Nine Lessons & Carols

Second Sunday of Advent -- Home Liturgy

Second Sunday of Advent, December 9

Light 2 purple candles

Explanation of second candle: The second candle is the candle of peace. With its lighting we are reminded that all men who are outside of Christ are at war with God (Rom. 8:7). Christ, who is called the Prince of Peace by the prophet Isaiah (Is. 9:6), has reconciled us to God by His death. For this reason Ephesians teaches us that “He Himself is our peace,...” (2:14). Though spiritual peace has been won by Christ already, wars still rage upon the earth. When Christ comes again, He will wage the war to end all wars (Rev. 19:11-16). At the conclusion of this decisive battle “there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain” (Rev. 21:4). All will be rest and peace.

Prayer: Merciful God, who sent Your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7; Phil. 4:4-7

Hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

First Sunday of Advent -- Home Liturgy

Advent 2007

Christ the Word would like to encourage her families to celebrate the season of Advent. Beginning on the 4th Sunday before Christmas (December 2nd this year), Advent inaugurates the Christian year and is a time of looking and longing for the arrival of Christmas Day, when we celebrate the virgin birth of our Lord, the Savior of the World. Moreover, just as Old Testament Christians looked toward the first advent of their Messiah, we now look to our Lord’s bodily return at the second advent.

Each Sunday we will be providing a short devotion for you to use as part of your family worship. The following may be used with or without the traditional Advent wreath, but the candles help remind us that the Light of the world has come to save mankind. Traditionally the wreath has five candles: three purple and one pink candle surrounding a white candle in the middle.

First Sunday of Advent, December 2

Light purple candle

Explanation of first candle: The first candle is the candle of hope. As we look upon the light of the first candle, we remember the Old Testament prophecies about a Messiah who would come to save His people. This promise from God filled His children with hope. We also look forward with hope to the time Jesus will return to glorify His chosen ones.

Prayer: Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which Your Son Jesus Christ 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 immortal; through Him who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 & Revlation 21:1-8

Hymn: “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus”

Announcements from December 2 Bulletin

Evening Services (Ice Cream after Dec. 16 Service)
On December 16, our evening service will take place in the SDA fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Dionne will talk about life as a teacher in the Pastors College. Following the service we will be having an Ice Cream Social...stay posted for details. During our two January evening services, David will be preaching on discipline in the context of the home. All families—particularly those with young children—are encouraged to attend.

Nursery Workers Needed For Dec. 23
Nursery volunteers are needed for Sunday school and church nursery on December 23. If you are able to help, please contact Marcia James (419.841.7154).

TONIGHT: Fourth Annual Messiah Sing-Along
We look forward to seeing you at the concert this evening. If you are able, please drop-off your passengers at the side entrance and proceed to the Fretti Funeral Home to the west of our building. This will help provide parking for our guests.

Upcoming Interim Sunday School Classes
Our 3-week Interim Sunday school classes will begin on January 13. In addition to a membership class, we will be offering a class on three women of the Bible. Jordan Daughtery, Matt French and Robin Kepler will each take a week, covering Deborah, Abigail, and Mary. If you are interested in attending the membership class, please let Pastor Dionne know by calling the church office (419.329.1100).

WOW Monthly Morsel
This is the last month for you to pick up your monthly challenge from the WOW committee in your small purple bag. Please pick up yours at the table in the narthex.

Large-Print Bulletins
Large-print bulletins are available at the Welcome Center table in the Narthex.

Talent Show
On December 31st we will have our annual talent show and New Year’s Eve fellowship time. Please begin working on your acts and let Tim Varner, Jason Wiltse, or the Turner brothers know what you’ll be...attempting.

Footloose Planning Committee Meeting
The Footloose planning committee will meet on Friday, December 14.

LWY to visit Nursing Homes this Wednesday, Dec. 5
LWY will be visiting area nursing homes this coming Wednesday, Dec. 5 for a special time of sharing about Jesus through singing, praying, and sharing of God’s Word. The nursing homes are Heartland of Waterville located at 8885 Browning Dr. in Waterville, Harborside of Sylvania at 5767 Whiteford Rd in Sylvania, and Sunset Village at 9640 Sylvania-Metamora Rd in Sylvania. Everyone should plan on arriving by 7 p.m. and being picked-up by 8:15 pm. If you unsure which location your youth are assigned to please contact Hunter Turner at 419-329-1100.

