01-04-2009 Bulletin

The Great Thanksgiving People of Advent, the Lord be with you! And also with you! People of Christmas, lift up your hearts. We lift our hearts overwhelmed with grace to the One who was born for us. People of the Star, offer your songs of joy and thanksgiving to God. We will sing our praises to the One who has revealed glory and hope in the Babe of Bethlehem. In that first moment, you spoke, Radiant God, and the light of creation dispelled the thick darkness of chaos. You whispered, and your glory filled the skies. You sang, and the dust of the earth was shaped into your image, as you breathed life into us. We could have lived in grace and peace with you for as long as the sun endures, for as long as the moon hangs in the night sky. But we were tempted by the sweet taste of sin, and overwhelmed with temptation's wealth of cheap gifts and thrills. The prophets were sent to tell of your gifts of joy and peace, but we listened to the world's news of success, power, achievement. Finally, in that dark time of despair, you sent Jesus, your servant of salvation. Therefore, we will join our voices with the wise ones, as well as the foolish, of every time and place who forever sing of your grace: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed in the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Holy are you, God of redemption, and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Overwhelmed with compassion, he left the glory of heaven, to become a prisoner of sin, so we could be set free. Overwhelmed with hope, he entered death's house, to break its dark power forever. Overwhelmed with love, he travelled another road, walking to Calvary, so we might run with joy into your waiting arms. So, as we remember his birth, as we prepare to journey with him this year, we speak of that mystery called faith, which is revealed to us through Christ: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Holy One of stars and sinners, send down your Spirit of hope upon those gathered around this Table, and on the gifts of the bread and the cup, that they might make us your faithful and loving children. Feed us with the bread of hope, that when we leave, we will travel another road, to defend the weak, to speak for the voiceless, to assist those cast aside. Refresh us with the sweet nectar of grace, so we, overwhelmed with joy, would go forth to enter the houses of the strangers in our midst; to enter the despair of the lonely and forgotten; to enter the hearts of everyone we meet. And when eternity's time begins and we are gathered around your Table, with friends and family we loved, with those we ignored and mistreated, with all our sisters and brothers of grace, we will lift our songs of glad joy to you, God in Community, Holy in One. Amen. (c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman

Isaiah 9:2-6 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. 2

You have multiplied the nation, 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. 3

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. 6

John 1:1-15 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 2

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The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 5

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 9

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the 14

glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.'")

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life." 12

1 Peter 2:9-10 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 9

Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Our Presence Last Week Combined Worship (11:00) ................................................. 79 Sunday School ..................................................................... 34 Our Stewardship Last Week General Fund Pledged .............................................$4,996.62 General Fund Unpledged ....................................... $3,030.00 Loose Plate .................................................................... $24.25 Sunday School ............................................................. $24.00 Building & Imp / Renovation ..................................... $20.00 Christmas Offering (all gifts) ................................. $7,689.06 Our Stewardship YTD 2008 Budget ........................................................ $317,675.06 Projected YTD...................................................... $317,675.06 Received YTD (thru 12/31/2008) ..................... $289,280.68 Spent YTD .............................................................$284,477.11 Excess (Deficit) ........................................................$4,803.57 [note: there are still some 2008 expenditures to be made] Apportionment Mission Giving Annual Goal .................................................. $31,077.00 Given YTD ...................................................... $4,603.00

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Seminole Heights UMC Staff Rev. T. Glenn Bosley-Mitchell ...................................... Pastor Judy Colvin ...................................................... Music Director Tana Bierce ............................................... Children’s Director Matthew Heitz ................................................. Youth Director Betty Jones ............................................ Office Administrator Christine Messer.......................................Financial Secretary Lynne Bobbitt ........................................... Nursery Attendant Lamar Camp ............. Sunday Office & Building Coordinator Christine Messer....................................... Preschool Director Jason Steere .................................................... Hymn Organist Telephone Extensions/Email Addresses Church 813-236-5931 ♦ Fax 813-236-5932 [email protected] Website: www.seminoleheightsumc.org Pastor’s Blog: www.shumc.org Pastor—x224 ...................................... [email protected] Office—x221 .................... [email protected] Finance—x223 .......................................................................... Music ......................................................................................... Children—x225 ................................ [email protected] Youth—x225 ................................. [email protected] Worship info—x300

Book Study on The Shack Beginning on Tuesday, January 20th, Rev. Gaye BosleyMitchell (Gaye is Pastor Glenn’s wife) will be sharing a discussion group on one of the best-selling books around, The Shack written by William P. Young. The first night’s discussion will be on Tuesday and subsequent discussions on Wednesday nights from 6:45 – 8:15 pm. You will want to have read this book before the study begins and can read more about The Shack in Pastor Glenn’s blog at www.shumc.org (look in the August 2008 archive).

