EIGHTH STREET MENNONITE CHURCH
602 South Eighth Street
Goshen, IN 46526-4019
Tel.: 219/533-6720

Fax: 219/533-8324

Email: eighthst@bnin.net

Web site: www.bnin.net/~eighthst/

Myron D. Schrag, Pastor [mschrag@bnin.net]

Brenda Sawatzky Paetkau, Associate Pastor [bpaetkau@bnin.net]

Laura Sue Dueck, Pastoral Intern [dueckls@msn.com]

9:30 A.M. December 23, 2001

Eighth Street Mennonite Church is a Christian community – rooted in Anabaptism and coming from diverse religious traditions – devoted to worshipping God and to extending God's love to the congregation, to Goshen, and to the world.

TEARS OF JUDGEMENT – STREAMS OF RESTORATION

Advent IV

RESTORED TO HOPE

We weep over our separation from God.

We see a sign of hope in the promise that

"the virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel,"

which means "God with us."

Restore us, O Lord!

Pre-Service Singing 9:15 A.M.

GATHERING

Prelude: Veni Emmanuel Rokey

Welcome and Announcements

Interlude

The sound of running water is a symbol of our waiting for the coming of Christ this year. Running water makes space for and welcomes our tears. This same running water can also be a source of restoration. Watch. Wait. Listen.

Special Music: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr Parker/Shaw

*Call to Worship:

Leader: We are here at the mountain of the Lord.

People: O come, Immanuel.

Leader: We have shed tears on the mountain of the Lord.

People: O come, Immanuel.

Leader: We long for cooling streams to restore us on the mountain of the Lord.

People: O come, Immanuel.

Leader: Let your face shine, that we might be saved.

People: Give us life, and we will call on your name.

All: O come, O come, Immanuel.

*Invocation

*Hymn: #173 Savior of the nations, come! (vv 1-3)

WAITING

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 7:10-16 [OT pg 636]

Hymn: #175 O Savior, rend the heavens

CONFESSING

Prayer of Confession

Lighting the 4^th Advent Candle

Words of Assurance:

Leader: Saving God, we have heard your promise:

"The virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

who will be called Immanuel – God with us!"

We open our hearts to receive your wondrous gift.

All: Alleluia! God is with us!

Theme Song: Restore us, O Lord M Zehr

LISTENING

Children's Time

Special Music: Still arr J A Shafferman

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-7 [NT pg 152]

Dramatic Presentation: Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon: "On the Edge"

RESPONDING

*Hymn: #189 To us a Child of hope is born

Offering and Offertory: Magnificat Strungk

(Please sign the registration pad at the end of your pew.)

Joys and Concerns

Church at Prayer

SENDING

*Hymn: #186 Fling wide the door, unbar the gate!

*Benediction

*Hallelujah Chorus

*All who are able are invited to stand

Worship Leader - Brenda Sawatzky Paetkau
Sermon - Myron Schrag
Advent Candle-lighter - Myron Schrag
Theme Song - Alex Sawatsky, Kate Nafziger
Dramatic Presentation - Leonard Beechy
Children's Time - Karen Miller Rush
Song Leader - James Nelson Gingerich
Organist/Pianist - Christine Thögersen
Choir Director - Roger Nafziger
Accompanist - Christine Thögersen, piano

= = =

WELCOME to Eighth Street Mennonite Church! During this Advent season we wait for the birth of a child – our Savior. Join us in our waiting and preparation for the coming of Jesus. Visitors are invited to sign the guest book in the narthex and to worship with us again.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, December 23, 2001

GREETING US today are Allen and Jean Miller, both retired teachers. Allen taught in Elkhart County for 8 years and 26 years in Ohio. Jean taught first grade for 17 years in Wadsworth, OH and after their retirement, they moved to Goshen in 1986. In retirement they enjoy doing some traveling to see their three sons and families (five grandchildren). Allen had back surgery over a year ago, which has changed and altered their life style. He no longer plays golf; he plays at it, but still leaves carving, woodworking, etc. to those who have nothing better to do. Jean is involved in the Volunteer Reading Program in the Goshen city schools and volunteers at Oaklawn. She has served on Congregational Care Commission and Music Committee and is active in the women's group.

