Called to Praise

 

⭻Prepare your heart and body for Worship

 

Greeting & Announcements
 

• We have ‘In-Person’ & ‘Online Worship’ on Sunday, December 3, 2023, 10am.
   

• You can join our online worship via YouTube or Facebook. Type “Little Falls United Methodist Church” in the search window on YouTube or Facebook. Please use the link below to join in Online Worship. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@lfumc

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• You can join the Online Worship by your phone. Call (646)-876-9923 and enter the Meeting ID, 917 9067 6301, and Passcode 139139.

 

• Holy Communion – We will have Holy Communion during Sunday Worship on December 3rd,10am. If you plan to join us Online service, please prepare Holy Communion elements, Bread (or a cracker) and Grape juice (or water). 
   

• Advent and Christmas Eve Worship - The Purpose of Christmas

 

            Sunday Worship at 10 am

December 3 - Waiting for Christmas

December 10 - A Time for Celebration

December 17 - A Time for Salvation

December 24 - A Time for Reconciliation

 

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service - December 24, 7pm
 

• Advent Study – We will have Advent study at Lee Lounge at 7 pm every Wednesday from Dec. 6th to Dec. 20th. The Theme is “The Purpose of Christmas” which is the title of the book that we will read. Advent study will enrich our Advent spirit and help us find the true meaning of Christmas. Please join us! Please let Pastor Jin know if you want to have a copy of the book.
   

• Prayer Concerns & Joys – If you would like to share your concerns and joys with the congregation, please email Pastor Jin (jkim@littlefallsumc.org) or complete the online form, www.littlefallsumc.org/prayer.
   

• Altar Flowers – If you would like to offer the altar flowers, please contact Janet (973) 896-8936 or ladyteddy@aol.com. 
   

• Fellowship Time after Worship – Let us enjoy a good fellowship time every Sunday after Worship. Please help us with hosting the coffee hour. The Sign-up board is on the table in the Narthex. Please contact Cheryle or Kathy F. if you have any questions about the coffee hour.
   

• Stewardship Campaign for the year 2024 – Thank you for your pledges for the 2024 Church ministry. You have participated in God’s mission through your pledge for the church ministry. You have committed to God to give God your first fruit not leftovers. If you didn’t give us your pledge card, do not worry. You are not late to participate in God’s ministry through your pledge. We are still accepting pledge cards. You can mail your card to the church or put it in the Stewardship Campaign box in the Narthex. Giving us your pledge cards helps us a lot to consider the 2024 ministry and budget. Thank you for your love and support for Little Falls UMC and God’s ministry again! 
   

• Prayer Meeting - We will have our Prayer Meeting in the Chapel at 1:30 pm. Meeting Date December 6. Terrie and Ken will lead the meeting. Please keep this prayer meeting in your hearts before our Lord, that we are open to his guidance and faithful to follow through.
   

• Coffee and Bible – Thank you Unity Circle for hosting the coffee hour. We will start a new season of Coffee and Bible on Thursday November 30th at 1 pm, at Lee Lounge. We will study the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament in the Bible and have a conversation, having coffee for 12 weeks.  Jung Ae will lead the study.  Sign up online or contact Jung Ae, cclim92@gmail.com. Please join us!
   

• Kids & Youths For Christ – The next meeting will be held at 5 pm on Thursday, December 7th. Kids & Youths For Christ is a program for Kindergarten to grade 12 of Christian education and fun activities. K.Y.F.C. will get together every first and third Thursday to June 6, 2024. All Students are welcome! 
   

• Treasured Memories – “Treasured Memories” is a grief group for those who have lost their loved ones. The ongoing meeting gathers every 2nd Wednesday of the month in Lee Lounge at 7 pm. Contact Allison for details (973) 800-4152. 
   

• Online Donation – Online donation is available now. Please visit the church website and click ‘Donation.’ The link is www.LittleFallsUMC.org/donation. Your financial support and generosity are greatly appreciated and essential for our church ministry and mission. Please consider sending your tithes and offerings to Little Falls UMC (139 Main St. Little Falls, NJ 07424). You can send your offerings and tithes to the church every week. Or you can send offerings and tithes for a month with a check. Thanks again for your generosity!
   

