Opening Announcements
Good Morning and Welcome to Worship! Worship is often the first place that new people come into contact with this growing community of faith. And so, if you are joining us for the first time, I say to you what is said every Sunday: You are welcome here. Here is a place where all are welcome. For such is the love of God for God’s Very Good Creation. ADVENT 1: Creation — Taylor White As our nights grow longer and our days grow short, we look on these earthly signs — light and green branches — and remember God's promise to our world: Christ, our Light and our Hope, will come.
Listen to the words of Creation in Genesis And God said, “Let the waters under the sky be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. God called the dry land Earth, and the waters that were gathered together he called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, “Let the earth put forth vegetation: plants yielding seed, and fruit trees of every kind on earth that bear fruit with the seed in it.” And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation: plants yielding seed of every kind, and trees of every kind bearing fruit with the seed in it. And God saw that it was good. And there was evening and there was morning, the third day. — Genesis 1:9-13
Order of Worship
[As the candle is lit, all stand as you are able and sing:]Liturgist — Taylor White Let us pray …
ALL: O Lord our God, you gave us, your creation, the earth upon which to thrive and share in your gifts of abundance. And yet we have turned to ourselves and held our desires above yours. Place into our hearts a love for others even as we grow in our understanding of your love for us and all of your creation. May the light that we light today remind us that we are not to place ourselves first as we labor together to build the new earth in your name. Amen.
Loving God, in your mercy you hear our cries and know the hidden desires of our hearts. We come to you praying for ourselves and your community.
We pray for the witness of the church, that we might live the good news.
We pray for the global community, that we might learn from each other and live in peace.
We pray for the needs in our community, for we know that you, O God, are our provider.
We pray for those who suffer in mind, body, or spirit; make us agents of your healing power.
We remember those who have died; help us to comfort those who grieve.
We lift up to you the silent prayers we hold in our hearts and minds.
We ask all these things for the glory and honor of your name, through Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord, you have the words of eternal life. Speak to us by the power of your Holy Spirit, that we might hear what you would say to us today. Amen.
1As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” 2Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” 3When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, 4“Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” 5Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. 6Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. 8For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs.
How do you live into the forming Kin-dom of God amidst the face of injustice and hate of our troubled world?
People of God, the Lord has given us so much. Let us praise the Lord through our gifts for the uplift of God’s kin-dom. Amen.
Dear God, we offer those gifts back to you. Multiply them so that they might help build up you kingdom on earth. All glory, praise and honor are due to you, now and forever. Amen.
My siblings, be encouraged in the Lord, and do not be led astray. Stand firm in the witness of the gospel and do good deeds that bring about the kin-dom. Amen.
Music Team
Prayer Requests
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Shirley will be at Seal Beach Rehab for pain-related issues. Phone calls and visits are welcome. Prayers for relief from pain, and that she can return home soon.
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The LWCC Care Team continues to celebrate Lois Gordon, age 101. She was formerly active at LWCC, and she continues to thrive with the help of her caregiver. Please continue to pray for Lois.
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dear family friend, Shannon Hanley, who was suffering from terminal brain cancer, passed away November 10, 2024, at the age of 52. Prayers of comfort, strength, & provision for her family, especially her 14-year-old son, Liam, who will now live with his childhood nanny.
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Nancy’s daughter’s mother-in-law, SuZan had emergency abdominal surgery on November 12th, and is recovering in the hospital, but still needs more surgery. Prayers for healing and recovery.
Notes & Announcements
Refreshments for Fellowship are provided by Lorna Lass. See the sign-up charts to provide refreshments or cover the cost of altar flowers for future services. Altar flowers are $35. Sandy Walker coordinates arrangements.
Spend some time in prayer and reflect on the ways that God has blessed you this past year. Jot a note of gratitude on a leaf and affix it to the tree in the Narthex. Leaves will also be available to fill out in the office to be mounted on the tree.
Yesterday, November 16, 2024, a Celebration of Life was held to honor Joanna Matos, who passed away in September. Cards of condolence may be sent to: The Matos Family 16558 Wren Lane Sisters, OR 97759-6905
Every Thursday at 10 AM, you are invited to join Pastor Johan for a time of fellowship and check-in over coffee, and perhaps a little conversation around the book cultivating Christlikeness: loving as Jesus loved.
Please find the attached Thanksgiving Offering Envelope, and prayerfully consider a special contribution. The proceeds will be used by SPRT for end-of-year gifts to our staff.
3:00 PM TODAY, Sunday, November 17, 2024, we proudly welcome the talents of Duo Syncopa, featuring violinist Yue Qian and pianist Tomomi Sato and music by Franz Schubert, Béla Bartók, Amy Beach, and Richard Strauss. Tickets are $20, Seniors & Students are $15. Refreshments will be served afterward. ALL-Are-Welcome Ticket Policy: If the ticket price is a challenge, just call the church office at 562-431-2503 for a FREE sponsored ticket. Likewise, if you wish to buy a ticket for someone else, please call the church office.
On Saturday, December 14th, at 2:00 PM, the annual all-church conference is scheduled in person in Edgar Fellowship Hall. Everyone is invited to attend.
In preparation for the Christmas Bazaar, on December 7th, see below for opportunities to serve. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex or Edgar Hall, or you may contact Sandy Walker or Virginia Olejnik. • Bake cookies or treats to be sold at bake sale • Help at the event: set up - work a station - clean up • Loan a Nativity set for display (not sell) at the event. Bring in by Dec 2nd for Patty Jo to set up the Nativity display in the Narthex.
Photos
Prayer Journal
Loving God, thank you for waking me up this morning and giving me another day to love and serve you well. Thank you for the ways you will lead me today; help me to trust in you. Amen. Household Prayer: Midday Merciful God, you hear my cries and honor my tears. Stir in me such a passion this day that I might vow to give you the best of me in service to your creation. Amen.
Gracious God, you blessed me today even when i turned away from the opportunities you presented. Forgive my fickle and heartless ways, and conform my will to yours. Grant me a safe rest and strengthen me in mind, body, and spirit, that I may serve you faithfully and love you well when I awake to greet your new day. Amen.