my christmas prayer

HOLMAN
Church of the Bells
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
3320 West Adams Boulevard  Los Angeles  California  90018
Phone: (323) 731-7285  Fax: (323) 731-2609
Email: [email protected]  www.holmanumc.com
Visit us on – Facebook: HolmanChurch  Twitter: @HolmanUMC
REV. KELVIN SAULS, Senior Pastor
MIN. VICTOR CYRUS-FRANKLIN, Associate Pastor
MIN. MARGUERITE PHILLIPS, Minister of Congregational Care Ministries
REV. OLIVER BUIE, Minister of Community Engagement
REV. JAMES M. LAWSON, JR., Pastor Emeritus
4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT  DECEMBER 20, 2015
My
soul
magnifies
the
LORD!
“THE POWER
OF
I WILL”
The 11:00 a.m. Worship Celebration is broadcast LIVE on KJLH Radio Free 102.3 FM
and worldwide on www.kjlhradio.com
TODAY’S RADIO BROADCAST MINISTRY IS SPONSORED BY
CLIFFORD AND JUANITA S. CANNON
In Celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary on December 18.
Love is not as simple as candlelight and roses.
Love is day-to-day living, taking time, making time to be there, with open arms and a giving heart.
Love is the special life we will always share.
“So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.” 1 John 4:16
1945-2015
Theme: "HONORING OUR LEGACY, RESETTING OUR FUTURE”
“So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out.
Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word.
Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping
together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:22-25 (THE MESSAGE)
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WORSHIP CELEBRATION
“But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me.’” Luke 18:16 (NIV)
Church School begins at 8 AM (Children and Youth) and 11 am (Children) in the Love Educ. Bldg.
Please sign your child in before you go to the Sanctuary and sign them out when you leave! Thank you.
PRELUDE
***
Robert Johnson, Jr.
“Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”
Pyotr Ilych Tchaikovsky
GREETING
***
CENTERING MOMENT
Let us then lay aside the works that violate the humanity and dignity of people, and put on the armor that will
facilitate peace through justice.
*CALL TO WORSHIP
One: Because of God's love for the world, Jesus, the Prince of Peace was born.
ALL: Whosoever embraces his path of peace, will not perish, but have everlasting life.
One: Grant to us the precious gift of faith, that we may know that the Son of God is come.
ALL: Let us rejoice with Mary in the possibility of becoming instruments of God's peace.
*CELEBRATION OF PRAISE & WORSHIP
Praise Team and Congregation
“Emmanuel”
Norman Hutchins
Come, come let us adore Him,
Kneel down before Him,
Worship and adore Him.
Emmanuel, Emmanuel,
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
We worship You, we worship You.
“There Is None Like You”
Hillsong United
There is none like You,
No one else can touch my heart like You do,
I can search for all eternity Lord
And find, there is none like You.
Your mercy flows like a river wide,
And healing comes from Your hand.
Suffering children are safe in Your arms,
There is none like You.
*OPENING PRAYER
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE & PASSING OF THE PEACE
“Jesus Oh What A Wonderful Child”
Choir and Congregation
Mariah Carey
Jesus, Jesus, oh what a wonderful child
Jesus, Jesus, so lowly, meek, and mild
New life, new hope, new joy He brings
Won't you listen to the angels sing
Glory, glory, glory, to the new born King
He was herald by the angels
Born in a lowly manger
The virgin Mary was His mother
And Joseph was His earthly father
Three wise men came from afar
They were guided by a shining star
To see King Jesus where He lay
In a manger filled with hay
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE OF “PEACE”
Reader 1: In a culture infected with, and affected by violence, and the disregard for life, we light the fourth
candle of Advent. A candle representing the coming of the Prince of Peace. A candle
representing a peace that is not just the absence of violence, but the presence of justice.
Take time and make space for peace and prepare the way for the Lord.
________________________
* Congregation rise as you are able. *** Worshipers may enter.
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Reader 2:
All:
Though the road to peace is a long walk to freedom, as peacemakers we work together.
We light this fourth candle of Advent to affirm our collective commitment to peace though justice.
Lord of Peace, we await your coming with great expectation. In the midst of terror, allow
our lives to be marked by peace, even when our circumstance might prove to the contrary.
From San Bernardino to the Southside of Chicago, Baltimore to Beirut, Jerusalem to Juno,
we commit to bringing healing, reconciliation and peace to our sisters and brothers this
Advent season. For peace through justice is the only way forward. Amen.
