The Service of Worship Second Sunday of Advent December 7, :30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Transcription

1 A Call to Quiet Meditation The Service of Worship Second Sunday of Advent December 7, :30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. The congregation is asked to observe a time of silence during the prelude to prepare our hearts and minds for worship. Prelude Creator of the Stars of Night Gilbert Martin Chiming of the Hour *Opening Song (8:30) #744 Arise, Your Light Is Come! FESTAL SONG Greetings and Welcome The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. Concerns and Celebrations of the Church Fellowship Registration Please pass the fellowship pad found at the end of the row, record the information, and return the pad to its starting point. Then please remove the sheet and place in the offering plate when it is passed. Moment for Mission Introit (11:00) Savior of the Nations, Come (v. 1) Congregational Survey NUN KOMM, DER HEIDEN HEILAND Lighting of the Advent Candle *Hymn #100 My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout (v. 2) STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN *Call to Worship Keep alert, for the day is coming soon. Now the earth and heavens tremble. Pray for the gift of hope from God: Shine in our lives, Lord Jesus Christ. Ginny Hill *Hymn #82 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus HYFRYDOL *Prayer of Confession Ginny Hill God our Maker, we confess that we are not ready to meet you. We study the trends of our times and ignore the signs of your reign. We trust in things that pass away and forget your eternal promise. Forgive us, God of grace. Strengthen us, by your hand, so that we may be ready for that day when you come to reign in glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. *Period of Silent Prayer

2 In our Savior s name we pray. Amen. *Assurance of Pardon Ginny Hill Hear the good news: In Christ you are forgiven, your sins have been redeemed. We can declare with confidence: we are forgiven. *Congregational Response #443 There Is a Redeemer DETROIT There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God s own Son; precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Holy One. Thank you, O my Father, for giving us your Son, and leaving your Spirit till the work on earth is done. First Lesson Psalm 126 pew Bible, OT, page 541 The Word of the Lord. large print Bible, page 572 Thanks be to God. A Time for Young Disciples (11:00) Bucket Brigade All children are invited to the front. Parents are welcome to come with younger children. For age-related opportunities after this time, see the announcement following the order of worship. Anthem (8:30) Of the Father s Love Begotten DIVINUM MYSTERIUM Special Music (11:00) Jesus, Jesus, Rest Your Head arr. Cathy Moklebust Second Lesson John 1:6-8, pew Bible, NT, page 86 The Word of the Lord. large print Bible, page 91 Thanks be to God. Sermon The Baptizer William K. Neely Invitation to Discipleship To speak with someone about becoming a Christian, church membership or a special prayer need, please go to Room 133 following this service. The room is to your left when exiting the sanctuary. *Affirmation of Faith Apostles Creed (ecumenical) 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. *Hymn #96 On Jordan s Bank the Baptist s Cry WINCHESTER NEW Prayers of the People and the Lord s Prayer

3 Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. The Offering Offertory African Noel *Doxology with Alleluias *The Prayer of Dedication Jon Randall, percussionist André Thomas LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Christ all people here below; Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise Holy Spirit evermore, Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! *Hymn (8:30) #92 While We Are Waiting, Come WAITING The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper Invitation and Words of Institution Communion of the People (You may take the elements as they are served.) Communion Music Prayer After Communion As you pass the bread, please share the words: The body of Christ broken for you. As you receive the bread, you may respond: Thanks be to God. As you pass the cup, please share the words: The blood of Christ shed for you. As you receive the cup, you may respond: Thanks be to God. *Hymn #80 You Shall Go Out with Joy THE TREES OF THE FIELD *Benediction *Benediction Response #104 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN *Postlude Toccata in A Minor O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright? Your people long to greet you, my hope, my heart s delight! O kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast, To do in spirit lowly all that may please you best. Jan Pieter Sweelinck