• Shoprite Gift Card – To purchase a Shoprite gift card, contact Pete (973) 595-5765 or detroit50@aol.com. 
   

• Kohl’s Gift Card – We are selling Kohl’s Gift Card. Contact Allison. 
   

• LFUMC FOOD PANTRY ITEMS NEEDED - Many families depend on the Food Pantry on a regular basis. The Pantry needs the following non-perishable items; canned vegetables, peanut butter, jelly, adult/children’s cereal, pasta & sauce, instant potatoes/rice, tuna, chicken, sardines, fruit, apple sauce, juice, and granola bars.
   

• SOCKS FOR SOULS - Do your feet get cold? Please help Unity Circle to provide new or gently used socks to the homeless. There is a constant need. Please drop off your socks in the large white sock in the Narthex. 
   

• Ongoing Collection - UMW collects postmarked stamps, can pull tabs, and the front of greeting cards (No Hallmark). Items are donated to different charities and organizations.

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Lighting of the Advent Candles                                             The Bariso Family 

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Reader: In the days of exile and uncertainty, the prophet Isaiah cried out: O that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence. As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil, come down to make your name known to your enemies and cause the nations to quake before you! For when you did awesome things that we did not expect, you came down, and the mountains trembled before you. (Isaiah 64:1-3)

In the midst of our own encounters with uncertainty and upheaval and our longing for deliverance, Jesus calls to us, “Therefore, keep awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come” (Mark 13:35).

Congregation: We wait as people surprised again and again by God who shakes us out of our complacency and wakes us up to the work of the kin-dom all around us.

Reader: We light this candle as a sign of our shocking hope. May we stay awake to God’s activity in the world as we wait in expectation that even now God is with us, working to restore us to the fullness of life with God and one another. Amen.

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Light the first candle of the Advent wreath while we sing Advent Song.

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Advent Song                       Light the Advent Candle                       TFWS 2090 (verse 1)

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Light the Advent candle one Now the waiting has begun

We have started on our way Time to think of Christmas day.

Candle, candle burning bright Shining in the cold winter night

Candle, candle burning bright Fill our hearts with Christmas light.

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⭻Call to Worship

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Leader: We gather again at the end of the year to wait for the Christ child anew.
All: We wait in the shocking hope of the coming of the Messiah.

Leader: We wait, and we remember the astounding things God has done to save God’s people.
All: We wait in the shocking hope of the coming of the Messiah. 

Leader: We wait, and we pay attention for signs of God’s justice and mercy turning the world upside down.
All: We wait in the shocking hope of the coming of the Messiah. 

Leader: We wait, and in our waiting, we learn to live as people of God’s promise.
All: Let us worship in the shocking hope of Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah. Amen.

 

⭻Praise Song                      Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus               UMH 196

 

Verse 1

Come Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free

From our fears and sins release us

Let us find our rest in Thee

Israel's strength and consolation

Hope of all the earth Thou art

Dear desire of every nation

Joy of every longing heart

 

Verse 2

Born Thy people to deliver

Born a child and yet a King

Born to reign in us forever

Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone

By Thine all sufficient merit

Raise us to Thy glorious throne

 

Children’s Time                Advent – Waiting for Christmas

 

⭻Hymn of Prayer             Into My Heart                              TFWS 2160

 

Chorus 1

Into my heart into my heart

Come into my heart Lord Jesus

Come in today come in to stay

Come into my heart Lord Jesus

 

Chorus 2

Abide in my heart abide in my heart

Abide in my heart Lord Jesus

Abide today abide alway

Abide in my heart Lord Jesus

 

Chorus 3

Rule in my heart rule in my heart

Thou King of my heart Lord Jesus

Make this Thy throne rule there alone

Thou King of my heart Lord Jesus

 

Chorus 4

Walking with Thee walking with Thee

We're walking with Thee Lord Jesus

In work in play we serve we pray

We're walking with Thee Lord Jesus

 

Verse 1

Come into my heart blessed Jesus

Come into my heart I pray

My soul is so troubled and weary

Come into my heart today

 

Verse 2

Come into my heart blessed Jesus

I need Thee thro' life's dreary way

The burden of sin is so heavy

Come into my heart to stay

 

Verse 3

Come into my heart blessed Jesus

And take all my guilt away

Then spotless I'll stand in Thy presence

When breaks Thine eternal day

 

Verse 4

Come into my heart blessed Jesus

O cleanse and illumine my soul

Fill me with Thy wonderful Spirit

Come in and take full control

 

Pausing for Silent Prayer and Confession

 

Prayers of the People (Response: God, in Your Mercy, hear our prayers.)

