Alva Review-Courier -

On the second Sunday of Advent, Dec. 8, the order of services at the Freedom United Methodist Church was:

Prelude by Janell Reutlinger

Invocation by Pastor Todd

Reading and Lighting of the First Advent Candle: Johnnie Sue Olson and Bob Forbes

Call to Worship: Psalm 111 led by Julie Russell

Opening Hymn: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” led by Debbie Brown

Affirmation of Faith

Gloria Patri

Hymn of Justifying Grace: “The First Noel”

Offertory: Janell Reutlinger

Ushers: Bruce Stansberry and Bob Forbes

Doxology

Offertory Prayer by Pastor Todd

Children’s Moment

Special Music: “A Christmas Medley,” sung by Jennifer Finley

Holy Scripture: Luke 2:8-10. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”

Morning Message: “Preparation of the Messiah,” by Pastor Todd

Pastoral Prayer

Hymn of Invitation: “Morning Has Broken”

Benediction: Pastor Todd

Closing Musical Response: “Church of the Wildwood”

Postlude: Janell Reutlinger

Please remember those on our prayer list including: Becky Hill’s granddaughter (medical issue), Linda Hackney family, Brenda Gordon (medical issue), Pat Headlee (medical issue), Kevin Arnett (medical issue), Islia Barnes, President Trump, our elected officials, our country, Don and Reia Lenhart, Leonard Northcutt, Janelle Agosti (Rose Burnham’s granddaughter), Jake Hughes (deployed), Isaac Hansen (deployed), Betty Kirkwood, EMT services in northwest Oklahoma (a need for EMTs), Christians worldwide, Bonita Stewart, J.J. Louthan, Terry Martin (Debbie Brown’s brother), Dale Martin (Debbie Brown’s father), Don Wallace (Regina Wilson’s father), Lisa Hughes, and Kinsey Didier. Please keep our first responders – EMTs, firefighters, and law enforcement – in your prayers.

Services at Freedom UMC – Sunday school starts at 10 a.m. and Sunday service at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us as we worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.