Heights Happenings Opportunities for Fellowship, Worship, and Service Sunday, January 4 9:30a Casual Worship 9:30a Sunday School 10:30a Coffee Fellowship in Allen Hall 11:00a Traditional Worship 7:00p NA meeting Monday, January 5 9:00a Prayer group 6:30p Trustees meeting (Possibilities House) Tuesday, January 6 Epiphany of the Lord 7:30p NA meeting in the chapel Wednesday, January 7 3:00p Youth room opens 6:00p Family life dinner* 6:45p Youth program 6:45p Pioneer Club Thursday, January 8 7:30p Chancel Choir rehearsal Friday, January 9 5:30p Praise team set up & rehearsal 8:15p NA meeting Sunday, January 11 9:30a Casual worship 9:30a Sunday school 10:30a Coffee fellowship 11:00a Traditional worship 7:00p NA meeting *Our Wednesday Night Supper will be “Pot Luck.” Bring enough for your family and some extra to share.

Upcoming Special Events We will have a special music program on Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 pm. We will be hosting screenwriter and humorist, Jonathan Richard Cring and musician and conductor Janet Clazzy for an evening of music and monologue, including readings from Mr. Cring’s book, Living a Legendary Life with original tunes performed by Ms Crazzy on the oboe and WX-5 Wind Machine, and insights on the growing market for movies and art with purpose and spirit. A free-will offering will be taken up after the program and copies of books, CDs, and DVDs of the movies will be available for purchase. This will be an exciting evening and a great chance to invite your family, neighbors, and friends to experience the ministry and hospitality of SHUMC! ♦♦♦♦ An intensive Small Group program will be our focus during Lent this year using Max Lucado’s book, 3:16 The Numbers of Hope. We will need small group leaders, persons to host, teams to help promote and organize all of our efforts in developing this ministry for our own folks and potential new guests to our sphere of influence. An initial planning session will be held on Sunday, January 11— right after the 11:00 worship or on Monday January 12 at 7:00 pm (pick one to attend). If you want to know more, visit the website: http://maxlucado.com/316/.

Our Casual Worship

Our Traditional Service of Worship Epiphany Sunday 11:00 am

January 4, 2009

*We invite those who are able, to stand during these acts of worship

ENTRANCE We enter into the presence of God as we come together in the name of Christ with music and song, greetings, prayer, and praise.

Singing our Welcome Come, Christians Join to Sing [first verse] #158 Prelude Lighting of the Altar Candles *Call to Worship Aaron Cole, Liturgist *Opening Prayer # 255 Epiphany *Hymn of Praise #254 We Three Kings

PREPARATION We lift our hearts and minds to God as we hear God’s Word and we share our joys, concerns, prayers, and gifts.

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 9:2-6 Prayer Sharing Call to Prayer El Shaddai Pastoral Prayer The Lord’s Prayer Special Music I Wanna Hear the Angels Sing The Offering *Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow *Prayer of Dedication

#123 #895 ARR. HAMBY

OLD 100TH

#95 Liturgist

PROCLAMATION *Hymn of Illumination There’s a Song in the Air New Testament Readings John 1:1-15; John 8:12; 1 Peter 2:9-10 Artistic Message Starburst: A Cosmic Christmas Story*

#249

*from Wellspring.com

Dr. T. Glenn Bosley-Mitchell

THANKSGIVING AND COMMUNION The actions of Jesus in the Upper Room are reenacted as we share together the Bread and the Cup

The Great Thanksgiving Sharing of the Bread and Cup

Insert

RESPONSE We prepare to serve in the world as we sing and receive the benediction. We go into ministry with the Lord’s blessing.