 

This morning we celebrate the beginning of the season of Advent – the coming of the Holy One. It has become far too easy for us to focus on the negative. Help us to pay attention to the many ways in which you enrich our lives, O God. Be with our families, friends, and neighbors who suffer from illness, sorrow, alienation, marginalization, abuse and fear. Bring healing and peace to their lives and their souls. Be with our families, friends, and neighbors who are experiencing great joy and happiness. May their spirits rejoice in all these good moments and in your great gifts. We offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. AMEN.

 

The 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Called to the Word

Prayer for Illumination   

 

Leader: Lord, open our hearts and minds by the power of your Holy Spirit, that, as the Scriptures are read and your Word proclaimed, we may hear with joy what you say to us today. 

All: Amen

 

OT Lesson                                       Isaiah 9:2-7

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness—on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied exultation;   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders, and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Great will be his authority, and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

 

This ends the OT Lessons. 
Let us turn to the Gospel Lesson. Please stand, if able.

 

Gospel Lesson                               Mark 13:24-37

The Coming of the Son of Man

24 “But in those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 “Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power and glory. 27 Then he will send out the angels and gather the elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

 

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

 

The Necessity for Watchfulness

32 “But about that day or hour no one knows, neither the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Beware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his slaves in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to be on the watch. 35 Therefore, keep awake, for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening or at midnight or at cockcrow or at dawn, 36 or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.”

 

This is the word of God for the people of God. 

All: Thanks be to God.

 

Message                               Waiting for Christmas                           Rev. Jin Kook Kim

 

Good morning, Church family! I hope you had a blessed week in God’s love and grace. Last Sunday, we considered “giving thanks” to God and the people. We have gratitude for God when we know everything in our lives is God’s grace. As God said God is the one who gives us the power to get something, let us remember God’s grace that is always with us and in us. and let us give thanks to God for God’s grace, and people for their grace for us. Let us also express our gratitude to God and the people!

 

Can you believe that we are in December and today is the first Sunday of Advent? Christmas is coming. Are you excited for Christmas? Are you waiting for Christmas? Kids are waiting for Christmas a lot. They are looking forward to having Christmas gifts and Christmas break from school. How about you? What makes you wait for Christmas? What do you look forward to seeing?

 

This waiting time for Christmas is Advent and it is from the church calendar. We, Christians, observe the Advent season but people without faith in God don’t observe the Advent season. They just enjoy the mood of the holiday in December, waiting for Christmas, listening to Carols. However, every year, we have the time of four weeks before Christmas. Have you ever thought about why we have this waiting time for Christmas every year?

 

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘to come,’ or ‘coming.’ Christmas is the day we celebrate Jesus’ birth. Jesus’ birth is Jesus’ coming to the world. Advent is the time to wait for the coming Jesus. The people of Israel waited for Jesus Christ; the Savior until Jesus came to the world. They waited because they heard from prophets that God was going to send the savior to them. They knew Jesus was coming. Although they didn’t know the exact time when Jesus was coming, they waited and waited for Jesus’ coming because they needed the Savior who could give them peace, love, and salvation. They really needed Jesus.

 

For them, Jesus was the great gift and the best gift that changed their life totally. As we see in Isaiah 9, they were in darkness not only mentally but physically. Their nation was almost defeated by other nations, and they couldn’t help themselves. At that time, God gave them the message through a prophet Isaiah that God was going to send the savior to save them. When they were defeated and became exiles, prophets also gave people the same message of savior’s coming. They waited for Jesus’ coming with hope in God. After a long time passed, Jesus came to the world. Can you imagine how much they were happy for having Jesus? We cannot fully know or imagine happiness unless we know the suffering and pains that they had.

