April 20 2008 Bulletin

UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/ucumc
umcgospel@aol.com
CHURCH OFFICE 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
April 20, 2008 8:30 AM
PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS 8:25 AM*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10 RSV
*CALL TO WORSHIP: “In Thee, O LORD, do I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in Thy righteousness deliver me! Incline Thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be Thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! Yea, Thou art my rock and my fortress; for Thy name's sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for Thou art my refuge. Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD. I will rejoice and be glad for Thy steadfast love, because Thou hast seen my affliction, Thou hast taken heed of my adversities, and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a broad place. Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief, my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. Yea, I hear the whispering of many, terror on every side! as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in Thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God." My times are in Thy hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors! Let Thy face shine on Thy servant; save me in Thy steadfast love!” Psalm 31:1-16 RSV HYMNS OF PRAISE: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” #110 ”Ye Servants of God” #181*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881*GLORIA PATRI: #70 UNISON PRAYER: O God, our Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for this day and for the opportunity You have given us in this good land to gather and to worship You without fear. Most Holy God, we pray that You would be with us in this place of praiseand prayer and that through the ministry of Your Holy Spirit You would form the minds of Your faithful people into the mind of Christ our Lord. Make us love what You command and desire what You promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found and that our every action might show forth the light of Your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord, He who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever and who has taught us to pray:
LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.”
John 14:1-3 RSV
Welcoming Our Visiting Friends
Sharing of Our Testimonies, Joy and Blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns
BAPTISMAL SERVICE: Cameron Tyler Cook
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE: With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Jesus Christ, our Lord, that Cameron Tyler Cook, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER VERSE: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14
PRAYER CHORUS: “He Knows Your Name”
OFFERTORY VERSE: “As the outcome of your faith you obtain the salvation of your souls. The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired about this salvation; they inquired what person or time was indicated by the Spirit of Christ within them when predicting the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glory.”
1 Peter 1:9-11 RSV OFFERTORY CHORUS: CD SpecialPresentations of Tithes and Offerings
*DOXOLOGY: #95
HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Fairest Lord Jesus” #189
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:55-60 Pew Bible #1063
MESSAGE: “Stephen--Full Life, Good Death” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Stand Up and Bless the Lord” #662
PRAYER OF INVITATION:
God, our Heavenly Father, by Your grace and power, fill us with faith and the Holy Spirit. God, our Eternal Home, by Your grace and power, equip us to live and die without fear. By Your grace and power, equip us to forgive, truly forgive. By Your grace and power, equip us to keep our eyes focused squarely on Jesus. By Your grace and power, equip us to live and breathe scripture, so that we view the world through the lens of Scripture, and not Scripture through the lens of the world. By Your grace and power, fill us with faith and the Holy Spirit. Prepare us for a good death, that we might live a full life. We ask this in the Name Jesus our Lord, who conquered death and lives for evermore. He is the Alpha and Omega. In His Name Amen.


*ALLELUIA *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE
The flowers that grace our altar this morning are given in loving honor of Cameron Tyler Cook given by his parents Timothy and Terry Cook and his grandparents Lee and Eunice Sanford.
The Altar is open for prayer. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for self with commitment to Christ for the first time or for rededication of your life to Him. Someone will join you at the Altar to pray with you.


THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: 8:30 AM
WORSHIP LEADER:
GREETERS: Gary & Jan Avery
NURSERY: Betsy Shumaker
USHER: Dave Ring
AUDIO: Bob Deuel
JR. CHURCH:



RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS & STEWARDSHIP FOR April 13, 2008
ATTENDANCE:(64/58,122) TOTAL OFFERING:$2843.25
GENERAL:$2327.35 DESIGNATED:$515.90

CHURCH CALENDAR WEEK of April 20, 2008
TODAY: 8:30 AM First Worship Service
9:50 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Second Worship Service
9:30 AM Wesley United Methodist Church Service
WED: 6:00 PM Soup/Supper
6:30 PM Bible Study
FRI: 7:00 PM TV Ministry – Cable Channel 4