4 * All who are able, please stand. Bold print indicates congregational participation. Worship Leaders William K. Neely, Pastor Ashley Rudolph, Elder Assisting in Worship Ginny Hill, Liturgist Karrie Rushing, Music Director Brad Collier, Organist Westminster Bell Choir Early Band: Gerald McGowan, mandolin, Paul Shackelford, bass, Wilma Shackelford, flute, John Morrow, guitar, Jacob Montgomery, songleader About Today s Service Flowers: The flowers in the Welcome Center are given by Sandy and Gary Jackson in memory of Sandy s son, Evan Walker Dawson. Bucket Brigade for Hunger: Today s pocket change offering, collected by the children during A Time for Young Disciples, goes to hunger programs, including our regular church servings at the Greenville Shelter. Fellowship: Coffee, coffee-cake, cookies, and other goodies are available in the fellowship hall each Sunday after the 8:30 a.m. worship service. Visitors: We welcome those visiting with us today. If you are a first-time visitor, stop by the visitors table in the Welcome Center to receive a gift. Children s Worship Bags: Worship Bags for children are available to your right before entering the sanctuary. Prayer Shawls: The Prayer Shawl Ministry has placed prayer shawls in the narthex to the right of the center sanctuary doors. If you are chilly during the service, wrap up in a shawl and return it after worship. Broadcast: The 11:00 service is broadcast live on WNCT-1070 AM and FM radio (New Bern ; Jacksonville ) and streamed live at and First Presbyterian Church welcomes children of all ages in worship. A nursery is provided for infants and toddlers for all services. Following A Time for Young Disciples in the 11:00 a.m. service, ages four through six are invited to participate in Godly Play in Room 113. The Toddler s Church is available for two and three year olds in Room 116. Older children are encouraged to participate in worship Portable hearing aids and large print Bibles, bulletins and hymns are available on the table by the entrance, or ask an usher for assistance. In Respect of All Worshippers, please turn off or mute cell phones, and disconnect your wifi because it interferes with our radio broadcast. Do not use flash photography during the worship service and please refrain from eating and drinking in the sanctuary during worship. Our Congregation in Ministry Christmas Joy Offering: We will receive the Christmas Joy Offering this morning and this evening at the Christmas Joy presentation.

5 Christmas Joy: The Christmas Joy program will be today at 5:00 p.m., and will include Children s Choirs, Early Band, Westminster Bell Choir, and Chancel Choir. Bring a dish to share at the finger food supper following the program. We have heard there may be a special visitor with us for this event! Poinsettia orders are due today! Purchase a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. Flowers may be picked up after the Christmas Eve services. Presbyterian Women: Circle 1 will meet December 8 at 10:45 a.m. at the church; Circle 3 will meet December 8, 2:00 p.m. at the home of Antoinette Patterson; Cypress Glen Circle will meet December 9, 10:00 a.m. at Cypress Glen; Circle 6 will meet December 9, 6:00 p.m. at the home of Jeri Jackson for dinner (3603 E. Baywood Lane), shop for family, and then have dessert at the home of Georganne Perry (303 Wesley Rd.). Angel Tree: All Angel Tree gifts are due today. We will take them over and have a Christmas party at Winterville Manor on Sunday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. You may now place mittens/hats/scarves on the tree for local school children. Commitment Card: If you have not returned your 2015 commitment card, please put it in the offering plate or in Deborah s office. Youth Helpers: If you need help raking leaves this fall or decorating for Christmas, please contact Brian Dilday at to have members of our Youth Group help out. Donations will go to our Christmas Mission Project. Congregational Survey: The Mission Study Team invites all members, age 15 and up, to participate in a Congregational Survey. The survey may be completed online ( or you may pick up a paper copy in the Welcome Center. Return completed surveys to the office. Cantata: The Chancel Choir and orchestra will present John Rutter s Brother Heinrich s Christmas and other carols on December 14, 5:00 p.m. The musical fable of Brother Heinrich is not to be missed, and can be enjoyed by all ages. Ministry Meetings: Today s schedule - Ministry Workshop (2:00 pm), Ministry Meetings (3:00 pm), Communications Council (4:00 pm) Christmas Eve: We will have Christmas Eve services at 5:00 p.m, 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. Please sign up in the Welcome Center if you can serve communion at one of the services or serve as an usher. Church Office Closings: The church office will be closed December 24-26, December 31, and January 1 for the holidays. POPS Concert: Friday, December 12, at 7:30 p.m., the Greenville POPS Chorus will present the annual holiday concert here in our Fellowship Hall. All are invited to this free event. Please lift in prayer: Our Congregation Cares Church Family Roz Ahrens, Sarah Allen, Clara Carr, Frank Chipman, Beth Clark, Martha & George Coffman, Mickie Ezelle, Ralph Flanary, Thelma Flye, Ben Lattin, Joyce Lewis, Elizabeth Lyle, Jean & Rocky Soranno, Barbara Tyson Family and Friends: Emily Crater (grandmother of Morgan Lane) Susan Fitzgerald Godard (friend of Kim Bell) Ally Hart (friend of Emily Harvey) John Horne (friend of Kim Bell) Kathy Meacham (sister of Gail Joyner) CeCe Thornton (friend of Gail Joyner)

6 Military personnel and families; mission teams; our national, state and local leaders and people called our enemies. In Memoriam Nellie Webb Webb September 2, November 27, 2014 Jesus said I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live. John 11:25 The church extends heartfelt sympathy and prayers to her family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Fred and Nell Webb Endowment Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 1400 South Elm Street, Greenville, NC 27858; or to the Greenville Museum of Art, 802 Evans Street, Greenville, NC