Winter Retreat Need
Some Living Word Youth (LWY) members are seeking opportunities to earn their way to go on the Winter Retreat. They are very willing to work for hire if someone has work for them to do or if someone is in a position to sponsor them. Sponsors can also choose to have them work for someone else. Any opportunities would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to hire youth or sponsor them to work for someone else please contact Scott Killy at 419-329-1100.

Children’s Christmas Choir
You sounded great at our rehearsal last Sunday! Please remember to come next Sunday, December 9, to our rehearsal with the adult choir. And don’t forget to work on memorizing verse one and verse three of Silent Night. If you have questions, see Sarah Dionne. Thank you!
Rehearsals:
Sunday, December 9 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 16 at 5:45 p.m. (in the Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m. (in the Sanctuary)

Adult/High School Christmas Choir
All interested adults and high school students are invited to sing in the choir for our Christmas service on the morning of December 23. We only have a few rehearsals, so it is important that you attend all of them. Please see Sarah Dionne with any questions.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, December 9 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 16 at 4:30 p.m. (in the Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 23 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (in the Sanctuary)

Deacon of the Day
This Sunday’s “Deacon of the Day” is Fred Walls. Next week: Jason Wiltse.

Announcements from November 25 Bulletin

WOW Christmas Fellowship: Back to Bethlehem
This coming Tuesday at 7:00 pm join other women from CTW at Barb’s Oostra’s home for our Christmas fellowship. All women are invited to attend and enjoy fellowship and a challenge from God’s Word given by Marilyn Evans.

Evening Services
On December 16, our evening service will take place in the SDA fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. Pastor Dionne will talk about life as a teacher in the Pastors College. During our two January evening services, David will be preaching on discipline in the context of the home. All families—particularly those with young children—are encouraged to attend.

Nomination Forms Available In Narthex
Nominations are still being received for the offices of Deacon and Elder. Forms can be found at the Welcome Center table in the Narthex and should be turned in before December.

Nursery Workers Needed For Dec. 23
Nursery volunteers are needed for Sunday school and church nursery on December 23. If you are able to help, please contact Marcia James (419.841.7154).

Fourth Annual Messiah Sing-Along
Invitations to the Messiah Sing-Along, taking place Sunday, December 2nd at 7:00pm, are available in the Narthex. Only one week until the Sing-Along. Get your last minute invitations after church and get ready for a great concert! Reserve spots with the church sponsored babysitter by calling Sarah French at (419) 381-6271.

Upcoming Interim Sunday School Classes
Our 3-week Interim Sunday school classes will begin on January 13. In addition to a membership class, we will be offering a class on three women of the Bible. Jordan Daughtery, Matt French and Robin Kepler will each take a week, covering Deborah, Abigail, and Mary. If you are interested in attending the membership class, please let Pastor Dionne know by calling the church office (419.329.1100).

2nd Payment Due THIS Wednesday For The LWY Winter Retreat
In an effort to make the Winter Retreat costs easier and less daunting, we have split the costs up into three payments. The second payment of $50 is due this Wednesday, on Nov. 28th. Due to the way this works, if you do not turn in the second payment on THIS Wednesday, the previous Early Bird special will be made ineffective. Thus, we encourage you to make sure your second payment is turned in by Nov. 28th in order to keep the Early Bird special discount. Thanks!

Free Babysitting This Friday
Free babysitting by the LWY members and leaders will take place this Friday at the Altman Home from noon to 9 p.m. PB&J and mac-n-cheese dinner will be provided (no lunch).

Large-Print Bulletins
Large-print bulletins are available at the Welcome Center table in the Narthex.

Talent Show
On December 31st we will have our annual talent show and New Year’s Eve fellowship time. Please begin working on your acts and let Tim Varner, Jason Wiltse, or the Turner brothers know what you’ll be...attempting.

Lost & Found
There is a lost and found table in the hallway running along the east side of the sanctuary.