THE FLOWERS are shared in celebration of Dalton's first birthday last Tuesday, Dec. 18 by Scott, Kim & Breanna Bechtel.

STAFFING OUR NURSERIES:

Today: During worship - Infants – Jane Swihart, Eileen Saner

Toddlers – Tim & Jen Nussbaum

Next Sunday: During worship - Infants – Tom & Jeannette Bechtel

Toddlers – Denise Risser, Deanna Risser

During Sunday School - Laura Funk, Melba Bechtel

= Second Hour =

There is no children's Sunday School today.

B1 - Builders Class is meeting – "Responding to Christ's challenge to be missional"

= = =

BRING YOUR FAMILY AND GUESTS tomorrow evening to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:30. The traditional White Gift Offering will be taken; this year our gift will help Ethiopian Mennonite congregations purchase galvanized iron for their churches (about $1000 per church).

OUR CHRISTMAS PRAYER: May the birth of Jesus draw you into the circle of God's love. In that circle may you know healing, forgiveness, delight and wonder. May you truly be restored by the coming of Jesus, our Christ!

Myron and Rickey Schrag

Brenda and Don Paetkau

Laura Sue and Allan Dueck

PLEASE NOTE: The Church Board has scheduled the next Congregational Meeting for Sunday, February 3, 2002. Mark your calendars!

Concerning Our Church Family and Friends:

Our congratulations and best wishes to Sue Eisenhour and Nevin Troyer who will be married this Wednesday, December 26 in a family ceremony. The congregation is invited to the open reception for Sue and Nevin at Clinton Frame Mennonite Church from 5-7:30pm.

Tex Eisenhour will move to CR 44, Goshen, IN before Sue & Nevin return from their honeymoon.

Eric Risser has moved to Middlebury, IN.

Our condolences to the Brookmyer family on the death of Dr. C. David Steury last Saturday, Dec. 15 in his home in Bluffton, Indiana. He had been battling cancer for 5 years. David was married to Ed Brookmyer's daughter Nedra (former 8th St member), thus a brother-in-law to Jon & Janey Brookmyer and uncle to Cinamon Short. Funeral services were held at the First Presbyterian Church in Bluffton Thursday, Dec. 20.

Congratulations to Myron & Rickey on the arrival of their fifth grandchild Margaret Jane Schrag born Thursday, Dec. 20 to Steve & Meghan in Sellersville, PA. Myron & Rickey are going to Pennsylvania Dec. 27 - 30 to meet her and get acquainted.

Don & Brenda and family will be visiting Don's family in Edmonton, AB from Dec. 27 - Jan. 5. Brenda will be back in the office on Jan. 8.

Posted on the bulletin board is a Christmas letter from Ed & Gay Kauffman and thank-you notes from Lucille Risser and Fran Gundy for the poinsettias.

PLEASE NOTE:

t Besides Christmas Day, the office will not be open Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 26) or Friday afternoon (Dec. 28).

t Bulletin items for next Sunday's bulletin are due Thursday morning at 9 o'clock (Dec. 27).

t Bulletin items for the January 6 bulletin will be due Thursday morning at 9 o'clock (Jan. 3).

t Do you have church-related expenses that need reimbursement? If so, please complete a yellow voucher from the office and submit it this week.

t Maybe you have a church check that hasn't been cashed yet – please remember to cash it this week. Thank you.

ON MONDAY, December 31, there will be a New Year's Eve Communion Service at 6:30pm.

JUNIOR YOUTH, please note that your Wednesday, January 2 meeting has been cancelled. Don and Brenda will be in Canada and they do not want to miss out on talking about Anabaptists: Ana-who?

MESSENGER NEWS is due next Sunday, Dec. 30. Please give your family notes, news articles, and announcements to co-editors Jane and Dave Troup: email them to messenger@miketroup.com or put them in their church mailbox. Remember to clear your calendar events on the church calendar with Jeannette.