PRAISE THE LORD FOR: Our Nation and for the Church of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him." Lamentation 3:22-24 RSV
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Michelle Rucker (cancer going through chemo), Ray Fowler, Bill Jubin( he is at home recovering from a stroke), Katherine Collins (in rehabilitation at Hilltop), Harry Phillips (prostrate cancer), Guil Woodward (back at Hilltop), Lamani (Pastor Brown’s sister-in-law in India), Mr. DiGal (Prasant’s father in India), Paulette (colon cancer, going through heavy chemo), Karen Raponi, Bud Lee, Gary McFadden (cancer, going through chemo), Baby Liam Ewing, Sarah Deuel, Ethel Hower, Francis Potter (Betty Fowler’s sister-in-law), Jane Loeffler, Kathleen Budnovitch (Millie Rood’s friend), George Cameron, Irving Rosenbarker, Pamela Jean (Jack and Alice Black’s niece), Jack Black, Jonathan (Nate Young’s grandson), Orin White, Jeffery Sibley, Diane Ryans, Ralph Kocik, June Smith, Chad Grindel (Ray & Betty Fowler’s grandson), Dorothy Sedlacek, Ruth Ross, Alana Otis, Don Eckler, Andy & Ann, Mahlon Tewksbury, Paul Carpenter, Alan VanWormer, Alex Madison, Kim Soundararaj and Jack Hoppes.
THOSE SERVING IN IRAQ: Ryan Warner (Jean Warfield’s granddaughter’s husband), Alan Votakpa, Frank Simser, Kyle Chanitz, Scott McPherson (back in US), Christopher Simser Jr.(back in US), Adam Tatusko and Nicholas Tokos. Please pray for our Nation, Kenya and Orissa, India.
PRAYING FOR OUR MISSIONARIES: Doug/Karen (Frisch) Lehman (Africa), Jim /Shawn Ramsay (Georgia/Mission Society), Peter/Esther Pereira (India), Dave/Jean Coles (Indonesia), Neal/Mari Hicks (Japan), Guido/Kim (Warren) Orellana (Ecuador), Dr. Jeff/Marilyn Lester (Medics International), Dr.Terry/Renee Wortz, Elizabeth Salisbury(USA), Gary/Rebecca Mink (Africa), Leroy/Peg Jones (USA), Larry/Marian Byrnes (Indiana/OMS), Christopher/Rashaell Jones (Ecuador).

UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/ucumc
umcgospel@aol.com
CHURCH OFFICE 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
April 20, 2008 11:00 AM

PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 11:00 AM

*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10 RSV

*CALL TO WORSHIP: “In Thee, O LORD, do I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in Thy righteousness deliver me! Incline Thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be Thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! Yea, Thou art my rock and my fortress; for Thy name's sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for Thou art my refuge. Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD. I will rejoice and be glad for Thy steadfast love, because Thou hast seen my affliction, Thou hast taken heed of my adversities, and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a broad place. Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief, my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. Yea, I hear the whispering of many, terror on every side! as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in Thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God." My times are in Thy hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors! Let Thy face shine on Thy servant; save me in Thy steadfast love!” Psalm 31:1-16 RSV
*A TIME OF PRAISE: “Better Is One Day In Your House”
“Once Again”
“In Christ Alone”
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
UNISON PRAYER: O God, our Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for this day and for the opportunity You have given us in this good land to gather and to worship You without fear. Most Holy God, we pray that You would be with us in this place of praise and prayer and that through the ministry of Your Holy Spirit You would form the minds of Your faithful people into the mind of Christ our Lord. Make us love what You command and desire what You promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found and that our every action might show forth the light of Your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord, He who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever and who has taught us to pray: LORD’S PRAYER
A TIME OF PRAYER
A TIME OF WORSHIPPING WITH OUR TITHES, OFFERINGS AND SPECIAL MUSIC: “When the Saints Go Marching In”
*A TIME OF WORSHIP: “Here I Am To Worship”
“This Is My Desire”
“You Are My All In All”
“We Fall Down”SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:55-60 Pew Bible #1063
MESSAGE: “Stephen--Full Life, Good Death” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Stand Up and Bless the Lord” #662
*ALLELUIA *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDEAltar is open for prayer. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for self with commitment to Christ for the first time or for rededication of your life to Him. Someone will join you at the Altar to pray with you.
RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS & STEWARDSHIP FOR April 13, 2008
ATTENDANCE:(64/58,122) TOTAL OFFERING:$2843.25
GENERAL:$2327.35 DESIGNATED:$515.90



THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: 11:00 AM
WORSHIP LEADER: Debbie Haines
GREETERS: Al and Evvie Binder
NURSERY: Sandhya Naik
USHER: Rich Henry
AUDIO: Jim Cogswell
JR. CHURCH: Alice Naik
CHURCH CALENDAR WEEK of April 20, 2008
TODAY: 8:30 AM First Worship Service
9:50 AM Sunday School
11:00 AM Second Worship Service
9:30 AM Wesley United Methodist Church Service
WED: 6:00 PM Soup/Supper
6:30 PM Bible Study
FRI: 7:00 PM TV Ministry – Cable Channel 4