Children’s Christmas Choir
All 4th through 8th graders are invited to sing in a choir at our Christmas service on the morning of December 23. If you are able to attend all of the following rehearsals, and if you like to sing, please join us! Please have one parent come with you to the first rehearsal for a few brief instructions. If you have questions, see Sarah Dionne.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, November 25 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 9 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 16 at 5:45 p.m. (in the Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m. (in the Sanctuary)

Adult/High School Christmas Choir
All interested adults and high school students are invited to sing in the choir for our Christmas service on the morning of December 23. We only have a few rehearsals, so it is important that you attend all of them. Please see Sarah Dionne with any questions.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, December 9 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 16 at 4:30 p.m. (in the Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 23 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (in the Sanctuary)

Winter Retreat Need
Some Living Word Youth (LWY) members are seeking opportunities to earn their way to go on the Winter Retreat. They are very willing to work for hire if someone has work for them to do or if someone is in a position to sponsor them. Sponsors can also choose to have them work for someone else. Any opportunities would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to hire youth or sponsor them to work for someone else please contact Scott Killy at 419-329-1100.

Deacon of the Day
This Sunday’s “Deacon of the Day” is Tim Varner. Next week: Fred Walls.

Christmas Events

Announcements from November 18 Bulletin

Evening Service Tonight At 6:30 PM
Tonight during our evening service we will hear Matthew Ahrendt preach the Word. Additionally, we will begin a series of short talks about the Reformed Evangelical Pastors College. Steve Altman will talk about life as a student in the college. During our two January evening services, David will be preaching on discipline in the context of the home. All families—particularly those with young children—are encouraged to attend.

Nomination Forms Available In Narthex
Nominations are still being received for the offices of Deacon and Elder. Forms can be found at the Welcome Center table in the Narthex and should be turned in before December.

Nursery Workers Needed For Dec. 23
Nursery volunteers are needed for Sunday school and church nursery on December 23. If you are able to help, please contact Marcia James (419.841.7154).

Next Sunday: Thank Offering Sunday
The deacons will be collecting our annual Thank Offering on November 25th. As in the past, we are encouraging the children of Christ the Word to come up to the front of the sanctuary to express their thankfulness to God by bringing an offering. Also, this collection will be the last benevolence collection taken in 2007. We have combined the November and December benevolence in order to help those who will be in need during the holiday season. We are praying that God will bless this offering to teach our children about the importance of giving, and enable our church to do good works of charity. The deacons thank you for your cheerful giving in the past and for your generosity in this next collection.

Fourth Annual Messiah Sing-Along
Invitations to the Messiah Sing-Along, taking place Sunday, December 2nd at 7:00 p.m., are available in the Narthex. Only two weeks until the Sing-Along. Concerned your guests will be intimidated by the large throng of people attending the concert? Let them know you’ll arrive early and save seats for them. Reserve spots with the church sponsored babysitter by calling Sarah French at (419)381-6271.

No Living Word Youth Meeting This Week
Due to the busyness and absence of families during the Thanksgiving time, we will not have our Living Word Youth meeting this week, on November 21st. We will resume the following week, November 28th, at the Dominguez Home at 6:15 p.m.

Upcoming Interim Sunday School Classes
Our 3-week Interim Sunday school classes will begin on January 13. In addition to a membership class, we will be offering a class on three women of the Bible. Jordan Daughtery, Matt French and Robin Kepler will each take a week, covering Deborah, Abigail, and Mary. If you are interested in attending the membership class, please let Pastor Dionne know by calling the church office (419.329.1100).

LWY Annual Winter Retreat: 2nd Payment Coming Up
In an effort to make the Winter Retreat costs easier and less daunting, we have split the costs up into three payments. The second payment of $50 is quickly approaching and is due on Nov. 28th. Due to the way this works, if you do not turn in the second payment on its due date, the previous Early Bird special will be made ineffective. Thus, we encourage you to make sure your second payment is turned in by Nov. 28th in order to keep the Early Bird special discount.
Thanks!

Children’s Christmas Choir
All 4th through 8th graders are invited to sing in a choir at our Christmas service on the morning of December 23. If you are able to attend all of the following rehearsals, and if you like to sing, please join us! Please have one parent come with you to the first rehearsal for a few brief instructions. If you have questions, see Sarah Dionne.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, November 25 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 9 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 16 at 5:45 p.m. (in the Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 23 at 10:00 a.m. (in the Sanctuary)

Adult/High School Christmas Choir
All interested adults and high school students are invited to sing in the choir for our Christmas service on the morning of December 23. We only have a few rehearsals, so it is important that you attend all of them. Please see Sarah Dionne with any questions.
Rehearsals:
Sunday, December 9 after the a.m. service (in the Fellowship Hall)
Sunday, December 16 at 4:30 p.m. (in the Sanctuary)
Sunday, December 23 at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. (in the Sanctuary)

WOW Christmas Fellowship: Back to Bethlehem
WOW Christmas Fellowship—Back to Bethlehem—will take place a week from this coming Tuesday evening. Join with your friends from CTW on November 27th at the Oostra’s home. See the announcement elsewhere in this bulletin for all the details.

