Advent podcast series and Facebook group: The Crackers & Grape Juice podcast will feature a series of Advent reflections inspired by Fleming Rutledge’s book, Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Christ. Contributors include: Will Willimon, Sharma D. Lewis, Sarah Condon, Chenda Innis Lee, Scott Jones, Todd Littleton, Joshua Retterer, Josh Munnikhuysen, Drew Colby, David Meyers, Kenneth Tanner, Hedy

Hall-Collver, Monica Rubino Reynolds, Alex Joyner, Jesse Stalnaker and Fleming Rutledge. Check it out at tamedcynic.org. You can also join the “Advent Begins in the Dark” Facebook group by clicking the link at the top of crackersandgrapejuice.com.

TONIGHT: An Evening in December. Join us for a Christmas recital tonight at 6:30 p.m. The sanctuary will be filled with the sounds of the season as members of our congregation bring their gifts of instrumental and vocal music. The program is free.

Welcome to Annandale United Methodist Church!6935 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA 22003

December 9, 2018

Thank you for joining us for worship today! Come to Wright Hall after the service for fellowship and refreshments, and feel free to take this leaflet home for a friend.

Children’s Ministries dRuth Anne Luckenbaugh, rluckenbaugh@annandale-umc.org

Thank you to all our Christmas Pageant actors and volunteers! Children’s Sunday school will not meet today. All Pageant participants are invited to join us in Wright Hall at 9:45 a.m. for a special breakfast and supervised activities.

2018 Christmas Eve participants needed! Parents, we need several children and youth to participate in this year’s 4 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Please let Ruth Anne know right away if your child would like to be a part of this special service - rluckenbaugh@annandale-umc.org.

Sunday school classes meet at 9:45 a.m.: Visit annandalechurch.com/classes for details on classes, teachers and more.

And join us during the week for small groups like:JOURNEY 101: Thursdays, 7 p.m., in room 209. How can you know, love, and serve God in a life-changing way? Journey 101 helps to answer this question as you explore the Bible, engage spiritual practices, and serve God with increasing passion and dedication.Leaders: Pastors Chenda Lee (clee@annandale-umc.org) and Jason Micheli, jmicheli@annandale-umc.org

1 KING’S MEN’S GROUP: 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. at Juke Box Diner. This group meets for breakfast, fellowship, encouragement, and Bible Study, using the Master Builders Bible for Men. Leader: Bill Iwig, Bethesda.duo@verizon.net

Rev. Jason Michelijmicheli@annandale-umc.org

Today: No Sunday School; RAMP, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Dec. 16: Combined Sunday School in Youth Room; Ramp Christmas Party, 5:30-8 p.m. White Elephant gift exchange: $10 limit.

Youth Choir resumes in January.

THE GRIDRev. Peter Kwon, pkwon@annandale-umc.org

Snow removal help needed this winter: We’re looking for some hearty volunteers to help us clear the sidewalks and doorways at AUMC when we receive large snowfalls. If you can help by shoveling or operating a snow blower, contact the office at 703-256-8330 or office@annandale-umc.org.

Congratulations to Scout Troop/Pack 150 for another successful “Scouting for Food” campaign! Our scouts collected over 6,300 pounds of food for the AUMC Mission Center and ACCA food pantry. A total of 82 scouts and adults participated, putting in nearly 390 volunteer hours, to collect 795 bags of food.

A Brethren Epiphany Concert: Ring in the New Year with a message of good will and hope! Join the Brethren for an Epiphany concert on Sunday, Jan. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and will be sold between services.

Flowers in the Atrium are offered to the Glory of God and in memory of her mother, Marti Moyer by Andi Lohr.Congratulations to Rudy and Sue Meekins who celebrate their 66th wedding

anniversary Dec. 13.

Clothing donations welcomed as winter approaches: We are looking for all sizes, including coats, hats and gloves for adults. Donations can be placed in the Mission Center box under the coat rack across from the parlor. Contact Betsy Clevenger at 703-425-6424.

