 Fruitland United Methodist Church February 8, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Down by the Riverside,” an African-American spiritual. Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Chase *Call to Worship Letha Beloved, what worship does God desire of us? To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God. In our life together as the body of Christ, what worship does God desire of us? To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God. When we share the good news with all creation, what worship does God desire of us? To do justice, love kindness, and live humbly with God. Come, let us worship God with justice, kindness, and humility! We come to worship God with our voices and our lives. Thanks be to God! Amen. *Opening Hymn: “Marching to Zion” UMH 733 *Sharing the Peace of Christ. Scripture: Psalms 112: 1-10 Read responsively with Letha UMH 833 Time with Young Christians Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected. Community Expressions Chase and Letha Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .” *Hymn: “They’ll Know We Are Christians” TFWS 2223 Invitation to Generosity Offertory: “Be Thou My Vision,” arranged by Ellen Foncannon *Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2: 1-16 Letha Matthew 5: 13-20 Chase *Hymn: “My Hope is Built” UMH 368 Sermon: “Wisdom of the Elders” Chase Van Weerdhuizen *Unison Prayer All Heavenly Father, You have called us to be the salt that preserves goodness and the light that shines in the darkness. Help us to live in such a way that our words bring healing, our actions reflect Your truth, and our presence points others toward Your love. Lord Jesus, You fulfilled the Law perfectly, showing us that true righteousness flows from a heart surrendered to God. Teach us to walk in Your ways—not out of duty alone, but out of deep devotion. Let our lives be a testimony that honors You in both the smallest choices and the greatest challenges. Holy Spirit, strengthen us to stand firm in faith, to shine brightly even when the world grows dim, and to season every moment with grace. May our lives glorify the Father, so that others may see and be drawn to His kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Sanctuary” 2 times. TFWS 2164 Benediction: Chase Postlude: “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations” by H. Ernest Nichol
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 Fruitland United Methodist Church February 1, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Softly and Tenderly,” arranged by Charles Callahan Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge and Reece *Call to Worship Reece God has shown us what is good. We seek to live a faith that does justice. God calls us to love mercy. We choose compassion as a way of life. God invites us to walk humbly with Him. We respond with our lives. Amen. *Sharing the Peace of Christ. Opening Hymn: “Song of Hope” TFWS 2186 Scripture Reading I: Micah 6:6-8 Time with Young Christians Rev. Jorge Rodgriguez Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected. Community Expressions Pastor Jorge & Reece Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. *Hymn: “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love” TFWS 2223 Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “The Old Rugged Cross,” by George Bennard *Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 Scripture Reading II: Matthew 5:1-12 – The Beatitudes *Hymn: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” TFWS 2171 Sermon: “God’s Proposal” Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Some years ago, I heard the story of a student who prepared intensely for a final exam. He read every book, memorized facts, and reviewed concepts. He arrived confident, certain he was ready. When he received the exam, he read it… and fell silent. The questions were not about memorization. They were not asking what he knew, but how he would live what he knew. It was not an exam of information. It was an exam of coherence. Something similar often happens in our faith. We assume God evaluates us by what we offer, by what we say, by how religious we appear. So, we prepare ourselves with rituals, words, and offerings. But again and again, God changes the question. God does not ask us: —How much did you give? —How many prayers did you repeat? God asks something deeper: —Were you just? —Were you merciful? —Did you walk humbly with me? We live in a world with a broken order. A world where justice does not reach everyone, where the poor and vulnerable carry the heaviest burdens, and where those who raise their voices for human dignity are often questioned or persecuted. In the midst of this reality, an unavoidable question arises: What does God expect from us today? 