Even though the neo-Assyrian Empire destroyed much of Israel and Judah by chopping down the tree of the Davidic kings, God promises in Isaiah 11 that a shoot will come up from the severed stump; specifically, a man who will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to put down God's enemies and establish an eternal reign of righteousness, a reign which will be part and parcel of a renewal of creation and reconciliation between nature and humanity, and between all humans.

Readings and sermon were delivered by Pastor Aaron Mueller.

Order of service:

Second Sunday in Advent, Dec 4, 2022

Readings:

Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Isaiah 53:4-6
Psalm reading is from Psalm 72:1-7
Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 11:1–10
Epistle reading is from Romans 15:4–13
Holy Gospel is from Matthew 3:1–12

Hymns:

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Text: Latin c. 12th cent, tr.John Mason Neale
Tune: French, 15th cent
Public domain
What Hope! An Eden Prophesied
Text: Stephen P. Starke
© 1998 Stephen P. Starke, used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
Tune: Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, 1813
Public domain
Winter Song
Elaine J. Rubenstein, Fernando Ortega, John Andrew Schreiner, Peter Morrison
© 2000 Dejamesolo Music; © 2000 Big Moose Music
© 2000 Curb Word Music; © 2000 John Andrew Schreiner
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740
His Mercy Is More
Tune and text by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
© 2016 Getty Music Hymns and Songs, Getty Music Publishing,
Love Your Enemies Publishing, and Messenger Hymns
Used with permission, CCLI license # 20286740
Jesus Shall Reign
Text: Isaac Watts, 1674–1748, alt.
Tune: attr. John C. Hatton, d. 1793
Text and tune: Public domain
Joy to the World
Text: Isaac Watts
Tune: George Frideric Handel
Public domain

Liturgies:

Gloria in Excelsis
Text: Stephen P. Starke
Sanctus
Text: Stephen P. Starke
Agnus Dei
Text: Stephen P. Starke
Nunc Dimittis

Recording:

Video:
Watch on YouTube

Announcements:

Sunday, Dec 4:
Adult Bible Study and Sunday School: 10:30 AM

Downstairs.

Tuesday, Dec 6:
Youth Group: 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Wednesday, Dec 7:
Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
Midweek Advent Worship Service: 7 PM
Saturday, Dec 10:
Women’s Bible Study: 9 AM
Sunday, Dec 11:
Congregational Meeting: 11:30 AM

We will have a congregational meeting in the church sanctuary next Sunday, December 11th at 11:30 AM. We will address the following:

  • 2023 Budget — drafts may be found in the narthex or may be requested from the church office.
  • 2023 Elders and Deacons

Sunday, Dec 18:
Mark your calendars for the Christmas breakfast!

Join us for breakfast and fellowship after church on December 18th.

Ministry Spotlight – Madison County Schools Ministry
CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS!

Only one more week to help children in our area schools for Christmas. The list is available on Sign-up Genius. All items should be delivered to the collection box at the top of the stairwell at St. James by next Sunday, December 11th wrapped and with a gift tag showing the child’s name, age, and sex.

Christmas Caroling
  • December 16th 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM: Youth Group Caroling followed by hot chocolate, cookies and a movie at the church.
  • December 17th 5:30 PM & 7:00 PM: Calling all Carolers! St. James will be providing carolers at the Yanda Cabin and we need you! We will provide two ‘performances.’ The first will be at 5:30 PM and the second at 7:00 PM. We will wear caroling costumes (i.e. top hat, cape, long skirts) if possible. If you don’t have a costume, please don’t let that stop you from joining us. Let Debbie Rathert know if you would like to join in the fun.
Christmas Gift & Visit for Older Members

Christmas helpers needed to deliver gifts (found in the entryway) to members who find it difficult to attend worship in person. Name and phone number of the recipient is on the tag. Please pick up a gift, call the recipient and arrange a time to deliver the gift and plan a short visit. For more info, please contact Pam Meister 618-799-9348 or call the church office.

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