Traditional Worship Bulletin
Traditional Worship Service
December 22, 2024 | 11:00 am
“Stable Influence”
Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor
Organ Voluntary: “Sussex Carol”
Dale Wood, arranger
Laura Logan Brandenburg, harp
Peggy Graff, organ
Welcome
Dr. Mike Marshall, Associate Pastor
Advent Wreath Lighting
All sing: O come, O come Emmanuel, shall come to thee, O Israel.
Liturgy — Shevin and Machalik family
Prayer
All sing: Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel.
Prayer
All sing: Rejoice, Rejoice! Emmanuel, shall come to thee O Israel.
*Call to Worship
Rev. Zhenya Gurina Rodriguez, PhD, Associate Pastor
One: Are you waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled? Are you watching?
All: We are here, ready to enter the presence of the King.
One: The Magi saw the star and began their journey, trusting in God’s guidance, even before they knew where it would lead.
All: We, too, are called to follow God’s light, even when the way is unclear.
One: The Magi prepared their hearts and gifts for the newborn King.
All: We are here. We are waiting. We are following the light that leads to Christ. Amen.
*Hymn 213: “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”
*Affirmation of Faith 881
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick 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.
*Gloria Patri 70
Anthem: “Away in a Manger”
Neil Harmon arranger
Adoramus Chamber Choir
Alison Haygood, Director
Laura Logan Brandenburg, harp; Elise Belk, oboe
Sacrament of Baptism
Sofia Carolina Coronado daughter of Victoria and Jason Coronado
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 Sofia Carolina, 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
Anthem: “How Far is it to Bethlehem?”
Stephen Paulus arranger
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Thane Arther, lay reader
God speaks to us through the reading of scripture.
Thanks be to God.
Sermon Series: Stable Influence
Rev. Lance Marshall, Senior Pastor
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Offertory: “The Holly and the Ivy”
Stephen Paulus, 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 has come, a light in the darkness!
Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.
See, all heaven has come to proclaim it.
Hear how their song of joy a-rises:
Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior!
Love! Love! Glory to God on high!
*Postlude: Toccata on “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates”
Gilbert M. Martin, arranger
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 on-line.
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 December will support the First Street Methodist Mission food bank.
The Poinsettias in the Sanctuary are in loving memory of Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Broderick and Mr. & Mrs. Sidney Smith.
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11:11 am | eleven:eleven | fumfw.org/1111-live
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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 Lisa Helm (lhelm@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!