Author: Church Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELCOME: Welcome to this service of worship at Bainbridge First Methodist Church. Please be sure to sign the attendance pads or register with the QR code on the front of the Order of Worship so we can keep a record of your attendance.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SUPPER: Our next Wednesday Night Supper will be on December 3, 2025 at 5:45 pm with Grow Groups to follow. Please RSVP no later than Tuesday at 5:00 pm via the app or by calling the church office. MENU: Shepherd’s Pie, Green Beans, Salad, Rolls, Dessert, and Drink. If you need dinner delivered, please let the office know. Drive-Through takeouts begin at 5:15 pm.
UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS:
Sunday, Nov, 30 Hanging of the Greens 6:00 pm
Tuesday, Dec. 2 Food Bank Crew 9:00 am
Serve Team 6:00 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 3 Keenagers 12:00 pm Staff Meeting 1:30 pm
Wednesday Night Supper 5:45 pm
Grow Groups 6:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 7 Come to Christmas 5:00 pm

Members who minister
Ushers: Philip Moore, Jason Murray, Matt Reynolds, and Steve Reynolds
Greeters: Jackie and Terri Fleetwood
Lay Liturgist: Zadie Peters Acolytes: Emma Hufstetler and Greta Moye
Video Technician: Philip Moore Flowers: Flower Crew
Organist: Douglas West, MD Pianist: Sheila Lane Hymn Leader: Jenna Chambless Video Disclaimer: This service is being live streamed on YouTube. Your image may appear in certain views of the video. The video will be available for replay on our YouTube channel. See contact the church of Office if you have any questions regarding this.
https://www.youtube.com/@bainbridgefirst4146
Hearing Assistive Devices: are available on the back table or ask an usher for help.
Bulletin Baskets: are found at the back of the Sanctuary to collect your discarded bulletins.

Senior Pastor: Rev. Nate Lehman
Children’s Director: Patty Hamilton Youth Director: Lisa Enfinger

www.bainbridgefirstmethodist.com
Phone: (229)246-1864
300 W. Shotwell St., Bainbridge, GA 39819 • P. O. Box 541, Bainbridge, GA 39818

Bainbridge First Methodist Church

First Sunday of Advent
10:30 AM Service of Worship
November 30, 2025
Please Register

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Nate Lehman
PRELUDE “Joy Has Dawned” arr. by D.E. Wagner
Sheila Lane, piano
lighting of the Candles Emma Hufstetler & Greta Moye, Acolytes
*ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING John and Cathy Bridges
Leader: Today we light the first candle of Advent, the candle of Hope.
In the midst of uncertainty, we hold fast to the promise
that our hope is in the Lord.
Scripture Reading:
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those
Living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” Isaiah 9:2
Leader: As we light this candle,
we remember that Jesus is the hope of the world.
People: May this flame remind us to place our trust in the promises of God,
who is faithful to redeem and restore.
Leader: Let us pray. Lord of hope, as we begin this Advent season,
kindle in us a remarkable hope. Help us to trust in Your promises and
share the light of Your hope with those around us.
People: Amen.
Leader: We light the first candle for hope.
Leader: Come, Lord Jesus, our hope.
People: Shine in our hearts and in our world!
*HYMN OF PRAISE 165 “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed!”
verses 1 & 3
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH 881 “The Apostles Creed” Zadie Peters
I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord:
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried;
the third day he rose from the dead; he ascended into heaven,
and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
*RESPONSE NUMBER 70 “Glory Be to the Father” Meineke
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Amen.
CALL TO PRAYER “Prepare the Way of the Lord” Children’s Choir
with Collin Reynolds on chimes
THE MORNING PRAYER Rev. Nate Lehman
*OFFERTORY HYMN 166 “Of The Father’s Love Begotten”
OFFERTORY PRAYER Zadie Peters
OFFERTORY Meditation on “The First Nowel the Angel Did Say”
setting Ralph Manuel b1951 Douglas West
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS # 95 “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
CHILDREN’S MOMENT Patty Hamilton
(Children are invited to return to their seats with their parents. Nursery is available should you need it.)
PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
Special music “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” Chancel Choir
*SCRIPTURE Luke 1:5-25 Rev. Nate Lehman
SERMON “Zechariah: When Hope Sounds Impossible” Rev. Nate Lehman
RESPONSE TO THE WORD
*HYMN OF DISMISAL 509 “Just As I Am, Without One Plea”
verses 4, 5, & 6
SENDING FORTH
*BENEDICTION Rev. Nate Lehman
POSTLUDE “See Amid The Winter’s Snow, Christ is Born in Bethlehem” John Goss 1800-1880
Douglas West
*PLEASE STAND (AS ABLE)

continue next page →

Membership forms are located in the back of the church for you to pickup if you have not already filled out or submitted it electronically
There will be a brief congregational Q and A session following the worship service for any questions
Please be in prayer for our Youth and Adult Leaders as they are attending a Youth Retreat at Lake Seminole

GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH VOTE
On August 14, 2024, the Affiliation Committee presented it’s recommendation to our Church Council to join the Global Methodist Church. This recommendation was made after much research into different Methodist/Wesleyan denominations in order that this church might consider jointing after disaffiliation from the UMC. The Church Council will send this recommendation to a church-wide vote, which will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024, immediately following the 10:30 am service. Only those who have transferred their membership to Bainbridge First Church will have a vote. If you wish to transfer your vote and have not done so, please contact Sam Gates at 229-220-9482 or turn in the transfer form to the Church Office by September 1. Nursery and programming for children will be available.

ANNOUNCEMENT
WELCOME: We welcome Lay Speaker. Pam Grist as she comes to share her sermon with us.
GREETERS: If you would be willing to serve in the greeter rotation, please contact Marilyn Collins at 229-254-8199.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEMBERSHIP FORMS: Membership forms are located in the back of the church for you to pickup if you have not already filled out or submitted it electronically
QUESTION & ANSWER: There will be a brief congregational Q and A session following the worship service for any questions
YOUTH: Please be in prayer for our Youth and Adult Leaders as they are attending a Youth Retreat at Lake Seminole
TRUSTEES MEETING: The Board of Trustees will meet this Tuesday, July 30 at 7:30 pm in the Library
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING: The Church Council will have a meeting on Monday, August 5 at 6:30 pm in the Chapel