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WE HAVE GATHERED AS A FAMILY OF FAITH Second Sunday of Advent

December 8, 2019 8:00 a.m./9:15 a.m.

The Church at Litchfield Park, aspiring to be as inclusive as the love of God, welcomes everyone who comes to the doors of this House of Prayer for all People.

CHIMES “O Come Let Us Adore Him” Diversi Heavenly and Carillon Handbell Choirs

PRELUDE “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Regney/Shayne

BRINGING IN THE LIGHT (9:15 a.m.)

WELCOME, REGISTRATION AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING OF THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE 8:00 a.m. Kathy Bilak and Leanne Walgren; 9:15 a.m. Wasim and Denise El Habach

CALL TO WORSHIP: Isaiah 6:8 L: Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,

P: “Whom shall I send?

L: And who will go for us?”! P: And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” No. 278 8:00 a.m. (Verses 1 - 2) 9:15 a.m. (Verses 1 - 3)

PRAYER OF THE GATHERED COMMUNITY (In Unison) Dear Lord, Thank you for the ways in which you call and send us. Forgive us for the times when we ignore your guidance or attempt to do it our own way. May we always remember how we are connected together by your boundless love – in this we are filled.

L: Let us now pray together the prayer that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ taught us:

LORD’S PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

MUSICAL PRESENTATION “Still, Still, Still” arr. Ingram Heavenly and Carillon Handbell Choirs

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SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 3:1-3 L: The Word of the Lord. (Page 3) P: Thanks be to God.

SERMON “The Path to Peace” Rev. Kerri Sandusky

SPECIAL PRESENTATION Rev. Lynne Kammeraad and Ken Martin

HYMN “O Little Town of Bethlehem” No. 250 8:00 a.m. (Verses 1 & 4) 9:15 a.m. (Verses 1, 2 & 4)

OFFERTORY “Sing We Now of Christmas” arr. McChesney Carillon and Heavenly Handbell Choirs

“DOXOLOGY” No. 815

“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” No. 245

“O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!”

BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE “Dona Nobis Pacem (Grant Us Peace)” Traditional Latin

MATTHEW 3:1-3 (NIV)

In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

CONGREGATION PLEASE STAND (AS YOU ARE ABLE)

Assisted Hearing devices and large print hymnals and bulletins are available for use during services. Please contact an usher if you would like to use one of these.

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WE HAVE GATHERED AS A FAMILY OF FAITH Second Sunday of Advent

December 8, 2019 10:45 a.m.

The Church at Litchfield Park, aspiring to be as inclusive as the love of God, welcomes everyone who comes to the doors of this House of Prayer for all People

CHIMES

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

LIGHTING OF THE SECOND ADVENT CANDLE Bob and Beth Hatch

OPENING PRAYER

CALL TO WORSHIP

PRAISE OF THE GATHERED COMMUNITY

“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing/Joy to the World!/ Go, Tell It on the Mountain” Traditional

“The First Noel/Above All” Traditional/LaBlanc/Baloche

PRAYER OF THE GATHERED COMMUNITY (In Unison)

SONG OF RESPONSE “Winter Snow” Audrey Assad Samantha Watson, soloist

SCRIPTURE READING Matthew 3:1-3 L: The Word of the Lord. (Page 3) P: Thanks be to God.

SERMON “The Path to Peace” Rev. Kerri Sandusky

SPECIAL PRESENTATION Rev. Lynne Kammeraad and Ken Martin

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

OFFERTORY “Mary, Did You Know?” Lowry/Green Nikka del Rosario, soloist

PRAISE OF THE GATHERED COMMUNITY “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)” Traditional/Tomlin/Cash/Gilder BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE Music and words of the above songs are used by permission under CCLI License #1601378

CONGREGATION PLEASE STAND (AS YOU ARE ABLE).

Assisted Hearing devices and large print hymnals and bulletins are available for use during services. Please contact an usher if you would like to use one of these.

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CELEBRATION AND GODSPEED

A letter was mailed last week sharing news that Pastor Kerri recently accepted a call to serve as the pastor of First United Church of Christ in Tipton, Iowa. We invite you to join us TODAY as we say farewell to Pastor Kerri and Jay. We will be celebrating Pastor Kerri’s ministry at The Church at Litchfield Park during all three worship services. Cake will be served following each service in Souers Hall where we will have the opportunity to say thank you and Godspeed.

