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Candle Of Joy!

Order of Worship Sunday December 18, 2022

Submitted by Pastor on 17 December 2022

Greater Framingham Community Church

An Extended Christian Family

 

        A Service for the Candle of Image removed.

 

 

 

 

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December 18, 2022

10:00 AM

 

Greater Framingham Community Church

Franklin and Park Streets, PO Box 629

Framingham, MA 01704

Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd, Pastor

 

PLEASE NOTE:   All services are videotaped\livestream which means the camera from time to time spans the congregation and you may be on the screen.

Sunday Worship

 

   December 18, 2022            Worship Service                 10:00 A.M.

 

 

Prelude                                                   Minister of Music & Praise Team


We Worship Through Praise                                            Felix Mwangi

 

Praise Choruses                                                                        Praise Team

I love to Praise Him

We worship you

I really Love The Lord

 

 

Advent Candle – Candle of Joy     Minister Quincy & Dawn Mosby   

 

We Worship Through the Word

 

 

Scripture                       Matthew 2:1-12                  Deacon Lynn Moore

 

We Worship Through the Preached Word

 

Praise Chorus                       They Need to Know                        Praise Team

 

Sermon                            Matthew 11:1-6                                                     Minister Beverly Thompson

 

We Worship Through Prayer     

 

Invitation to Christian Discipleship      

 

Praise Selection                   Jesus paid It All                          Praise Team

 

 

We Worship In Response to Hearing the Word    

 

Tithes & Offerings

 

Praise Selection    What You Gonna Name That Baby     Praise Team

 

 

Benediction                                                         Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd

 

PRAISE CHORUSES



I LOVE TO PRAISE HIM

 

(I love to praise Him)

I love to praise His name

(I love to praise Him)

I love to praise His name

(I love to praise Him)

I love to praise His name

I love to praise His holy name.

 

He's my rock, my rock, my sword and shield,

He's my wheel in the middle of a wheel.

I know He'll never, never let me down;

He's just a jewel that I have found.

 

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I love to praise His name.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I love to praise His name.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I love to praise His name.

I love to praise His holy name.

 

 

WE WORSHIP YOU

 

You’re the One, we wait on You to come. 

We worship you, we worship You 

Fill this place, your glory on every face.  

We worship You, we worship You.  

 

We lift our hands, Lord, here in your presence.  

We worship You, we worship You.

Forever, my Savior, I live to praise You.  

We worship You, we worship You. 

 

Heaven, come; Lord won’t You make us one.  

We worship You, we worship You.  

Fire, fall, come and consume us all.

We worship You, we worship You.

 

We lift our hands, Lord, here in your presence.  

We worship You, we worship You.

Forever, my Savior, I live to praise You.  

We worship You, we worship You. 

 

 

I REALLY LOVE THE LORD

 

I really love the Lord

I really love the Lord

You don't know what He's done for me

He gave me the victory

I love Him, I love Him

I really love the Lord

 

 

THEY NEED TO KNOW

 

They've taken Christ from Christmas

Filled it with earthly joys

Like Frosty and Rudolph

Even a drummer boy

They need to know that Christ is Christmas

They need to know that Christ is Christmas

Sent down to save the world from sin

That's why he came my friend

They really need to know

 

They've taken Christ from Christmas

Replaced him with toys and games

The world really needs to know

That's not why he came

They need to know that Christ is Christmas

They need to know that Christ is Christmas

 

Sent down to save the world from sin

That's why he came my friend

They really need to know

 

They need to know he came to save the world

Sent down to save every precious boy and girl

Sent down to save the world from sin

That's why he came my friend

They really need to know

 

 

JESUS PAID IT ALL

 

I hear the Savior say,

"Thy strength indeed is small,

Child of weakness, watch and pray,

Find in Me thine all in all."

 

Refrain:

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe;

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

 

Lord, now indeed I find

Thy pow'r and Thine alone,

Can change the leper's spots

And melt the heart of stone.

 

For nothing good have I

Where-by Thy grace to claim;

I'll wash my garments white

In the blood of Calvary's Lamb.