 

Advent is the time to remember the history, and their desperation while they were waiting for Jesus. Advent is the time to remember the joy that they had. That’s not all, Advent is the time for us to remember how precious Jesus is in our lives. Jesus came into our lives and gave us peace, love, hope, and joy and changed our lives from slaves of sin to children of God.

 

We sometimes see from kids that they don’t know how valuable what they are given is because it is given to them freely. Not only kids but we, adults, neglect the value of something because it is given to us freely without any waiting time. We are blessed because Jesus has been with us since we were in our mother’s womb. Rather than waiting for Jesus for a long time in suffering and pain that the Israelites had, we have Jesus, our savior, in our lives. That is another blessing of God for us.

 

I hope we are waiting for Christmas remembering the meaning of Jesus’s coming in our life. Jesus is God’s best and greatest gift for us, and Jesus is given to us freely as God’s love and mercy. Let us remember how precious Jesus is in our lives and prepare ourselves for Christmas with hope, Joy, love, and peace.

 

Another meaning that we can consider about Advent is that Jesus will come again. As we read the scripture in the Gospel of Mark, Jesus says that he will come in clouds with great power and glory. We are waiting for Jesus’ second coming into the world. When Jesus comes again, everything will become perfect. Our lives on earth are not perfect. We experience suffering, pain, and injustice in our lives on earth. God’s love and care are with us always, but we slip into sin and suffering sometimes and get back to God’s peace and grace again. When Jesus comes into the world again, we will not slip into sins and sufferings again, but stay in God’s love and grace permanently. Can you remember the description of God’s kingdom in Revelation? In the Kingdom of God, there is no tear, sorrow, pain, and suffering, but only God’s glory and joy. As Jesus said, about the day or hour, no one knows but only God knows. However, the day is coming.

 

Through Jesus’ first coming into the world, we learned that God’s word and promise are always accomplished. Although it was a long time for the Israelites to wait, Jesus came to the world. Likewise, Jesus will come again as Jesus promised. Advent and Christmas remind us that Jesus will come again definitely. Advent and Christmas help us to practice waiting for Jesus’ coming again.

 

Church family, I hope we are waiting for Christmas during the Advent season with hope of Jesus’ coming again. Our lives on earth are not easy for many reasons, but we have hope that Jesus will come again and make our life perfect permanently.

 

Church family, let us meditate on our precious Jesus and the meaning of his coming into our lives during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The Advent and Christmas season is repeated every year because it is very important and meaningful to us. God is giving us the chance to meditate on the meaning of Jesus’ coming so let us not miss the chance but catch it and make it meaningful in our faith and life journey. Amen

 

Advent Prayer                                                                                           UMH 201

 

All: Merciful God, You sent Your messengers, the prophets, to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may celebrate aright the commemoration of the nativity and may await with joy the coming in glory of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. AMEN!

 

THANKSGIVING AND HOLY COMMUNION

Response 1

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.

 

Response 2

Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.

 

Response 3

Amen

Called to Share

Response to Our Generous God 

 

 ⭻Doxology                 Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow        UMH 95

 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

 

⭻Prayer of Dedication

 

All: Holy God, triumphant liberating savior of all, receive these gifts and the hopeful hearts that offer them as part of your bountiful harvest. Strengthen and sustain us through our hungers and our fears until your unexpected advent. Help us as we wait to know each day that we are a part of your generous, expectant household, the body of Christ. Amen.

Called to the World

 

⭻Closing Hymn                             People, Look East                       UMH 202 

 

People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year.

Make your house fair as you are able,

trim the hearth and set the table.

People look east and sing today, Love, the Guest is on the way.

 

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there.

Give up your strength the seed to nourish,

that in course the flower may flourish.

People look east and sing today, Love, the Rose, is on the way.

 

Stars, keep the watch.  When night is dim, one more light the bowl shall brim,

shining beyond the frosty weather,

bright as sun and moon together.

People look east and sing today, Love, the Star is on the way.

 

Angels announce with shouts of mirth him who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming

with the word, the Lord is coming.

People look east and sing today, Love, the Lord, is on the way.

 

⭻Benediction                                                                                 Rev. Jin Kook Kim

 

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.  Amen