Little Falls United Methodist Church

 

Sunday Worship Service

 

December 7, 2025 - 10 am

 

 

 

139 Main Street, Little Falls, NJ 07424

Office Phone: (973) 256-0993

Website: www.LittleFallsUMC.org

Email: Info@LittleFallsUMC.org

 

We are “A Welcoming Community of Faith, Hope,

Mission and Outreach Sharing Christ’s Love”

Our Mission is “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”

 

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God,

to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,

which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1)

 

 

Called to Praise

 

⭻Prepare your heart and body for Worship

 

Greeting & Announcements
 

• We have ‘In-Person’ & ‘Online Worship’ on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at 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: https://www.youtube.com/@lfumc

 

• The New Worship Series: “Holy Night” – 2026 Advent Worship Series.

• 2nd Sunday of Advent (Dec. 7): Peace - For All People (Part 1)

• 3rd Sunday of Advent (Dec. 14): Joy - Great Joy

• 4th Sunday of Advent (Dec. 21): Love - For All People (Part 2)

 

• Sign up for Reading and Lighting Advent Wreath Candles in Advent Season. The sign-up sheet is on the table in Narthex. You can participate individually, as a family, or as a group. The scripture reading for the candle lighting will be provided to you in advance.

 

• Sign up for Reading Scriptures at Christmas Eve Service. The sign-up sheet is on the table in Narthex.

 

• Christmas Eve Candlelight Service: We will have Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 pm on December 24, 2025, Wednesday. Let us celebrate Jesus’ Birth together through the Special Worship Service!

 

• 2025 Advent Study – We will have the Advent Study, reading the book, An Unlikely Advent, written by Rachel Billups. We will have sessions at 7pm on Thursday, December 4 (Chapter 1) and on Wednesday, December 10 (Chapters 2 & 3) and Wednesday, December 17 – Chapter 4. Please sign up for your copy of the book. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the Narthex.

 

• 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 – Thank you, Ken Griffin, for providing the 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 – Thank you, Bethany Hope Circle for hosting the Coffee Hour! 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.

 

• Treasured Memories –The next meeting will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. “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.

 

• Caring Christmas Cookies for Shut-ins, seniors, & First Responders – Help us Spread Christmas Cheer! Bring 1-2 dozen cookies on Sunday, December 14th, to be packaged and distributed to our shut-in and senior members as well as local first responders. Contact Marilyn D. for additional information!

 

• Christmas Toy Drive – Bethany Hope Circle is collecting new unwrapped toys to help make the holiday season merry for underprivileged children. The circle is also collecting give cards for teenagers. Drop off in narthex by December 14th, 2025. Contact Melissa for additional information!

 

• 2025-2026 Kids & Youths for Christ - ‘Kids & Youths For Christ’ is a fun Thursday night program for children (K-12th). We will have Christian education and fun activities such as games, crafts, cooking, biking, movies, mini sports, service projects, etc. The program will be held every first and third Thursday from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. The first day is September 18, 2025, and the last day will be June 4, 2026. This program is free of charge and open to all students. Everyone is welcome. Sign up now at the church website and spread the word to your neighbors!

 

• Online Donation – Online donation is available now. Please visit the church website and click ‘Donation.’ The link is https://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.

 

• 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 stamp and can pull tabs. Items are donated to different charities and organizations.

 

• Stewardship Campaign for the year 2026 – Thank you for your pledges for the 2026 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 2026 ministry and budget. Thank you for your love and support for Little Falls UMC and God’s ministry again! 

 

Lighting of the Advent Candles                                                                       The Corpuz Family

 

Leader: The prophet Isaiah calls to us from the past to imagine the future when God’s reign will be fully realized and recognized throughout creation. When that time comes, God “shall judge between the nations and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4).

 

All: Today, we choose to live in hope, believing that the time of God’s reign has come and is coming among us. 

 

Leader: We light this candle of hope as a sign of our promise to follow the Light as we answer God’s call to transform our hope into reality today and in the days to come. 

 

Light the first candle of the Advent wreath. 

 

Advent Song                      Light the Advent Candle                       TFWS 2090 (verse 2)

 

2. Light the Advent candle two

Think of humble shepherds who

Filled with wonder at the sight

Of the child on Christmas night.

 

[Refrain]

Candle, candle burning bright

Shining in the cold winter night

Candle, candle burning bright

Fill our hearts with Christmas light

 

†Call to Worship

Leader: From Bethlehem, the smallest of towns,

People: God brought forth the One who would be our Shepherd and Peace.

Leader: To shepherds in the fields, forgotten by the world,

People: God sent angels with good news of great joy for all people.

Leader: God’s promise is not for a few, but for everyone — for the humble, the weary, the overlooked, and the broken.

People: For us, for our neighbors, for all creation.

Leader: Come, people of God, let us draw near with hope.

People: For Christ has come, and Christ is coming still — and His peace is for all the people.