PRAISE THE LORD FOR: Our Nation and for the Church of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases, His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Thy faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in Him." Lamentation 3:22-24 RSV
CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Katherine Collins (in rehabilitation at Hilltop), Harry Phillips (prostrate cancer), Guil Woodward (back at Hilltop), Lamani (Pastor Brown’s sister-in-law in India), Mr. DiGal (Prasant’s father in India), Paulette (colon cancer, going through heavy chemo), Jessica Burelle, Sarah Deuel, Ethel Hower, Francis Potter (Betty Fowler’s sister-in-law), Christopher Fowler (Vivian Perkin’s son), Jane Loeffler, Kathleen Budnovitch (Millie Rood’s friend), George Cameron, Irving Rosenbarker, Connie Perry, Pamela Jean (Jack and Alice Black’s niece), Bob English, Jack Black, Jonathan (Nate Young’s grandson), Orin White, Jeffery Sibley, Diane Ryans, Ralph Kocik, June Smith, Chad Grindel (Ray & Betty Fowler’s grandson), Dorothy Sedlacek, Ruth Ross, Alana Otis, Don Eckler, Andy & Ann, Mahlon Tewksbury, Paul Carpenter, Alan VanWormer, Alex Madison, Kim Soundararaj and Jack Hoppes. We extend a Christian sympathy to the family of Ray and Robin Bartholomew, Robin’s mom, Lillian Eckler, went home to be with the Lord on April 8, 2008.
THOSE SERVING IN IRAQ: Ryan Warner (Jean Warfield’s granddaughter’s husband), Alan Votakpa, Frank Simser, Kyle Chanitz, Scott McPherson, Christopher Simser, Jr., Adam Tatusko and Nicholas Tokos. Please pray for our Nation, Kenya and Orissa, India.
PRAYING FOR OUR MISSIONARIES: Doug/Karen (Frisch) Lehman (Africa), Jim /Shawn Ramsay (Georgia/Mission Society), Peter/Esther Pereira (India), Dave/Jean Coles (Indonesia), Neal/Mari Hicks (Japan), Guido/Kim (Warren) Orellana (Ecuador), Dr. Jeff/Marilyn Lester (Medics International), Dr.Terry/Renee Wortz, Elizabeth Salisbury(USA), Gary/Rebecca Mink (Africa), Leroy/Peg Jones (USA), Larry/Marian Byrnes (Indiana/OMS), Christopher/Rashaell Jones (Ecuador).
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH OFFICE (785-5349) OR 748-6329 PASTOR BROWN 748-1358
April 20, 2008 9:30 AM
PRE-SERVICE MUSIC 9:25 AM
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10 RSV
*CALL TO WORSHIP: “In Thee, O LORD, do I seek refuge; let me never be put to shame; in Thy righteousness deliver me! Incline Thy ear to me, rescue me speedily! Be Thou a rock of refuge for me, a strong fortress to save me! Yea, Thou art my rock and my fortress; for Thy name's sake lead me and guide me, take me out of the net which is hidden for me, for Thou art my refuge. Into Thy hand I commit my spirit; Thou hast redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God. Thou hatest those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in the LORD. I will rejoice and be glad for Thy steadfast love, because Thou hast seen my affliction, Thou hast taken heed of my adversities, and hast not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; Thou hast set my feet in a broad place. Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted from grief, my soul and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away. I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel. Yea, I hear the whispering of many, terror on every side! as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in Thee, O LORD, I say, "Thou art my God." My times are in Thy hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors! Let Thy face shine on Thy servant; save me in Thy steadfast love!” Psalm 31:1-16 RSV
*HYMN OF PRAISE: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” #110 ”Ye Servants of God” #181

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
UNISON PRAYER: O God, our Heavenly Father, we thank You and praise You for this day and for the opportunity You have given us in this good land to gather and to worship You without fear. Most Holy God, we pray that You would be with us in this place of praise and prayer and that through the ministry of Your Holy Spirit You would form the minds of Your faithful people into the mind of Christ our Lord. Make us love what You command and desire what You promise, that, amid all the changes of this world, our hearts may be fixed where true joy is found and that our every action might show forth the light of Your Son, Christ Jesus our Lord, He who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever and who has taught us to pray: LORD’S PRAYER
SHARING IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: “Let not your hearts be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And when I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to Myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:1-3 RSV
Welcoming Each Other into the House of the Lord
Sharing Of Our joys and blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns

PRAYER VERSE: “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14

MORNING PRAYER
SPECIAL MUSIC: Grant, Mary and Ruth
Presentations of Tithes and Offerings
*DOXOLOGY #95
*HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Fairest Lord Jesus” #189
SCRIPTURE: Acts 7:55-60 Pew Bible #1063
MESSAGE: “Stephen--Full Life, Good Death” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Stand Up and Bless the Lord” #662
*BENEDICTION
*************************************************************************
It is wonderful that you came to worship today at the Wesley UMC. We welcome you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we serve as our Lord. We pray and trust that you received the rich blessings of the Lord today. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you go into the world to live, serve, and witness. Please plan to join in a time of fellowship and sharing soon after the Worship Service. Please join us next Sunday at 9:30 AM for worship and praise. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to join us.
***************************************************************************

LASAGNA DINNER-April 25, 2008. Serving at 5:00 p.m.



The Relay For Life of Western Broome is coming soon, June 14 and 15 at Sammon Field, Vestal. Please help us to promote the Relay in our Western Broome community by including the following announcement (or facsimile) in your church bulletin in the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your support! Relay For Life of Western Broome will be held June 14 and 15 at Sammon Field, Vestal. Relay For Life is an overnight celebration of life and cancer survivorship. Teams of people from the community have fun while raising much needed funds to fight cancer. Contributions to the Relay For Life help the American Cancer Society fight cancer in four ways: research, education, advocacy and patient services. If you are interested in joining a team, volunteering your time or making a donation to support the Relay For Life of Western Broome, contact Gina Chapman, (607) 766-6907 or call 1-800-ACS-2345.


SPRING CLEANING TIME !—On Saturday, May 3, 2008 we will have Spring cleaning day at the Church. Please plan to come and make our Church beautiful. We will be providing lunch.
HEALING SERVICE-Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

WOMEN’S BANQUET-Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Jane Divine, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.

MEN’S BANQUET-Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. Guest speaker will be Bishop Larry Simpson.

ALUMNI CHOIR-Will be sharing a special worship service on Sunday, June 16, 2008 during both services. Those who have sang in the choir in the past and those who sing at present are invited to join us for a special rehearsal. Please contact Aric Phinney at 786-8812 for more information.

THE CONTINENTALS- Will be in concert on July 11 and November 14, 2008.

VBS-July 25-August 1, 2008. Shannan Meilunas is the coordinating this VBS program.

CHICKEN BBQ/TENT MEETING-FUND RAISING FOR THE BUILDING-August 9, 2008.

CHURCH WOMEN UNITED—Will meet on Friday, May 2, 2008. “May Fellowship Day-Plant a seed of hospitality, reap bouquets of friendships,” for a Luncheon at 1:00 P.M. at St. Ambrose Church, Washington Avenue, Endicott. Lunch reservations are required by Sunday, April 27th!! Please call Millie Rood at 862-9947 or Jean Warfield at 785-1167. Thanks! Come & bring a friend or more than one!
UPCOMING 2008 WEDDINGS: May 10, Dusty and Sarah
May 24, Robby and Ashley
July 12, LeAnna and Billy
July 19, Mike and Amber






The Relay For Life of Western Broome is coming soon, June 14 and 15 at Sammon Field, Vestal. Please help us to promote the Relay in our Western Broome community by including the following announcement (or facsimile) in your church bulletin in the coming weeks. Thank you in advance for your support! Relay For Life of Western Broome will be held June 14 and 15 at Sammon Field, Vestal. Relay For Life is an overnight celebration of life and cancer survivorship. Teams of people from the community have fun while raising much needed funds to fight cancer. Contributions to the Relay For Life help the American Cancer Society fight cancer in four ways: research, education, advocacy and patient services. If you are interested in joining a team, volunteering your time or making a donation to support the Relay For Life of Western Broome, contact Gina Chapman, (607) 766-6907 or call 1-800-ACS-2345.
I. St. Stephen
St. Stephen suffered the next in order. His death was occasioned by the faithful manner in which he preached the Gospel to the betrayers and murderers of Christ. To such a degree of madness were they excited, that they cast him out of the city and stoned him to death. The time when he suffered is generally supposed to have been at the passover which succeeded to that of our Lord's crucifixion, and to the era of his ascension, in the following spring.
Upon this a great persecution was raised against all who professed their belief in Christ as the Messiah, or as a prophet. We are immediately told by St. Luke, that "there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem;" and that "they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles."
About two thousand Christians, with Nicanor, one of the seven deacons, suffered martyrdom during the "persecution that arose about Stephen."
II. James the Great
The next martyr we meet with, according to St. Luke, in the History of the Apsotles' Acts, was James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John, and a relative of our Lord; for his mother Salome was cousin-german to the Virgin Mary. It was not until ten years after the death of Stephen that the second martyrdom took place; for no sooner had Herod Agrippa been appointed governor of Judea, than, with a view to ingratiate himself with them, he raised a sharp persecution against the Christians, and determined to make an effectual blow, by striking at their leaders. The account given us by an eminent primitive writer, Clemens Alexandrinus, ought not to be overlooked; that, as James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle's extraordinary courage and undauntedness, and fell down at his feet to request his pardon, professing himself a Christian, and resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. Hence they were both beheaded at the same time. Thus did the first apostolic martyr cheerfully and resolutely receive that cup, which he had told our Savior he was ready to drink. Timon and Parmenas suffered martyrdom about the same time; the one at Philippi, and the other in Macedonia. These events took place A.D. 44.
III. Philip
Was born at Bethsaida, in Galilee and was first called by the name of "disciple." He labored diligently in Upper Asia, and suffered martyrdom at Heliopolis, in Phrygia. He was scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified, A.D. 54.
IV. Matthew
Whose occupation was that of a toll-gatherer, was born at Nazareth. He wrote his gospel in Hebrew, which was afterwards translated into Greek by James the Less. The scene of his labors was Parthia, and Ethiopia, in which latter country he suffered martyrdom, being slain with a halberd in the city of Nadabah, A.D. 60.

UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/ucumc
umcgospel@aol.com
Church Office 748-6329 Pastor Brown 748-1358
December 2, 2007 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 AM PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 8:25 AM
*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for lo, I come and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people; and I will dwell in the midst of you.”
Zechariah 2:10-11 RSV
“For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6 RSV
*CALL TO WORSHIP: “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they prosper who love you! Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers!” For my brethren and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.” Psalm 122 RSV
*ADVENT HYMNS: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211 vs. 1,5,6,7
“Lift Up Your Heads” #213
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
*GLORIA PATRI: #70
UNISON PRAYER: “Almighty God, our heavenly Father, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this earthly life in which Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life eternal; through Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, and who has taught us to pray:”
THE LORD’S PRAYER
CHOIR ANTHEMN: “The King Shall Come” Adult Choir
SHARING IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: “Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;” Romans 13:11,12 RSV
Welcoming Our Visiting Friends
Sharing of Our Testimonies, Joys and Blessings
LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE: Isaiah 9:2-4,6
THE CONGREGATION AT PRAYER
Sharing our Prayer Concerns
PRAYER VERSE: “Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:42-44 RSV
PRAYER CHORUS: “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” #196
OFFERTORY VERSE: “Let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:13,14 RSV
OFFERTORY CHORUS: “In The Bleak Mid-Winter” #221 vs.1&4
Presentations of Tithes and Offerings
*DOXOLOGY: #95
HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” #223
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 2:1-5 Pew Bible #664
MESSAGE: “You Can’t Hold Back The Dawn” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Joy to the World” #246 The Altar is open for prayer. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for yourself with commitment to Christ for the first time or for rededication of your life to Him. Someone will join you at the Altar to pray with you.

RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS & STEWARDSHIP FOR November 25, 2007
ATTENDANCE:(87/50,137) TOTAL OFFERING:$3488.39
GENERAL:$2498.00 DESIGNATED:$990.39

THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: (8:30) AM
WORSHIP LEADER: Rhonda Emmons
GREETERS: Terry, Josh & Kristi Bennett
NURSERY: Betsy Shumaker
USHER: Dave Ring
AUDIO: Bob Deuel JR. CHURCH: ____________________
CHURCH CALENDAR for the WEEK of December 2, 2007
TODAY: 8:30 AM Worship Service
9:50 AM Sunday School
9:30 AM Wesley United Methodist Church
11:00 AM Worship service
WED: 6:00 PM Soup Supper
6:30 PM Bible Study
7:30 PM Choir Practice
FRI: 7:00 PM TV Ministry – Cable Channel 4 ___

CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Irene Boyer (Lourdes hospital), John Pipher, Jean Warfield, Linda Ayer, Kim Soundararaj (breast cancer), George Cameron, Jack Hoppes, Pasty Carmon, Irving Rosenbarker, Ernie Peckham, Jr. (Millie Rood’s nephew), Andy Morse (Mary Lou Horn’s grandson), Shirley (Terry) Woodward, George Cosler, Connie Perry, Pamela Jean (Jack and Alice Black’s niece), Mark Musa, Geraldine Oakes (Betty DuBois’s sister), Bob English, Millie Rood, Jack Black, Gary Cannon, Ethel Hower, Danielle DeGaramo, Yvonne Arnold, Rachel Polhamus, Jonathan (Nate Young’s grandson), Orin White, Jeffery Sibley, Diane Ryans, Linda Fisher, Ralph Kocik, June Smith, Chad Grindel (Ray & Betty Fowler’s grandson), Dorothy Sedlacek, Ruth Ross, Alana Otis, Don & Lillian Eckler, Andy & Ann, Eloise & Mahlon Tewksbury and Paul Carpenter.

