LIVE FROM BETHLEHEM WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God

Transcription

1 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA (563) LIVE FROM BETHLEHEM DECEMBER 9, 2018 Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message) 9:30 A.M. 1

2 TO OUR GUESTS: WELCOME! Thanks for joining us for worship. More information about Westminster Presbyterian Church is available on the Welcome Table in the back of the Sanctuary. We encourage you to fill out the Friendship Binder found in your pew and please join us for refreshments and conversation in the Narthex after the service. If you would like to become a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, please see Pastor Murry. Large print bulletins are available from the ushers. Childcare for children 5 and under is provided in the Nursery down the hall from the Sanctuary. * All who are able may stand. Prelude Luke Tyler, Pianist Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Hal Murry Leader: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Welcome and Announcements *Greeting Our Neighbors *Introit #88 vs. 6 " O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer... our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel... shall come to thee, O Israel. *Lighting of the Advent Candle Isaiah 2:4; 11:6 The Raber Family Leader: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Advent means coming. People: We are preparing ourselves for the days when the nations will beat their swords into iron plows and their spears into pruning tools. Leader: Nation will not take up sword against nation; They will no longer learn how to make war. People: The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat. Leader: The calf and the young lion will feed together, and a little child will lead them. People: Let us walk in the light of the Lord. *Hymn #104 GTG *Invitation to Confession "O Lord, How Shall I Meet You" 2 Sam Wu

3 *Unison Prayer of Confession Loving God, you have sent us prophets and we have not listened. We have not always discerned what is best or made space for you in our lives, in our church, in our culture. Forgive us, we pray. Recharge our faith and open our eyes for glimmers of your light in the darkness. Be born again in us this Christmas. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection) *Assurance of God's Forgiveness Hal Murry *Response #121 vs. 4 "O Little Town of Bethlehem" O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel! Youth Christmas Pageant (see insert) *Hymn #110 GTG "Love Has Come" *Affirmation of Faith (from "A Brief Statement of Faith") Hal Murry We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world. God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. Dedication of Sanctuary Improvements: Jeff Oberhoffer and Lois Pearce *Prayer of Dedication Leader: Almighty God, we re-dedicate this place to your worship. In our prayer and praise, through Word and Sacrament may we come to know your will and experience your peace and power in our lives. Let this space always be: a refuge for those who suffer or sorrow a fortress for those besieged by temptation a beacon to light the way in darkness. 3

4 People: Grant that we may always enter your gates with thanksgiving and come into your courtyards with praise. Leader: Trusting in Jesus Christ, we re-dedicate this sanctuary in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. People: Amen Invitation to Giving Hal Murry ALL encouraged to pass the friendship pad in your pew and to register your attendance. First-time visitors providing contact information receive a valuable free gift! Offertory A Christmas Lullaby arr. by Anna Laura Page Youth Handbells *Song of Thanksgiving #145, vs. 3 What Child Is This? So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, one and all, to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings; Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise the song on high. The virgin sings her lullaby. Joy, joy, for Christ is born, the babe, the son of Mary! *Prayer of Thanksgiving Hal Murry *Hymn #100 GTG "My Soul Cries Out with A Joyful Shout" *Blessing Hal Murry *Response #88 vs. 7 " O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" O come, Desire of nations, bind...all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven's peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. *Postlude ANNOUNCEMENTS Luke Tyler, Pianist TODAY is the Second Sunday of Advent. For centuries, Christians have observed this time of year as a time of preparation for a new spiritual birth within us. The Bible proclaims Jesus' birth as light in the world's darkness and a source of hope and spiritual enlightenment for all peoples. TODAY, we celebrate the Christmas season with the annual youth pageant, this year written by Allie Hinga. Thanks for hours of work and practice volunteered to help make this a memorable event! ALSO TODAY, we re-dedicate our sanctuary to the worship of God, following a $150,000 "update." The sanctuary was first dedicated on September 13, Special thanks to members of the Sanctuary Improvements Team for many, many hours of visioning, listening, planning, fund raising 4

