Weekly Bulletin Dec. 10, 2023

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF TOULON December 10, 2023 – Second Sunday in Advent           

(*indicates to stand if able)

PRELUDE

CALL TO WORSHIP

*OPENING HYMN     “Come, Thou Almighty King”          No. 247

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF PEACE

Introduction:  Pam Sprout

Advent Litany and Lighting of the Candle

            The Dynes Family     

Advent Prayer

            Thank you, God, for the peace you give us.  We ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true, and for Christ to come again, that you would remain present with us.  Help us today, and everyday to worship you, to hear your word, and to do your will by sharing your peace with each other.  We ask it in the name of the one who was born in Bethlehem.  Amen

ANNOUNCEMENTS, JOYS, AND CONCERNS

WORSHIPING THROUGH PRAYER

Prayers for the People

The Lord’s Prayer       

*GLORIA PATRI     No. 558

*SHARING SIGNS OF PEACE

SPECIAL MUSIC        

YOUNG PEOPLE’S SERMON                                    Michelle West                                                                                                         

WORSHIPING THROUGH GIVING                          

OFFERING

*DOXOLOGY     No. 563

*OFFERING PRAYER

*HYMN OF PREPARATION  “Canticle of the Turning”   No. 88

SCRIPTURE READING                                               Mark 1: 1-8                                       

MESSAGE                                                                  Michelle West

                        “Extra! Extra! Read all About It!”

*CLOSING HYMN                                                                  No. 92

      “Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel”                                                      

 *BENEDICTION

  POSTLUDE

.                              UPCOMING EVENTS

Today after church – American Legion Breakfast until 12:30

Trustees – Monday, 7:00 PM

Choir Practice – Wed., 6:30 PM

Dec. 16, 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM – Toulon Christmas Baskets, Toulon Firehouse

Dec. 17, 10:30 - Christmas Program and refreshments after the worship service

Dec. 24, 7 PM – Community Christmas Eve Service at Toulon Methodist, the speaker will be Ed Jones

Prayer Requests:

Please pass along your prayer requests to a member of the Deacons; Pam Sprout, Mary Hawk, or Janet Wilkinson

·        Jane Heaton

·        Judy Beamer

·        Heather Chandler (Michelle’s sister)

·        Trish Singleton

·        Donna Boardman

·        Sandy Langdon

·        Ed & Donna Jones

·        Al & Susan Kitterman and Phil Kitterman

·        Mary Lomelino

·        Colin Mills, Jordan Minder, & Jack Minders

·        Karen Steward (pending surgery)

·        Mary Rhodes

·        The Family of Katherine Squire (Janet’s sister)

Focused Mission for December:

Please send your end-of-year donations to one of our local missions:

Stark County Food Pantry, 322 Downend St., Toulon, IL 61483

Stark County Good Samaritan Fund, Box 233, Toulon, IL  61483

Stark County Salvation Army, Box 233, Toulon, IL  61483

Toulon Ministerial Association, Box 233, Toulon, IL  61483

Guest Speakers

Dec. 17 - Ed Jones

Dec. 24 - Ed Jones

Dec. 31 - Hymn Sing

Jan. 7 - Ed Wied

Jan. 14 - Paul Grove

Jan. 21 - Michelle West

Jan. 28 - Ed Jones (Annual Meeting)

Feb. 4 - Michelle West

Feb. 11 - Paul Grove

Feb. 18 - Ed Jones

Feb. 25 - Jim Vyleta

March 3 - Ed Jones

March 10 - John McIntosh

March 17 - Ed Jones

March 24 - John McIntosh

March 31 - Ed Jones