WELCOME!We give an enthusiastic welcome to all who wish to join us on our exciting venture of faith development and service. In the Spirit of Jesus, we affirm the dignity and worth of every person regardless of social or economic condition, race, ethnicity, physical or mental abilities, age, gender, marital status, family structure, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, theological background or political ideology. We offer any and all persons the opportunity to share in every aspect of church life. Welcome!If you are new to our church or have a prayer concern, please complete the Welcome Card, which you will find on the back table. Place them in the offering basket. We hope to see you back soon!

This morning’s greeters areBerkeley Johnson, Will Moore, Karen Whiting, and Deb Youd.

Thanks to Barbara Webber, Helen Newton, and Judy Kimberfor our coffee hour refreshments.

Looking Ahead:

This Sunday: Commissioning of Stephen Ministers

Wed., Dec 20: Choir practice at 7:00 p.m.

Thur., Dec 21: Drop-off turkey baskets between 9 a.m. and 11a.m. at the church

Sun., Dec 24: Christmas Fund Offering and Christmas Eve Service at 7 p.m.

Sun., Jan 7: Annual Meeting at 11:15 a.m.

Prayer List:

Cheryl Moore, recovering from knee surgery

The Schofield Family, prayers of sympathy on the death of Jeanne Schofield.

Phyllis Sweet, prayers for strength during her recovery

Marcia Willard, progressing to out-patient services

David Evans, hospice at home

Church Information:

Church Website:

Church address: 259 Shore Dr., Mashpee, MA 02649

Church mailing address: P.O. Box 1796, Mashpee, MA 02649

To contact the church office

Rev. Steve Youd: or cell 508-525-6221

Susan Evans: or cell: 636-346-8199

“No matter who you are or where you are on

life’s journey, you’re welcome here.

"Joyfully welcoming all, we seek to grow as

disciples of Jesus Christ."

December17, 2017

The Rev.Steve Youd Pastor

The Rev. James Scovil Pastor Emeritus

Cathy Bonnett Minister of Music

Susan Evans Office Administrator

All Members & Friends of the Church Ministers

Order of Worship

God is still speaking,

Praise and Preparation

Gathering Music

Welcome

Prelude

Call to Celebration (A Responsive Reading)

Leader: Joy!

People: We want it!

Leader: We SEEK it!

People: Let us find it in the Child!

Leader: In the Child born in Bethlehem!

People: Amen!

*Hymn No. 143 Joy to the World

*Opening Prayer (Unison)

Our God, we sing ‘Joy To The World,’teach us how it may be so.

May WE be messengers of Your joy and peace.For Your sake,

our sake, for the world’s sake. Amen.

*Response No. 35 Gloria Patri

ADVENT CANDLE LITURGY John and Dawn Stephenson

ThirdSunday of Advent Reading

Prayer

Lighting the Candle of Joy

Commissioning of Stephen Ministers

anthem Unto Us a Child Is Born Handbells

God’s Word in Our Lives

Scripture Al Towle

Philippians 2:5-11

Sermon What’s So Joyful About Christmas Anyway??? Rev. Steve Youd

*Hymn No. 170 How Great Our Joy!

Dedicating Our Gifts and Lives

Invitation

Offertory

*Doxology(Tallis Canon) No. 48

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Christ, all creatures here below;

Praise Holy Spirit evermore;

One God, triune, whom we adore. Amen.

Sending Forth

*HymnNo.155 Angels We Have Heard on High

Benediction

Postlude *please stand in body or spirit