Collingswood Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 Collingswood Presbyterian Church December 15, 2013 Third Sunday of Advent

2 30 Fern Avenue, Collingswood, New Telephone: Fax: Website: The Rev. Dr. Katherine G. Killebrew, Pastor William Powell, Director of Music Gretchen Kolecki, Director of Christian Education Joan Hafer, Secretary Chris Keeley, Custodian Bulletin Cover art work create by John Stuart, Heaven's Highway Daily Devotions ( ).

3 COLLINGSWOOD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY December 15, rd Sunday of Advent ASSEMBLE IN GOD S NAME Silent Prayer We would see Jesus, O God: the sweet baby of Bethlehem, but also Jesus as he heals, brings good news to the poor, and raises the dead. We would see Jesus, the crucified and risen One. Welcome and Announcements We welcome you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ! Please sign the guest book in the narthex so we can send you a welcome packet. Gathering of Prayer Concerns and Joys Please raise your hand to share your joys or concerns to be included in the prayers of the people this day. You may also write your concern on the pink sheets and hand to the Pastor. Please mail a prayer card from the narthex to your loved one. Centering Music Of The Father s Love Begotten Instrumental (*Please stand for items marked with an asterisk.)

4 Lighting of the Advent Candle The Sullenberger Family Leader: On the third Sunday of Advent, we light three candles. Our hope grows stronger, and our joy grows brighter as we prepare to celebrate Christ s coming. We remember also in this time of shadows those whose tears still water the ground with sadness, and we pray that God will bring all people home with shouts of joy. People: Come Lord Jesus. In your light we will trust and not be afraid. The third candle is lit. Leader: In God s promised new heaven and new earth: The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. People: Come, Lord Jesus. In your light we will trust and not be afraid. Hymn - Listen to the Angels

5 Call to Worship Leader: When our hallelujahs have shattered into pieces; People: Our God comes! Singing new songs to us. Leader: When hope lies in tatters at our feet. People: Our God comes! To mend our brokenness with love Leader: When we think we need to wait for God to act; People: Our God comes! To reign forever in our hearts. *Hymn - Prepare the Way GTG #106 *Prayer of Confession Leader: God is ready and willing to hear our voices, and listen to our hearts, as we confess how we have not lived as we could, we have not treated others as we should. Join me, as we pray together, saying, All: We admit, Holy God, that we are in a hurry: to get our lists made, to have everything done on time, to find Christmas - now! We look around for your day, but every day seems the same. The blind may see, the lame may be dancing, the sick may be healed - but we still find ourselves imprisoned in our fears, our work and our lives. Silence is kept As you forgive us, Patient God, remind us that you are not finished with us. You continue to come to us, your arms laden with the gifts of peace,.joy,.grace,.hope and so many more, shared with us through the ongoing witness of Jesus Christ, our Savior, our Brother. *Words of Assurance Leader: Blessed are those not offended when God does the unexpected - coming as one of us! People: We look and we find the One who has come, bringing forgiveness and grace. Amen.

6 * Response - Glory To God (sing twice to tune of #583 GTG) Gloria, gloria, in Excelsis Deo. Gloria, gloria, alleluia, alleluia! *Sharing of the Peace Leader: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. (Children come to the front pew) PROCLAIM GOD S WORD Reaffirmation of the Baptismal Covenant Presentation of the Candidates for Membership We welcome Dave and Jen Sullenberger, their daughters Erin and Avery, and Barry and Carol Longmire to our church! Profession of Faith *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed All: 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 Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on 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 Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

7 Prayer Children s Sermon (Children Pre-K through 5th Grade may leave for Sunday School.) Anthem - In an Age of Twisted Values with Come, Come Emmanuel (GTG #345) Chancel Choir Old Testament Lesson: Isaiah 35:1-10 (pg.649) Psalm 146:1-10 (responsive) Leader: Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! People: I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long. Leader: Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help. People: When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish. Leader: Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; People: who keeps faith for ever; who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. Leader: The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind. People: The Lord lifts up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. Leader: The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin. People: The Lord will reign forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord! *Hymn - Love Has Come GTG #110 Gospel Lesson: Luke (pg.931) Sermon: Expecting Visitors? The Rev. Dr. Katherine G. Killebrew

8 *Affirmation of Faith Leader: What does it mean that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary? ALL: That the eternal Son of God who is and who remains true and eternal God, took to himself, through the working of the Holy Spirit, from the flesh and blood of Mary, a truly human nature so that he might also become David s true descendant, like his brothers and sisters in every way, except without sin. (adapted from the Heidelberg Catechism) Offering Let everyone who has two coats share with a person who has none; and everyone who has food do likewise. This we will know the joy of sharing and appreciate more fully what God has entrusted to us. Musical Meditation - Creator of the Stars of Night organ & flute - Jane Trent * Doxology Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here below. Praise God above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Prayer of Dedication Prayers of the People Leader: The Lord be with you People: And also with you. Leader: Let us pray. Prayers of Praise, Thanksgiving, and Intercession... All: 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.

