Upcoming Events:
Sat Dec. 6 Youth Program, Progressive Dinner, 4:00-8:30
Sun. Dec. 7 Friendly Neighborhood Big Band Concert, 3PM
Sat. Dec. 13 Christmas Extravaganza 3-5PM
Thu. Dec. 11 Children's Center Christmas Program 6PM
Wed. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service, 4:00PM
Mon. Dec. 29 People's Kitchen Food Prep 1:30, Kitchen
Tues. Dec. 30 People's Kitchen Food Distribution 11AM carpool from church
Assisting in today's service Pastor: Rev. Wesley Thompson,
Liturgist: Michelle Richardson, Piano/Keyboard: Dennis Eiler, Choir Director: Tricia
Stewart, Sound Tech: Adrian Paredes, Video Tech: Susan Thronson,
Flutist: Charlotte Belyea
HOSPITALITY: Today hosted by United Women of Faith
December 27th will be hosted by Endowment/ELT
First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
275 N. Halcyon Road,
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
805-481-2692 fumcag@yahoo.com
WorshipWeekly.com
November 30, 2025 4th SUNDAY OF ADVENT 10:30 am
PRELUDE “My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness” Getty/Townend
INTROIT “We are Marching” TFWS #2235-b
CALL TO WORSHIP*
Beloved, once again, we embark on the Advent path that points us to the coming of
Jesus.
We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits.
We remember the signs and the times that heralded the arrival of the baby Jesus,
God Incarnate.
We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits.
We tell the stories once again as we learn how to discern the signs and the times,
watching for glimpses of God’s here-and-not-yet kingdom among us.
We journey together toward the day that all the earth awaits.
Come, let us worship God who shines a light to guide us on the path to peace and
flourishing for all creation.
Come, let us worship as we journey together toward the day that all the earth
awaits.
OPENING HYMN* “ Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” No. 196
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATTENDANCE
WEEK
8:30
10:30
IN-
PERSON
VIDEO
STEWARDSHIP
Nov 02
46
83
129
37
$8,966
Nov 09
44
73
117
47
$14,261
Nov 16
51
82
133
40
$2,356
Nov 23
52
73
125
$5,815
Weekly Needed: $7,175
YTD Received: $136,468 YTD Needed $150,298
THANKSGIVING RECEIVED $2,488 THANKSGIVING BUDGET $3,000
OPENING PRAYER
Gracious God, in as much as we have chosen our own ways over Yours, forgive us.
In as much as we have thought there was another way, forgive us.
In as much as we chose Christmas but wanted to skip the hard yards of Advent,
forgive us. In as much as we have opted for crowns instead of crosses and
mansions instead of mangers, forgive us we pray.
Transform us by Your Spirit that this Advent might become a season for re-setting,
a time for opening our hearts and making room for You as if for the first time.
Servant King, the door is open. There is room in our hearts.
These are our prayers and are offered in Christ's name, AMEN.
we wait and listen for the Word of God for us today.
Amen.
ADVENT CANDLES AND THE COLLECT:
Advent IV: Branch of Jesse
ADVENT SONG O Come, O Come Emmanuel (Branch of Jesse verse)
O come, Thou Branch of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.
Sovereign God, Lord Christ.
Hear us, we pray.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MOMENT Maria Humane
We invite all children and youth to participate in this intergenerational time of learning
about Jesus
O God, we thank you for blessing us with the gift of children.
May they learn the stories of Jesus. May we share their joy. Amen.
A TIME OF PRAYER
Call to Prayer “Open Our Eyes , Lord ” TFWS# 2086
Prayer/Lord's Prayer
Response “Open Our Eyes , Lord ” TFWS# 2086
CHOIR ANTHEM “How Will We Know”
SCRIPTURE Matthew 24:36-44
HYMN “There is something about that Name” No. 171
SERMON When we least Expect it
OFFERING
Call to Stewardship and Mission
Offertory “I Found A Friend In Jesus” George Stebbins
Doxology/Prayer of Dedication*
CLOSING HYMN* “I know Whom I have believed” No. 714
BENEDICTION*
May we as Advent people, go from this place in the blessing of God who journeys
with us, guiding our path as we wait, watch, and work for the day when we beat
swords into plowshares and follow the path of peace until God’s kingdom comes on
earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
RESPONSE* “We are Marching” TFWS #2235-b
POSTLUDE “Here I Am, Lord” Dan Schutte
*Please stand as able
Bold - Congregational Reading
Matthew 24:36-44
36 “No one knows, however, when that day and hour will come—neither the angels in
heaven nor the Son; the Father alone knows. 37 The coming of the Son of Man will be like
what happened in the time of Noah. 38 In the days before the flood people ate and
drank, men and women married, up to the very day Noah went into the boat; 39 yet they
did not realize what was happening until the flood came and swept them all away. That
is how it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40 At that time two men will be working in a
field: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind. 41 Two women will be at a mill
grinding meal: one will be taken away, the other will be left behind. 42 Watch out, then,
because you do not know what day your Lord will come. 43 If the owner of a house knew
the time when the thief would come, you can be sure that he would stay awake and not
let the thief break into his house. 44 So then, you also must always be ready, because
the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him.