12-13-2020 Final Bulletin

December 13, 2020 First United Methodist Church 1125 Wellborn Road, College Station, TX 77840 Rev. Eleanor Colvin, Pastor (979) 690-8415 Website: 1stCollegeStation.org

Call to Worship/Advent Reading One Voice: We light one candle for joy. Because the world is broken and the wait is long, but our joy cannot be contained! Like a toddler, discovering the world around them and the power and laughter within them, Joy pierces our silence with song interrupts our sighing with laughter unshackles our fumbling feet to dance. “My soul magnifies the Lord,” joy whispers, “and my Spirit rejoices in God my savior.” So we light one candle, because it only takes one: Christ with us. All Voices: We have joy, because we have Christ. Amen.

The Spoken Word “Joy to the World!” Psalm 126 and Isaiah 61:1-3 Rev. Eleanor L. Colvin Sermon Notes Key Scriptures:   Psalm 126:1 – When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Psalm 126:3 – The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:4 – Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. Psalm 126:5-6 – Those who so with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Sermon Notes Key Scriptures: Isaiah 61:1-3 – The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. Key Questions: 1. Another translation of verse 1 is that the people were restored to health. Is there anything unhealthy in your life? Anything that needs to be restored? Sing and shout for joy that God is already working it out! 2. What things are making you sad this season? Imagine God using your sadness and concern as the seeds to reap a harvest of change in the world. 3. The Negev was often a dry river bank that could overflow suddenly in seasons of rain. Are you in a spiritual dry season, or experiencing lack in any area of life? Pray this week for God’s living water to flow and restore you.

Prayer Concerns Kym Rucker & Kaylah Cook Carl and Angela Sullivan The Zielonka Family Students, Teachers, and all Mr. & Mrs. Taylor School Personnel Ms. Anita Whitley All College Students Julian Lamb and Elayna Healthcare Workers & Essential Tillman-Lamb Employees Ms. Tasha Williams New Jerusalem Church Family Ms. Brittany Cresnshaw Mrs. Flora Banks The Bullard Family Mrs. Anna Smith The Hightower Family Mr. James Watson Diane Robinson & Darren Day Mrs. Bobbie Nell Jones The Fowler Family Mrs. Geneva Johnson Mr. Vernon Moore Mr. Larry Johnson The Hamilton Family Mr. Lonnie Carey Lisa Wilborn & Family Mrs. Vivian Aslaha Hannah Bethea & Family Mr. & Mrs. James and Lonnie Ms. Angie Rucker Alexander Mrs. Annie Williams Verna and Ry Rose Mrs. Tammy Bass Mr. Joshua Ford and Family Mrs. Corey Flowers The Colvin Family Mr. Reginald Davis First UMC Church Family Ms. Donna Pittman Brazos Valley Newcomers

Here’s What’s Happening at 1st Church -Dec. 16: Our 3-week Advent study, will conclude Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m. Let’s spend some time studying and celebrating the real reason for the season. Bible study will resume on Wednesday, January 6, with the annual Lincoln Center MLK Community-wide Study. -Christmas Worship: First UMC will worship in-person on the Sunday before Christmas, December 20 at 11 a.m. “RSVPs” are required to ensure worship in the sanctuary is safe. Email the pastor at [email protected] to RSVP or complete the survey that was emailed. Worship will also occur on ZOOM on Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. -First UMC Worship will continue on Zoom this week. Toll-free number: 1-888-788-0099 Meeting ID Number: 930 900 59401 *No password is needed. Visit the church website at http://1stcollegestation.org/ for worship links to the podcast and YouTube channel.

TO GIVE : Text 979-399-8303 or visit www.1stcollegestation.org and click the Giving tab or SCAN THE CODE Sunday School - 9:45 am Youth Fellowship - Bible Study - 2nd Sunday Wednesday 6:30 pm College Ministry - Choir Rehearsals - TBA 1st & 3rd Sunday C-School - 1st & 3rd Sunday Brotherhood - 3rd Saturday (PK-2nd Grade) 8 am (Golden Corral)