Order of Worship Sunday December 18, 2022
Greater Framingham Community Church
An Extended Christian Family
A Service for the Candle of
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
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.
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.
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
2022 Church Directory
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
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.
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
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
New Year’s Day
Service
10:00 AM
Sunday, January 1, 2023
In person & livestream
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
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.
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: “____________________”
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.
□ I 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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