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBER, Sharon Luneau – She is joining BUMC at the 11:00 service. Sharon comes to us by Profession of Faith. She enjoys gardening, quilting, stain-glassing and riding her motorcycle! She also likes watching sports of any kind. Please extend a warm welcome to Sharon.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETS THIS TUESDAY, DEC. 5th

at 7:00 PM – This is an important meeting! If you are on the Council, please plan to attend!

Next Sunday, December 10th, The Wesley Ringers will participate in both services and The Cherub Choir will participate in the 11AM service.

On Sunday, December 17th at 8:30 & 11:00 AM, Chancel Choir and William Court and Erin Reichert, narrators, will present the cantata “Sing Joy to All the World!” by Lloyd Larson. Also participating in the presentation will be instrumentalists. Share the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth by inviting family, friends, and neighbors to join you at this special worship service.

Christmas EVE – ONLY ONE service at 10:00 AM

WE WILL HAVE A CANDLELIGHT SERVICE CHRISTMAS EVE, SUNDAY, DEC. 24th at 7:00 PM