December 14, 2014 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

ChristmasOak Grove

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The music of Christmas presented by choirs, soloists, and orchestra.

Sunday, December 14, 20147 p.m.

The Sanctuary ofOak Grove United Methodist Church

Gathering Music Prelude on “Angels from the Realms of Glory” arr. Robert J. Powell

Welcome Dr. Glenn Ethridge (Please complete and pass the red friendship pad at this time.)

*Processional Hymn Joy to the World UMH 246

Choral Introit Away in a Manger arr. Mack Wilberg Music Makers, Youth, Chancel and Chamber Choirs

Lighting of the Advent Wreath - �e Joy Candle Ms. Isabelle Higgins �e joy of Christ comes to those who know Jesus, the Savior of the world. Grant, O God, that we may have joy in receiving and serving you. May the joy of Christ �ll our hearts. We light this candle of joy in celebration of Jesus Christ, the source of all joy.

Congregational Response Joy to the World UMH 246 He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness, and wonders of his love, and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.

A Morning Prayer and �e Lord’s Prayer Dr. Amy Morgan 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.

Sacrament of Holy Baptism (8:30) Dr. Ethridge Britton Grace Lidbom, daughter of Anna and Paul Lidbom Dr. Morgan Congregational Pledge With God’s help, we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that Britton Grace, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and con�rmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal. God Claims You FWS 2249 Britton Grace, Britton Grace, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. We this day do all agree a child of God you’ll always be. Britton Grace, Britton Grace, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

Sacrament of Holy Baptism (11:00) Dr. Ethridge Olivier James Smith, son of Melissa and Brandon Smith Rev. Susan Allen Grady Congregational Pledge With God’s help, we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that Olivier, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and con�rmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.

8:30 & 11:00 a.m. ORDER OF WORSHIPDecember 14, 2014 �ird Sunday of Advent

(In preparation for worship, please silence all cell phones.)

God Claims You FWS 2249 Olivier, Olivier, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too. We this day do all agree a child of God you’ll always be. Olivier, Olivier, God claims you, God helps you, protects you, and loves you too.

Our Tithes & O�erings �ere is no rose John Joubert Chamber Choir

*Doxology While Shepherds Watched �eir Flocks UMH 236

All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good will henceforth from heaven to earth begin and never cease, begin and never cease!

*Hymn of Preparation Angels We Have Heard on High UMH 238 (At the 11:00 a.m. service, children are invited to come forward during the hymn.)

Children's Time (11:00) Ms. Kim Cody(At the 11:00 a.m. service, children in Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade are invited

to attend Children’s Church after the Children’s Time. Pick up in room 206.)

Anthem ‘Round de Glory Manger arr. Willis Laurence James Oliver Sueing, Tenor, Chancel and Chamber Choirs

Scripture Luke 1:5-28 Mrs. Carol Linder

�e Word of God for the people of God. �anks be to God.

Sermon What If We Rethink What We Share? Dr. Ethridge

*Sending Hymn Hark! the Herald Angels Sing UMH 240(�ose who wish to join the church are invited to come forward.)

*Benediction Dr. Ethridge

*Postlude In Dulci Jubilo arr. Wilbur Held

*Congregation stand as ableUMH: United Methodist Hymnal / FWS: �e Faith We SingLarge print hymnals and bulletins and hearing assistance devices are available from an usher.

You are invited to support the Ministry of the Christmas Poinsettias. Each year, volunteers visit approximately 50 home-bound members and present them with a cheerful, fresh poinsettia plant on behalf of the congregation. Additional poinsettia plants will be placed in our Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall. All contributors and their designees will be recognized in our bulletin on December 21. We invite you to make a gift of any amount in memory of or in honor of someone dear to you. Your generous contributions will o�set the cost of the poinsettias as well as other seasonal decorations in the church.

Please �ll out the form below and place it in the o�ering plate or deliver it to the church o�ce NO LATER THAN NOON ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 15.