5 and implementing: Cameron Fast, Harriet Heitzman, George Hellert, Hal Murry, Jeff Oberhoffer, Mark Oberhoffer, Lois Pearce, Max Schmidt and Wes Heitzman. ALL ARE INVITED after worship to enjoy a free celebration lunch in Fellowship Hall. BUT, take your time getting there! Let the kids eat first, they have a movie to get to. Food will be available for an extended period of time. On your way, take a look at the high-tech equipment in the choir loft; press the buttons on the new handicap doors; walk through the basement classrooms. Thanks for the efforts of many volunteers associated with Westminster's "Hospitality Team" for hosting lunch. FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT! 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 10 in the sanctuary -- provided for the Westminster church family by the Tyler family (Lizz, Luke and Theia). ALL are welcome! NEXT SUNDAY, please join us for a service of lessons and carols from Westminster's Adult Choir during our 9:30 worship hour. JEFF OBERHOFFER has been elected Moderator of the Property Committee beginning in January. Thanks to George Hellert for his leadership in recent months. SEVERAL NEW HEARING ASSISTANCE are being tested in the congregation today. This is part of the ongoing sound system improvements. Thanks to Steve Peake for his work in this. NEW HYMNALS Most of our worship hymns are selected from our denomination's newest hymnal Glory to God (2013). The new hymnal is digitally-supported which allows for easy electronic projection. A limited supply of hardback, print hymnals is available for use during worship. You can find the hymnals (red) on the tables/benches behind the back pew. Please return the hymnal after worship. A selection of Bibles (various translations) is also available in the back of the sanctuary for use during worship. TAKE A HYMNAL (or two or three!) home! The blue Presbyterian Hymnals are stacked on the side pews in the back of the sanctuary and are free for the taking. It could be just the gift for someone who has everything! DECLUTTER TIME! After years of accumulation it is time to begin a declutter campaign. Starting with the tunnel beneath the Sanctuary the Property Committee requests all committee chairs/moderators, task force leaders, and others to tour the tunnel before by 16 December 2018 to claim all items currently stored in the tunnel. All items no longer used or that are otherwise not justified are very likely to disappear! Immigration Class Information: Dubuque for Refugees: Assistance for Central American Minors c/o RRS Stewart, P.O. Box 1741 Dubuque, IA Ethiopian Mission: Friends of Homacho Don Koppes, 2115 Embassy West Dr., Dubuque, IA Catholic Charities: Legal Assistance for Immigrants/Refugees Mt. Loretto, Dubuque, IA

6 Fourth Sunday Custodian Still Needed. Duties are making coffee, picking up donuts, and unlocking doors. Time starts around 7:00 AM till after Church. See Rich Henderson if interested. Only 7 tags left (out of 80) yet to be taken from The Westminster Giving Tree. Get yours today! Each year, Westminster supports local families in need by helping with Christmas. Gift requests are hung on a Giving Tree in the Narthex during Advent. The gifts are due back BEFORE December 18 th! Please provide wrap or bags for these unwrapped gifts. DONATE HAMS? The Dubuque Food Pantry is again requesting Hams or other meats (between 2 to 5 lbs) for their "Christmas Basket Give Away". Please mark & put in kitchen refrigerator. All meat should be here to WPC by Dec. 13th. They also are in need of canned goods to put in the baskets especially: Coffee/tea, canned fruit, ramen noodles, canned sweet potatoes, cake or brownie mixes, baking supplies, soup, boxed potatoes, flour, sugar, toothpaste and personal care items. Thank you! Please deliver non-perishable items to the shopping cart in the Narthex by Dec. 13th. Thank You...your WPC Mission Team DEACON S FUND POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Last week to Order before Dec. 16th see order forms on tables in church & narthex INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELLATIONS To learn of any cancellations of worship services or events you can check the following: 1. The church website 2. You can listen to any one of these radio stations below: KDTH 1370 AM or KATF 92.9 FM "The Rock" 97.3 FM or "The River" Watch KCRG -TV, ch. 9, or KWWL, ch. 7 Note: This will be followed through ALL winter months and inclement weather times. 6

