Pastor: David Range
December 3, 2023
Miramar United Methodist Church
in the heart of Miramar, a place for gathering, healing, and sending out friends, helping to create a sense of family to find new life in Christ.
Part of the United Methodist family where we make disciples for the
Transformation of the world.
Order of Worship for First Sunday in Advent
December 3, 2023 8:30 and 11:00 services
Please see the end of the bulletin for some additional important information
CALL TO WORSHIP
*HYMN 196 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus+
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.
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.
WORDS: Charles Wesley, 1744 MUSIC: Rowland H. Prichard, 1830; harm. from The English Hymnal, 1906
PRAYER
Advent reading:
Advent Candle 1: HOPE
The prophet Isaiah cried out to God for us, “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down … To make your name known … so that nations might tremble at your presence.” So tear through the mess, O Lord, and come down to us again. We long to be your people, a people of hope.
We light this first candle as a sign of our hope. God meets us, even in the mess of our world. God sees us, though we feel we are lost in the rubble. Let this light remind us that Jesus came down that we may have hope.
*PRAISE AND WORSHIP
He Came Down That We May Have Hope
He came down that we may have hope:
He came down that we may have hope:
He came down that we may have hope:
Hallelujah forevermore.
We Bow Down
You are Lord of creation and Lord of my life
Lord of the land and the sea
You were Lord of the heavens before there was time
And Lord of all lords You will be
We bow down and we crown you the Lord
We bow down and we crown you the Lord
We bow down and we crown you the Lord
Lord of all lords You will be
You are King of creation and Ling of my life
King of the land and the sea
You were King of the heavens before there was time
And King of all kings you will be
We bow down and we crown you the King
We bow down and we crown you the King
We bow down and we crown you the King
King of all kings You will be
Oh, the Glory of Your Presence
Oh, the glory of Your presence,
We, Your temple, give You rev’rence.
Come and rise to Your rest and be blessed by our praise
as we glory in Your embrace;
As Your presence now fills this place.
Soon and Very Soon
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King
Hallelujah ..hallelujah we’re going to see the King
No more cryin’ there we are going to see the King
No more cryin’ there we are going to see the King
No more cryin’ there we are going to see the King
Hallelujah…..hallelujah we’re going to see the King
No more dying there we are going to see the King
No more dying there we are going to see the King
No more dying there we are going to see the King
Hallelujah….hallelujah we’re going to see the King
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Happy birthday to you, Jesus loves you it’s true,
May the Lord bless and keep you,
Happy birthday to you.
Happy Anniversary to you, happy Anniversary to you
Happy Anniversary dear friends, happy Anniversary to you
TODAY: All are invited to Holy Communion in the church or at home. United Methodist Men meet after the second service.
TODAY: Citizenship Drive 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Miramar Youth Enrichment Center, 7000 Miramar Pkwy 33025. See flyer for details
TODAY: Church Prayer meeting at 7:30 p.m.
MONDAY and TUESDAY: Voter Registration Drive at Miramar City Hall, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See flyer at the end of the bulletin for more info.
MONDAY: Choir practice at 7:00 p.m.
You may join the funeral service for Debbie Gavilan’s mother Jennie Ruth Chavez on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. by joining a Zoom Meeting using this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6394674746?pwd=TDdxSnN2ZmJQNSt3U1o0VGNLdWRJQT09&omn=88454678345
TUESDAY: Pre School Board, 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY: Bible Study at 7:00 p.m. on Pastor’s Zoom link, please write him for the link at miramarpastor@gmail.com
THURSDAY: Choir practice 7:00 p.m.
SATURDAY: at Merrell UMC will be the first BOLD Justice tree giveaway from 8 to 11:00 a.m. The church is at 3900 FL-7, (441) in Lauderdale Lakes. We are hoping for Dwarf Mango, Gumbo Limbo, Star Fruit, Wild Tamarind and more! Proof of Broward residency is required, and two trees will be available per household on a first come, first served basis. We will have a tree giveaway here at Miramar UMC someday but we do not have a date for it yet.