REMINDER TO THOSE wanting to join the Catechism Class: Please let Myron or Brenda know of your plans. There will be a Kick-off Pizza Party for Catechism Class members & their parents on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 6pm.

THE KOINONIA CLASS will have an Ethiopian meal at Daniel's Ligonier Café on Friday, January 11. We will leave the church parking lot at 6pm. Cost per person is $10 to $12 depending on the platter chosen. RSVP to Eileen Saner by January 7 if you plan to attend.

From the Sidelines:

After winning its first three games, any fear that Eighth St. might be over-emphasizing athletics came to a halt last Saturday when Olive Mennonite handed Eighth St. its second loss in a row, winning 44-39. A player who was interviewed, since yours truly was not present, said there are no highlights to report. – MS, reporter

Mennonite Disabilities Committee (MDC) is grateful for your support in the past year as we continue to provide residential and respite services for persons with developmental disabilities. Please pray for the ongoing life at the Merimna Homes, Goldenrod Community, and for the families served by the Mennoheim respite program and Project Promise worship and activities. Pray also that persons will respond to the urgent call for caregivers in these programs. Talk to your MDC church advocate or contact MDC by phone at 533-9720, email at mdc@mdconline.org, or visit us on the web at www.mdconline.org.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at Camp Friedenswald:

Our winter retreats are quickly approaching and we would like to find a few people that would like to help us make these camps the best ministry possible. We are looking for volunteers for our winter (spring, summer and fall would be nice, too) programs. We especially need cooks and college age/young adult activity support personnel. If you are available, please contact Dave Moser at 616/476-9744 or email him at moser@friedenswald.org. Retreats are a time of great fun and fellowship and by volunteering, not only can one participate in these great aspects of camp, but one can go away from here knowing they helped further this important ministry.

We are also looking for potential music leaders for a few of our retreats.

DECEMBER GIVING BOX & WHITE GIFT: Ethiopian Church Building

CHURCH CALENDAR this week, December 23 - 30:

Monday - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, 6:30pm

Tuesday - Christmas Day (office closed)

Wednesday - Office closed in the afternoon

Thursday - Bulletin items due, 9am

- Men's Luncheon at Ramada Inn, 11:45am

- Support Group for Depression, 7pm

Friday - Office closed in the afternoon

Next Sunday - Worship Service, 9:30am

Sermon – Laura Sue Dueck

Worship Leader – Christine Guth

- Sunday School, 11am

- MESSENGER news due, Noon

LAST SUNDAY, December 16, 2001: Attendance - 245

Visitors: Reynold Friesen, Waterloo, ON; Joseph Martel, Dartmouth, MA; Brian Miller, Harrisonburg, VA; Tyler Sawatzky & Angela Plank, Indianapolis; Miranda Goyings, Ft. Wayne; Dana & Robert Sargent and family, Elkhart; Jeff & Elizabeth Tary and Jonathon & Jessica, Oren & Arlene Horst, Goshen.

December 16 Offering: $5,356.55
Budget $4,366.55 Cortés-Gaibur's
Student Fin Aid 650.00 robbery support 50.00
GIHN 150.00 Dec Giving Box/
Seekers Class 110.00 White Gift 30.00

Actual Year to Date Giving for the Budget $223,692.10
Needed for the Budget (year to date) 221,145.00
Positive Balance $ 2,547.10

A FREE FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT will be held Thursday, January 3, at 7pm at Bethany Christian Schools. Come enjoy free popcorn and the movie, Miracle in Lane 2, in the school chapel. This Disney movie is based on BCS frosh Justin Yoder's experiences in soapbox racing. Justin and his family will be available after the movie to answer questions.

* Birthdays & Anniversaries! *

23	Ronald Rice	27	Alex & Wendi
24	Melba Bechtel	27	Sawatzky '97
24	John Bohn	27	Ernie & Erma Yoder '53
25	Henry Braun	28	Karen Miller Rush
27	Becky Colby	29	Aaron Nafziger
27	Anna Newburn	29	Zachery Berg
27	Rich & Marcy Gerig '72	30	Stan Shetler