CHRISTMAS ANGEL PROJECT

TODAY is the last day to contribute to the Missions Committee’s Christmas Angel Project for Luke Air Force Base Deployed Families. If you would like to contribute a gift, money, or a gift card to this project, you can do so TODAY between services in the breezeway/Souers Hall. Gifts will be received by our Luke Air Force Base Deployed Families on December 15. Suggested gifts include: gift cards for adults; a basket of goodies for mom that includes items/gift cards for manicures, pedicures, massages, etc.; a man’s basket with different items. For kids, non-wrapped gifts including: Big Wheels, gaming systems, Legos (for girls and boys), Barbie House, Barbie items, boys and girls bikes and other popular kids toys are suggested.

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE

Our stewardship campaign for 2020 is falling behind in its number of pledgers. We appreciate the generous gifts of those who have taken the time to make their pledges. If you haven’t had the opportunity to provide yours, please consider doing so. Our board is currently preparing the budget for 2020 and visibility of our pledge gifts are vital to be able to effectively plan how we will provide the Worship, Service and Fellowship pillars to our members and communities.

Take time to check out what’s happening… Celebration and Godspeed God’s Own Kids (GO Kids)

Christmas Angel Project 4C Choir

Stewardship Update All Church Caroling

Volunteer Opportunity Youth Activities

Christmas Poinsettias Men’s Fellowship

Holidays With Orpheus Male Chorus Women’s Fellowship

Christmas Pageant Rehearsals Ladies Who Lunch

Adult Studies Luminarias

Wednesday Night Dinners 3F Food, Fun, Fellowship

Sunday School Christmas Party 2019 Contributions

St. Mary’s Food Bank Thank you

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TUESDAY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

On Tuesday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m., in Souers Hall, volunteers are invited to prepare the candles for Christmas Eve services. Also at this time, we will be wrapping gifts for the Sunday School children. Anyone interested in helping with these projects is invited to join in the fun. Sign up in the breezeway/Souers Hall between services.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS

Today is the last day to order and pay for poinsettias. Poinsettias for the Christmas season are on sale in the breezeway/Souers Hall between services. This is a chance to remember a loved one, praise someone, or simply spread the spirit of Christmas with the enduring red bloom that represents a deep love for Jesus. The poinsettias will be displayed in the sanctuary and Souers Hall with the honorees’ names listed in the bulletin. The price is $10.00 cash or check made payable to The Church at Litchfield Park with “poinsettias” in the memo line.

TODAY- HOLIDAYS WITH ORPHEUS CHORUS

Orpheus Male Chorus will present their annual “Holidays with Orpheus” concert TODAY at 3:00 p.m. at The Church at Litchfield Park. Featured will be traditional and contemporary holiday songs, along with their audience sing-along of everyone’s favorite Christmas carols. Admission to “Holidays with Orpheus” is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, for tickets purchased in advance at www.orpheus.org. Advance tickets are only sold online. For tickets purchased at the door, the admission will be $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students. For more information contact the Orpheus Box Office at (602) 698-7890.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSALS TODAY

Rehearsals are TODAY, and continue through Saturday, December 14. The performance is on Sunday, December 15, during the 10:45 a.m. worship service. We are excited to announce that our script, The Nativity: A Traditional Story of the Birth of Jesus Christ, has been updated to include more speaking roles. Rehearsals are Thursdays from 5:45-7:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Dress rehearsal will be on Saturday, December 14.

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ADULT STUDIES

Our study of Genesis concludes Tuesday, December 10, at 10:00 a.m. and Wednesday, December 11, at 6:30 p.m., in Souers Hall. Pastor Lynne will be our study leader as we focus on Joseph (Genesis 42-50) and his relationships. Please consider joining us if possible. It will be very helpful if you can bring a Bible and paper for taking notes as the amount of scripture we are covering is extensive and only a limited amount will be projected.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNERS

Free Community dinner on Wednesday, December 11, for a time of good food and fellowship together. Dinner will be tacos, refried beans, coleslaw and ice cream dessert. Dinner is served from 5:45–6:30 p.m. in Souers Hall. See you then!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PARTY

All kids PreK – 5th grade are invited to join us Saturday, December 22, during Sunday School at the 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. services for our Annual Sunday School Christmas Party. After reading the story of Jesus’ birth we will have games, crafts, cookie decorating and lots more.

GO KIDS

GO Kids will meet on Wednesday, December 11, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in the Rec Room (classroom 5 & nursery). All children ages PreK-5th grade are welcome to join us and enjoy an evening of crafts and prayers. Then get comfy on our bean bags, grab some free popcorn and enjoy a Veggie Tales Bible Story Video.