Your Name:

______________________________(Use one form for each person memorialized or honored)

Please make my contribution:

In Memory Of:

______________________________

In Honor Of:

______________________________

Please indicate your interest in the following:

❏ Use my contribution for poinsettiasfor the homebound and decorationsfor the church.

❏ I will help deliver poinsettias to the homebound on December 13 or 14.

❏ I would like to pick up a poinsettia after 9:35 a.m. worship on December 22.

❏ I would like to pick up a poinsettia after 11 a.m. worship on December 22.

Phone number___________________

Ministry of theChristmasPoinsettias

OAK GROVE NEWSDecember 14, 2014

AngelTreeIt’s Angel Tree Time!

Once again, we have the opportunity to make Christmas a little brighter for families in our area. Our gifts will support families through DFCS, the United Methodist Children’s Home, the Carrie Steel Pitts Home, Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, and New American Pathways. You can help sponsor a child by visiting the table in the Portico Commons or contacting Phil Perry (404-580-8859 or philipperry@bellsouth.net).

�e OGUMC service ministry invites you to join others in the congregation as we trans-form our beliefs into community action. We are teaming up with the city of Decatur to o�er free house repairs and yard work to help at-risk seniors in the historic Oakhurst neighborhood remain in their homes safely and comfortably, to improve their quality of life. Sign up to join a team and volunteer together in various shifts across the weekend in these general service areas: yard work, general carpentry and handyman repairs, painting and cleaning, and lunch service. Church shuttle buses will be available for individuals who require transportation. Carpooling is encouraged for groups. No cost to participate, but you must sign-up in advance. Sign-ups will begin in early January via the church website (www.ogumc.org). For additional information, contact Karl & Liz Schultz (lizandkarl@att.net or 404-775-1229) or visit the MLK Service Project’s website (www.mlkserviceproject.com).

MLK DecaturService Project

January 17–19, 2015

Combined Worship Service No Children or Youth Sunday School

Childcare (birth through 5 years old) available starting at 10:15 a.m.

Sunday, December 28 – 10:30 a.m.

BlessingtheA gift to �e Blessing

has been madein honor of:

Jim & Carol Wright by Madge Watson

Friendship Group

TO THE BUILDING FUND IN MEMORY OF John H. Brown by The Faith Sunday School Class Helen Glover Jeff & Fay Brewer Ann Herman Ed & Juanita Andrews Martha Jean Fowle Katherine Morris by Clint & Jenny Ginn Katherine and Pittman Morris by John & Becky Mynatt Frances Wingfield by Cherrie Baskette

TO THE MEMORIAL FUND IN MEMORY OF John H. Brown by Jim & Mary Davis Nancy Purcell

TO THE SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY IN MEMORY OF John H. Brown by Dave & Evelyn Knauft

IN MEMORYOak Grove Memorials

�is year our worship emphasis for Advent is RETHINK CHRISTMAS. As you rethink how you might approach Christmas this year, one area to explore is the area of giving. We give gifts to people to show how much we care about them. Perhaps this year we might also make it a point to give gifts to Jesus as an expression of our love. Our Advent O�ering gives us the opportunity to do just that. When we give to the Advent O�ering, our gifts honor God and are used to care for the needs of people in our community and around the world. Please use the special Advent O�ering envelope that was mailed or pick one up at church. Checks should be made payable to Oak Grove UMC and marked “Advent O�ering”. You can also give online at www.ogumc.org. �ank you for your generosity.

Advent Offering

Oak Grove UMC Youth

Christmas Tree SaleHours of Operation:Monday through Wednesday: 5 to 7 p.m.�ursday & Friday: 5 to 8 p.m.Saturday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Sunday: 12 to 8 p.m.