7 In response to numerous requests, the Green Team has provided receptacles for recycling plastic bags. Containers are located in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall. Green Team Tip Go Green and Save Money: : Save on Your Bulbs LED (light emitting diode) light bulbs are no longer scarily expensive. Replace 40 old incandescent bulbs with LED s and you could save $1,500 over their 10-year life span. Cool Whip Containers Needed: to use as take home containers from events where we have leftovers. The use of Cool Whip containers will aid in avoiding using Styrofoam containers or purchasing other containers that may or may not be environmentally friendly. Looking for only Cool Whip type containers - no cottage cheese containers please. Just drop off in the kitchen. Thanks -- Rich Henderson TODAY AT 7:30 PM - Starlight Carols at Emmaus Bible College, Marble Chapel WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: DECEMBER 9, 2018 Church Office Number: Rev. Hal Murry: Rev. Hal Murry, Teaching Elder Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Becky Jenkins Custodian: Tim Till Faith Formation Leader for Youth: Lisa Fast Nursery: Amy, Megan & Amanda Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Organist/Pianist/Music Coord: Dr. Luke Tyler Adult Choir: Dr. Luke Tyler Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth & Adult Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: Scott Heicken Head Usher: Bruce Hallahan Greeters: Jim & Sue Huff Ushers: Melissa Taylor & Adam Etheredge Dennis & Susie Williams Gidget Maas & Gerda Hartman PRAYER REQUESTS: For Dick Anderson and family, whose mother, Ruth Anderson, passed away Thursday morning Dec. 6th. A memorial service will be in Toledo, IA in the Spring. Cards may be sent to: Kaune Ln. Durango, IA If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office ( ) or the Pastor. 7

8 Sunday, December 9 Open House Celebration 8:30 a.m. Youth Handbells Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. Youth Pageant Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Christmas Pageant 10:30 a.m. Luncheon, FH 11:45 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, Choir Rm. 1:00 p.m. Boy Scouts, Terry Flynn, BR 3:00 p.m. Youth Group, FH Monday, December 10 4:00 p.m. Sanctuary Team, WR 6:00 p.m. Pack 20 Meeting, FH 7:00 p.m. Christmas Concert, SA, NTX. 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 11. FH 7:00 p.m. Scouts, Bd. of Review, CR Tuesday, December 11 12:30 p.m. Office Closed for Staff Christmas Party 4:30 p.m. NAMI Christmas Party, FH, K 5:15 p.m. PIN Board Mtg., WR 5:40 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA 7:00 p.m. Grief Support Group, MS THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: DECEMB ER 9TH THRU DECEMBER 16TH Wednesday, December 12 3:00 p.m. Care Team Meeting, WR 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, LOFT 5:40 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, MediaRm. 6:00 p.m. PNC Mtg., BR 6:45 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, LOFT Thursday, December 13 4:00 p.m. Finance Meeting, WR 7:00 p.m. Table Tennis, FH Saturday, December 15 7:00 a.m. Share Food Distribution, FH 4:00 p.m. Goedken Family Christmas, FH Sunday, December 16 8:30 a.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Lessons & Carols 10:45 a.m. Westminster Update, FH 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 10:40 a.m. Sunday School, Classrooms 1:30 p.m. Worship at Bethany Home 3:00 p.m. Youth Christmas Shopping 3:00 p.m. Playground Task Force, BR FROM YOUR WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION: Is God's will for Westminster Presbyterian Church remembered in your will? 8 Snowbirds... Help us to save on postage! Please notify the office when you leave for a period of time, so we can either or send the Hotline to your temporary address. Thank you!