Order of Worship Sunday December 18, 2022 10:00AN

 wrote:

Greater Framingham Community Church

An Extended Christian Family

 

A Service for the Candle of Joy

       

 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

 

Praise selection…They need to know…Praise Team

 

We Worship Through the Preached Word

 

Praise Chorus…Real…Praise Team

 

Sermon…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

 

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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

 

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The Advent Season

An Introduction

 

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.

 

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Free Afghan scarves are available today after service for all of the women on behalf of the Men Christian Fellowship.  Again, these are FREE, and first come, first serve.

 

Please pick up your scarf in the fellowship hall on the lower level Merry Christmas!

 

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 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

 

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MLK Worship Celebration

Sunday, January 15, 2023 @ 10:00 AM, Live in Person and Online, Preacher of the hour: Evangelist Alleya Jones

 

African Attire Encouraged

 

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

 

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Save the Date

Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service Saturday, December 24th @ 7:30 PM, In Person and Livestream

 

Christmas Sunday Celebration, December 25th @ 10:00 AM

 

New Year’s Eve Watch Night Service, Saturday, December 31st @ 10:30 PM

 

New Year’s Day Service, Sunday, January 1st @ 10:00 AM

 

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The next packing session will be Friday, January 6th, 2023 at 1:30pm and help to distribute on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 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.

          

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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.

 

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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, January 14th,  2023  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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SNOW STORM

 

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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MONDAY MORNINGS WITH THE PASTOR

 

 

We invite you to join us for Early Morning Prayer with the Pastor,

 at 8 a.m. on Monday Mornings. Here is the Prayer Line Number: 1-605-313-4818   and the Access Code: 702588#

 

WEDNESDAY NIGHT PRAYER AND BIBLE STUDY

 

We invite you to join our Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting and Bible Study.  The Prayer Meeting is from 7-7:30pm.  Here is the Prayer Line Number: 1-605-313-4818   and the Access Code: 702588#

Also Join us for Bible Study at 7:30 pm on Zoom!  We will study from the book of 2 Samuel 5.  Join Zoom Meeting: https:// https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87207666279?pwd=UlJIMHBZNWg4UVhhOEFJc2hXbGVYdz09 

 

THURSDAY MORNING PRAYER

 

If you would like to be a part of a Morning Prayer group you can do so by dialing in to pray or request prayer. The line opens at 5:30am to 7:15am.  The number to get on the GFCC Thursday Morning Prayer line is 605-313-4818 Extension 702588# 

 

THURSDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

                  

 New Topic of study is First Corinthians. 

 

We continue to meet on Thursday evenings for one hour at 7:00 PM. To refresh the platform information, we are using Google Meets and utilizing the phone connection. The video conferencing is available.  The phone information is 956-410-2734‬   PIN: 320 644 462‬#.

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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

 

‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬TITLE: “THE PROBLEM WITH DOUBT”

TEXT:  Matthew 11:1-6

 

"FIRESIDE CHAT" QUESTIONS

 

 

1. Where John was 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? What can you do about it? 

 

 

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Invitation to Accept Christ in your life

 

We welcome you as a new member of the Greater Framingham Community Church Family. If you wish to unite with GFCC, please go to the following link: an online form for New Member registrations: https://forms.gle/fWm5eNJbQbwxhmSM6