WORD for the Week for Dec 22, 2019
Fourth Week of Advent
HOLY SURPRISES:
OPEN YOURSELF TO THE MIRACLES OF CHRISTMAS

Advent is a time to wait and to prepare. As we ready our homes and our hearts for the coming of the Christ child, we wait with expectant hearts, filled with curiosity and wonder as we open ourselves to God's holy surprises.

During Advent you will hear the ancient lectionary texts for this season; our prayer is that we will hear them anew. May God deepen our awareness of God's abiding presence as we seek to love more deeply, celebrate greater joy, make everlasting peace, and proclaim hope who comes to each of us and to the world as God comes to dwell among us.

This is a season for giving! Our campaign has raised 60.5% of our goal. If you have already filled out a commitment card, thank you! It is not too late to participate. Commitment cards can be found in worship or at the reception desk and can be returned in the offering plate, to the reception desk, or via mail.

COME AND WORSHIP
Sabbath Beginnings – Sacred Journey – Traditional Worship
WORD for Sabbath Beginnings 8am
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Worship Leader: Rev. Dwight Haberman

Holy Communion :
We have the theme of Holy Surprises. Surprises, though, come in various packaging. Even holy surprises come in a variety of surprises.

“I know not what the future has of marvel or surprise, assured alone that life and death God’s mercy underlies”—from a hymn from John Greenleaf Whittier.

It may not be a surprise to you that God’s mercy underlies everything, but that is a great consolation that we may forget to live by.
 
There is another Holy Surprise that we may tend to ignore. It is the surprise that this merciful God comes with expectations that point us to a world often different from the one in which we live. It is the surprise of an upside down world that Mary speaks of after knowing she will bear the Savior.

“He has scattered the arrogant, pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly, filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty handed.” And that is only the beginning of the world God has in mind for his world.

Surprise!!!!   A God of mercy.. ..A God with expectations of love, justice and peace.   Surprise!!!!!
WORD for Sacred Journey 8:30am
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18-25

The Story: Surprise! Think Again – Rev. Frenchye Magee

Reflection: Our dreams are one of the most beautiful gifts we have for inspiration, empowerment and happiness. They are pathways that lead to communication with the Spirit.
Dreams can change us and change our life direction, if we are open to the surprises we find in them.

This week in Sacred Journey we look at the Christmas story through the eyes of Joseph, whose life was changed as a result of a dream. Rev. Frenchye shares The Story as we explore the terrain of the unconscious and think again about the power of dreams. Bring a friend or neighbor to share the Journey….all are welcome!
 
Please remember that next Sunday,  December 29 there will be one service at 10:00am.

WORD for Traditional Worship 10am
Scripture Text: Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon:   Surprise! Think Again –  Rev. Frenchye Magee

Reflection: “Life comes at you fast.” was the slogan some years ago for an insurance company commercially-focused on the need to be prepared for life’s surprises. How do you respond when life throws you a curve-ball? Where do you find your best resources for discernment, discovery and decision?

This fourth Sunday of Advent, we consider how Joseph of Bethlehem answered those questions by looking at the Nativity through the eyes of the man Jesus knew as Father. The choir presents wonderful music from this year’s concert and we prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas!

Are you prepared to receive a holy surprise? Are you anticipating the arrival of new inspiration and joy? Are you looking for a place to explore the invitation of grace for your own life. Then you’ll feel right at home in this amazing congregation of dreamers! It’s a great time to invite a friend or neighbor to worship at Hennepin as we consider the sacred space of dreams and their impact as we think again!

WORSHIP BULLETIN ARCHIVE

The Bible In Your Hands

You're invited to "dig deeper." Here are a handful of resources:

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church resources:
Worship Bulletins  | online archive of HAUMC worship bulletins
Sermon Recordings  | HAUMC Sacred Journey and Traditional Worship sermon recordings
Devotional Ministry  | HAUMC seasonal daily devotional ministry

Scripture exegesis and commentary resources:
Bible Gateway  | the Bible in hundreds of translations (NRSV, CEB, The Message, etc.)
BibleHub  | parse out the original Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT)
Enter the Bible  | historical/cultural context for each book of the Bible from Luther Seminary
Oxford Biblical Studies  | historical/cultural context for each book of the Bible from Oxford
Working Preacher  | read and listen to lectionary commentary from Luther Seminary faculty

Art and Music resources:
Art in the Christian Tradition  | The Jean and Alexander Heard Divinity Library at Vanderbilt
Hymnary  | a resource for both modern and traditional worship music and hymns
Sing for Joy  | a worship music and hymn resource from St. Olaf College
WORD for the Week offers people an opportunity to prepare their hearts and minds for worship.
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WORD for the Week is a ministry of Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church.