Watch Live Services Sunday at 10:45

Prelude                     Praise Band     

Welcome and Announcements   please pass attendance pads

                 Susan Murithi, Senior Pastor

Announcement:

Silent Reflection and Opening Prayer                      

Greeting Time  (You may stand up and greet those around you with a

hand shake or an elbow bump.)

*Opening Hymn  Sing We Now of Christmas (Vs1 & 3)    UMH 237 

Vision Recitation      Hays First UMC--------

Mission Recitation at Hays First UMC we----

Advent Candle Lighting:  Decker Family    

Theme:  Awakened to Joy-Scripture: Luke 1:46-55

Reader 1:  Today we light the third candle of Advent, the candle of Joy.

Mary’s soul magnified the Lord, and her spirit rejoiced in God her Savior.

Reader 2:  “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

Luke 1:46-47.

Reader 1:  We light this candle to remind us that joy is born out of faith and

Hope fulfilled.  Even in uncertainty, we rejoice because God’s promises are sure.  

,People:  Come, Lord Jesus, awaken us to your joy!

 Children’s Pageant Catherine Trieschmann Miller    

Special Music     Fur Elise (Ludwig van Beethoven)      Grayson Decker

Prayers of the People                                        Matt Dumler

Lord’s Prayer     UMH 895

Women’s Ensemble                    He Is Born       

Handbells – Marijo Rooney    Pianist:  Charlotte Rathke

Scripture                 Matthew 11:2-11                          Mary Meckenstock                                                             

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his

 disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for

 another?”  Jesus answered them, ”Go and tell John what you hear and see:  the

 blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear,

 the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.  And

 blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”  

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John:  What did

 you go out into the wilderness to look at?  A reed shaken by the wind? What

 then did you go out to see?  Someone dressed in soft robes?  Look, those who

 wear soft robes are in royal palaces.  What then did you go out to see?  A

 prophet?  Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.  This is the one about whom

 it is written,  ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare

 your way before you.’  Truly I tell you among those born of women no one has

 arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is   

greater than he.  

Sermon        Awakened to Joy                Susan Murithi, Senior Pastor

Faithful Stewardship   Psalm 37:21 The Righteous give generously.”                                                                                                                  Mary Meckenstock

Congregational Prayer:  “Righteous God, Your Word says the righteous are generous and give.   Make us a people who give freely and faithfully, with integrity in all things. Let generosity mark our lives, not out of duty, but out of love for You and others.  Shape us into a giver, not just of things, but of grace, kindness, and compassion.   Amen” 

            Offertory                            The Peace Carol   Charlotte Rathke

           *Doxology     Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow           UMH 95

Offertory Prayer                       Mary Meckenstock                     

*Closing Hymn    Go, Tell It on the Mountain    (Vs. 1-3)               UMH 251           

                 *Benediction                 

             *Postlude    Rise Up Shepherds Charlotte Rathke