SPECIAL NEEDS : Scott McPherson, Christopher Simser, Jr., pray for our Nation, the unrest in the Middle East, our country, our leaders, those in Armed Services & their families; Paul Lesko, Alan Votakpa, Sgt. Bryan Bouldin, Shawn Gent, Jason and Donna, Frank Simser.

PRAYING FOR OUR MISSIONARIES: Doug/Karen (Frisch) Lehman (Africa), Jim /Shawn Ramsay (Georgia/Mission Society), Peter/Esther Pereira (India), Dave/Jean Coles (Indonesia), Neal/Mari Hicks (Japan), Guido/Kim (Warren) Orellana (Ecuador), Dr. Jeff/Marilyn Lester (Medics International), Dr.Terry/Renee Wortz, Elizabeth Salisbury(USA), Gary/Rebecca Mink (Africa), Leroy/Peg Jones (USA), Larry/Marian Byrnes (Indiana/OMS), Christopher/Rashaell Jones (Ecuador).

Dear Donna, Please put the following announcement in this Sunday's bulletin (December 9, 2007) in the "Church Calendar" section: Monday, December 10, 2007, at 6:30 pm. Finance Committee Meeting. Many thanks. Jim Geer
Subject: Ecuador missions concert

MFM Council,
Here's an invite to a benefit concert by Gibson Corners UMC for the school they take teams to in Ecuador
Thought you might be interested. Council member Gary Bryden is pastor at the Gibson Corners UMC.
Jerry

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi all,

I'm just getting the word out about the Out of the Box Missions fundraising concert coming up on the 9th of Dec. at the First Baptist Church in Owego (near the theater) If you can help spread the news about this I would be grateful. There will be several other musicians participating besides Bob Harris and Dean Smith. It should be very good and worth the trip out.

The Emmanuel School needs funds to continue building. They have stopped for the time being because they ran out of money in September after adding a 2nd floor . Check out the website and the pictures at ecuador.2b4him.org. I have added a new powerpoint under the downloads summarizing the last 7 years of work in Ecuador. It is also in album form under photos and stories.

Thanks in advance for your help in making this concert a success and all of your support to this ministry.

God Bless,
Crystal Woodburn
Gibson Corners UMC
OUT OF THE BOX MISSIONS
A Ministry of Gibson Corners UMC
PRESENTS
2 B 4 Him
A Night of Praise to the King
Featuring Local Musicians
Bob Harris Dean Smith
& Others

First Baptist Church Owego, NY
Sunday December 9th 7:00 pm

Freewill Offering to be Received for the Emmanuel School in Ecuador
ECUADOR.2B4HIM.ORG
(Helping those in need)
Total: $3604.03
General: $1534.00
Designated: $2070.03
Sun. Sch.: $13.55
Attend.: 46
UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/ucumc
umcgospel@aol.com
Church Office 748-6329 Pastor Brown 748-1358
DECEMBER 2, 2007 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 11:00 AM PRELUDE: Betty Phinney
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 11:00 AM
GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for lo, I come and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people; and I will dwell in the midst of you.”
Zechariah 2:10-11 RSV
“For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 COR. 4:6 RSV

*CALL TO WORSHIP: “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they prosper who love you! Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers!” For my brethren and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.” Psalm 122 RSV

*A TIME OF PRAISE: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211 vs. 1,5,6,7
“Lift Up Your Heads” #213
“Here I Am To Worship”
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881

OPENING PRAYER: LORD’S PRAYER
LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE: Isaiah 9:2-4,6
A TIME OF SHARING OF TESTIMONIES AND PRAYER CONCERNS AND
TIME OF PRAYER:

A TIME OF WORSHIPPING WITH OUR TITHES, OFFERINGS AND SPECIAL
MUSIC:

OFFERTORY SPECIAL

*A TIME OF WORSHIP: “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” #223
“Angels from the Realms of Glory” #220
“Blessed Be Your Name”

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 2:1-5 Pew Bible #664
MESSAGE: “You Can’t Hold Back The Dawn” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Joy to the World” #246

*ALLELUIA *BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE
The Altar is open for prayer of commitment and rededication of our lives to Jesus. You are welcome to come to the Altar, praying for someone or praying for self with commitment to Christ for the first time or for rededication of your life to Him. Someone will join you at the Altar to pray with you.

