Traditional Worship Bulletin
Traditional Worship Service
November 30, 2025 | 11:00 am
Unexpected
Matthew 11:29, Philippians 2:6-8
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor
Welcome
Rev. Brenda Brooks Alexander, Associate Pastor
Opening Prayer
Musical Voluntary: “Now the Green Blade Riseth”
Kevin McChesney, arranger
Fifth Street Bells and orchestra
Bradley Naylor, directing
*Call to Worship
One: We come, expecting grandeur –
All: and find God wrapped in gentleness.
One: We come seeking power and control –
All: and find a Savior who kneels to serve.
One: In the stillness of humility, hope takes root.
All: Christ, our unexpected King, reign in compassion and peace. Amen.
*Hymn 196: “Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus”
Advent Wreath Liturgy
Congregational Response
We are called to ponder mystery
and awaiting the coming Christ,
to embody God’s compassion for each fragile human life.
God is with us in our longing, to bring healing to the earth,
while we watch with joy and wonder
for the promised Savior’s birth.
*Affirmation of Faith 881
Rev. Phyllis Barren, Associate Pastor
*Gloria Patri 70
Sacrament of Baptism
Colt Douglas Switzer, son of Emily and Stephen Switzer
Baptismal Hymn 191: Jesus Loves Me (vs. 1)
Congregational Response
With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example
of Christ that Colt Douglas, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.
Faith Like a Child
“Mister Mark” Burrows, Director of Children’s Ministries
*Hymn 204: “Emmanuel, Emmanuel” sing twice
Scripture: Matthew 11:29, Philippians 2:6-8
Kim Bird, lay reader
God speaks to us through the reading of scripture.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon Series: Unexpected
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Offertory: “Lo, How a Rose”
Cathy Moklebust, arranger
*Doxology 95
*Benediction
One: Our gathering will soon be ended. Where will we go, and what will we do?
All: We will go out to be God’s people in the world.
One: May grace, peace, hope, love, and joy forever accompany you. Amen.
*Congregational Benediction: “Love Has Come”
Love is born! Come share in the wonder.
Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of His mother.
What is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers.
Love! Love! Jesus, Immanuel.
*Postlude: Postlude on “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme”
Johann Gottfried Walther, arranger
Peggy Graff, organist
Why Blue for Advent?
During Advent, we use blue, a color drawn from one of the oldest Christian traditions. Blue carries the quiet depth of waiting—the shimmer beneath the surface that hints at light not yet revealed. It distinguishes Advent from Lent’s purple, shifting our focus from penitence to expectant hope. As we look deeper for the ways Christ’s light breaks open our world from within, blue reminds us that God’s promises often begin in places small, subtle, and quietly radiant.
Download The Traditional Worship Bulletin
Notes from First Church
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth — we are glad you’re here to worship with us today!
Please let us know you are here by filling out the attendance pad as it comes by or registering online.
Asterisks (*) indicate times when you are invited to stand as you are able.
In addition to your regular contribution, every one dollar ($1) bill placed in the offering plate for the month of November will support the infant formula program at First Street Methodist Mission.
The Sanctuary Flowers are given in loving memory of George Ann Carter Bahan, Amon G. Carter, Jr., George Riley Carter, and Mrs. George R. Brown, Jr., by the family of George Ann Carter Bahan.
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Worship with us Online
Sunday Mornings
9:30 am | The Gathering | fumcfw.org/gathering-live
11:00 am | Traditional Worship | fumcfw.org/traditional-live
11:11 am | eleven:eleven | fumfw.org/1111-live
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Listen to each previous week’s service and music on Sunday mornings at 7:30 am on WRR 101.1 FM.
Media Playlists
Watch past services or sermons or listen to podcasts of services and special music offerings at fumcfw.org/media.
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Discipleship is the process of being shaped by the Holy Spirit through spiritual practices to become more like Jesus. Healthy Plate Discipleship uses a variety of practices to help you more faithfully follow Jesus Christ. Try all six areas to grow strong in faithful discipleship. Learn more at fumcfw.org/healthyplate.
Are you new?
If you would like to find your Worship Plus One, we would love to visit with you and help you explore the First Church groups or ministries of special interest to you! Finding your Worship Plus One will help you meet others, build relationships, and grow stronger in your faith.
For details, please email Angie Parish (aparish@myfumc.org), Director of Welcoming Ministries or Dr. Mike Marshall (mmarshall@myfumc.org), Associate Pastor of Leadership Development — and be sure to include your phone number in your email!