Open Door Community Church 3rd Sunday of Advent Celebration 12/17/2023

For more information on the ministry of Open Door Community Church, please go to http://www.SherwoodOpenDoor.org Sunday Celebration 12/17/2023 Welcome, Invocation, and Affirmation of Faith Our Affirmation of Faith We believe in God the creator of us all, whose desire for diversity is seen in the rainbow of humanity. With unrelenting passion God seeks to be in relationship with all of us. We believe in Jesus the Christ, who is the embodiment of God’s redeeming grace; and in the Holy Spirit through whom that grace continues its restoring work. We believe in the Church. It is the body of Christ on the earth today. As ministers of this church, we are all called like Jesus, to heal, to deliver, to teach, and to serve. We believe that together we can change the world, in our time and for all time. Amen! Affirmation Chorus: “In This Place” In this place, there’s joy that I can’t explain In this place, there’s healing for all my pain There is love unlike I’ve ever known Everybody here makes me feel at home As we gather here, I know I’m not alone I feel God’s presence, Moving in this place. Lighting the Third Advent candle: Joy. Christmas Carol “Joy To The World” Sing & Celebrate “Awesome” “Shout To The Lord” Today’s Scriptures MATTHEW 1:18-23 After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Special Music Tammy Hand Phillips Special Music Randy Eddy-McCain Sermon “Surprise, It’s God” Final Song Darnell Jordan