1.God’s proposal according to Micah In the time of the prophet Micah, the people knew how to be religious. They knew how to offer sacrifices and follow rituals. When God confronts them, their response is immediate: —What more do you want us to do? —More offerings? —Greater sacrifices? But God answers with disarming clarity: “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” God is not looking for more religion. God is looking for coherent lives. To do justice means refusing to be indifferent in the face of injustice. To love mercy means choosing compassion as a way of life. To walk humbly with God means recognizing our dependence on God’s guidance. This is God’s proposal: a faith that is lived, not merely spoken. 2. Jesus reaffirms the proposal from the mountain Centuries later, Jesus goes up a mountain and proclaims the Beatitudes. He does not speak of power or religious success. He speaks of the Kingdom of God. Jesus calls blessed: the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the peacemakers, and even those persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Here we see three clear axes: 1. Living with humility 2. Working for justice and peace 3. Accepting the cost of discipleship Jesus does not promise an easy path, but he does promise a meaningful one. 3. One voice, then and now Micah and Jesus are saying the same thing, in different words. Micah says: do justice → Jesus says: blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. Micah says: love mercy → Jesus says: blessed are the merciful. Micah says: walk humbly → Jesus says: blessed are the poor in spirit. God’s proposal has not changed. 4. God’s proposal for today Today, God does not ask for greater religious sacrifices. God asks for an embodied faith. A faith that: defends human dignity, works for justice, practices mercy, builds peace, and if suffering comes for doing what is right, embraces it with dignity and hope. This is not a comfortable faith. It is a courageous faith. Conclusion The question is no longer what God requires of us. That is clear. The question is whether we are willing to accept God’s proposal. Not a faith of words, but a faith of life. Not a comfortable faith, but a faithful one. May we say today, as a community: Lord, we accept your proposal. And we will walk with you, whatever the cost. Amen. *Prayer of Confession: We confess that too often we have chosen a comfortable faith instead of a faithful one. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us in your ways. Words of Assurance: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and made new. Thanks be to God. (A brief silence to reflect on God’s call to justice, mercy, and humility.) The Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Pastor continues with blessing the elements... The Lord’s Prayer : “Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .” Sharing the bread and the cup. All are welcome at Christ’s table. During Communion: “Let Us Offer to the Father” TFWS 2262 Prayer Following Communion: Gracious God, we thank you for this holy meal. Strengthen us to live your proposal in the world—doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with you. Amen. Benediction: Go to live a faith that does justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with God. God in peace . Amen. * Song Of Blessing: “ Halle, Halle, Hallelujah” TFWS 2026 Postlude: “For All the Saints,” by Ralph Vaughn Williams Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church January 25, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Rev. Letha E. & Jay W. *Call to Worship Hymn: “Jesus Calls Us” UMH398 Leader: Let your lives witness to Christ’s love. Jay W. People: And may our words bring reconciliation. Leader: Let your thoughts be of peace. People: And our touch bring healing. Leader: Let your actions count for justice, People: And may our faith be a sign of hope. Leader: Let our time of worship here and now be a true blessing for us all and restore joy and praise to our lives. Sharing the Peace of Christ. *Opening Hymn: “Surely the Presence” UMH 328 Scripture: Psalm 27 UMH 758 – 759 Read responsively. Jay W. Time With Young Christians Pastor Letha Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notes, to be collected. Community Expressions Letha E. & Jay W. Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .” Hymn: “Spirit Song” UMH 349 Invitation to Generosity Rev. Letha E. Offertory: Doxology: UMH 95 Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-23 Jay W. *Hymn: “O Master Let Me Walk With Thee” UMH 430 Sermon: “Gone Fishing” Pastor Letha Meditation Hymn: “A Modern Affirmation” UMH 885 *Closing Hymn: “I Love to Tell the Story” UMH 156 Pastoral Benediction: Postlude:  Fruitland United Methodist Church January 18, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Willian Runyan Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Chase V. & Jorge R. *Call to Worship Chase V. I waited patiently for the Lord, and God heard my cry. God lifted me out of the deep pit and set my feet upon solid rock. God put a new song in our mouths, a hymn of praise. We trust in the Lord and come to do God’s will. We come to worship you with all that we are. Amen. *Sharing the Peace of Christ. Opening Hymn: “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” TFWS 2088 Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-7 Chase V. Time With Young Christians Rev. Jorge Rodriguez V. Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notes, to be collected. Community Expressions Jorge & Chase V. Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .” Invitation to Generosity Rev Jorge R. Offertory: “I was there to hear your borning cry” by John Ylvisaker *Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 Gospel Reading: John 1:29-42 Chase V. *Hymn: “Here I am, Lord” UMH 593 Sermon: “Come and See” Meditation Hymn: “Jesu, Jesu” UMH 432 Prayer of Confession God of grace, we confess that many times we are present but we do not truly see. You pass before us, and we remain distracted and hurried. We hear your invitation, but we hesitate to draw near and choose instead to remain on the shore. Forgive us when we fail to recognize your presence in the simple and the ordinary. Teach us to see, give us the courage to draw near, and the grace to remain with you. Amen. Closing Hymn: “We Are Marching” TFWS 2235 b Pastoral Benediction: Go in peace, with open eyes and willing hearts. As you hear the invitation of Jesus, respond with trust: “Come and see.” Amen. Postlude: Just as I am by William Bradbury Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church January 11, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” by Charles Welsey and Carl Glaser Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Holly K. & Jorge R. *Call to Worship Holly Kerfoot The voice of the Lord is over the waters. The God of glory thunders; the Lord is over mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful and full of majesty. The Lord gives strength to the people; the Lord blesses the people with peace. *Sharing the Peace of Christ. Opening Hymn: “Down to the River to Pray” Scripture: Psalm 29 Holly K Time With Young Christians Pastor Jorge Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notes, to be collected. Community Expressions Jorge & Holly K Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. The Lord’s Prayer: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .” Invitation to Generosity Rev Jorge R Offertory: “Breath on Me, Breath of God” by Obert Jackson *Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 Gospel Reading: Matthew 3:13-17 Holly K *Hymn: “Baptized in Water” TFWS 2248 Sermon: “Come on in – the water’s fine” The Apostles’ Creed: 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. Closing Hymn: “I have Decided to Follow Jesus” TFWS 2129 Pastoral Benediction: Go forth as God’s beloved people. You are not alone. You are part of Christ’s body. Go in peace,strengthened by the Spirit, and live as servants of God’s justice and love. Postlude: I’ve just come from the Fountain African-American spiritual Pastor Jorge Rodriguez [email protected]  Fruitland United Methodist Church January 4, 2026 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “My Tribute!” by Andre Crouch Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements Pastor Jorge and Jay *Call to Worship Jay Whitcomb Arise, shine, for your light has come. The glory of the Lord has risen upon us. Nations shall come to the light and kings to the brightness of dawn. We come to worship Christ, the light of the world. Let us worship God. Amen. *Sharing the Peace of Christ. Opening Hymn: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” TFWS 2173 Scripture: Isaiah 60: 1-6 - Reese Garcia The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God. Time with Young Christians: Pastor Jorge Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected. Community Expressions Jay and Pastor Jorge Sing: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness Our Community and World Let us pray. Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “How Great is Our God” by Chris Tomlin *Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow . . .” UMH 95 Gospel Reading: Matthew 2:1-12 Reese Garcia *Hymn: “We Three Kings” UMH 254 Message: The Light That Keeps on Shining Pastor Jorge Confession and Pardon: Christ is the light of the world, yet we confess that at times, we choose darkness. Let us confess our sin before God. Merciful God, we confess that we have not always walked in your light. We have failed to love our neighbors, ignored your call to unity, and turned away from your truth. Forgive us. Renew us. And lead us back into the light of Christ. Amen (A moment of silence.) Hear the good news. The light shines in the darkness, and darkness has not overcome it. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. The Great Thanksgiving The Lord be with you. And also, with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Pastor continues with blessing of the bread and the cup. The Lord’s Prayer : “Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . .” Sharing the bread and the cup. All are welcome at Christ’s table. During Communion: “One Bread, One Body” UMH 620 Three Kings Procession: “He is Born, the Holy Child” Sunday School Kids The joy of sharing is a gift we all have. It serves as a reminder that beauty and kindness are still present in the world, and that we all can bring kindness into the lives of others. So let us fully embrace this gift and never miss an opportunity to provide for another’s safety, happiness, or comfort. Closing Hymn: “Go Tell it on the Mountain” UMH 251 Pastoral Benediction: Go forth in peace. Walk in the light of Christ. Share the good news with joy. And may the blessing of God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – be with you now and always. Amen. Postlude: “Go Tell It On the Mountain”  Fruitland United Methodist Church Christmas Carol Worship Sunday, December 28, 2025 Prelude: “Joy to the World” Welcome & Announcements Rev. Jorge Rodríguez *Call to Worship Leader: The Light of Christ still shines among us. People: The darkness has not overcome it. Leader: We come singing the story of God-with-us. People: Our hearts rejoice in the good news of great joy. All: Let us worship God, whose love was born among us. *Opening Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful” UMH 234 *Prayer of Invocation: Pastor Jorge Loving God, we thank you for the gift of Christmas—for light in the darkness, hope in the midst of weariness, and joy that cannot be taken away. As we sing these familiar carols, renew our faith and remind us that Christ is still born among us today. Amen. First Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 *Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” UMH 240 Second Scripture: Luke 2:1–7 *Carol: “Away in a Manger” UMH 217 Third Scripture: Luke 2:8–14 *Carol: “The First Noel” UMH 245 Short Reflection: Still Singing Christmas Rev. Jorge Rodriguez Christmas Day has passed, but the song has not ended. The decorations may come down, schedules return to normal, yet the story we sing today still echoes among us. We keep singing because the world still needs the message of Christmas. God chose nearness over distance, vulnerability over power, a manger over a throne. Christ is not only born then, but still born now-- in acts of kindness, in quiet faithfulness, in love that shows up when joy feels fragile. As we continue to sing, may the song of Christmas shape our living, so that wherever we go, others may hear good news of great joy. Amen. *Carol of Response: “What Child is This?” UMH 219 Invitation to Generosity Pastor Jorge Offertory: “He Shall Feed His Flock” from The Messiah by George F. Handel Offertory Carol: “In the Bleak Midwinter” UMH 221 Prayer of Dedication: All: God of generous love, receive these gifts as signs of our gratitude. May they share the light of Christ with a world still longing for hope. Amen. *Closing Carol: “GoTell It On The Mountain” UMH 251 *Benediction Go into the world still singing-- singing of light, hope, and peace. Carry the song of Christmas in your hearts, for Christ is born, and Christ is with us still. Amen. Postlude: “Sheep May Safely Graze” by Johann Sebastian Bach  Fruitland United Methodist Church
Christmas Eve December 24, 2025  Fruitland United Methodist Church December 21, 2025 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “Angel Suite by Philip Keveren” Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Letha Essinger In the midst of uncertainty, God speaks a word of promise. We come to listen and to trust. In the middle of interrupted plans, God offers presence. We come to receive God’s love. A child is promised, a sign is given. Emmanuel – God is with us! Let us worship the God who comes near. *Sharing the peace of Christ. *Sing: “Song of Hope” TFWS 2186 We Light the Fourth Candle of Advent: The Candle of Love. Reader 1: Today, we light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of love. Love that comes not as power, but as presence. Love that enters our broken plans and makes all things new. Reader 2: The prophet Isaiah spoke of a sign of hope: A child born to remind us that God does not abandon God’s people. * God of love, as this candle burns, light our hearts with your presence. Help us to trust your promises and to welcome Emmanuel into our lives. Amen Scripture: Isaiah 7: 10-16 Letha Essinger Time With Young Christians – Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Time of Community Expressions Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness, Our Community and the World And now, let us pray in the way Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . . Invitation to Generosity – Pastor Jorge Offertory “Venite Adoremus” *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Scripture Reading: Matthew 1: 18-25 *Hymn: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” UMH 240 Sermon: “Joseph and the Plans God Rewrites” Pastor Jorge Matthew 1:18–25 Joseph had a plan. It wasn’t a complicated or ambitious plan. It was a simple, honest one—the kind most good people have: to marry Mary, to build a family, to