Bi-District Training Day, Jan. 12: The annual training day for clergy and laity in Northern Virginia will be Saturday, Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., at Floris UMC, 13600 Frying Pan Road in Herndon. The keynote speaker this year is Rev. Dr. Elaine Heath, professor of missional and pastoral theology at Duke Divinity School. There will be a pre-conference event hosted by AUMC on Friday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m., featuring a Q&A with Dr. Heath. Find out more and register at https://bdtd.novaumc.org/. Registration for the Friday evening event is $10. Registration for the Saturday training is $30 through Dec. 14 and $50 beginning Dec. 15.

AUMC News Sermon FOLLOW-UP: Grab a cup of coffee and join Pastor Jason at 9:45 a.m. in Hughes Hall to dive more deeply into this week’s preaching text.

Are you thinking of making a year-end gift to the church? If so, here are some reminders: To be credited for 2018 tax purposes, all gifts must be submitted with the church offerings on Sunday, Dec. 30, or received in the church office by 10 a.m. Dec. 31 (or by mail postmarked before Jan. 1). If you are considering a stock offering

to the church, please complete the process no later than Dec. 17. Please have your broker contact Paul Trimber at Wells Fargo Advisors (703-739-1443). If you wish to make an e-giving offering from your bank account, be sure to complete the process by 4 p.m. Dec. 28. E-giving offerings with a credit card must be completed no later than 4 p.m. Dec. 31. Also, expense vouchers for 2018 must be submitted by Dec. 19. For details, contact Garry Bell at 703-256-8330 or gbell@annandale-umc.org.

Alternative giving options: You can deliver hope to those in need by participating in AUMC’s Alternative Giving Program. Rather than buying someone a gift they don’t need, think about making a donation on their behalf! This year’s giving opportunities include: AUMC Mission Center food and clothing program, UMCOR disaster relief, Just Neighbors and Rise Against Hunger. See the tree in the atrium for more information. The deadline is Dec. 23.

Dec. 9 (Second Sunday of Advent): The Armor of Light - Isaiah 40:3-5. God’s word of judgment comes at us, cutting us to the heart, so that we will turn to God’s mercy; that is, Advent is a time when we remember that God does not wait around for us to get our act together. God comes to us in his words and fully in the Word.

Dec. 16 (Third Sunday of Advent): Bearing Witness on the Brink - Isaiah 35:1-10. Isaiah and St. Paul see how God’s reckoning of judgment is wide; therefore, salvation is cosmic in scope: new creation.

Dec. 23 (Fourth Sunday of Advent): King of the Last Things - Isaiah 9. Advent is a time where we recall that the “last things” (heaven, hell, judgment) are all already summed up in the incarnation.

Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve): Christmas Eve Services: 4 p.m., candlelight service for families; 7 and 11 p.m., candlelight service. New this year: A nativity scene with live animals in front of the church. Bring the kids! Invite your friends and neighbors!

Advent Events

Jan. 13 20 27Feb. 10 17 24Mar. 10 17 24 31Apr. 14 28May 12 19 26June 9 16 23 30

July 14 21 28Aug. 11 18 25Sept. 8 15 22 29

Oct. 13 20 27Nov. 10 17 24Dec. 29

Name of Donor: ______________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________r In Memory of r In Honor of (check one)____________________________________________I/we wish to leave the flowers for distribution to shut-ins or those in the hospital. YES _____ NO ______

Flowers on the Altar NeededIf you would like to place flowers on the altar in memory or honor of a loved one, please circle the date(s) you wish and return the form below along with a check, made payable to AUMC. Cost: $30 per arrangement. Flowers are not placed on the altar on the first Sunday of each month, Communion Sunday; Easter Sunday and Advent have special flowers. Collecting food for AUMC’s food programs: Please note that on the first Sunday of

the month, we collect food in the colorful buckets just inside the front doors of the church for the ACCA food pantry. On the third Sunday of the month, we collect food items for our Mission Center.

