WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA (563) DECEMBER 23, 2018 Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message) 1 9:30 A.M.

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 Cellist, Sam Sykes Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Leader: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Welcome and Announcements Minute for Mission "Meet the New Pastor" Video *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 Fourth Advent Candle The Fast Family Leader: God promised that one day a son would be born who would be called Emmanuel which means "God is with us". People: Jesus' last words before he went back into heaven were, "Remember, I will be with you always." Leader: God promises that we will never be alone. People: Just as God was with us in Jesus, God is with us every day. Leader: So today, we light a candle for God's Emmanuel promise. ALL: God is with us. *Hymn #146 GTG "Gentle Mary Laid Her Child *Invitation to Confession 2

3 *Unison Prayer of Confession Almighty God, Light of the World, you caused light to shine out of darkness in the birth of Jesus our Christ. We confess there are times when we can't see the light; times when we are unwilling to walk in your ways. We have not always opened our eyes to the needs of others, and our feet wander from the paths of justice and peace. We ask that the Spirit of Christ be born anew with us, so that our deeds of compassion and service will bless the world you love. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection) *Assurance of God's Forgiveness Children s Message "Missing Piece" Anthem "Holy is Your Name Timbrel & Lyre Magnificat by David Haas Sermon: "God Meets You' 1. A happy "betrothal", but then Humiliation leads toward divorce, until Today's Scripture: Matthew 1: This is where God meets us Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 (CEB) 18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. When Mary his mother was engaged to Joseph, before they were married, she became pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph her husband was a righteous man. Because he didn t want to humiliate her, he decided to call off their engagement quietly. 20 As he was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, don t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the child she carries was conceived by the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you will call him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 22 Now all of this took place so that what the Lord had spoken through the prophet would be fulfilled: 23 Look! A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, And they will call him, Emmanuel. [a] (Emmanuel means God with us. ) 24 When Joseph woke up, he did just as an angel from God commanded and took Mary as his wife. 25 But he didn t have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to a son. Joseph called him Jesus. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. 3

4 *Hymn #136 GTG "Go Tell It on the Mountain" *Affirmation of Faith (Apostle's Creed) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God s only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father and he will come to judge the living 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 Pastoral Prayer The Lord s Prayer Sung Repeat each stanza after Song Leaders Timbrel & Lyre Invitation to Giving 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 "Joseph s Song" Timbrel & Lyre *Doxology Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow Timbrel & Lyre arr. by Steve Peake 4

5 *Prayer of Thanksgiving *Hymn #119 GTG "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" *Blessing *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. ANNOUNCEMENTS THE CHANCEL FLOWERS TODAY are in honor of Howard & Dorothy McLean who are celebrating their 63 rd Wedding Anniversary today, December 23 rd! Congratulations!! TODAY is the Fourth (and final) Sunday of Advent. For centuries, Christians have observed this time of year as both a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, and as a time of prayer seeking spiritual rebirth in our own personal faith journeys. The Bible proclaims Jesus' birth as light in the world's darkness and as a source of hope and spiritual enlightenment for all peoples. CATCH UP on recent events at Westminster on our website Cameron Fast and the tech team, videos of the following have been posted: Youth Christmas pageant and sanctuary re-dedication service Service of Advent Lessons and Carols Westminster Update: Pastoral Transition Edition Thanks to COPIES OF HAL'S HANDOUT from last Sunday's Westminster Update are available in the Narthex. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP with Carols, Communion and Candlelight begins at 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 24th. The church nursery will be open. This year, for the first time, we'll use "Safe Flame" battery powered candles -- safe for worshipers of all ages. COMING SOON -- opportunities to meet Westminster's Pastor "nominee," Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger: Saturday, January 5 1: :00 An "electronic" meet and greet will be live-streamed from the Westminster's sanctuary, especially for out-of-town members and friends. You can find this live stream on Westminster's website click on "Worship Online". During the electronic meet and greet, questions for Loren may be texted to (Steve Peake) or (Tom Stovall). 5

6 2: :00 Tea (or coffee) with Loren (and Becky). Loren will be available to visit with Westminster members and friends in Fellowship Hall. The Pastor Nominating Committee plans a brief program of introduction at 3:00. Refreshments provided. Sunday, January 6 8: :15 Coffee and Donuts with Loren, Fellowship Hall 9:30 Loren preaches at worship Following Worship -- Congregational Meeting to formally receive the report of the Pastor Nominating Committee and to act on the PNC's nomination of Loren as Pastor. 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. FIRST 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. Fall Adult Forum Immigration Class Follow-up 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 Green Team Tip Go Green and Save Money: Use Less Water Make it a point to check for and repair leaky faucets and toilets in your home. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water over time and cost you on your water bill. You can also reduce the amount of water used for a bath in the tub or reduce the time you take in the shower. Don t rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. In response to numerous requests, the Green Team has provided receptacles for recycling plastic bags. Containers are located in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall 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 6

7 WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: DECEMBER 23, 2018 Church Office Number: Rev. : Rev., 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: Bill & Janet Porter Head Usher: Pam Adams Greeters: Kris Cary & Gini Gordon Ushers: Julie Woodyard & Jon Davison Russ & Leona Hibben John & Pam Adams PRAYER REQUESTS: For Steve Mosiman who recently began a new course of Chemotherapy. His address is: 1000 Clarke Drive, Dubuque If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office ( ) or the Pastor. 7

8 THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: DECEMBER 23RD THRU DECEMBER 30TH Sunday, December 23 8:00 a.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 1:00 p.m. Donath Christmas Party, FH, K Monday, December 24 CHRISTMAS EVE OFFICE CLOSED 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service, SA Tuesday, December 25 CHRISTMAS DAY OFFICE CLOSED Wednesday, December 26 OFFICE OPEN 9 A.M. TO NOON Thursday, December 27 7:00 p.m. Table Tennis, FH Sunday, December 30 Ordination/Installation of Deacons 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 9:30 a.m. Mandarin Worship, BR 10:30 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 11:00 a.m. Nursery Christmas Party, Nursery Mary Kay, our church administrator, will be out of the office until January 4 th. If you need assistance, please contact Glinda Manternach or Becky Jenkins at the office. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon. thru Thurs. and 9 a.m. to noon on Fridays. Buy in the office or before or after worship Year End Giving December is traditionally a generous month at Westminster. Many people complete their pledges before the end of the year, and many people give extra so we finish the year in the black. Thank you for your financial support of Westminster Presbyterian Church. In order to have your contribution included on your 2018 Contribution Statement, please make sure it arrives at the office by NOON on Fri., Dec.28 th or by Sun., Dec. 30 th via the offering at worship. Becky Jenkins, Financial Secretary 8 FROM YOUR WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION: Be a WILLING Christian. Remember Westminster Presbyterian Church in your will. 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!