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CelebrateAdvent Worship Series – Week 3Be BlessedDecember 13, 2015WORSHIP SERVICE OUTLINESEach worship outline contains all elements needed for your worship service. The order of each service presented is only a suggestion. No doubt changes will be needed to accommodate the flow and worship style of your corps. The outlines are flexible and allow opportunities to “cut and paste” as needed. If you are blessed with instrumental or vocal music resources, you may find there is more structured material here than needed. Please include the headings of each section in your bulletin.Blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me. (Matthew 11:6, NRSV)SB#113 – Joy to the world! TB-87 – Joy to the World!HTD4-T9 (3 vs.)Additional Optional SongsSB#39 – Joyful, joyful, we adore TheeHC#121 – Joyful, Joyful TB-367 – EuropeHC-121HTD3-T11 (4 vs.)HCD11–T11SB#108 – Hark! the herald angels sing HC#270 – Hark! the herald angels singTB-270 – Hark! The Herald Angels SingHC-270HTD4-T5 (3 vs.)HCD25-T20SB#116 – O come, all ye faithfulHC#140 – O Come, All Ye FaithfulTB-496 – Adeste FidelesHC-140HTD3 –T1 (3 vs.)HCD12-T20The Candle of JoyLighting of Advent CandleReader 1: The first Sunday of Advent we lit the prophecy candle in our Advent wreath. It is also called the candle of hope. We light it again today as we remember Jesus, who was born Christ and King. And we remember that He will come again to fulfill all of God’s promises to us. [A person lights the candle of hope.]Reader 2: Last Sunday we lit the Bethlehem candle, the candle of love. We light it again today as we remember that Christ, who was born in Bethlehem, has come as Savior and Redeemer. The babe of Bethlehem has come out of love to bring redemption. [A person lights the candle of love.]Reader 1: Today we light the third candle of Advent; it is the shepherd candle, the candle of joy. When the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be born to her, Mary was filled with joy. She sang a song that began with the words: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47, NKJV).Reader 2: Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to His mother, so His presence in the world gave joy to those who had none before. He healed them and gave them hope when they believed in Him. From hope grows joy.Reader 1: Shepherds on the hillside outside the city were told by a multitude of angels that the babe born in Bethlehem would bring “joy to the world,” but more importantly He would be the “joy of the world.” Reader 2: We light the candle of joy to remind us that when Jesus is born in us, we have joy and that through Him there will be everlasting joy on earth. [A person lights the candle of joy.]Reader 1: Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we look at this candle, we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus Christ.Reader 2: Let us pray: “Thank you, God, for the joy you give us. We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us. Help us today and every day to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the One who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.” * Adapted from Gary Lee Waller, Celebrations and Observances of the Church Year (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2009), 89-94.? Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the New King James Version (NKJV). Copyright ? 1979, 1980, 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.? 2012 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City HC#169 – HallelujahHC-169HCD15-T19Additional Optional SongsSB#111 – It came upon the midnight clearTB-133 – same HTD9-T7CF#20 – O Come, ImmanuelCF-20No CDCF#15 – What Child Is This?CF-15No CDSB#121 – Once in royal David’s cityTB-390 – IrbyHTD6-T11 (4 vs.)SB#122 – See, amid the winter’s snowTB-259 – sameHTD10-T12 (4 vs.)HC#45 – While We Are Waiting, ComeHC-45HCD3-T15Be BlessedDrama – Feet Don’t Fail Me NowChildren’s Moment or Responsive Reading [Choose one or the other, they are very similar]Leader:John the Baptist had given his life in preparation for the Messiah and kingdom to come. John already believed that Jesus was the Messiah. But in our scripture today he is thrown into prison and it seems as though he is becoming anxious and possibly doubting what he knows about Jesus. All:2?When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3?to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”Leader:4?Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5?The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6?Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”All: 7?As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: Leader:“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8?If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9?Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. All:10?This is the one about whom it is written:Leader:“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,????who will prepare your way before you.’All:11?Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:2-11, NIV)Leader:So Jesus’ answer to John is for us today. Do we take offense at Jesus? Does He not meet our expectations? The truth is that if we really embrace Jesus’ words and actions we may find ourselves with the wrong kind of people. We may find ourselves among folks who need to know the good news of the God who comes. Are you willing to risk it this Advent season” Are you willing to celebrate by acting mercifully like Jesus? Are you willing to be blessed by surrendering your expectations and embracing Jesus’ way of life? (Adapted from Celebrate: An Advent Experience, pp. 58, 60)SB#376 – King of kings, majestyHC#219 – King of Kings, MajestyTB-732 – same HC-219No CDHCD20-T19Additional Optional SongsSB#114 – Light of the worldHC#146 – Here I am to WorshipTB-653 – Here I am to WorshipHC-146No CDHCD13-T16SB#118 – O little town of BethlehemTB-136 – Bethlehem HTD3-T5 (3 vs.)SB#101 – As with gladness men of oldTB-276 – DixHTD11-T3HC#176 – Holy Is the LordHC-176HCD16-T16CF#26 – There’s a Song in the AirCF-26No CDCF#32 – Sleep, Holy Babe!CF-32No CDHC#220 – Incarnate HC-220HCD20-T20Pastoral PrayerAnnouncements and Offering [NOTE: Each week, Acts of Mercy (below) should be explained and the congregation should be encouraged to participate in this important ministry. The suggestions should be listed in the bulletin weekly, with any additional local corps options/needs.][Possible video lead-in to testimonies of Acts of Mercy: ]Testimonies – While offering is taken, ask the congregation to testify to any Acts of Mercy they have witnessed or participated in the past week. Acts of Mercy – God’s love is talked about in several different ways throughout the Scriptures. God expected that His chosen people were to be people of mercy. Throughout the Old and New Testaments God emphasizes that Israel and the Church are to act mercifully by caring for the poor and weak. In a poignant way, the prophet Micah teaches us that God desires us to be a people of mercy and above any faithless religious sacrifices we may make. The prophet writes, “He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8, NIV). Prayerfully consider the following suggestions:Give an hour of your time to visit with seniors and families as they wait their turn in the pantry. Share with them a War Cry.Conduct a toiletry drive in your office or church group or sport team (a toiletry pack contains: 1 shampoo +1 bar soap + 1 toothbrush + 1 toothpaste + 1 deodorant = $5 at the dollar store). Give a little more and add toilet paper. Offer to clean the shelves and/or refrigerators and freezers in the food pantry.Offer to help clients to their cars with the groceries they get from our food pantry.Conduct a coat drive (especially children's coats). Include hats, gloves and scarves. Knit or crotchet hats, mittens and scarves.Conduct a children's book drive for the children of our food pantry. They love to look at books while their parents wait their turn in the pantry - but it's so hard to leave the book when it's time to go.Take a home-cooked meal to a family in need.Buy a bottled drink for someone who looks thirsty (homeless, construction worker, mail carrier, police officer, bus driver, etc.)Invite neighbors over for dessert or host a Christmas party for your neighbors (both those you know and don't know).Volunteer 3 hours to be a bell ringer for the Red Kettle Campaign to help the corps’ Christmas effort.Volunteer to drive and pick up the kettle workers.Take a gift to a stranger who is in the hospital.Babysit, shop, or run errands for someone you know is sick.Donate blood. Deliver goodies to and spend time with a shut-in.Visit someone who is in jail or reach out to someone who has been recently released from being incarcerated.Sponsor an Angel Tree for needy children.Mail a grocery or restaurant gift card to someone.Send an encouragement card to someone.Pay for someone’s coffee.Invite someone who may be alone during the holidays into your home.Sponsor a child through The Salvation Army.Purchase a gift card at a clothing store and hand it to another customer as you leave.Visit and help distribute gifts at the nursing homes with The Salvation Army,Pay for the car behind you in the drive-thru.Treat a friend to a meal.Donate items for the corps pantry.Cross references:Message: Be BlessedSB#158 – Who is he in yonder stallTB-287 – Who is he?HTD10-T19 (6 vs.)Additional Optional SongsSB#646 – How can I better serve thee, LordTB-15 – Here at the crossHTD4-T6 (3 vs.)SB#255 – I’m set apart for JesusTB-213 – Aurelia HTD3-T3 (3 vs.)SB#380 – Lord of creation, to you be all praiseTB-831 – Slane No CDSB#623 – Take my life, and let it beTB-249 – HendonHTD8-T6 (4 vs.)SB#613 – O Jesus, I have promisedTB-213 – AureliaHTD3-T3 (3 vs.)Benediction: SB#116 – O come, all ye faithfulHC#140 – O Come, All Ye FaithfulTB-496 – Adeste FidelesHC-140HTD3 –T1 (3 vs.)HCD12-T20Additional Optional SongsSB#77 – Fairest Lord JesusHC#151 – Fairest Lord JesusTB-206 – AscalonHC-151HTD5-T1 (3 vs.)HCD14-T11HC#240 – Here in the StableHC-240HCD22-T20Advent Week #3DRAMAFeet Don’t Fail Me NowBy Martyn Scott Thomas? Copyright 2014 by Martyn Scott Thomas. All rights reserved. Used by ic:ServiceScripture:John 13:1-17Synopsis:A man gets his feet extra dirty to punish his neighbor.Characters:Kevin – a man with a grudge against his neighborMichelle – his wifeProps/Costumes:Two chairs, a small tub or foot bath, a phone.Setting:Kevin and Michelle’s house.Running time:4 minutes[A small tub is sitting on the floor in front of one of the chairs. Kevin enters, dumps some ‘ingredients’ in the tub, takes a big whiff of the concoction and scrunches his nose and shakes his head as if the odor is horrible.]Kevin:[sitting next to the tub] Perfect. [removes shoes and socks and puts feet into tub] Ooh, that burns a little.Michelle:[enters sniffing, scrunching her nose] Kevin, I think the cat got another mouse. And by the smell, I’d say it was about a week ago.Kevin:All right. I’ll check when I’m done here.Michelle:[walking toward him] Rough day at work?Kevin:No. Why do you ask?Michelle:[nearing his chair] Well, I see that you’re . . . [plugging nose and stepping back, grossed out] It’s not a mouse. It’s you! What are you soaking your feet in?Kevin:Oh, this? Just a little something I whipped up.Michelle:[disgusted] You did that on purpose? Why on earth would you do that?Kevin:I’m trying to make my feet stink.Michelle:More than usual? I’d say mission accomplished.Kevin:Thank you.Michelle:What’s in there any way?Kevin:It’s my own recipe: a little egg salad, a little tuna fish, some sauerkraut, a pinch of curry and for good measure, kimchi.Michelle:What, no limburger cheese?Kevin:The deli was all out.Michelle:Again I ask, why would you do that?Kevin:Well, tomorrow is Service Sunday at church.Michelle:And your act of service is going to be peeling the paint off the walls?Kevin:No, I’m not doing any acts of service, Stu is.Michelle:This makes no sense. What does soaking your feet in . . . [points to tub] that . . . have to do with Stu?Kevin:Well, like I said, tomorrow is Service Sunday, where different members of the congregation perform services for other members of the congregation.Michelle:And . . .Kevin:And Stu is one of the foot washers. And guess who is one of the wash-ees? [raises hand and smiles]Michelle:Of course.Kevin:Plus I was able to line up Mabel McGurtry and little Timmy Daniels to sit with me. Have you had a whiff of either of them lately? I’m pretty sure Timmy came to church with black socks last week. Michelle:What’s wrong with that?Kevin:They were once white socks.Michelle:Why are you doing this? I thought you liked Stu.Kevin:I did. Until two weeks ago when he took the last of the good ham at the potluck.Michelle:Really? You’re doing this because of ham?Kevin:He knew I was right behind him. And he heard me telling Dean how much I liked ham. And there were three pieces left. Three. He could’ve left at least one. I had to settle for Spam.Michelle:So because you couldn’t have some ham, you’re making him wash your disgusting, stinky feet.Kevin:I’m glad you agree.Michelle:I’m not agreeing with anything. In fact, you’re going straight upstairs and washing those feet yourself.Kevin:I’ll do no such thing.Michelle:You’re right. You need to hose those things off outside. [emphasizing] Behind the garage!Kevin:[protesting] But . . .Michelle:Now!Kevin:[pouting] He’s still going to have to deal with . . . [stops and pulls phone from pocket] Hello? [listening to voice on phone] Yeah. Uh huh. I see. Sure, I can do that. Uh huh. Yeah, I’ll see you tomorrow. [hangs up phone]Michelle:Who was that?Kevin:That was Nancy from church. Apparently, Stu is in the hospital and won’t be able to be at church tomorrow.Michelle:Oh no. Where are they going to find another foot washer on such short notice?Kevin:[slowly raises his hand and sighs frustrated] Right here.Michelle:[laughs] Perfect.Kevin:It’s not funny.Michelle:Sure it is.Kevin:Since they made that announcement last week, 42 more people have signed up to have their feet washed.Michelle:It looks like you’re going to be pretty busy. But look on the bright side.Kevin:What bright side?Michelle:[smiles] You’ll get good practice washing your own feet.Kevin:I’m afraid to touch them.Michelle:Well, I’m not touching them. Now, outside. And don’t mess up my carpet.Kevin:[getting up and exiting] Who knew that serving others was such dirty business?[Blackout]*Optional segueJesus taught that the best way to lead was to serve others. Are you striving to be first or willing to be last? Are you trying to be more or are you content being less?CelebrateChildren’s Moment – Week 3December 13, 2015Be BlessedMatthew 11:2-11Objects needed: Bag containing handcuffs, stethoscope or sunglasses, and cell phone or envelope.