Prayers for our members

Prayers for our friends and family outside AUMC:Sheryl Blunt, friend of Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh Earl Rocca, friend of John HoustonRobert Elder, friend of Marcia Twomey Kirk Chryst, friend of Marcia TwomeyJoan Fontz, mother-in-law of Bill Pemberton Jon Bretz, cousin of Erin McKenneyMary and John Crossin, friends of Gail Pemberton Jenny Porter, friend of the Pagnard family Hazel Poole, mother of Brenda PooleTracy Wellington, friend of Tracy Carney Dale Thomas, friend of Kelly NeitzeyJean McDowell, mother of David Barker Grace Brakefield, aunt of David BarkerNorma Pickens and family, friends of Louise Golobic Daughter of Dana GowardEmma and Willie Twyman, parents of Pam Adams Paula Bevan, sister of Fred CarnsJessica McDonald, great-niece of Winnie Tegge Jacob, grandson of Betsy ClevengerThe Dickerson family, friends of Julie Montgomery Justin, friend of Michele EarhartBryce D’Ornellas, son of Sydney D’Ornellas and grandson of Patricia Martino-ShapiroMeghan Ford, relative of DeEtte Johnson James Jenkins, friend of Charles CoxGordon Weihmiller, husband of Jane Weihmiller Drew Miga, husband of Bliss MigaMary Korves, mother of Trish Bradley Paul Keplinger, father of Sheila KyerWilla Jones, grandmother of Cameron Houston Rob Allred, friend of Denny StokesAmy Rasmussen, friend of Debbie Strickland Michael Nimoh, son of WP teacherBob Woolfenden, brother of Jeanne Guidi Donald Grubb, brother of Freda HillDonna Thompson, friend of Gary and Jeanie FitzGibbon Matt McConville, brother of Jim McConville Scotty Vice, friend of Rocky SpeakeNathan Hancock, friend of Carol Burns Diane Iwig, sister-in-law of Bill IwigSue Wilson, friend of Jim and Judy McConville Martha Cox, cousin of Charlie CoxMark and Kevin, friends of Rita Witkowski Mary Furcillo, mother of Joni LaurenceRichard Johnston, brother of Sindy Keplinger Fran Keen, mother of Molly WilmarthDebbie Faeder, sister of Sindy Keplinger Kaveh Rahmani, friend of Clay CarneyBill Kinsler, friend of Betsy ClevengerRichard McClellan, friend of Judy and Jim McConville Robert Black, father of Jeanie FitzGibbon Joanie Millan, daughter of Elaine HinerJacqueline Wilson, friend of Sandra Chase Harrison Reed, friend of Cyndi JonesPatricia Pearson, aunt of Lori Valentine de Segovia Eva Fong, sister of Anna MoellerIrinah Andrianantenaina, niece of Nivosoa Robjhon Betty Chase and Betty Owen, friends of Sandra Chase Jennie Chapman, daughter-in-law of Lucy Chapman

For bereaved members and their families: Lavinia Odejimi and family on the death of her mother, Mabel Thornton

Pat Vaughn and family on the death of his cousin, Joy VaughnSusan, Marcia and Sharon Williams on the death of their mother, Shirley Williams

Please put prayer requests in writing or call the office.

Lavinia OdejimiPat SherfeyTracie ClemmerDanitria BradleyAnne CapitmanEdouard Quansah

Duke NootenboomDebbie Strickland

Stephanie LipsDennis Kirk

Tina SvensonMary Ruth Stacy

Polly MorrisSue Plucknett

Joan OliverBeverly PierceTammy Rapp

Ramona Thompson

Angie WangJo Ellen Walker

George HillVirginia Cannon

The

Children’s Christmas Pageant

December 9, 2018, 8:30 a.m.Annandale United Methodist Church

Contemporary Worship December 9, 2018, 8:30 a.m.

Thank you for joining us at AUMC! Please fill out the pew pad and pass it on.