Don’t forget to come out to the Youth Christmas Tree Lot to buy your Christmas Tree! We are located at the corner of Fairoaks and Oak Grove Roads, in the BBQ pit parking lot. Buying your tree from the Oak Grove UMC Youth Christmas Tree Lot supports our Youth Ministry in numerous ways. �anks to you, our youth are able to engage in local outreach opportunities (such as our long-term partnership with Caring for Clarkston), participate in an interna-tional mission trip, attend spiritual life retreats, grow in their faith, and make lifelong friendships. Stop by our lot to cozy up by the �re, listen to Christmas music, and feel festive as you pick out your tree. We truly appreciate your support!

Save �ese Dates for2015

One of our homeless ministry partners, Mercy Community Church, will be running a Freeze Shelter on very cold nights this winter. �ey are currently looking for volunteers to help. People can serve for a few hours in the evening and/or stay overnight. �ere are also early morning shifts. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Dr. Amy Morgan (amorgan@ogumc.org or 404-636-7558, ext. 210).

Wanted: Freeze Shelter Volunteers

�e January-February Upper Room guides are now available for pick up in the narthex or in the hallway leading from the portico entrance to Fellowship Hall. �ese booklets provide a great guide for your daily devotional time. Pick yours up today!

Upper Room Daily Devotional Guides Available

Sonshine Camp for Special Needs Kids June 1-5, 2015Vacation Bible School Morning Session (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) June 8-12, 2015Vacation Bible School Afternoon Session (2 to 5 p.m.) June 8-12, 2015�eatre Camp May 26-29 & June 22-26, 2015Camp Acorn at YCS Weekly sessions beginning June 1Summer Camp at CDC Weekly sessions beginning May 26

Christmas LuncheonWednesday, December 17, 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.$12.00 payable to Barbara Woolard.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AT OAK GROVE Although our minds are appropriately focused on celebrating the coming of Christ, Oak Grove also recognizes that this is a period of high attendance. Therefore, we want to take advantage of the large crowds to review some church safety procedures. Fire Emergency - Always evacuate the building if you hear the fire alarm. If you see smoke or flames, pull an alarm and evacuate. The greatest safety danger is trampling, so exit the building immediately, calmly and quickly. Assist others as needed. Do not silence the alarm. Staff will manage the silencer in accordance with established procedures. Parents, do not go to the education wing. Children will be evacuated by their teachers. Parents in the hallways will impede exit and endanger lives. Do not drive in the parking lot. Small children will be in the parking lot. No cars should move unless directed to do so. Fire extinguishers are located throughout all of our buildings. The youth building and fellowship hall are separate buildings, so an alarm in one building does not affect the other buildings. Medical Emergency - The staff or head usher will always call 911 and request assistance from medical personnel present in our building. Neither staff nor volunteer medical personnel will make a medical determination of the need to transport a patient to the hospital. We always call 911 and allow the patient and paramedics to make medical decisions. In a medical emergency, ushers and staff will obtain emergency equipment, and the pastor in charge will determine whether to continue the service or clear the room. There are basic emergency medical supplies in the pulpit, and a defibrillator is available over the water fountain next to the office workroom across from the main office. For a medical emergency in progress at the end of the service the congregation may be asked to use an exit that does not impede access to the patient. Suspicious Person - Oak Grove welcomes all people to worship, but we must also be aware of people who behave in a manner that raises concern about mental stability, drug use or potential for violence. If you notice a person who is suspicious by behavior, dress (inappropriately dressed for season), or mental acuity, please notify an usher or member of the church staff. If you feel there is imminent danger, move away from the person and call 911. Armed or Violent Person - The federal government advises parishioners to take the following steps in the event of a violent person at church. If possible evacuate. If you are successful in your escape, call 911 and continue to walk/run far away from the scene. Do not drive in the parking lot. You endanger others who are running, and you may call attention to yourself. If escape is not possible, hide. Do not make sounds. Silence phone. As a last resort, in a matter of life and death, fight aggressively, using any and all weapons and resources at your disposal, making as much noise as possible. Weather Emergency - Move to hallways on the first floor away from windows and doors.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES Oak Grove O�ce Hours 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. M–F

