“Love, Hope, and Light in the Community”

9:30 SUNDAY SCHOOL

"The Impact of Youth Sports on Families" - led by Dave King

Today's Leaders

*Music Leader: Garlan Yoder
*Worship Leader: Susan Huyard
*Children’s Time: Susan Huyard
*Scripture Reading: Leah Huyard
*Message: Dave King

Announcements

Today we welcome Dave King to our worship service. Dave is the athletic director at Eastern Mennonite University where he oversees the 17 intercollegiate sports programs.  He has a pretty sweet side job as well: making ice cream with a converted bicycle.

Staunton Mennonite Women will have their annual Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m., at the church.

Do you have some Christmas shopping to do and just don't have time to do it when the kids aren't around?  Here's your chance!  On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 6-9, the Huyard family will be babysitting at church.  Drop your kids off and get some shopping done, or just enjoy a quiet evening out to eat.  This is another fundraiser for Leah's trip to the youth convention next summer, but come regardless of having a donation or not!  We want all parents of young kids to have a little break!  Please let Leah know if you are planning on coming.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 14, 4:00 p.m. SMC Christmas activities will include preparing and serving a meal at Valley Mission and singing carols for the residents in their dining hall. Those who plan to participate will need to complete a volunteer application; forms are available in the fellowship room.  After our time at Valley Mission, a meal will be provided at the church for participants. Food assignments will be given by the Special Programs Committee. 

Romans 12:1-2New International Version (NIV)
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

No one truly knows Christ unless they follow Him daily in life" - Hans Denck

Thank you for joining us in worship today.  If this is your first time at Staunton Mennonite, please fill out the “Welcome” card in the back of the pew and place it in the offering plate.

Shine Call to Worship Leader: Come, let us worship in faith the God who is here and desires our worship. Redeeming God, show your face so that we, your people, will share your hope. All: Oh, that you will reveal your hope to us, O Lord. People: Let your light shine, so that the nations will see your glory. Leader: Speak to us, for your words do not pass away. People: Walk with us, and the peoples tremble. Leader: Restore us, that we might be saved. People: Mold us, and we will bend to your will. All: Rend the heavens and come down, O Lord of hope. Confessions Leader: Today in this safe but dark holy place, we become aware of your presence, God. We focus not on our sins as is our habit, but instead on the sins done against us. People: We have suffered rejection, hurt, and abuse. People have hurt us in our childhood, at school, at work, and even in church. These hurts continue to shape us in unhealthy ways. Leader: We are crumbling clay that needs to be reformed and rebuilt by you, God the Potter. People: Heal our places of shame, Lord. Leader: To “forgive those who trespass against us,” we ask for strength to release our wounds to you, to stop holding on to them. People: Heal us, Lord. All: Restore our hope, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. Advent–Epiphany worship resources are produced cooperatively by Mennonite Church Canada Formation, the Denominational Ministry of Mennonite Church USA, and Leader magazine. This year’s resources were written by a team from Mennonite Church Alberta of Mennonite Church Canada. Bible readings for today: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (3); 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37. Bible readings for next Sunday: Isaiah 40:1-11 (3); Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8.