MINISTRY OF MUSIC
***
8:00 am — Melida Skeete-Byrd
“That’s What It Takes To Make A King”
“Away in a Manger” Medley
11:00 am — Cherub Choir
*SCRIPTURE
LUKE 1:46-55
*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Liturgist: The Word of God for the people of God.
People: Thanks be to God!
MINISTRY OF MUSIC
***
Jubilant Voices
“Mary Did You Know”
Viren Moret, soloist
SERMON
Rev. Kelvin Sauls
“PREGNANT WITH POSSIBILITY”
INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP, MEMBERSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP (ALTAR CALL)
Persons desiring to become disciples of Jesus Christ and/or members of Holman UMC are asked to come
forward and complete a Discipleship / Membership Registration, Intercessory Prayer Card found in the pew
rack. Please place the card in the offering plate and/or bring it with you to the Altar while the choir /
congregation is singing.
“Christmas Medley”
Music for Meditation
Jubilant Voices
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
Offertory
“Jesus Is The Reason for the Season”
Jubilant Voices
Kirk Franklin
*Doxology
UMH #95
“Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”
MINISTRY IN LITURGICAL DANCE
In HIS Steps
“O Holy Night”
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GUESTS & VISITORS
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN MINISTRY (ANNOUNCEMENTS)
*HYMN OF SENDING FORTH AND RECESSIONAL
*BENEDICTION
As we depart worship, wherever you go, toll YOUR bell!!
POSTLUDE
Robert Johnson, Jr.
"Hold On, Help Is On The Way"
(The Preacher's Wife) - Whitney Houston
PARTICIPATING IN OUR SERVICES TODAY: Rev. Kelvin Sauls, Min. Victor Cyrus-Franklin, Min. Marguerite Phillips,
Rev. Oliver Buie; Liturgists; (8:00 am) Ta-Lecia Arbor, (11:00 am) Mary Boyd; Advent Candle Lighters: (8:00 am) Vaughan and
Carolyn Whitworth; (11:00 am) Reginald, Rachel and Naomi Grant; Cherub Choir, directed by Shirley Brown and accompanied
by Evelyn M. Freeman, Jubilant Voices directed by Melida Smith Byrd, Robert Johnson, Jr., assistant director and organist;
Ricardo L.J. Mowatt, drummer; In HIS Steps Liturgical Dance Ministry directed by Stephen Semien; Ushers chaired by Gilbert
Jones; Acolytes coordinated by Pearlene Allison and Muriel Parker; Greeters chaired by Donna Richardson; Hospitality Ministry
coordinated by Sharon Jackson; New Members Ministry chaired by Sharon Hodgson; Transportation Ministry coordinated by
Keith McGruder; Media Ministry: David Sears, Keith McGruder, and Mark Conway. Cover photo by Jules Green.
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 HEART
TO HEART 
MY CHRISTMAS PRAYER
by Benjamin (BeBe) Winans and Rob Thomas
I pray for peace
Blessings and honor
Heaven right earth's despair
This is my Christmas prayer
For those that grieve
God will bring comfort
Laughter will rapture there
This is my Christmas prayer
See I pray that love will rule and reign
And I pray that time will rid the pain of this world
As we learn to trust and care
This is my Christmas prayer
I pray for you, yes, I know you do
That your triumph and conquer
Poses the strength you need to bare
This is my Christmas prayer
For those in need
There would be plenty
And each other's burdens share
Oh this is my Christmas prayer
So let hope fill our hearts,
Shine the light through the dark
All around the world and everywhere
I will pray this Christmas prayer, prayer
See I pray that love will rule and reign
And I pray that time will rid the pain of this world
As we learn to trust and care
This is my Christmas,
this is my Christmas prayer
“ADVENT SEASON”
Advent is the season of anticipation and preparation,
proclamation and participation. We proclaim the coming
of the Christ – whose birth and impact we prepare to
celebrate once again. We prepare for, and participate in the
coming of Christ – who comes continually in Word and
Spirit – through our living and serving. In anticipation of
Christ's final victory, the season invites us to be and
become ambassadors of God's love, hope, peace, and joy"
WORDS OF APPRECIATION
Rev. Sauls and the Jazz for the Soul Worship team offer
thanks to all who gave to help the Kid City Band from the
Urban Foundation reach their end-of-year $3000 goal!