Gathering Song“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

Lighting of the Second Advent Candle - Rev. Chenda Lee

Opening Prayer

Song of Praise“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Announcements

Offering of the PeopleOffertory: “Emmanuel” - Worship Band

Scripture LessonIsaiah 40.3-5 - Polly Rosenstein

Hymn: “What Child is This,” vs. 1 - Hymnal #219

Children’s Christmas Pageant

Sermon“Midrash in the Moment” - Rev. Jason Micheli

Benediction

AUMC Children’s Christmas PageantCharacters • 4th - 5th Grade Class Prophet Isaiah 8:30 - Gus Neuberg; 11 - James Wakefield Mary 8:30 - Madeline Levorson; 11 - Anne Palmer Gabriel Gabriel Santangelo Centurion 8:30 - James Wakefield; 11 - Gus Neuberg Joseph Joshua Vaughn Lead Innkeeper 8:30 - Akeema Lee; 11 - Zara Bruce Lead Shepherd 8:30 - Graham Martin; 11 - Owen Boersma Lead Angel 8:30 - Anne Palmer; 11 - Madeline Levorson Lead Star Cynthia Stephens 3 Wise Men 8:30 – Luke Houghton, James Wakefield, Clay Dillard 11:00 – Luke Houghton, Gus Neuberg, Owen Zganjar Elephant Lily Segovia Valentine

Roles by Grade Stars 0-2 year olds Angels 2-4 year olds Animals Kindergarten Sheep, Shepherds, Donkey 2nd grade Townspeople/Innkeepers 3rd - 5th Grade

Personnel Producer and Director Christi Schwarten Assistant Producer & Stage Manager Katie Ogle Music Director & Percussion Patrick Vaughn Accompanist Caroline Evans Sound Director Scott Houghton Narrator Dave Luckenbaugh

Thank you to all the children’s Sunday school teachers, parent volunteers and Director of Christian Education for Children Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh for all their assistance, time and support.

Special thanks to everyone not mentioned for their contributions to the pageant. The work of so many makes our Christmas Pageant possible!

And special thank you to Francine and Rob Cannon for hosting a breakfast for our actors, actresses and volunteers!

The

Children’s Christmas Pageant

December 9, 2018, 11 a.m.Annandale United Methodist Church

Prayers for our members

Prayers for our friends and family outside AUMC:Sheryl Blunt, friend of Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh Earl Rocca, friend of John HoustonRobert Elder, friend of Marcia Twomey Kirk Chryst, friend of Marcia TwomeyJoan Fontz, mother-in-law of Bill Pemberton Jon Bretz, cousin of Erin McKenneyMary and John Crossin, friends of Gail Pemberton Jenny Porter, friend of the Pagnard family Hazel Poole, mother of Brenda PooleTracy Wellington, friend of Tracy Carney Dale Thomas, friend of Kelly NeitzeyJean McDowell, mother of David Barker Grace Brakefield, aunt of David BarkerNorma Pickens and family, friends of Louise Golobic Daughter of Dana GowardEmma and Willie Twyman, parents of Pam Adams Paula Bevan, sister of Fred CarnsJessica McDonald, great-niece of Winnie Tegge Jacob, grandson of Betsy ClevengerThe Dickerson family, friends of Julie Montgomery Justin, friend of Michele EarhartBryce D’Ornellas, son of Sydney D’Ornellas and grandson of Patricia Martino-ShapiroMeghan Ford, relative of DeEtte Johnson James Jenkins, friend of Charles CoxGordon Weihmiller, husband of Jane Weihmiller Drew Miga, husband of Bliss MigaMary Korves, mother of Trish Bradley Paul Keplinger, father of Sheila KyerWilla Jones, grandmother of Cameron Houston Rob Allred, friend of Denny StokesAmy Rasmussen, friend of Debbie Strickland Michael Nimoh, son of WP teacherBob Woolfenden, brother of Jeanne Guidi Donald Grubb, brother of Freda HillDonna Thompson, friend of Gary and Jeanie FitzGibbon Matt McConville, brother of Jim McConville Scotty Vice, friend of Rocky SpeakeNathan Hancock, friend of Carol Burns Diane Iwig, sister-in-law of Bill IwigSue Wilson, friend of Jim and Judy McConville Martha Cox, cousin of Charlie CoxMark and Kevin, friends of Rita Witkowski Mary Furcillo, mother of Joni LaurenceRichard Johnston, brother of Sindy Keplinger Fran Keen, mother of Molly WilmarthDebbie Faeder, sister of Sindy Keplinger Kaveh Rahmani, friend of Clay CarneyBill Kinsler, friend of Betsy ClevengerRichard McClellan, friend of Judy and Jim McConville Robert Black, father of Jeanie FitzGibbon Joanie Millan, daughter of Elaine HinerJacqueline Wilson, friend of Sandra Chase Harrison Reed, friend of Cyndi JonesPatricia Pearson, aunt of Lori Valentine de Segovia Eva Fong, sister of Anna MoellerIrinah Andrianantenaina, niece of Nivosoa Robjhon Betty Chase and Betty Owen, friends of Sandra Chase Jennie Chapman, daughter-in-law of Lucy Chapman

