Hanging of the Greens

One of the opening numbers of the Broadway musical Godspell is “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” . It is sung first by the character John the Baptist and then the rest of the cast joins in.  The spirited song quotes the words from John the Baptist’s sermon reminding folks that he is not the Holy One but indeed there is one more powerful than he that will come after him.

One of the ways that the Church prepares for the coming of their Savior is by adorning their sanctuaries with symbols and decorations that have deep meaning.  We use wreaths, and holly, berries, new colors, candles, trees, Chrismon ornaments (that remind us of the different names that we use to refer to Jesus), the manger scene, and poinsettias.  These symbols help to set the season of Advent apart.  These decorations help us focus on the Christ child.  By preparing our worship space for the season of Advent, we prepare our hearts to receive God’s gift to us again and in a new way!!  One way that we “Prepare the Way of the Lord” is to prepare our worship space in anticipation of something new!

This Sunday, we will be decorating our sanctuary during worship.  We will sing songs, hear readings, participate in hanging the wreaths, garlands, and ornaments.  We will watch as the children participate with joy and we will be stilled by prayers and the lighting of the Advent candles.  This service is traditionally known as “Hanging of the Greens”.

Join us Sunday as we beginning the journey of preparing the way of the Lord and as we begin to experience what it means that God is with us. 

God’s Words for This Week

Isaiah 64:1-9 – From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. (NRSV, v. 4)

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 –
Listen, Shepherd, Israel’s Shepherd—
    get all your Joseph sheep together.
Throw beams of light
    from your dazzling throne
So Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh
    can see where they’re going.
Get out of bed—you’ve slept long enough!
    Come on the run before it’s too late.
 God, come back!
Smile your blessing smile:
    That will be our salvation. (The Message, v. 1-3)

1 Corinthians 1:3-9– Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV, v. 7-8)

Mark 13:24-37– From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. (NRSV, v. 28-29)

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This Week at Hood

Wednesday, November 29, 6:00 pm – Choir practice!
**Deadline for ordering poinsettias for the sanctuary!
Thursday, November 30 & Friday, December 1 – Jason & Joanie in Charlotte for required training; Office closed.
Saturday, December 2–1:30pm meet in the church parking lot to walk over and watch the parade together; 3:00-5:00pm Holiday Tea & Tunes Party for children & families (The Cellar, 108 N Wilson St)
Sunday, December 3, 11:00 am – Worship: Hanging of the Greens

Coming Soon

Saturday, December 9, 4:00pm – Lake & Lights @ the Lashmit’s lake house: chili dinner and tour of the Lights at the Lu Mil Vineyard (http://www.lumilvineyard.com/festival-of-lights.html)

*Visitation for the family of Donald Barefoot will be Tuesday, November 28th from 6-8pm at Cromartie Funeral Home  (401 W Cumberland St, Dunn, NC 28334).  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday morning at 11:00am at Hood Memorial Christian Church (300 E. Cumberland St., Dunn, NC).