Prelude: “Love Came Down at Christmas” by Robert W. Thygerson
Welcome and Announcements: Rev. Gary McClenthen
Responsive Call to Worship led by Linda Febles of MBC
Hymn: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”
Invocation
Lighting the Advent Candle Two with Ysabella and Prarthana
Solo by Sugantha Jeevankumar “Noel” Words and Music by Chris Tomin, Ed Cash, and Matt Redman
Moments of Prayer
Worship Through Giving
Offertory Anthem: “Everybody’s Comin’ to Bethlehem Town” Words by Mary Kay Beall, Music by John Carter, Choir directed by Richard Freeman
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 read by Dorothy Berry from FBC
Sermon: “Real Love: Love is Patient” by Rev. Gary McClenthen
Hymn: “Jesus Spreads His Banner O’er Us”
Reading of the Church Covenant
The Lord’s Supper officiated by Rev. Gary McClenthen
Hymn: “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen”
Benediction
Postlude: “Go Ye to Bethlehem” by Hall M. Macklin
Organist: Marilyn Glover
Listen to the Sermon >
Rev. Gary McClenthen has been serving Maplewood Baptist Church for almost 10 years, having worked in multi-staff churches over a few decades in the areas of youth ministry, musical worship and discipleship. Gary loves teaching God’s Word, book by book; verse by verse. Gary loves watching people grow in the Lord and has learned from years of experience that no one is so far gone, that he can’t be radically transformed, put back together by the power hidden in the grace of God! Pastor Gary has been married to his wife, Tami, for more than 25 years, is a father to six children, and believes strongly in adoption, and what that process can do to turn a kid’s life around for good!