 

And when, before the throne,

I stand in Him complete,

"Jesus died my soul to save,"

My lips shall still repeat.

 

 

WHAT YOU GONNA NAME YOUR BABY

 

What you're gonna name your little baby, Mary?

What you're gonna name your little baby, Mary?

In a little town called Bethlehem they was a little meek and humble lamb

Now what you're gonna name your little baby, Mary?

 

Angels appeared to Joseph in a dream, Mary

I'm gonna make your son a king, Mary

He said, fear not to take her as your wife

God's gonna make everything alright

What are you gonna name your little boy baby, Mary?

 

One day Moses heard Him when He called from the fire

Take off your shoes, let me take you higher

He came to the poor, He came to the lost

He's gonna reach out at any cost

What you're gonna call your little baby, Mary?

 

The wise men traveled from afar, Mary

They were guided by a shining star, Mary

They brought their gold, frankincense and myrrh

When the angels sang this is what they heard

"Glory to God in the highest"

Peace to all mankind, glory

This little baby born in a manger he'll give you peace of mind

 

Somebody call Him wonderful

Mighty God and Prince of peace

Somebody call Him Alpha and Omega

He is my priest

Moses said he saw Him in a burning bush one day

John talked about Him

This is what He said

God gave His son

And the son gave His live

That we might have the right to the tree of life

 

I'm gonna call the little boy baby Jesus

Jesus, Jesus

Wanna call Him Jesus

Adam's redeemer, yes He is

And He's Gabriel's shield

He's Raphael's courage

And Ezekiel's wheel

Jesus

 

 

 Your Church Needs Your Help!

 

God has given each of us gifts that He wants us to use to build his church and advance the kingdom of God. Will you pray about how you can give back to God and GFCC through service in ministry. We have several ministry opportunities coming open in January and we desperately need volunteers. Will you step up to the plate? Give the church a call and schedule a time to talk with the pastor.

 

Ministry Openings:

 

Serve as a Deacon

Individuals who believe they have gifts to serve others

 

Ministerial Staff

Individuals who believe they have a call on their life to preach and serve the congregation

 

Mission & Outreach Ministry

Individuals who have a passion to spread the word of God and serve the community

 

Church Council Chair

Someone willing to lead others in the administration of the church

 

Board of Trustees

Individuals will to serve the church with the upkeep of the church building

 

Livestream and Audio Visual

Individuals who can help with the technology to keep the church's message going forward to the broader community 

Board of Christian Education

Individuals who want to use their gifts to ensure that Christian Education is taking place at the church

 

Board of Finance

Individuals who have experience with finances  

 

Board of Youth

Individuals who want to work with our children and youth

Music Ministry

Individuals who would like to sing or dance in the following musical groups:

 

Woman's Praise Team

Men's Praise Team

Young Adult Praise Team

Anointed Dance Ministry

Children's Choir

Pastor’s Aide

Individuals who want to use their gifts to support the ministry of the Pastor and the Ministerial Staff.

 

Transportation Ministry

Individuals willing to pick up individuals in the church van to bring them to church on Sundays 

We need your help! Respond Today

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We rejoice with our new potential members Jamal & Crystal Gilbert on their new arrival of their son, Xavier Jerome Gilbert.  Born November 29th.  Everyone is doing great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Advent Season

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Advent Season

 An Introduction

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Get ready for the world’s best news!

 

Advent Season, the four weeks before Christmas, is a time to get ready.  During Advent, we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas, we receive the risen Christ who comes to us in Word and Spirit, and we await with hope Christ’s coming in final victory.

 

Advent is from the Latin adventus, which means “coming.”  Prophets announced the coming of the Savior:  For a child has been born for us, a son given to us…(Isaiah 9:6), Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, said of John: You, child, will be called the prophet of the most high: for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways…By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:76-79)

 

During Advent we become one with those who waited in darkness for the revealing of God’s light and who dared to hope that God’s salvation could come in the birth of a child.  As we re-live the story each year, we gain a new and deeper understanding of the meaning of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.  We celebrate God’s gift of Jesus Christ and give thanks.