Sunday, December 14, 201412:05pm Chamber Choir Rehearsal Choir Rm-201 2:00pm Advent Study Rm 217 5:00pm Call for All Choirs Choir Rm-201 6:00pm Youth RENEW Youth Building 7:00pm Christmas at Oak Grove Sanctuary Monday, December 15, 2014 9:30am Disciple III Rm 21210:00am Seekers Class Bridge Rm 11411:00am AARP Meeting Fellowship Hall 7:00pm Finance Committee Meeting Rm 217 7:30pm Adult Volleyball Heritage Hall Gym Tuesday, December 16, 201412:00pm Sta� Advent Study Rm 217 4:00pm Senior Adult Ministry Meeting Rm 114 6:30pm Disciple II Rm 217 6:30pm Grief Sharing Group Rm 219 6:30pm Aerobic Exercise Class Heritage Hall Gym 7:00pm BSA Venture Crew 77 Scout Hall Wednesday, December 17, 2014 9:15am YCS Christmas Pageant Sanctuary 9:30am Disciple II Rm 21710:00am UMW Friendship Circle Fellowship Hall 5:00pm Chapel Communion Service Sanctuary 6:15pm Disciple Bible III Rm 212 6:15pm Disciple x2 Rm 219 6:30pm Disciple 1 Fast Track Rm 216 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal Choir Rm-201 7:00pm Building/HOA Meeting Rm 217 7:30pm Boy Scout Troop 77 Meeting Scout Hall �ursday, December 18, 201411:00am Sta� Christmas Luncheon Away 1:00pm Mobile Soup Kitchen Prep Fellowship Hall 3:30pm Montclair Blessing Bags Fellowship Hall 6:00pm Rebuilding Support Group Rm 219 6:30pm Aerobic Exercise Class Heritage Hall Gym 7:00pm WOW (Weekly Oxygen for Women) Parlor 8:00pm 9.35 Band Rehearsal Fellowship Hall Friday, December 19, 201411:30am Mobile Soup Kitchen Delivery Away

Our Presence December 7, 2014Church School 4708:30 Service 1469:35 Service 19811:00 Service 481Total Worship this Week 855

PLEASE PRAY FOR

mon tuesun wed thu fri sat

Returns January 7

Our Presence December 3, 2014 Chapel Communion Service 30

In the Hospital…Emory Midtown – Betty GatesGrady – Tad Day

In Care Facilities…A.G. Rhodes – Rowena Renn-HicksBickford of Buckhead – Sue Bess RobisonCobblestone – Helen Bruce, Carolyn TomlinsonGrace Healthcare, Tucker – Virginia EisenhardtManorCare – Charlie Hamilton

Continued Prayers... Beth Bene�eld, Chuck Green, Louise Guy, Lee Holloway, Sam Howard, Betty Hudson, Matt Hudson, Sally Knott, Betty Lester, Burke Linder, Dick Muth, Cindy Mynatt, Bill Peacock, Mary Dell Robert, Ferg Rood, Nancy Rood, Jack Sims, B.J. Sumner, Clarice �ompson, Rob White

Our Homebound Members... For a complete listing of homebound members please contact the church o�ce.

Serving in Our Armed Forces... Captain George Parks Bunch, LTJG Alexander Cody, Petty O�cer Steven Jones, Sgt. Joshua Portwood, Col. Janet Seufert

Baptisms... November 30, 2014 - Finley Elise CadicNovember 30, 2014 - Jack Bryan Cadic

*************************************Record of Our Faithfulness

12/7/14Our O�erings Received to date Needed to date $2,272,851.58 $2,324,814.07Over/Under ($51,962.49)

DEEP ROOTS BUILDING CAMPAIGN RESULTSPledged to date: $6,259,349.56Given to date: $1,302,348.48

Welcome New Members!Patrick & Leslie CadicChildren: Finley & Jack

3466 Northlake WayAtlanta, GA 30340

patrickmcadic@gmail.comleslie.wolbach@gmail.com

Holy Communion will continue to be o�ered every Wednesday night except December 24 and 31. During the Midweek break, childcare is available only upon request. To make a reservation for childcare, please contact Tricia Fazio (tfazio@ogumc.org) by Monday at noon before the Wednesday you plan to attend.