4C CHOIR

This Wednesday, December 11, we will be practicing lots of fun Christmas songs in preparation for our Christmas caroling on Sunday evening, December 22. Kindergarten through 5th graders, come to Fireside Room North at 5 p.m. At 5:45 p.m., when we finish rehearsing, there will be a yummy free family dinner in Souers Hall. See you there!

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ALL CHURCH CAROLING

Come ready to sing Christmas carols the evening of Sunday, December 22. We will meet in the parking lot and load on the hay wagons at 5:00 p.m. After singing Christmas carols around Litchfield Park, we will have hot chocolate, cookies, and possibly a visit from a jolly man dressed in red!

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Sunday 12/8 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. – Help with Sunday School 10:30 a.m. – Ignite (6th - 8th grades) 11:45 a.m. – Pulse (9th – 12th grades)

Classroom 5 Watt House Watt House

Sunday 12/15 Christmas Pageant – No Youth Group

Sunday 12/22 11:45 a.m. – Youth Christmas Party! 5:00 p.m. – Caroling Wagons

Watt House Parking lot

Sunday 12/29 Happy New Year! – No Youth Group

Men’s Christian Service Fellowship meets the second Tuesday of each month, which includes a half-hour DVD presentation (Journey of Faith), open discussions, and a homemade dinner. The next meeting is Tuesday, December 10, at 6:00 p.m. in Souers Hall. This will be our final evening of study with Journey of Faith. Our goal is for participants to gain a deeper understanding of what others believe, and why they believe what they do, while learning more about ourselves. We will also learn more about Jesus’ desire to quench our deepest thirsts and longings. All men are welcome. Please sign up in the breezeway/Souers Hall.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Circle 1: Our December meeting will be Wednesday, December 11, at 9:30 a.m. at the home of Barbara Kolar. All women are invited to join us for fellowship and fun. Please email wcsfcircle1@clp.church or call the office at (623) 935-3411 if you have any questions or need directions.

LADIES WHO LUNCH

Ladies Who Lunch will meet on Tuesday, December 10, at Zetas, 2935 N. Dysart, Avondale. All women are welcome. Please sign up in the breezeway/Souers Hall or contact Suzanne Boyer or Joan Cappel at ladieswholunch@clp.church or contact the church office at (623) 935-3411. See you on the 11th for our fellowship luncheon.

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LUMINARIAS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Traditionally the church has been adorned by luminarias on Christmas Eve. If you would like to participate in this beautiful ministry to our community, please sign-up in the breezeway/Souers Hall or contact the church office at (623) 935-3411. Luminarias are assembled at church on the afternoon of Christmas Eve. Depending on the number of volunteers it can take about an hour for set up. Set up will take place rain or shine.

3F CLUB POTLUCK

The 3F Club: Food, Fun & Fellowship is a great way to get to know others in our church family, to develop lasting relationships and share the love of God together in an intimate environment. We will start the 2020 season off with a group potluck on Sunday, January 12, at 12:00 p.m. in Souers Hall. Couples and singles of all ages are encouraged to join. Once a month each unit made up of couples and/or singles will be paired up in

groups of eight. One couple will host and supply the main entrée and the remaining couples will each bring one of the following: appetizer, side dish or dessert. Please sign up in the breezeway/Souers Hall between services by Sunday, December 22.

2019 CONTRIBUTIONS

For your offerings to be reflected on your 2019 giving statement, all contributions must be in the church office no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, December 30th.

ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK DRIVE SUCCESS!

Thank you for supporting the food drive for St. Mary’s Food Bank. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we donated 740 pounds of food that will truly make a difference for the hungry in Arizona.

COMING NEXT SUNDAY

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*Childcare provided in the Nursery

The Church at Litchfield Park

Christmas Calendar 2019 Date Event Time Location

Sun. Dec. 15 3rd Sunday of Advent - Joy

Cantata

Christmas Pageant

8:00*, 9:15*

10:45 a.m.*

Sanctuary

Souers Hall

Sun. Dec. 22

4th Sunday of Advent - Love

Sunday School Christmas Party

Christmas Caroling

8:00*, 9:15*, 10:45 a.m.*

9:15*, 10:45 a.m.*

5:00 p.m.