The Challenge of Advent

 

In our world, Christmas has become a commercial event.  During Advent we are challenged to reclaim the customs that help us celebrate God’s gift of love in Jesus and to avoid or curtail those things that stand in the way.  Gifts, cards, and parties need to express love, not obligation, and they need to extend beyond our immediate circle of family and friends to those who most need love and care.

 

Advent: Advent is the beginning of the Christian Year.  Advent is our season of waiting and expectation.  This is the time when God calls us to begin, afresh and anew the preparation of our hearts to become the clean and ready managers for The Christ Child’s arrival.  Advent means that Mary is pregnant!  The Biblical lections and the songs of Advent set the stage to allow our congregation to walk with us through this section of The God Story and another, “In The Beginning.”  We are awaiting the fresh arrival of The One who will bring change into our lives.  We are anticipating the coming of a new day, a fresh start and a different reality.  We are living in expectation.

 

The Advent Wreath

 

An Advent Wreath can be a center of worship for both church and home.  The wreath is a circle of evergreen branches, a sign of everlasting life.  Four Red or Purple Candles, one for each week in Advent, are set in the circle.  A White Candle for Christmas Day is placed in the center.  The base is an Advent Wreath.

 

 

The Colors of the Season

 

Purple is the traditional color used by many churches during Advent and Lent because it represents both penitence and royalty.  Blue, sometimes used during Advent, represents hope.  White is the color of joy and festivities, a suitable color for the Christ Candle in the Advent Wreath and for Christmas Services.

 

Lighting the Advent Wreath

 

One candle is lit on the first Sunday of Advent with an additional candle lighted each week.  On Christmas Eve the White Christ Candle is lighted.

 

Family Advent Worship

 

Families may have daily or weekly Advent Worship.  In the Northern Hemisphere, Advent and Christmas come when the days are shortest.  In Ancient times, especially, lighting candles symbolized hope both for the return of sunlight and for the joy of Jesus’ coming to bring God’s light to the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Condolences 

 

 

 

Condolences to ________________ with the passing of his/her cousin, Name of deceased. Cards can be sent to ______________________________ (their mailing address) Best to check the address in the database opposed to the hard copy directory. The electronic version is more accurate.

 

 

    

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Tithes & Offerings

 

When you enter the church and when you exit the service, we have provided an "Offering Container" in the Narthex.
Please make your donations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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In Person & Zoom Ministry Resumes

 

We are happy to announce that Jr Church and JYC has resumed in person instruction at GFCC.  With our new technology other children and parents can zoom into the class at the same time.

 

These ministries will meet on Sundays just after the Praise Time of Worship, approximately 10:15 AM. Jr Church is in the Alexander Room and JYC is in the Hill Room.

 

Please invite and bring your children out for Christian Education!

 

Teen Worship meets 2nd & 4th Sundays in the Heard Conference Room and by zoom:
 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82679560792?pwd=Zmx2TE1sZVBVZXFjem5OaS9GcFlXdz09
 

Meeting ID: 826 7956 0792       Passcode: 189375

 

 

    

 

MLK Worship Celebration

 

Sunday, January 15, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. Live in Person and Online

 

Preacher of the hour:  Evangelist Alleya Jones

 

Come Celebrate Together

 

African Attire Encouraged

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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2022 Church Directory

 

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Church Directories are in the process of being updated.

 

If any of your information has changed please let the

Central Office know either

 

call 508-626-2118 or email

 

Administrator@gfccnet.org

 

 

Does the church have your correct Email address?

We want to save the church money with the cost of postage having gone up. To do so we are sending out giving statements by email. Please a point to ensure that the church has your correct email address. This can be done by giving it to your deacon to give it to the Board of finance or emailing it to the central office.  Thank you for helping your church save on expenses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The next packing session will be Friday,

January ____  at 1:30pm and help to distribute on Saturday, January _____  at 9 am at GFCC.  Please reach out to the Central Office,

508-626-2118 or call Linda James 508-788-0611. We will be feeding 75 families every other Friday, so we are in need of volunteers for an hour and half on each of these Fridays.