RECORD OF FAITHFULNESS & STEWARDSHIP FOR November 25, 2007
ATTENDANCE:(87/50,137) TOTAL OFFERING:$3488.39
GENERAL:$2498.00 DESIGNATED:$990.39

THOSE WHO ARE SERVING TODAY: (11:00) AM
WORSHIP LEADER:
GREETERS: Michael & Shannan Meilunas
NURSERY: Sandhya Naik
USHER: Dave Lee
AUDIO: Bill Jubin
JR. CHURCH: Alice Naik
___________________________________________________________________________
WESLEY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
CHURCH OFFICE (785-5349) OR (748-6329) PASTOR BROWN (748-1358) December 2, 2007 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 9:30AM PRE-SERVICE MUSIC 9:30 AM
ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*GREETINGS & GATHERINGS: “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for lo, I come and I will dwell in the midst of you, says the Lord. And many nations shall join themselves to the Lord in that day, and shall be My people; and I will dwell in the midst of you.”
Zechariah 2:10-11 RSV
“For it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6 RSV

*CALL TO WORSHIP: “I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem! Jerusalem, built as a city which is bound firmly together, to which the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, as was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There thrones for judgment were set, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! “May they prosper who love you! Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers!” For my brethren and companions' sake I will say, “Peace be within you!” For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.” Psalm 122 RSV
*ADVENT HYMNS: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #211 vs. 1,5,6,7
“Lift Up Your Heads” #213

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH: The Apostles’ Creed #881
UNISON PRAYER: “Almighty God, our heavenly Father, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this earthly life in which Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when He shall come again in His glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life eternal; through Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, and who has taught us to pray:”

THE LORD’S PRAYER

SHARING IN CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP: “Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light;” Romans 13:11,12 RSV
LIGHTING OF THE FIRST ADVENT CANDLE: Isaiah 9:2-4,6
Welcoming Each Other into the House of the Lord
Sharing Of Our joys and blessings
Sharing our Prayer Concerns

PRAYER VERSE: “Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the householder had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready; for the Son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:42-44 RSV

MORNING PRAYER

SPECIAL MUSIC: Lisa McBride
OFFERTORY VERSE: “Let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” Romans 13:13,14 RSV
Presentations of Tithes and Offerings
*DOXOLOGY #95

*HYMN OF PREPARATION: “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” #223

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 2:1-5 Pew Bible #1062
MESSAGE: You Can’t Hold Back The Dawn” Pastor Brown
*HYMN OF INVITATION: “Joy to the World” #246

*BENEDICTION

The words “Advent” and “Adventure” have a common derivation. This should be a season of Christian adventure. In the present age many of the high and noble visions of the past have become blurred or entirely forgotten. We find it easy to hate, to criticize, to tell smutty stories, to look the other way when someone is hur or pushed around. We become content to be little people in a little world and to live, as a recent song says, in “ticky-tacky boxes.” Advent gives us a new spiritual lease on life, a time to rise above ourselves, to ascend the heights. It beings inside each of us as we reach out to the miracle of a love too great to comprehend and let that miracle flow through to others.
Harold Kohn Tidings

Advent, as it is observed in Iceland, has a charm peculiarly its own. First of all everything must be clean for Christmas. Every corner of the house and every bit of clothing must be immaculate. All necessary repairs to house and yard, however, small, are made. All of this is symbolic. The greater preparation is in the heart. All differences must be adjusted and all hurts reconciled—only then can there be the gifts, the family reunions, the fun and fellowship with friends and the sweet awareness of Christ’s coming into the world and into the hearts of people. For us today, Advent should be a spiritual event of highest magnitude.
Carol Bessent Hayman