Large-Print Bulletins
Large-print bulletins are available at the Welcome Center table in the Narthex.

Talent Show
On December 31st we will have our annual talent show and New Year’s Eve fellowship time. Please begin working on your acts and let Tim Varner, Jason Wiltse, or the Turner brothers know what you’ll be...attempting.

Lost & Found
There is a lost and found table in the hallway running along the east side of the sanctuary.

Winter Retreat Need
Some Living Word Youth (LWY) members are seeking opportunities to earn their way to go on the Winter Retreat. They are very willing to work for hire if someone has work for them to do or if someone is in a position to sponsor them. Sponsors can also choose to have them work for someone else. Any opportunities would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to hire youth or sponsor them to work for someone else please contact Scott Killy at 419-329-1100.

Deacon of the Day
This Sunday’s “Deacon of the Day” is Kevin Simpson. Next week: Tim Varner.

Behold...

Behold, children ar a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. -Psalm 127:3























The recent crop of girls born in our congregation, from left to right: Katherine French, Briar Wing, Raelyn Morgan, Hannah Ahrendt, and Kristen Beerbower.

Announcements from November 11 Bulletin

Upcoming Evening Services
Next Sunday, Nov. 18, during our evening service we will hear Matthew Ahrendt preach the Word. Additionally, we will begin a series of short talks about the Reformed Evangelical Pastors College. Steve Altman will talk about life as a student in the college. During our two January evening services, David will be preaching on discipline in the context of the home. All families—particularly those with young children—are encouraged to attend.

Church Emergency Number No Longer Operating
The church emergency line that has been listed in the bulletin for the past year has been cancelled. Because of the cost and the infrequent use of the line, we have decided to end the service. Please feel free to contact the church office or any of the staff numbers listed in the bulletin if and when an emergency arises.

November 25: Thank Offering Sunday
The deacons will be collecting our annual Thank Offering on November 25th. As in the past, we are encouraging the children of Christ the Word to come up to the front of the sanctuary to express their thankfulness to God by bringing an offering. Also, this collection will be the last benevolence collection taken in 2007. We have combined the November and December benevolence in order to help those who will be in need during the holiday season. We are praying that God will bless this offering to teach our children about the importance of giving, and enable our church to do good works of charity. The deacons thank you for your cheerful giving in the past and for your generosity in this next collection.

Fourth Annual Messiah Sing-Along
Invitations to the Messiah Sing-Along, taking place Sunday, December 2nd at 7:00pm, are available in the Narthex. Do you want to come but are worried the kiddos won’t enjoy the concert? Consider teaming up with the parents of your child’s favorite playmate and splitting a babysitter or reserve spots with the church sponsored babysitter by calling Sarah French.

Messiah Sing-Along Practice
Beginning today after the morning service we will read through a couple of the Messiah Sing-Along choruses. This is a fun way to brush up your parts before this year’s Messiah. Please meet near the pulpit a few minutes after the morning service. Scores will be provided.

LWY Annual Winter Retreat: 2nd Payment Coming Up (CORRECTED)
In an effort to make the Winter Retreat costs easier and less daunting, we have split the costs up into three payments. The second payment of $50 is quickly approaching and is due on Nov. 28th. Due to the way this works, if you do not turn in the second payment on its due date, the previous Early Bird special will be made ineffective. Thus, we encourage you to make sure your second payment is turned in by Nov. 28th in order to keep the Early Bird special discount. Thanks!

WOW Christmas Fellowship: Back to Bethlehem
WOW Christmas Fellowship—Back to Bethlehem—will take place on Tuesday evening November 27th at Barb Oostra’s home at 7 p.m. Marilyn Evans will be speaking to us on keeping Christ our focus during the Christmas holidays.

WOW Monthly Morsels
Women of CTW, please pick up a lovely purple bag with your monthly challenge from the WOW Committee. Make it your goal to accept and carry out the challenge.

Talent Show
On December 31st we will have our annual talent show and New Year’s Eve fellowship time. Please begin working on your acts and let Tim Varner, Jason Wiltse, or the Turner brothers know what you’ll be...attempting.