SATURDAY: at 10:00 a.m., a memorial service will be held for Emma Louise Williams - mother of sister Bea Fulford, mother-in-law of brother Hubert Fulford – at Sierra Norwood Calvary Baptist Church, 495 NW 191st Street, Miami Gardens 33169.
NEXT SUNDAY: Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Then, at 6:00 p.m. will be the All Church Christmas Concert. If you would like to share an item, a song, a poem, a recitation, etc., please contact Willard Kennedy 786 332 7326 or Dennis Bent 954 391 0700, or Dr. Hubert Fulford.
MONDAY December 11 Finance Committee 7:00 p.m. Admin Council
at 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, December 15 United Women in Faith Christmas Dinner from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Ola Duhaney or Vicky Weller
SATURDAY, December 16 Youth Group Party, 4 to 5:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, December 17 The Christmas Cantata, Bethlehem Morning, will be performed at a joint 10:00 a.m. service.
A New Member Session will follow the service. If you would like to attend, please talk to Pastor David or just come to his office on that day.
PRESCHOOL TOY DRIVE: November 27 through December 15, please support our Toy Drive by donating unwrapped toys for children ages 2-11. These gifts will be distributed to the children here at MUMPS. God bless your giving hands!
For Sharing of the Spirit, please wave at the YouTube camera and say, “the peace of the Lord be with you,” and then wave at your neighbor in the sanctuary and say, “and also with you”.
Please stand for the gospel of Mark 13:32-37
CHILDREN’S TIME
*HYMN 206 I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light+
1 I want to walk as a child of the light.
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world.
The star of my life is Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
2 I want to see the brightness of God.
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path,
and show me the way to the Father.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
3 I'm looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
we shall know the joy of Jesus.
In him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.
WORDS: Kathleen Thomerson, 1966 MUSIC: Kathleen Thomerson, 1966
RECEPTION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Please place your offering in the baskets at the 3 doors leading into the sanctuary on your way in or out.
The Mission Offering today is for to Good Samaritan Fund
Next Sunday our Mission Offering goes Apportionments
Prayer of Dedication
One minute musical interlude while worshipers prepare their offering. Instructions for giving online, by check or text are in the section after the Order of Service.
DOXOLOGY
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
praise him all creatures here below,
praise him above, ye heavenly hosts,
praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen
Sunday School children go out to their classes
Jesus Loves Me This I Know
1 Jesus loves me! this I know, for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong; they are weak, but he is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
2 Jesus loves me, this I know, as he loved so long ago,
taking children on his knee, saying, "Let them come to me.“
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
3 Jesus loves me still today, walking with me on my way,
wanting as a friend to give, light and love to all who live.
Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so.
WORDS: St. 1 Anna B. Warner, 1860; Sts. 2-3 David Rutherford MacGuire MUSIC: William B. Bradbury, 1862
TIME OF SHARING JOYS & CONCERNS
(please email miramarpastor@gmail.com)
PRAYER HYMN 211 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, verses 1-4+
1 O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
2 O come, thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things far and nigh;
to us the path of knowledge show and cause us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
3 O come, O come, great Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
4 O come, thou Root of Jesse's tree, an ensign of thy people be;
Before thee rulers silent fall; all peoples on thy mercy call.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
WORDS: 9th cent. Latin; trans. st. 1, 3, 5ab, 6cd, 7ab The Hymnal, 1940; st. 2, Henry Sloane Coffin, 1916 st. 4, 5cd, 6ab, 7cd, Laurence Hull Stookey, 1986 MUSIC: 15th cent. French; arr. and harm. by Thomas Helmore, 1854
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION AND 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, the power, and the glory,
For ever and ever. Amen.