work with his hands, to live with dignity. Everything was already in motion. Agreements had been made, expectations were set, the future seemed more or less clear. The plan was signed, sealed, and underway. And then, the plan fell apart. Matthew tells it with a sentence that sounds almost cold, but must have struck like lightning: “Mary was found to be with child.” This was not a small setback. It was not a misunderstanding that could easily be explained. It was a dead end. Something impossible to make sense of. Joseph’s Plan A simply no longer worked. So, like all of us when life derails our plans, Joseph sat down to think about Plan B. We are not told how he found out. Maybe Mary told him, her voice trembling. Maybe it was the whispers of the village—the rumors that always arrive before the truth. Maybe someone came to him with those words no one ever wants to hear: “I hate to be the one to tell you, but...” We don’t know. What we do know is that Joseph knew—and he had to decide. Matthew says Joseph was a righteous man. And here lies the dilemma. Because righteousness, according to the law, required exposure, accusation, public shame. The law protected Joseph’s name but destroyed Mary’s life. Legal righteousness demanded punishment; the righteousness of the heart demanded mercy. And Joseph chose the harder path: not to shame her. Plan B was to dismiss her quietly. To break the engagement without explanation. To protect her as much as he could. To lose everything without making noise. It was not the ideal plan, but it was the only one that seemed possible. Having made his decision, Joseph went to sleep carrying a burden no one should have to carry alone. And then, God dreamed with Joseph. An angel appeared in his dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid.” Do not be afraid to stay when everything tells you to run. Do not be afraid to love when love seems unreasonable. Do not be afraid to trust when you do not understand. In that dream, God did not offer easy explanations, but a deep invitation: to take part in something greater than all his plans. The child to be born was not a mistake or a scandal, but God with us. This was Plan C, which was actually God’s true Plan A. Joseph would still marry, still raise a family, still work with wood. Everything would look the same... and yet nothing would be the same. Because now Joseph knew that his life was woven into the redemption of the world. When Joseph woke up, he obeyed. Not because he understood everything, but because he trusted. Not because fear disappeared, but because love was stronger. And here is the good news for us today: God still interrupts plans. God still speaks in the middle of exhaustion. God still invites us into a faithfulness that is not comfortable, but deeply human. The angels are still singing. Still proclaiming that God is near. But too often we are busy making lists, searching for the perfect gift, planning the perfect Christmas—while quietly dismissing Christ. The angel is still saying to us today: “You do not have to make this Christmas special. It already is. God is already here.” There is only one thing left to do: to pause, to listen, and to dare to trust the God who rewrites our plans to give us life. *Prayer of Confession: Loving God, we confess that we often resist your interruptions. We cling to our plans and fear the unknown. Forgive us when we fail to trust your presence. Open our hearts to receive Emmanuel, and teach us to live with love and courage. Amen *Words of Assurance: Hear the good news: God is with us. God forgives, restores, and invites us into new life. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. Glory to God. Amen. Sing: “The King of Glory Comes” TFWS 2091 Pastoral Benediction: Go forth into the world in love. Trust the God who walks with you. Carry the light of Emmanuel – God with us – today and always. Amen *Song of Blessing: “We are Marching in the Light of God” TFWS 2235 Postlude: “Joy to the World”  Fruitland United Methodist Church December 14, 2025 *(Please stand if you are comfortably able.) Prelude: “The First Noel/ O Come, O Come Emmanuel” Welcoming the Light of Christ and inviting the neighborhood to worship. Welcome and Announcements *Call to Worship Holly Kerfoot The desert and the parched land will be glad. The dry place will bloom like a garden! Strengthen the weak hands, steady the trembling knees. For God is coming and brings salvation! Let us celebrate with joy, for the Lord is near. *Sharing the peace of Christ. We Light the Third Candle of Advent: The Candle of Joy. Reading: Today, we light the third candle of Advent – the pink candle, the Candle of Joy. In a world where weariness and worry often abound, we remember that God brings renewal, song, and new life. ( 3 candles are lit.) Lord, may Your joy bloom within us. May Your light fill us, and may we shine that light to others. Amen *Sing: “Give Thanks” TFWS 2036 Scripture: Isaiah 35: 1-10 Holly Kerfoot Time With Young Christians – Pastor Jorge (Please write prayer concerns and celebrations on yellow notepads, to be collected.) Time of Community Expressions Hymn: “Holy, Holy, Holy” TFWS 2007 Thanksgiving and Celebration Prayers for Healing and Wholeness, Our Community and the World And now, let us pray in the way Jesus taught us to pray: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name . . . Invitation to Generosity – Pastor Offertory “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow . . . UMH 95 Scripture Reading: Matthew 11:2-11 Holly K. Pew Bible p. 1512 Hymn: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” UMH 89 Sermon: “When the Desert Begins to Bloom” Pastor Jorge Isaiah 35:1-10 | Luke 1:46-55 Today is the Third Sunday of Advent; a different Sunday, a special one. We notice it in the pink candle, the candle of joy, a color that seems to whisper: “Don’t forget to smile while you wait.” In the middle of busy schedules, shopping lists, work, exhaustion and worries, this Sunday stands in our path and gently says: Rejoice! But a real question arises: How do we rejoice when life often feels more like a desert than a garden? 1. Isaiah speaks to the weary Isaiah 35 paints a surprising scene: “The desert and the parched land will be glad... it will blossom like the crocus.” “Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way. Say to those with fearful hearts: ‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come...’ ” Isaiah speaks to a broken people, exiled, tired, a people with more tears than strength. And yet his message is not one of despair but of life in the desert, homecoming for the lost, songs for the sorrowful. The prophet doesn’t deny reality. He transforms it with hope. He looks at dry land and declares flowers. He looks at difficult paths and announces: God is coming. This is Advent: Waiting with joy for what we cannot yet see, but know is coming. 2. Mary responds to the promise... with a song Centuries later, a humble young woman from Nazareth hears the voice of God—and she sings. “My soul magnifies the Lord... He has done great things... He lifts the lowly... He fills the hungry with good things...” Mary does not sing from comfort. She sings from faith. From a difficult place-- young, poor, pregnant, vulnerable-- yet she sings as if the world has already changed. Her song is hope in motion, faith with a melody. Isaiah sees flowers; Mary sings victory. Together they remind us that Christian joy is not denial of reality, but faith that transforms reality. 3. And what about us? Where do we need God to bloom? Maybe someone here today feels tired. Someone is waiting for a miracle, a word of peace, a restored relationship, an answer long prayed for. To that heart the Scripture says today: Do not fear. Strengthen your hands. The Lord is coming. Look around you: In every reconciliation, in every act of kindness, in every smile shared, in every small sprout of hope — God is already blooming. Joy doesn’t always arrive like fireworks. Sometimes it comes like a seed, like a small pink candle, like a quiet song carried in the heart of a believing young woman. Conclusion Today we light the pink candle to remember: The prophet’s promise is still alive. Mary’s song still echoes. Christ is near and that is reason for joy. Advent does not ask us to deny the desert; it invites us to look until we see the garden. It does not ask us to wait in silence; it invites us to sing with Mary, trusting in the God who: • lifts up the humble, • restores the weary, • and opens pathways where none exist. So today we proclaim with faith: Rejoice! God is coming. The desert will bloom. And we will sing with Mary: “My soul rejoices in God my Savior.” Amen. Rev. Jorge Rodriguez [email protected] *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe in God, who brings life where there seems to be none. We believe in Christ, a light that never goes out. We believe in the Holy Spirit, who renews, strengthens, and fills us with joy. Amen. Sing: “The Summons” verses 1 and 2 TFWS 2130 Pastoral Benediction: May the God who makes the desert bloom strengthen your hands. May Christ, who is coming, fill you with joy and hope. May the Holy Spirit guide you today and always. Go in peace and with joy. Amen. *Song of Blessing: “Go Now in Peace” UMH 665 Postlude: “In Dulci Jubilo,” a German carol, arranged by Richard Walters. ******************************************************************************** Wednesday, Dec. 17, 7-7:30 PM Blue Christmas If the holidays are difficult for you, we offer a quiet, peaceful service of reflection and comfort. You are not alone. Sunday, Dec. 21, 5 PM Las Posadas A beautiful Advent tradition which re-enacts the journey of Mary and Joseph searching for a place for Jesus to be born. One group represents the holy couple knocking on doors, while others respond from inside. This simple act invites us to open our hearts, practice hospitality, and make room for Christ in our lives. The evening will conclude with snacks and a pinata. |