Wednesday Chapel Communion Service

Holiday Schedule

Midweek resumes on Wednesday, January 7, with programs, choirs and a small group Bible study opportunity.

January 7: David Van Landingham (Hollie Meglio’s dad) will be here to tell us about his journey along the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrimage to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain. Tradition has it that the remains of the saint are buried there.

January 14: Rev. Dana Everhart will introduce us to the North Georgia Confer-ence Mission Bridge to Portugal and how we can participate in this international mission.

January 21: New American Pathways (formally RRISA) will tell us about their new organization and programs. �e �rst refugee family that Oak Grove sponsored will be the evening’s special guests.

January 28: Ellen Murkison will be here to speak about her memoir, Prayers from Fiji, about her family's miraculous journey following a car accident in 2011.

Midweek Study, January 7 – February 11, Women in the Bible, taught by our own Dr. Dick Muth.

A working, pre-owned sewing machine, that performs a zig zag stitch is needed by Katrina Franklin. She and her group make blankets for homeless women and children in our area. If you have one to donate, call Katrina (404-634-8017).

Sewing MachineDonation Wanted

9.35 Band Album Release

�e 9.35 band has released its �rst Christ-mas album, �e Hope of Glory. Just in time for the Advent/Christmas season, the album features a mix of new original material as well as some traditional Christmas favorites. �e cost is $10 and will be on sale at the 9.35 service, at the Tree Lot, in the church o�ce, and online at the church website (www.ogumc.org). �ese make great Christmas gifts for friends and family, and are also a great way to invite someone to church this Christmas season! �e proceeds will bene�t the Deep Roots New Growth building campaign as well as new ministry opportunities for the 9.35 service.

Today’s Worship Servants

Sound: (8:30) Billie Williams

O�ering Counters: Ed Hong, Cathy Hu�nes, Anthony Frilingos, Judy Frilingos, Joe Whipple

Ushers: Jeanine Andrews, Mark Byrne, Tony Callaway, Carolyn Casarella, Greg Casarella, Bill Cole, Scotty Gordon, Ofelia Gordon, Jack Graves, Sam Howard, Tim Howard, Scot Macrae, Alec Morris, Max Neese, Davis Peacock, Phil Perry, Neil Sampson, Kirby Smith, Hodgson �omas, James Trotti, Rob WelchAltar Guild: Ann Benton, Jayme Cartmill, Marilyn Counts, Katrina Franklin, Ofelia Gordon, Sally Houghton, Meredith Lee, Mary Sydney McAllister, Brenda ToebbenChildren’s Church: Hollie Meglio, Vince Meglio

Church O�ce 404-636-7558Emergency Contact After Hours ext. 9Dr. Glenn Ethridge – Senior Pastor ext. 211Rev. Susan Allen Grady – Associate Pastor ext. 212

Dr. Amy Morgan – Pastor of Nurture and Service ext. 210Rev. Mary Lou Gilbert – Pastor to Senior Adults

Director of Administration – Dale Smith ext. 225Children’s Ministry – Kim Cody ext. 218CDC (Child Development Center) 404-636-5476YCS (Young Children’s School) 404-636-7951

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary 9:35 a.m. Sunday School Various 9:35 a.m. Contemporary Worship Fellowship Hall11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Sanctuary

OUR WORSHIP TIMES

OUR CHURCH INFORMATION

Music Ministry – Ed Scruggs ext. 226Organist – Leanne Herrmann Youth Ministry – Caroline Paris ext. 203Dir. of Contemporary Worship – Atticus Hicks ext. 208