SERMON Carpe Diem—Seize the Day Pastor David Range
HYMN OF PREPARATION 714 I Know Whom I Have Believed
1 I know not why God’s wondrous grace to me he hath made known,
nor why, unworthy, Christ in love redeemed me for his own.
But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.
2 I know not how this saving faith to me he did impart,
nor how believing in his word wrought peace within my heart.
But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.
3 I know not how the Spirit moves, convincing us of sin,
revealing Jesus through the word, creating faith in him.
But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.
4 I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noon-day fair,
nor if I walk the vale with him, or meet him in the air.
But I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able
to keep that which I’ve committed unto him against that day.
WORDS: Daniel W. Whittle, 1883 MUSIC: “El Nathan,” James McGranahan, 1883
HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING FOR ADVENT
The Lord be with you. And also with you.
Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
You formed us in your image and breathed into us the breath of life.
When we turned away, and our love failed, your love remained steadfast. You delivered us from captivity, made covenant to be our sovereign God, and spoke to us through your prophets, who looked for that day when justice shall roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream, when nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. And so with your people on earth and all the company of heaven we praise your name and join their unending hymn:
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.
Holy are you, and blessed is your Son Jesus Christ, whom you sent in the fullness of time to be a light to the nations.
You scatter the proud in the imagination of their hearts and have mercy on those who fear you from generation to generation.
You put down the mighty from their thrones and exalt those of low degree. You fill the hungry with good things, and the rich you send empty away. Your own Son came among us as a servant, to be Emmanuel, your presence with us.
He humbled himself in obedience to your will and freely accepted death on a cross.
By the baptism of His suffering, death, and resurrection you gave birth to your Church, delivered us from slavery to sin and death,
and made with us a new covenant by water and the Spirit.
On the night in which he gave himself up for us, he took bread, gave thanks to you, broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and said:
“Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you.
Do this in remembrance of me.”
When the supper was over, he took the cup, gave thanks to you, gave it to His disciples, and said:
“Drink from this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
And so, in remembrance of these your mighty acts in Jesus Christ, we offer ourselves in praise and thanksgiving as a holy and living sacrifice, in union with Christ’s offering for us, as we proclaim the mystery of faith.
Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again.
Pour out your Holy Spirit on us gathered here,
and on these gifts of bread and wine.
Make them be for us the body and blood of Christ, that we may be for the world the body of Christ, redeemed by His blood.
By your Spirit make us one with Christ, one with each other, and one in ministry to all the world, until Christ comes in final victory, and we feast at his heavenly banquet.
Through your Son Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit in your holy Church, all honor and glory is yours, almighty Father, now and for ever.
Amen
Hymns to be sung while Communion is being served.
*HYMN 172 My Jesus, I Love Thee+
1 My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
for thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
2 I love thee because thou hast first loved me,
and purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;
I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
3 In mansions of glory and endless delight,
I’ll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ‘tis now.
WORDS: Williams R. Featherstone, 1864 MUSIC: Adoniram J. Gordon, 1876
*HYMN 526 What A Friend We Have In Jesus+
1 What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer!
2 Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful, who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer!
3 Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou will find a solace there.
WORDS: Joseph M. Scriven, ca. 1855 MUSIC: Charles C. Converse, 1868
HYMN 599 Break Thou the Bread of Life+
1 Break now the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,
as thou didst break the loaves beside the sea.
Beyond the sacred page I seek you, Lord;
my spirit pants for thee, O Living Word!
2 Bless thou the truth, dear Lord, to me, to me,
as thou didst bless the bread by Galilee.
Then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall;
and I shall find my peace, my All in all.
WORDS: Mary A. Lathbury, 1877 MUSIC: William F. Sherwin, 1877
HYMN OF SENDING FORTH 701 When We All Get to Heaven+
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus; sing his mercy and his grace.
In the mansions bright and blessed he'll prepare for us a place.
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!
2 While we walk the pilgrim pathway, clouds will overspread the sky;
but when traveling days are over, not a shadow, not a sigh.