With your help, we collected $500 to help these talented
young people grow in their gift to bring joy to the world’
through music. You are truly “I Will” Christians!!
HOLMAN FACTOID
Fifteen Glendale families drove south to the West Adams
Community. It was the first time some had come to Los
Angeles and/or actually spoke to and shook hands with
people of color. During the meeting in the Education
Building, a couple of them were surprised to see such
affluence among Negroes shooting down the stereotype
that all blacks were poor. An honest discussion on both
sides dissolved long-held beliefs and established lasting
friendships. Black and white members went on field trips to
find that quality of goods and services varied depending on
the zip code. Food bought at two different chain markets
were compared in a demonstration in the Glendale FM
community room and verified that black communities were
being given inferior merchandise. Over a few months,
Members United in Saving and Improving our Community
brought the disparity to the media and changes were
made to correct the inconsistencies throughout
California. A Holmanite wrote and published "The Sound is
M.U.S.I.C." for Harper's magazine, and the venture had a
national audience. A few original committee members are
still at Holman today.
Submitted by Don A. Norman,
Historian and an original
M.U.S.I.C. Committee Member
LET US PRAY FOR THE BEREAVED
CALVIN JONES (age 69) nephew of Holman member
Merle Davis, passed away on December 11, 2015 in
New York City, NY. Funeral arrangements are pending
at this time.
Memorial service for Holman member VERNICE GREEN
(passed away on November 23, 2015) will be held on
Tuesday, December 29th at 10 am at Inglewood
Cemetery, 1206 Centinela Ave., Inglewood. A viewing
will be held on Monday, December 28th from 4 pm to
7 pm at Inglewood mortuary.
NEW PRAYER REQUESTS
Family of Calvin Jones, Merle Davis and Family,
Laverne Waters, Sharon White
Flowers on the Altar
In Loving Memory of the 93rd birthday of
STERLING CINCORE, SR.
on December 23, 2015
We miss you every day.
Praise God for the life God blessed us with as,
husband, father and grandfather.
Happy Birthday!
YOUR LOVING WIFE VERA,
CHILDREN, STERLING, JR, LYDIA, VERDELIA
AND GRANDDAUGHTER, CJ
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 THIS WEEK AT HOLMAN  DEC. 20 TO DEC. 26, 2015 
~ Storehouse Sunday ~


CHILDREN’S CHURCH SCHOOL
8 am & 11 am, Love Educ. Bldg.
YOUTH CHURCH SCHOOL
11 am, Love Educ. Bldg.
 FELLOWSHIP HOUR, 9:30 am, L.L. White Hall
Sponsored by Clifford and Juanita Cannon
in Celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary
 Adults Church School, 9:45 am:
ADULT BIBLE STUDY – Love Educ. Bldg. Room 5





BOOK TALK, Room 204
currently reading The Good Life (Truths That Last
in Times of Need by Peter J. Gomes
Cherub Choir Rehearsal, 10 am, Johnson Chapel
Voices of Harmony Rehearsal, 10 am, Crockett Library
FELLOWSHIP HOUR, 12:30 pm, L.L. White Hall
UMW Harriet Tubman Subgroup Meeting, 1 pm, Room 203
MONDAY
FRIDAY
CHRISTMAS DAY
Church Office & Facility Closed
The blessing of Peace,
the beauty of Hope,
the spirit of Love,
the favor of Joy,
the comfort of Faith!
May these be your gifts
this Christmas season!!
 INTERCESSORY PRAYER MINISTRY
– 7 am (Mon. Wed. Fri.) Join us on the PHONE PRAYER LINE
from any location for a time of prayer & encouragement.
Call (605) 475-3270; Code 528519#, then 1
 Storehouse is open (for the needy),
1 pm – 3 pm (Mon. Wed. & Fri.), Educ. Bldg.