[Gather the students together in the story time area.]Leader:I have a few items that will help us tell the story. So pay attention to what I pull from my bag.[Tell this story in your own words]Leader:Today we’re going to be in prison. [Hold up the handcuffs.]Leader:Imagine the prison, cold, dark, damp ground; chains around your wrists and ankles; your last meal was stale bread and water. Remember John the Baptist from last week’s story? Well, he was put in prison for making the king angry. In prison, John heard all that Jesus was doing so he sent his own disciples to Jesus to find out if Jesus was the Messiah, the One chosen by God to be Savior. John knew that Jesus was the Messiah, but he possibly doubted what he knew. John was probably scared and worried. He might have doubted that Jesus was the Savior because Jesus had not saved him from prison or taken down the king.[Hold up the stethoscope or sunglasses.][Tell the story or have a child read the scriptures below instead]Leader:Jesus told the disciples report this back to John: Child 1:4?Jesus replied, “Go back to John. Report to him what you hear and see.?5?Blind people receive sight. Disabled people walk. Those who have skin diseases are made ‘clean.’ Deaf people hear. Those who are dead are raised to life. And the good news is preached to those who are poor.?6?Blessed is anyone who does not give up their faith because of me.”[Have your excitement build as you read each statement.]Leader:“Blind people receive sight. Disabled people walk.Those who have skin diseases are healed. Deaf people hear. Those who are dead are raised to life.And the good news is preached to those who are poor.” Don’t be discouraged. Have faith in me. Once John’s disciples left, Jesus turned and talked to the crowd about John. He said, “Who did you see in the desert? You didn’t see someone in fine clothes. You saw a prophet. John was more than a prophet. Scripture talks about him here, 10“I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare your way for you.” [Hold up a cell phone or envelope.]Leader:Just as this cell phone [or envelope] can deliver messages, John delivered the message announcing that Jesus, the Savior, had come. Jesus said, “John is very important. But the person who is humble in the kingdom of heaven is more important than he.” Jesus said this to show how important it is to be humble and not prideful. Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior. Child 2:11?What I’m about to tell you is true. No one more important than John the Baptist has ever been born. But the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is more important than he is. (Matthew 11:2-11, NIrV)Leader:He calls people to follow Him. That includes reaching out to someone who is lonely or not popular, sharing the Good News with another, helping those who are sick or hurting, and other things. We are blessed when we surrender to Jesus’ way of life—love God and love others. God can use us to help others.Bible Story Follow-up Questions:1. Name one thing Jesus did to help others. How do you think it felt to be the person Jesus helped?2. Was God with John in prison? How do you know?3. What ways can we help others the way Jesus did?—Words in italics are quotes from the New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)? 2013 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. — 17 — CelebrateAdvent Sermon – Week 3 (S.A. Outline)December 13, 2015Be BlessedBy Major Lesa DavisBlessed is anyone who takes no offense at me. (Matthew 11:6, NRSV)TEXT: Matthew 11:2-11IntroductionI. The “BELIEVE IT…” John the BaptistA. Call to repentance (Matthew 3:2)In the desert saying, “Prepare the way of the Lord, the Messiah is coming!”He’s telling people, “Repent! Turn from your sins; turn towards God. Produce good works, produce righteousness in your lives.”B. The One is coming (v. 3)The One will not baptize with water, but with the Holy Spirit and with fire.II. The “…OR NOT” John the BaptistA. Change of circumstances (Matthew 11:2)Jesus has started his public ministry and some of John’s own disciples have decided to follow Jesus.John has run up against Herod and landed in prison.B. “Are you the One, or did I get it wrong?” (v. 3)Things have not worked out the way John imagined.Doubt and questioning creeps in.III. Believe It!A. Look at the proof (Matthew 11:4-5)Matthew 8: A leper is healed; Peter’s mother-in-law is healed; demon-possessed people come to Jesus and are healed/restored.Matthew 9: A paralyzed man is carried in and walks out; all kinds of people are touched, healed, affected and restored by Jesus; Matthew—a hated tax collector—finds himself restored and follows Jesus.B. “God blesses those who are not offended by