For bereaved members and their families: Lavinia Odejimi and family on the death of her mother, Mabel Thornton

Pat Vaughn and family on the death of his cousin, Joy VaughnSusan, Marcia and Sharon Williams on the death of their mother, Shirley Williams

Please put prayer requests in writing or call the office.

Lavinia OdejimiPat SherfeyTracie ClemmerDanitria BradleyAnne CapitmanEdouard Quansah

Duke NootenboomDebbie Strickland

Stephanie LipsDennis Kirk

Tina SvensonMary Ruth Stacy

Polly MorrisSue Plucknett

Joan OliverBeverly PierceTammy Rapp

Ramona Thompson

Angie WangJo Ellen Walker

George HillVirginia Cannon

AUMC Children’s Christmas PageantCharacters • 4th - 5th Grade Class Prophet Isaiah 8:30 - Gus Neuberg; 11 - James Wakefield Mary 8:30 - Madeline Levorson; 11 - Anne Palmer Gabriel Gabriel Santangelo Centurion 8:30 - James Wakefield; 11 - Gus Neuberg Joseph Joshua Vaughn Lead Innkeeper 8:30 - Akeema Lee; 11 - Zara Bruce Lead Shepherd 8:30 - Graham Martin; 11 - Owen Boersma Lead Angel 8:30 - Anne Palmer; 11 - Madeline Levorson Lead Star Cynthia Stephens 3 Wise Men 8:30 – Luke Houghton, James Wakefield, Clay Dillard 11:00 – Luke Houghton, Gus Neuberg, Owen Zganjar Elephant Lily Segovia Valentine

Roles by Grade Stars 0-2 year olds Angels 2-4 year olds Animals Kindergarten Sheep, Shepherds, Donkey 2nd grade Townspeople/Innkeepers 3rd - 5th Grade

Personnel Producer and Director Christi Schwarten Assistant Producer & Stage Manager Katie Ogle Music Director & Percussion Patrick Vaughn Accompanist Caroline Evans Sound Director Scott Houghton Narrator Dave Luckenbaugh

Thank you to all the children’s Sunday school teachers, parent volunteers and Director of Christian Education for Children Ruth Anne Luckenbaugh for all their assistance, time and support.

Special thanks to everyone not mentioned for their contributions to the pageant. The work of so many makes our Christmas Pageant possible!

And special thank you to Francine and Rob Cannon for hosting a breakfast for our actors, actresses and volunteers!

Thank you for joining us at AUMC! Please fill out the pew pad and pass it on.

Introit: “Prepare Ye” - Robinson; Adult Choir

Call to Worship: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” vs. 1

Antiphon and Lighting of the Second Advent Candle - Pam Jones

Refrain: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” chorus

Processional Hymn: “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” - Hymnal #224

Opening Prayer

Response: “Gloria” - Hymnal #72

Announcements

Offering of the PeopleOffertory: “Pas de Deux var. II” - Tchaikovsky; Caroline Evans, piano

Doxology: Hymnal #94

Prayer of Dedication

Scripture Lesson: Isaiah 40.3-5 - Nick Pemberton

Hymn: “What Child is This,” vs. 1 - Hymnal #219

Children’s Christmas Pageant

Sermon: “Midrash in the Moment” - Rev. Jason Micheli

Recessional Hymn: “Joy to the World,” vs. 1,2,4 - Hymnal #246

Benediction

Congregational Response: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” - Hymnal #206

Postlude: “Christmas Time is Here” - Guaraldi; Caroline Evans, piano

Traditional WorshipDecember 9, 2018, 11 a.m.