 Holman / A-MAN, Inc. Educ. Tech. Center, 2 – 6 pm
Program resumes January 18, 2016
 Focus Point Study Group, 6:30 pm, Johnson Chapel
Advent Study: I WILL
 CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT REHEARSAL,
6:30 pm, Sanctuary
 Task Force on Homelessness, 6:30 pm, Room 202
 Security Task Force Committee, 7 pm, Crockett Library
 ZUMBA FITNESS CLASS (Health & Wellness Ministry),
7:30 pm, L.L. White Hall (fee applies: $8)
TUESDAY
 Banners & Paraments Ministry, 10 am, Room 203
 Finance Committee Meeting, 7 pm, Room 202
WEDNESDAY
 Holman Senior Activity Center Advisory Committee Meeting,
10 am, Room 204
 Prayer Shawl Ministry, 12 pm, Crockett Library
 Another Chance Recovery Ministry, 7 pm, Room 203
 JV Outing for Soweto Gospel Choir, 7 pm, Off-site
 Jubilant Voices Rehearsal, 7:30 pm, Bowick Music Room
THURSDAY
CHRISTMAS EVE
Chur Office & Facility Closed
 Christmas Eve Caroling, 6 pm, off-site
 Christmas Pageant & Candlelight Worship Celebration,
7 pm, Sanctuary
WE GIVE THANKS FOR 2015
&
WELCOME 2016!!
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 MINISTRY AND MEETING ANNOUNCEMENTS 
Today is STOREHOUSE SUNDAY,
which is observed every 3rd Sunday
here at Holman. Our Storehouse
Ministry is our outreach opportunity to
serve persons in our community who
are in need of food. Your donations
of canned goods, non-perishable
items, and monetary contributions
allowed us in NOVEMBER, 2015 to provide food to 493
persons – that’s 233 women, 104 men, and 156 children.
We thank you for sharing your blessings and making this
outreach possible. And when we take your gifts to those who
need them, they will thank God. 2 Corinthians 9:11
WEEKLY
HEALTH TIP:
During the Christmas season.....
plan family walks, hikes or bike rides.
rides. Why not stay active while we fellowship with each other.
Henri Nouwen
TODAY
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
The Nativity Story
The children will understand the events of
Jesus' birth and rejoice that he has come.
Blessings,
DEBORAH A. MITCHELL
POINSETTIAS
We honor the lives and the memory of our loved ones. Our
annual tradition of adorning our Sanctuary with the vibrant
crimson blooms of the Poinsettias, remind us of God’s gift to
the world, his only begotten Son Jesus Christ. The radiant
green leaves remind us of our many blessings. O give praise
unto the Lord! Jesus is His Name!! A heartfelt “Thank You”
to all who sponsored poinsettia plants for this Christmas
Season!
KAPPA ALPHA PSI FRATERNITY BROTHERS are in the
house!! The Kappa brothers of the
Long Beach-Inglewood-South Bay
Alumni Chapter join the Holman
Kappa brothers today at 8 am for their
11th annual Holman visit and worship
with us. Welcome Kappa Alpha Psi!! We give thanks for your
ongoing fellowship with us, your commitment to service in the
community, and for our sponsorship of poinsettias on our altar
in celebration of the Christmas season.
HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY
TO CLIFFORD AND JUANITA CANNON
The Cannons are sponsoring the 11 am fellowship hour
TODAY in celebration of this
special occasion commemorated on
December 18th. You are invited to join
them in L.L. White Hall after our worship
celebration. We give God thanks for
their journey of love!!
Children’s Ministry Coordinator
[email protected]
CHERUB CHOIR
REHEARSAL @ 10 am in
JOHNSON CHAPEL!
YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS
Are you between the
ages of 13 & 18?
 Looking for a space with other young people?
 Want to talk about what is going
on in your world?
Join us for Youth Church on 1st-3rd Sundays
@ 8 AM in Room 8 of the Love Educ. Bldg.
Voices of Harmony
All youth are invited to join us 2nd – 3rd Sundays
@ 10 am for rehearsals! We sing on 4th Sundays!
Join us in giving God your praise in song!!!
Zaneta Smith and or Joe Luckett
Youth Ministry Directors
[email protected], Instagram @therealhyp
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CHRISTMAS FRUIT BASKETS – Holman United Methodist
Women and Holman United Methodist Men have assembled
Christmas Fruit Baskets for our “sick and shut-in” members.
We invite you to assist us with deliveries. Please stop by
Room 5 in the Love Educ. Bldg. after worship TODAY if you
are available to assist us. Bring a smile to someone
this holiday.
TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS – In light of the state
of emergency in the city of Los Angeles on homelessness,
we are working to establish a task force to address how
Holman can serve in this outreach. If you are interested in
being a part of this important work, please RSVP to Ann in
the church office. A meeting will be held on Monday,
DECEMBER 21st, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm to begin this
conversation. We look forward to receiving your support.