me” (v. 6)Jesus tells John (through John’s friends) not to lose his faith nor be offended by Him.C. Point to Jesus!Illustration: Swiss theologian Karl Barth had a replica of the Isenheim altarpiece behind his desk. It depicts the crucifixion, but there is no way possible that it would have looked like that, because John the Baptist is in the picture: ( )John the Baptist was already dead when Jesus was crucified. But in this picture, he is standing on the side of Jesus, pointing to Him. In the end, questions and all, that’s what John the Baptist did. In fact, Barth says John is the prototype of discipleship, because all he did was point to Jesus.Whether we ring the bells, pack food baskets, visit nursing homes, distribute Christmas gifts, or any of the “Acts of Mercy” we’ve heard about this season, remember that everything we say and do should point to Jesus.CelebrateAdvent Sermon – Week 3December 13, 2015Be BlessedBlessed is anyone who takes no offense at me. (Matthew 11:6, NRSV)TEXT: Matthew 11:2-11IntroductionRipley's Believe It or Not! was created by Robert Ripley. He dealt with bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question their authenticity. His “Believe it or not!” was on radio and television, in comic books, had special museums, and became a book series. The interesting thing about his strange items and facts was that he never said they were always true, he left it to the audience to “Believe it…or not.” With some things in life it doesn’t matter whether we believe they are true or not. However, we will see today that there are other things we must believe are true if we are to live as God intended.In today’s passage, we find Jesus preaching in Galilee. John the Baptist was in prison. When John heard about Jesus’ ministry, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah. Jesus tells John’s disciples to go back and tell him what they have seen and heard.1. Jesus is the Messiah in both word and deed.Verses 2-3: John had heard about the ministry of Jesus while he was in prison. He sends his disciples to find out if Jesus truly was the Messiah. John was honestly seeking the truth. He wanted to know if Jesus was the one prophesied about in the Old Testament.Verses 4-5: Jesus tells the disciples to go back and tell John what they have seen and heard. Jesus’ ministry points to the truth that He is the Messiah. His words and miracles are spoken and performed so that people will know Jesus is the Messiah—the Son of God.2. God blesses those who faithfully do the work He has called them to.Verse 6: God promises to bless those who believe and place their faith in Jesus. Those who do not believe stumble. Blessing (blessed) is linked to the knowledge that God is working to guide and direct us in the right path. Those who acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah understand the truth of God’s Word and are led by Him. Verses 7-11: John was the forerunner to the Messiah. Because John would die before Jesus’ death and resurrection, the crowd would witness the actuality of God’s kingdom.God promises to guide and direct the lives of those who believe and follow Him.3. We must be willing to surrender and embrace Jesus’ way of life in order to be blessed.God does not force us to believe or follow Him. He has given us the free will to either accept or reject Him. We must choose whether or not we will follow Jesus, the Messiah.The world’s way is different from the way of the Messiah. We must choose which way we will go with our lives.Despite the things Jesus said and the miracles He performed, people still did not believe who He said He was. Today there are those that, despite hearing the truth, still will not believe.For those who do believe and surrender their lives to God, He promises to guide and direct their lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”ConclusionGod’s blessing means that we receive God’s grace and live under His care. To be blessed is to seek God’s direction for our lives and have the faith that He is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do for us. God blesses those who…Put their faith in Jesus, the Messiah. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.” (Jeremiah 17:7)Follow God’s Word. “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway.” (Proverbs 8:34)Serve others. “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)Persevere. “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)Unless noted otherwise, Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version? (NIV?). Copyright ? 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica Inc.? Used by permission. All rights reserved.Other Suggested TextsIsaiah 35:1-10Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55James 5:7-10? 2013 by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. — 17 — ................
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