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!
3 Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day;
just one glimpse of him in glory will the toils of life repay.
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!
4 Onward to the prize before us! Soon his beauty we'll behold;
soon the pearly gates will open; we shall tread the streets of gold.
When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the victory!
WORDS: Eliza E. Hewitt, 1898 MUSIC: Emily D. Wilson, 1898
BENEDICTION
All music under ccli #24249
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We give God thanks for this opportunity to worship together in-person in our sanctuary as well as online. Please wear your mask and greet each with a wave, an elbow or fist bump. Please maintain social distance and sit at either end or the middle of the pew. In the pews we ask you to sit, in every other pew, spaced out as best you can. Seats are also available in the foyer and the fellowship hall if needed. Both have been set up with screens for the PowerPoint presentation and live video stream from the pulpit. We will continue to live stream the services on Twitter and YouTube for those who would like to continue to participate from home.
The offering will be received in the baskets at the three entry points of the sanctuary. No bulletins will be handed out, everything you need will be on the screens. No need to call or email ahead for a place to worship, you are invited to the sanctuary any time for in-person worship. Come as you are!
Remember there are two ways you can watch our services. One is on YouTube.com by typing in the search bar: Miramar UMC and then you should see the service live streamed. If you subscribe to our service through YouTube.com you can set up reminders for the day before or 15 minutes before, whatever you like.
The other way to “gather” in virtual worship is through the Twitter service available by going to our miramarumc.org website. Pass around the information so that others may join in worship by clicking on the Twitter bird icon on the home page. We will continue our 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services (except when we have a fifth Sunday of the month 10:00 a.m. service.) If you lose the service for a few seconds do not worry it will probably come back, but if it is longer than a few seconds you might try clicking the refresh button in your browser window.
Please email your prayer requests for uplifting on Sundays by sending them to miramarpastor@gmail.com. It is best if you send them by Saturday NOON if possible.
Our church prayer meeting is online on Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and you may contact Marvia Aitken or Vinessa Edwards mamaness@bellsouth.net for the link.
This week, Monday through Thursday there will be someone in the church office from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. each day, and you may make an appointment to see the pastor at these or other times. Please remember to enter from the south entrance near the Pastor’s office. No other doors will be open for church business. The preschool is open but you should still come in by the south entrance because the north entrance from the parking lot must be dedicated for the little children of the preschool. Please let friends with preschool aged children know that they can enroll the children in our preschool.
WAYS to give:
1. Online giving is available through our website miramarumc.org. On the home page the ‘Donate’ icon (a hand with a dollar sign above it) is located at the top left corner and on the right under “Contact Us” you will see the same icon along with “Donate Online.” Click on either location for instructions. If you need help call the church office at 954-989-4711. Thanks to all who have signed up for this. The regular tithes and offerings of the church are a great source of blessing.
2. You can also mail a check to Miramar United Methodist Church. If you have your offering envelopes you will see that the address of the church is printed for mailing purposes and your offering can be mailed in this envelope when you apply a stamp. You may also use a regular envelope and address it to: MUMC, 2507 Utopia Drive, Miramar FL 33023. Just put your check inside, mark which funds you would like to support, put a stamp on and let the United States Postal Service do the rest! Or bring it by after the Sunday services, someone will be in the church for one hour after the worship finishes as well as Mon-Thurs 1-5 pm. We trust God will keep us strong.
3. Also, we have the option of giving by text! Use 833-931-1791 to GivePlusText and when you text any amount, by putting that number in the message, you will be prompted to register, then fill out the details of your name, address and means of payment, and the contribution will go in! If you enter an email address you will get an immediate receipt. It is easy! If you have an Apple phone you may also get Vanco’s GivePlusMobile by downloading the app from the App Store. You may also look up YouTube videos to show how all this is done.
Thank you for your prayers! Grace and peace, Pastor David