THE KING SHALL COME The King shall come when morning dawns,And light triumphant breaks;When beauty gilds the eastern hills,And life to joy awakes. Not as of old a little childTo bear, and fight, and die,But crowned with glory like the sunThat lights the morning sky. O brighter than the rising mornWhen He, victorious, rose,And left the lonesome place of death,Despite the rage of foes.
O brighter than that glorious mornShall this fair morning be, When Christ, our King, in beauty comes,And we His face shall see. The King shall come when morning dawns,And earth’s dark night is past;O haste the rising of that morn,The day that aye shall last. And let the endless bliss begin,By weary saints foretold,When right shall triumph over wrong,And truth shall be extolled. The King shall come when morning dawns,And light and beauty brings:Hail, Christ the Lord! Thy people pray,Come quickly, King of kings.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA-Our choir will start practicing for the Christmas Cantata under the direction of Choir Director, Aric Phinney. We need additional singers for the Cantata. They practice Wednesday, 7:30 pm and the Christmas Cantata will be presented on December 16, 2007 during 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services.CHRISTMAS BANQUET-Will be held on Sunday, December 16, 2007 after second service. There will be a sign-up sheet in the Narthex for various food items to bring.
CHRISTMAS BASKETS-We will be sharing with the needy families among us with Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. Debbie Haines is coordinating this ministry of caring. We are inviting you to share in this ministry by designating a second-mile giving for Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. For information call Debbie Haines at 754-1368. May the Lord bless you as you give with generous and thankful hearts. YEAR END GIVING: We praise the Lord for His bountiful blessings all year round. Our Lord is faithful and merciful and trustworthy. All His promises in Christ are “Amen.” We would like you to prayerfully consider making a special year end offering for the ministry of the church. We are planning for exciting ministry for the children and the youth. Some of our Youth are planning to attend a Youth Conference called EXCEL in Saratoga on the 3rd week of January. We have been invited to give $25,000 to match the gift given by the DuBois family. Please make a sacrificial gift toward this fund. We praise the Lord for all of you. Praise the Lord for your faithfulness and witness. It is good to be in the House of the Lord to worship the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. We worship Him in obedience out of gratitude and out of love. We are called to remain faithful in worship, witness and in service. We are called to be involved in the area of ministry by serving the Lord in serving others for whom Christ gave His life. We are called to remain faithful in tithing. Tithing involves our time, talents and treasures. We are invited to invite at least two persons per week. One of the most affected ways the Church grows when people love the Lord and love the Church inviting others to come to join us in worship and celebration. Please remember your Church and the ongoing work of the Lord in “YOUR WILL.” May the Lord bless all of us as we serve Him with gladness.

We will be receiving a love gift to be given to our choir director and organist during the Christmas banquet on December 16, 2007. Chris Doyle will be receiving these gifts, please contact Chris at 754-2399.

Those of you who do not have and would like to have offering envelopes please contact Gary Pert at 785-9739.

A Note from the DuBois Family
GIFTS TO THE UNION CENTER UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
FROM
THE CHILDREN OF ERWIN & RUTH DUBOIS
August, 8, 2007
We are proposing the following gifts to the Union Center United Methodist Church to help fund the building of the new wing to the church. The first $25,000 gift will come from the proceeds of the Erwin DuBois estate and from the sale of the DuBois farm. The second gift is a challenge that we are giving to the church members. We will match, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000, any new contributions to the building fund starting Sept 1, 2007 and ending December 31. 2008. This gift is contingent upon the sale of the DuBois farm. Additionally, due to these gifts, we would ask that the wing be named after Erwin F. DuBois and Ruth I DuBois since the church was such a huge part of their lives and they gave generously of their time, talents and gifts. Sharon Hammond, Dawn Cox, Roger DuBois, Ron DuBois and Dick DuBois.

Radio City Music Hall Christmas Extravagance-The bus will leave our church parking lot, 128 Maple Dr. at 6:00 a.m. prompt on Monday, December 3, 2007. We will stop for breakfast on the way near the Delaware water gap. We will arrive in the city between 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. We will have ample time for lunch, window shopping and sightseeing. The Christmas program show will start at 5:00 p.m. We will leave the city between 7:45 and 8:00 p.m. We will stop for supper on the way. We will be home before midnight. All three meals are on your own.

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PROGRAM-The youth will be presenting a Christmas program on Sunday, December 9, 2007 during both worship services. Plan to invite your friends and your family.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING!-We will be caroling on December 14, 2007 starting at 5:00 p.m.
HANDLES MESSIAH-Friday, December 21, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. at the Forum, Binghamton.

THANK YOU to ALL of you who helped share LOVE, JOY and the HOPE
of Jesus Christ with needy children this Christmas!!!

We collected 32 filled shoeboxes for
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
(a project of Samaritan’s Purse – the Christian ministry led by Franklin Graham)

Thank you so much for your generous contributions.

ORDER YOUR POINSETTIA’S
6 ½” pots (1 plant/multiple blooms)
Order must be in by 12/11/06
$10.25 each payable to Union Center UMC
To order your poinsettia, please fill out the
required information and mail to the church
office or put in the offering plate.
In honor of:______________________________
In memory of:_____________________________
Presented by:___________________________
Number ordered:_______@ $10.25 each =_______enc.
Circle one:
Will pick up#_____ Please deliver to shut-in#______
Color/#: Red#_________ White#_________