*Hymn of Sending Forth The First Noel [verses 3, 4 & 5] *Benediction *Sending Forth I Come with Joy [verse 5] *Postlude

January 4, 2009

Gathering Music Singing our Call to Worship Opening Prayer Children’s Time Songs of Praise Prayer Sharing Morning Prayer Offering Songs of Preparation Bible Readings Isaiah 9:2-6; John 1:1-15; John 8:12; 1 Peter 2:9-10 Artistic Message Starburst: A Cosmic Christmas Story

from Wellspring.com

Message Our Own Starburst

Dr. T. Glenn Bosley-Mitchell

The Lord’s Supper Songs of Dedication Blessing

Worship Matters

The scriptures are opened to us through music and proclamation.

Sermon Our Own Starburst

9:30 am

#712 #245 Congregation #617

January Ushers: Lorrie Cole, Jacob Cole, Mary Ann Shirbach, Jim Shirbach A nursery for children is available on this floor—speak to one of our ushers. Following our 9:30 worship or our Sunday School classes, all are invited downstairs to Allen Hall for a time of coffee and fellowship. Our Praise Team—Matthew Heitz (leader), Jayne Braddy, Amanda Brown, Judy Colvin, Nick Colvin, Bill Duvall, Larry Messer, Amanda Thurman

Family News Please Keep in Your Prayers… Our Known Military: Scott Aiken, Tim Bonner, James Brumley, Ashlee Colvin, Tracey Edwards, Patrick Freshwater, Daniel Goode, Shawn Bonner Grabulis, Eric Harvester, Jr., Ken Herbert, Brian McClanahan, Trevor Mott-Smith, Misty Newell, Michael Penn, John Vondruska, Kristen Vondruska, James Weeks Those shut-ins living at home or in care facilities

Missions Message On Wednesday, January 14th at 7:00 pm, Pastor Pedro Castillo from Methodist church in Santiago de Cuba will share with our congregation, following our Wednesday Night Supper. This is a re-scheduling of the November event after the difficulty of Pastor Castillo receiving a travel visa to come to the United States

Sermon Notes

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Starburst An Epiphany Celebration

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Seminole Heights United Methodist Church Corner of Hanna and Central 6111 North Central Avenue ♦ Tampa, FL 33604 813-236-5931 Rev. Dr. T. Glenn Bosley-Mitchell, Pastor

The Great Thanksgiving People of Advent, the Lord be with you! And also with you! People of Christmas, lift up your hearts. We lift our hearts overwhelmed with grace to the One who was born for us. People of the Star, offer your songs of joy and thanksgiving to God. We will sing our praises to the One who has revealed glory and hope in the Babe of Bethlehem. In that first moment, you spoke, Radiant God, and the light of creation dispelled the thick darkness of chaos. You whispered, and your glory filled the skies. You sang, and the dust of the earth was shaped into your image, as you breathed life into us. We could have lived in grace and peace with you for as long as the sun endures, for as long as the moon hangs in the night sky. But we were tempted by the sweet taste of sin, and overwhelmed with temptation's wealth of cheap gifts and thrills. The prophets were sent to tell of your gifts of joy and peace, but we listened to the world's news of success, power, achievement. Finally, in that dark time of despair, you sent Jesus, your servant of salvation. Therefore, we will join our voices with the wise ones, as well as the foolish, of every time and place who forever sing of your grace: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed in the one who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Holy are you, God of redemption, and blessed is Jesus Christ, our Savior.

Overwhelmed with compassion, he left the glory of heaven, to become a prisoner of sin, so we could be set free. Overwhelmed with hope, he entered death's house, to break its dark power forever. Overwhelmed with love, he travelled another road, walking to Calvary, so we might run with joy into your waiting arms. So, as we remember his birth, as we prepare to journey with him this year, we speak of that mystery called faith, which is revealed to us through Christ: Christ has died; Christ is risen; Christ will come again. Holy One of stars and sinners, send down your Spirit of hope upon those gathered around this Table, and on the gifts of the bread and the cup, that they might make us your faithful and loving children. Feed us with the bread of hope, that when we leave, we will travel another road, to defend the weak, to speak for the voiceless, to assist those cast aside. Refresh us with the sweet nectar of grace, so we, overwhelmed with joy, would go forth to enter the houses of the strangers in our midst; to enter the despair of the lonely and forgotten; to enter the hearts of everyone we meet. And when eternity's time begins and we are gathered around your Table, with friends and family we loved, with those we ignored and mistreated, with all our sisters and brothers of grace, we will lift our songs of glad joy to you, God in Community, Holy in One. Amen. (c) 2008 Thom M. Shuman