WORD for the Week for Dec 15, 2019
Third 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: Isaiah 35:1-10

Worship Leader: Rev. Dwight Haberman

Holy Communion :
Stand amazed ye heavens at this.  
See the Lord of earth and skies.
 Humbled in the dust is he
 And in a manger lies.
 ​Charles Wesley

 Surprise !!!!!
WORD for Sacred Journey 8:30am
Scripture Text: Luke 1:46-55

The Story: Surprise! Here is Your God! - Janet Polach

Reflection: Where is the holy surprise in our holiday setting? How do we find mystery in the mundane? What richness waits for us in the routine? These are the questions of Christmas that Advent offers us space to consider. Unexpected gifts are ours for the opening when we allow the Spirit to show us new possibilities and different perspectives. These might be the difference between a season filled with more of the same and a season of renewed sense of mystery, wonder and joy! Janet Polach shares The Story and invites us to consider all these things as we hear Mary’s response to the holy surprise of being chosen to give birth to a child that would change the world.
Come and share the journey…and bring a neighbor or friend. All are welcome! Seeds will not meet after worship this week, in order to share an update from the Nov. 2 community meeting. 
 
As you make holiday worship plans, remember that  Sunday, December 29 there will be one service at 10:00 A.M.

WORD for Traditional Worship 10am
Scripture Text: Isaiah 35:1-10

Sermon:   Surprise! Here is Your God! –  Rev. Judy Zabel

Reflection: Surprise! Joy will break into our gloom!   "The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing" (35:1-2). God comes as both truth teller and healer. If you are feeling dry, come to worship this week to receive refreshing, life-giving good news. Bring a friend with you too.  

In addition to a short, uplifting sermon, we will welcome 13 new members to Hennepin!


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.