IN MISSION TOGETHER
JAMAICA MON’
SAVE THE DATES
May 28-June 11, 2016
Medical, Educational & Cultural Mission
Experience In Collaboration with the Jamaican
Awareness Association of California (JAAC)
COST: $3200
(inclusive of air transportation, ground
transportation, accommodation, breakfasts &
selected lunches/dinners; cultural experiences)
Watch for upcoming
information details
Non-Refundable Deposit
of $100.00
Due on Sun, 1/10/16.
For add’l Info please contact:
Rosemarie Brown
(rosemariebrown108@gmail) and
Rev. Judi Wortham-Sauls
([email protected])
 CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL
will be held tomorrow—Mon., DECEMBER 21 at
6:30 pm in the Sanctuary. All participants are
asked to be present.
 CHRISTMAS EVE—Thur., DECEMBER 24th
6 pm to 6:45 pm
Caroling in the Courtyard @ Rosa Parks Villas
Van transportation will be available for you to join
us in this outreach to the residents of this senior
living facility as we bring the joy of Christmas
in song.
7 pm
Christmas Eve Pageant and Candlelight
Worship Celebration in Holman Sanctuary.
Join us for this Christmas tradition at Holman that
will include the re-enactment of the Christmas
story, music by the Holman Choir, celebration in
dance by In HIS Steps Liturgical Ministry, and the
special fellowship with family and friends as
embrace this season of hope, love, joy & peace!!
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EARLY BIRD RATE PAID BY 01/31/16
SUNDAY
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March 20 – PALM SUNDAY
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May 8 – – MOTHER’S DAY
May 15 – PENTECOST SUNDAY
May 22
May 29
June 12
June 26
July 10
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July 31
August 14
August 21
August 28
September 11
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October 9
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November 13
November 20 – Christ the King Sun.
November 27 – 1st Sun. of Advent
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December 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY
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January 17
January 24
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February 14 – 1st Sunday in Lent
February 21
February 28
March 6
March 13
March 20 – PALM SUNDAY
March 27 – EASTER SUNDAY
April 3
April 10
April 17
April 24
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May 8 – – MOTHER’S DAY
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AFTER THE SERMON
FAITH FORMATION IN ACTION
Living Our Social Gospel
WORKSHOPS WILL INCLUDE
DOUBLE SESSION WORKSHOPS
Come to both sessions for full workshop!
Meets from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM & from 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM.
 HANDS-ON CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
by Pastor Lisa Williams and Ms. Jan Johnson
 BEST PRACTICES
OF EFFECTIVE CHURCH FINANCIAL SYSTEMS
by Ms. Beverly Davis
 TRUSTEES
by Mr. Phil Freeman
MORNING WORKSHOPS (9:30 AM - 11:00 AM)

MAKING SPACE FOR GOD
by Rev. John Woodall
 CALL TO ACTION: “TIME FOR THE CHURCH
TO LEAVE THE BUILDING”
by Rev. Gary Williams
 PRAYER & PRAISE IN MOTION
by Ms. Ruth Elin Drossell and Ms. Rhonda Small
 CONNECTING PERSONAL HOLINESS & SOCIAL
HOLINESS FOR FRUITFULNESS
by Rev. Kelvin Sauls
 OLDER ADULT (SENIORS) MINISTRY
– AGING IS PART OF GOD’S PLAN
by Ms. Joanne Sato and Rev. Ki Tae Choi
 MAKING DISCIPLES – A 21ST CENTURY MODEL
by Rev. Nicole Reilley
 YOUNG CLERGY INITIATIVE
by Rev. Robert English
 ESTABLISHING THE EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP
by Ms. Jan Hanson
 SHAKE IT UP!! A GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
FOR 2016 AND BEYOND
by Rev. Kathy Cooper Ledesma and Mr. Mark Stephenson
 ALL YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW
ABOUT TABLES 1, 2, & 3!
by Ms. Archana Carey
Workshop descriptions are available at
http://www.calpacumc.org/wp-content/
uploads/2015/11/2016-WDTC-Flyer.pdf
AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS (12:30 PM - 2:00 PM)

All current and potential church leaders
are encouraged to participate
as an opportunity for
gaining skills and understanding
of the leadership roles/tasks
within the United Methodist Church,
and in particular the Cal-Pac Conference.