All : We worship the God who sees us, welcomes us, and brings peace to all through Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

†Praise Song                      God Almighty, We Are Waiting       Worship & Song 3047

 

1. God Almighty, we are waiting 
for a Savior to appear.
Meet us in our desert journey; 
give a sign that you are near:
burning bushes, parted waters, 
food aplenty in the wild.
As we look for signs and wonders, 
help us see you in a child.

 

2 God Incarnate, we are waiting 
for the feast day of your birth.
Looking back and looking forward 
to the Christ's return to earth.
Help us to proclaim the gospel, 
'til the world is reconciled.
Let us set your holy table 
for each woman, man, and child.

 

3 God the Spirit, we are waiting 
for your presence here and now.
Humbled by our sinful weakness, 
at your mercy we will bow.
Search our hearts and make us ready, 
speak in language strong and mild,
help each one of us, your people, 
to receive you like a child.

 

Children’s Time                                                                                       by Ken Griffin

 

Hymn of Prayer                                       Open Our Eyes                                         TFWS 2086

 

Open our eyes, Lord,
we want to see Jesus,
to reach out and touch him,
and say that we love him.
Open our ears, Lord,
and help us to listen.
Open our eyes, Lord,
we want to see Jesus.

 

Pausing for Silent Prayer and Confession

 

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

God of peace and promise, We thank You for this Advent season and for the good news that Jesus came for all people — for shepherds, for the forgotten, and for us. Fill us with hope and help us receive the peace You offer. We give thanks for joys in our lives — for moments of love, laughter, healing, and answered prayer. We also lift before You those who are sick, grieving, anxious, or feeling alone. Surround them with Your comfort and remind them they are not forgotten, for Your peace and blessing are for them too. Guide us to be people of peace — gentle with our words, generous with our love, and open to Your leading. As we wait for Christ, make us ready to share His peace with the world. In Jesus’ name we pray, 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                                                   Micah 2:2-5a

2 But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah,
   who are one of the little clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
   one who is to rule in Israel,
whose origin is from of old,
   from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
   when she who is in labor has brought forth;
then the rest of his kindred shall return
   to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord,
   in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great
   to the ends of the earth,
5 and he shall be the one of peace.

 

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

 

†Gospel Lesson                                        Luke 2:8-15

8 Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”

 

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

All: Thanks be to God.

 

Message                               For All The People (Part 1)                 Rev. Jin Kook Kim

 

Good morning, Church Family! I hope you had a blessed week in God’s love and grace last week. Advent began last Sunday, and we are in the season of Advent. I hope and pray that we deeply consider the meaning of Advent through the Advent Worship Series, Holy Night. Last Sunday, we considered the story of Mary and Joseph. They heard the words of God through the angel that the Savior is coming to the world through them. God’s words of Messiah’s coming through them and the pregnancy by the Holy Spirit were unbelievable because those looked impossible in their sights. However, they believed that nothing was impossible with God and followed God’s direction. Nothing is impossible with God. The truth never changes, and our hope comes from the truth. Let us have hope in our lives, trusting in God when we are in a situation that looks like it is impossible to solve because nothing is impossible with God, and the loving and caring God is with us and works for us. Let us have hope in God, who is almighty.

 

I often get a call regarding our food pantry. People usually need the general information on our food pantry, such as the available date and time. Many of them ask who can receive food from our food pantry, such as, “I live in Clifton, can I receive food?” “Do I have to bring a document to prove my income?” They are wondering if the food pantry is open to them or not and if they are qualified to access it. Why do they have those questions? My guess is they have some experiences from other food pantries that open to only low-income families and/or only residents in a specific town or county. They ask those questions because they want to confirm if they are qualified to get the benefit from our food pantry and if our food pantry is for them or not.

 

In the world, there are many places that require us to be qualified to access. Gyms and clubs require us to have membership to access them. Most parking lots can be used by only customers of the shops. Some state parks offer discounted fares to only the residents. Many work positions require specific degrees or licenses to apply. Wherever we go, whatever benefits or service we see, we usually consider whether it is for us or not, and whether we are qualified to be there or to receive the benefits or services as the food pantry clients call us and check out if they can receive food or not.

 

In Jesus’ time, shepherds’ lives were limited because they were regarded not as qualified for many things in society. So, they were rejected socially by others. Let us watch the video clip from Holy Night from the special episode of the TV show, The Chosen.

 

 

<The First Scene from “Holy Night”: The Social Rejection of Shepherds>

 

As you see, they were not welcomed by the people. They were lowly within the grand scheme of societal structure. That is, in comparison to others, they were seen as working a very average, unspectacular, uninspiring job even if someone needed to do it. They were often deeply impoverished. They were out of the loop with everyday life because they had to live in the field to care for sheep all day long and into the night. They were often unhygienic. They were assumed to be uneducated. They were subservient to just about everyone, every demand, and the supply-and-demand nature of the ebb-and-flow of the marketplace. They were often deemed ‘unclean’ from a religious standpoint because of even their inability to worship as regularly as others. All of this left shepherds in an incredibly dire place socially.