Sanctuary

Classrooms

Souers Hall

Tues. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

Worship Team & Brass

Choir & Strings

Bells

5:00 p.m.*

7:00*, 9:00 p.m.*

11:00 p.m.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Sanctuary

Wed. Dec. 25 Christmas Day – Office Closed

Thurs. Dec. 26 Christmas Holiday – Office Closed

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Calendar for the Week of December 8, 2019

Today, 12/08/19 COFFEE FELLOWSHIP – In the breezeway and/or in Souers Hall before and after worship INFORMATION TABLE – In the breezeway and at the front fountain before and after worship

8:00 a.m. – WORSHIP SERVICE in Sanctuary 8:00 a.m. – CHILDCARE (Newborn-2 years old) in Nursery 9:15 a.m. – WORSHIP SERVICE in Sanctuary 9:15 a.m. – CHILDCARE (Newborn-2 years old) in Nursery 9:15 a.m. – PREK SUNDAY SCHOOL (3-4 year olds) in Classroom 6 9:15 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL (K-5

th grades) in Classroom 3

10:30 a.m. – IGNITE (6th

-8th

grades) in Watt House 10:45 a.m. – WORSHIP SERVICE in Sanctuary 10:45 a.m. – CHILDCARE (Newborn-2 years old) in Nursery 10:45 a.m. – PREK SUNDAY SCHOOL (3-4 year olds) in Classroom 6 10:45 a.m. – SUNDAY SCHOOL (K-5

th grades) in Classroom 3

11:45 a.m. – PULSE (9th

-12th

grades) in Watt House 11:45 a.m. – CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL in Souers Hal 3:00 p.m. – ORPHEUS MALE CHORUS in Sanctuary

Monday, 12/09/19

12:00 p.m. – ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS in Watt House

Tuesday, 12/10/19

10:00 a.m. – ADULT STUDIES in Souers Hall 12:00 p.m. – ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS in Watt House 6:00 p.m. – MEN’S CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP MEETING in Souers Hal 6:00 p.m. – WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP BOARD MEETING in Fireside Room North

Wednesday, 12/11/19

12:00 p.m. – ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS in Watt House 4:15 p.m. – HEAVENLY HANDBELL REHEARSAL in Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. – 4C CHOIR in Fireside Room North 5:00 p.m. – CHILDCARE in Nursery and Classroom 5 5:45 p.m. – WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER in Souers Hall 6:30 p.m. – CHANCEL CHOIR REHEARSAL in Choir Room 6:30 p.m. – ADULT STUDIES in Souers Hall 6:30 p.m. – GO KIDS & CHILDCARE in Classroom 5 and Nursery 6:30 p.m. – CUB SCOUT PACK 990 in Watt House Youth Room, Watt House, Classrooms 2,3,4 & 6

Thursday, 12/12/19

5:45 p.m. – CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL in Souers Hal 6:00 p.m. – MISSIONS COMMITTEE MEETING in Fireside Room North 7:00 p.m. – CARILLON HANDBELL REHEARSAL in Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. – ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS in Watt House

Friday, 12/13/19

1:00 p.m. – WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP KNITTING/CROCHET GROUP in Zieske Hall 6:00 p.m. – VISION TEAM in Zieske Hal 6:30 p.m. – ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS in Watt House

Saturday, 12/14/19

8:30 a.m. – CHRISTMAS PAGEANT DRESS REHEARSAL in Souers Hal 8:30 a.m. – VISION TEAM in Zieske Hall 12:00 p.m. – CANTATA REHEARSAL in Sanctuary

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The Church at Litchfield Park 300 N. Old Litchfield Road Litchfield Park, AZ 85340

Phone: (623) 935-3411 Fax: (623) 935-0560 Web: www.clp.church Email: info@clp.church

The Ministers of this Church are its members

Assisting them are:

Rev. Dr. Lynne Kammeraad, Senior Pastor

Rev. Kerri Sandusky, Associate Pastor Rev. Judson Souers, Pastor Emeritus

ASSISTING IN WORSHIP TODAY

SENIOR PASTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Lynne Kammeraad ASSOCIATE PASTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rev. Kerri Sandusky MUSIC DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jill Tabata 10:45 WORSHIP LEADER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Amy Burns ORGANIST/PIANIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kathy Drake LITURGIST . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diane Piehl USHERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 a.m. . . . . . . . . Jim & Nancy Montgomery, Jane Holdcroft, Jack Sigler 9:15 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim & Lorene Greer, Jim & Carol Meier 10:45 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ron Smith, Danelle Farris, Sharon Cotman

ACOLYTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Elizabeth Allen, Michaela Gonzalez WELCOME BOOTHS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W.C.S.F., Lily Early CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kirstin McNamara IGNITE YOUTH DIRECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Sproull PULSE YOUTH DIRECTOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Steve Yamamori NURSERY. . .8:00, 9:15, 10:45 a.m. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stephanie Horacek, Amanda Clough