 

Save the Date

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Christmas Sunday Celebration

4th Sunday of Advent

10:00 AM

Sunday, December 25th

 

In person & livestream

 

 

New Year’s Eve
Watch Night Service

10:30 PM

Saturday, December 31st
 

Livestream Only

 

 

 

 

Annual Memorial Service

 

 

Sunday, January 22, 2023 we will celebrate the Homegoing of those individuals who have been promoted to glory during the calendar year 2019. The congregation is encouraged to come out to encourage those who have buried loved ones and affirm our hope that lies beyond the grave. Family members are invited to light a candle of remembrance during the service at that time.

 

Poinsettia Donations

 

The Holiday season is here. Placing poinsettias in our Sanctuary is an expression of the beauty and glory the Christmas season brings. 

Help us celebrate the season by donating $7.00 towards the purchase of poinsettias.  Please give your donation to any member of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry (wearing ministry name pins). All donations are greatly appreciated.  Please plan on taking your poinsettia home after service on Sunday December 25th.

 

 

 

 

                

 

 

2nd Sunday of Advent

10:00AM Service

 Sunday, December 11th
In person & livestream

  

 

 


1st Sunday of Advent

10:00AM Service

 Sunday, December 4th

In person & livestream

  

 

 

 

 


3rd Sunday of Advent

10:00AM Service

Sunday, December 18th

In person & livestream

 

 

 

Christmas Eve Candle

Lighting Service

7:30 PM

Saturday, December 24th

In person & livestream

 

 

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New Year’s Day

Service
10:00 AM

Sunday, January 1, 2023

In person & livestream

 

 

 

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In Person & Zoom Men's Bible Study

 

Men's Bible Study has resumed on Saturday, November 12th for In Person; Fellowship Hall, and by Zoom


Topic: MCF Bible Study

 

Time: Saturday, December 10th  at 8:30 am

 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83323676425?pwd=TVZlb1pXTlR6WjJLOTBSSHNsYXJrQT09

 

Meeting ID: 833 2367 6425

Passcode: 273584

 

 

 

 

 

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In the event that we should get a snow storm, which would interfere with the Sunday Morning Worship service or weekly activities please look for a cancellation notice on channel 5 WCVB and /or a notice posted on our church website under the Announcements and Events on our homepage www.gfccnet.org.  You can also check the church’s voice mail. If there is NO notice, that means we as a church are open for ministry.  If the church is closed, go to our website for the service on YouTube.

 

 

 

 

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The “After Chat" why not blog on-line with Minister Beverly Thompson about Sunday's sermon.  Go to the church website or Facebook and begin the chat! www.gfccnet.org

 

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TITLE: “____________________”

 

TEXT:  Matthew 11:1-6

 

 "FIRESIDE CHAT" QUESTIONS

 

1.     Where was John the Baptist and what did he send his disciples to find out about Jesus?

2.     What do you think prompted John to ask this question of Jesus?

3.      What was Jesus’ response to John’s question?

4.      What are some causes of doubt?

5.      Have you ever experienced doubt about what God does or does not do and why?

6.      What can you do about it?

 

Invitation to Accept Christ in your life

 

  I accepted Christ today

  I want to accept Christ into my life

 

Invitation for Membership (Please Print)

 

We welcome you as a new member of the Greater Framingham Community Church Family. If you wish to unite with GFCC, please complete the information below and submit this form to one of our Deacons, Ushers, or Ministers or drop it in the collection box in the Narthex.

 

  want to join the Greater Framingham Community Church and

       I come:

 

  Already baptized with Christian experience

  As a candidate for baptism

 

Today’s Date: _____________________


Name: __________________________________________________


Address: ________________________________________________

 

________________________________________________________


Phone:  _________________________________________________

 

Email___________________________________________________

 

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