 

They were also in a dire place spiritually. Let us watch another video clip from the Holy Night.

 

 

<The Second Scene from “Holy Night”: The Spiritual Rejection of Shepherds >

 

Did you hear the Pharisee’s words to the Shepherd? The Shepherd’s passion to learn God’s words was devalued because of his social position. He was disgraced in many ways. The Pharisee only accepted a lamb without blemish because it was the law that only a lamb without blemish could be used as a sacrifice to God. The lamb that the shepherd was rejected because it had a wound. The lamb was not qualified to be accepted because of the blemish. The shepherd was like the lamb. The shepherd was rejected by the religious leader because in the religious leader’s sight, he was not qualified. In his sight, the shepherd was blemished.

 

Have you ever experienced rejection in your life in any form? I believe all of us have an experience of rejection or many experiences of rejection in our life. What did you feel at that time? The experience of rejection makes us afraid of another rejection. Rejection makes us think we would be rejected again. Rejection makes us not expect anything, nor have hope of anything because we know that we will get hurt when we expect or hope something but we are rejected.

 

Would the shepherds have hope for Jesus’ coming? Would they think that Jesus’ coming was for them? Would they worry about another rejection by God as they experienced rejection by the religious leaders? How about you? Do you have hope for Jesus’ coming? Do you believe that Jesus’ coming is for you? Or do you worry if you are qualified or not for some reasons?

 

One of the amazing Christmas stories is that the shepherds were the people who first heard directly from God through the angels that the Savior was born. They heard about Jesus’ birth in the field where they usually spent their most time. They were the lower in society and rejected by the religious leaders but God didn’t reject them and invited them to Jesus. God let them know the Savior is for all the people including the shepherds. God proved that they were qualified to access the newborn baby, the Savior.

 

Let us watch another video clip from the Holy Night.

 

<Third Scene from “Holy Night”: The Wounds of a Shepherd Are Cared for at Christmas>

 

I like this scene, especially the shepherd’s wound was banded with the part of clothes that wraps the baby Jesus. To me, it seems like Jesus, the Savior, touches the wound and covers the wound and heals the wound. It seems like God says, “You are not blemished. You are my precious child. I send the Savior for you. Don’t worry about the wound, the blemish. I cover your wound. I heal you. You are mine and I am for you.”

 

Church Family, is there anyone who thinks God’s salvation, blessing, and help is not for you? Is there anyone who thinks you are not qualified for God’s provision and protection? Is there anyone who thinks that God’s promise is not relevant to you at all? If you think so, you are wrong. Jesus is for all the people, every person including you. God’s promise, blessing, salvation and all God’s is for all the people including you. God never rejects you. God never turns away from you. It does not matter who you are, what you have done, and how big a mistake you made. God sent Jesus for all the people. No one is excluded from Jesus’ coming. No one will be rejected by Jesus. No wound is too deep, no past too heavy, no life too messy. In Christ, you are welcomed, healed, and held. Therefore, have peace. Therefore, have hope. Therefore, wait for Jesus’ coming. Have peace in all circumstances whatever situation you face for Jesus is for you.

 

I pray that all of us have peace waiting for Jesus’ coming with hope especially in the Advent Season. Remember Jesus’ coming is for all the people including you. Jesus came for shepherds. Jesus came for the wounded. Jesus came for the rejected. Jesus came for you. Amen!

 

HOLY COMMUNION & GREAT THANKSGIVING 

 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: God of great love and generous peace, You sent Your Son for all people — for the wealthy and the poor, for the shepherd in the field and the traveler on the road. In gratitude, we bring these gifts to You. Bless what we offer today, that it may bring hope to the weary, peace to the troubled, and good news to those who feel forgotten. Use our giving, our lives, and our church to share Christ’s love with all people everywhere. We offer these gifts to You with thankful hearts, in the name of Jesus, our Peace. Amen.

 

Called to the World

 

†Closing Hymn                             Hail to the Lord’s Anointed                            UMH 203

 

1. Hail to the Lord's Anointed, 
great David's greater Son! 
Hail in the time appointed, 
his reign on earth begun! 
He comes to break oppression, 
to set the captive free; 
to take away transgression, 
and rule in equity.

 

2. He comes with succor speedy 
to those who suffer wrong; 
to help the poor and needy, 
and bid the weak be strong; 
to give them songs for sighing, 
their darkness turn to light, 
whose souls, condemned and dying, 
are precious in his sight. 

 

3. He shall come down like showers 
upon the fruitful earth; 
love, joy, and hope, like flowers, 
spring in his path to birth. 
Before him, on the mountains, 
shall peace, the herald, go, 
and righteousness, in fountains, 
from hill to valley flow.

 

4. To him shall prayer unceasing 
and daily vows ascend; 
his kingdom still increasing, 
a kingdom without end. 
The tide of time shall never 
his covenant remove; 
his name shall stand forever; 
that name to us is love.

 

†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.