Homeschool Activities
Join the homeschoolers for a group tour at the Toledo Museum of Art on November 15. The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. This tour—“Fantastic Fires”—will focus on the new Glass Pavilion and is for 1st grade and up ONLY. Kindergarteners and under will stay in the Family Adventure Center to play with a few moms. You must R.S.V.P. by November 11 to Renee Drees.

Winter Retreat Need
Some Living Word Youth (LWY) members are seeking opportunities to earn their way to go on the Winter Retreat. They are very willing to work for hire if someone has work for them to do or if someone is in a position to sponsor them. Sponsors can also choose to have them work for someone else. Any opportunities would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to hire youth or sponsor them to work for someone else please contact Scott Killy at 419-329-1100.

Deacon of the Day
This Sunday’s “Deacon of the Day” is Matt French. Next week: Kevin Simpson.

Announcements from November 4 Bulletin

November Evening Services
Please join us this evening at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall to worship the Lord and hear Joel Belz speak about being a light for Christ in the world. During our next Sunday evening service on November 18 we will hear Matthew Ahrendt preach the Word.

Church Emergency Number No Longer Operating
The church emergency line that has been listed in the bulletin for the past year has been cancelled. Because of the cost and the infrequent use of the line, we have decided to end the service. Please feel free to contact the church office or any of the staff numbers listed in the bulletin if and when an emergency arises.

November 25: Thank Offering Sunday
The deacons will be collecting our annual Thank Offering on November 25th. As in the past, we are encouraging the children of Christ the Word to come up to the front of the sanctuary to express their thankfulness to God by bringing an offering. Also, this collection will be the last benevolence collection taken in 2007. We have combined the November and December benevolence in order to help those who will be in need during the holiday season. We are praying that God will bless this offering to teach our children about the importance of giving, and enable our church to do good works of charity. The deacons thank you for your cheerful giving in the past and for your generosity in this next collection.

Fourth Annual Messiah Sing-Along
Invitations to the Messiah Sing-Along, taking place Sunday, December 2nd at 7:00pm, will be available in the Narthex following the worship service for the next month. Stop by and pick some up so you’re prepared to invite friends and family, neighbors and coworkers. Consider inviting them over for a light dinner before the concert and then driving together. If you want to be really festive you could sing Christmas carols as you drive.

Messiah Sing-Along Practice
Beginning today after the morning service we will read through a couple of the Messiah Sing-Along choruses. This is a fun way to brush up your parts before this year’s Messiah. Please meet near the pulpit a few minutes are the morning service. Scores will be provided.

LWY Annual Winter Retreat: 2nd Payment Coming Up
In an effort to make the Winter Retreat costs easier and less daunting, we have split the costs up into three payments. The second payment of $25 is quickly approaching and is due on Nov. 28th. Due to the way this works, if you do not turn in the second payment on its due date, the previous Early Bird special will be made ineffective. Thus, we encourage you to make sure your second payment is turned in by Nov. 28th in order to keep the Early Bird special discount. Thanks!

WOW Christmas Fellowship: Back to Bethlehem
WOW Christmas Fellowship—Back to Bethlehem—will take place on Tuesday evening November 27th at Barb Oostra’s home at 7 p.m. Marilyn Evans will be speaking to us on keeping Christ our focus during the Christmas holidays.

WOW Monthly Morsels
Women of CTW, please pick up a lovely purple bag with your monthly challenge from the WOW Committee. Make it your goal to accept and carry out the challenge.

Talent Show
On December 31st we will have our annual talent show and New Year’s Eve fellowship time. Please begin working on your acts and let Tim Varner, Jason Wiltse, or the Turner brothers know what you’ll be...attempting.

Homeschool Activities
Join the homeschoolers for a group tour at the Toledo Museum of Art on November 15. The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. This tour—“Fantastic Fires”—will focus on the new Glass Pavilion and is for 1st grade and up ONLY. Kindergarteners and under will stay in the Family Adventure Center to play with a few moms. You must R.S.V.P. by November 11 to Renee Drees.

Winter Retreat Need
Some Living Word Youth (LWY) members are seeking opportunities to earn their way to go on the Winter Retreat. They are very willing to work for hire if someone has work for them to do or if someone is in a position to sponsor them. Sponsors can also choose to have them work for someone else. Any opportunities would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to hire youth or sponsor them to work for someone else please contact Scott Killy at 419-329-1100.

Deacon of the Day
This Sunday’s “Deacon of the Day” is Steve Altman. Next week: Matt French.