REGISTRATION FEE:
$10.00 (through JAN. 12)
$20.00 — JAN. 13 through JAN. 25
Register online at
https://calpacumc.formstack.com/
forms/2016westtraining
For questions contact [email protected]
or call 562-429-1441

MAKING SPACE FOR GOD
by Rev. John Woodall
 YOUNG ADULT SPIRITUAL SURVIVAL SKILLS
by Mr. Eric Ferguson and Deaconess Jeanne Roe Smith
 PRAYER & SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT
by Rev. Barbara Troxell
 FRESH WORSHIP DESIGN
by Rev. Molly Vetter
 CONNECTING PERSONAL HOLINESS
& SOCIAL HOLINESS FOR FRUITFULNESS
by Rev. Kelvin Sauls
 OLDER ADULT (SENIORS) MINISTRY
– AGING IS PART OF GOD’S PLAN
by Ms. Joanne Sato and Rev. Ki Tae Choi
 DON’T TOLERATE BULLYING!
by Ms. Deborah Thorne
 EVANGELISM 101 THROUGH HYMNS
by Rev. John McFarland
 HOW THE CHURCH CAN BE RELEVANT
TO URGENT HUMAN NEEDS
by Rev. Ed Hansen and Friends
DEVELOPING PERSONNEL POLICIES by Ms. Jan Hanson
 COMPUTER/INTERNET SECURITY by Mr. Brian Ham
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OUR APPORTIONMENT
DOLLARS AT WORK
BEHIND EACH MINISTRY IS A STORY OF HOPE AND RESTORATION
AND THE UNMEASURABLE IMPACT OF GENEROSITY.
We give because much has been given.
We give because Jesus invites us to.
We give because it makes a difference.
Source: http://www.umcgiving.org/your-impact
You are encouraged to visit this website.
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CONNECTED IN COMMUNITY
NON-DENOMINATIONAL WORSHIP SERVICE
for the
Los Angeles Veterans and Families Stand Down
Sunday, December 20, 2015 — 9:00 am to 9:45 am
L.A. Convention Center – Kenshaw Hall (South Hall)
GUEST SPEAKER: REV. OLIVER BUIE
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
Worship Celebration
8:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.
SERMON NOTES
“PREGNANT WITH POSSIBILITY”
SCRIPTURE
LUKE 1:46-55
Rev. Kelvin Sauls

SCRIPTURE REFLECTION
Advent reaches its completion in
gathered worship today. We stand, on this
day, with Mary, pregnant with the age to
come. Some of the coming age is already
here, still in development. Much awaits a
further revealing. Mary was pregnant with
possibility!
But there is much about the coming
age, the fulfillment of all things in Christ,
we do know. And this is the day we join
the voices of women and prophets to
proclaim and rejoice in it. In Mary’s Song,
also known as “Magnificat,” the extent and
content of Mary’s belief and hope are
made clear.
And so, likewise, the extent and content
of the hope of the church are made clear.
Mary’s Song is a song of praise and
rejoicing. Like most such songs in the
Bible, particularly in the Psalms, the song
begins by announcing that Mary is in a
state of praising God, followed by the
reasons for her praise. Her song rejoices
in a pregnancy filled with possibility.
"My soul magnifies the Lord . . . for he has
looked with favor on the lowliness of his
servant."
The lowliness of Mary recapitulates the
lowliness of Bethlehem in the prophecy
from Micah. The "strength of God's arm"
acts as both defender against oppressors
(the proud, the mighty, the rich) and
provider for the oppressed (the lowly,
the hungry). Mary’s song translates her
pregnancy as one filled with possibility.
L
KING AHEAD
“THE POWER OF I WILL”
CHRISTMAS EVE
Thursday, December 24, 2015
6:00 pm
Caroling in the Courtyard
@ Rosa Parks Villa
7:00 pm
Christmas Eve & Candlelight Service
Twelve Gifts of Christmas
Isaiah 9:2-7
Rev. Kelvin Sauls
CHRISTMAS & KWANZAA SUNDAY
GATHER IN WORSHIP, GROW IN LEARNING, AND GO IN JOYFUL SERVICE
TO LIVE THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.
Sunday December 27, 2015
6:00 pm
"What Did You Get for Christmas?"
Colossians 3:12-17
Min. Victor Cyrus-Franklin
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