9 IN GOD S NAME *Hymn - Lift Up Your Heads,.Ye Mighty Gates GTG #93 *Benediction *Choral Response *Postlude Go Forward and Serve! Please join us in the Lounge for coffee and fellowship time. Everyone is invited to come caroling after church today from 12-2pm. We will go to a few member s houses who are nearby and then go over to the Collingswood Manor and sing in the lobby and hallways. Even if you can t sing you can hand out candy canes!

10 Sunday, December 15, 2013 If you are a visitor, please sign the Fellowship Welcome! Book in the narthex so we know you are here! Large print bulletins and hymnals are available for your convenience. If you have difficulty hearing, personal amplifiers are available in the narthex. Parents, please pick up a worship activity bag for your children. Please return the bags to the narthex after the service for your service! Reader: Richard Aylor, seminary intern Greeters: Melissa & Gus Corso Ushers: Flo Stringer and Karen Mazak Fellowship Team: Louanna Sills Flowers: The flowers today are given by Keith and Peggy Haines in thanksgiving for God s abundant glory. Sunday School: Children should follow Mrs. Kolecki out after the Children s Sermon. You may pick your children up in Calvin Hall after service. Nursery is for children aged birth to 3 years old. Our nursery workers are Madeline Almand, Brie Lynch, and Natalie Sperlunto. Parents are invited to sign-up in the nursery to come in and do an activity such as a song, read a book, or other activity with the older nursery children.

11 What s happening at CPC this week? Sun., 12/15 Wed., 12/18 Thurs., 12/19 Sun., 12/22 Third Sunday of Advent 9:00 am - Bible Study 10:30 am - Worship & Sunday School 11:30 am - Fellowship - Lounge 12:00 pm - Caroling 3:00 pm - Blue Christmas at Haddon Hts. Church 6:30-8:00 pm - Youth Group 11:00 am - Staff Meeting 5:30 pm - Beginner Handbell Choir 6:15 pm - Advanced Handbell Choir 6:30 pm - Pageant Practice 7:00 pm - Finance Committee 7:00 pm - Confirmation Class 7:30 pm - Adult Handbell Choir 7:00 pm - Choir practice Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00 am - Bible Study 10:30 am - Worship & Sunday School 11:30 am - Christmas Luncheon WEEKLY COMMUNITY USE Spring of Life Church: Sunday - 1:00-2:30 pm - Sanctuary 2:30-5:00 pm - Dining Rm. Wed. & Fri. - 8:00-9:30 pm - Jr. Rm. Toddler Play Group Tue. & Wed. - 9:30-11:30 am. Girl Scouts Wed. - 6:00-7:30 pm - Jr. Rm. Thurs. - 5:00-8:00 pm - Dining Rm.

12 Children should follow Mrs. Kolecki out after the Children s Sermon. Last week, we continued to work on our parts for the Pageant. This week, we will be continuing to work on our parts for the Pageant. Please practice your children s lines with them. Upcoming dates for Pageant Practice: Practice during Sunday School: Dec. 15th. Wednesday Night 12/18 at 6:30pm for dress rehearsal and putting up of the manger. (Bring your muscles!). We are also looking for parents to help with pageant practices. Please let Gretchen Kolecki, Director of Christian Education, know if you are available to help. We have broken the classes down differently this next year. We have a pre-reader group for Preschool Kindergarten, called the Sheep. Our next group is 1 st and 2 nd grade, known as the Shepherds. Our oldest group for Sunday School is 3 rd 5 th grade, called the Disciples. Please see Gretchen Kolecki, Director of Christian Education, to sign up to teach/help with the Sunday School Program. There also is a sign-up sheet outside the Director of Christian Ed. s door. Also, if you have a child in Sunday School, please join our Facebook page: Collingswood Presbyterian Church Sunday School

13 Youth Group this week will be from 6:30 pm- 8 pm. We will be having our Christmas party. Please sign up to bring some snacks. Upcoming events: Breakfast Club: There is no breakfast club this month, Please come to Sunday School and help practice for the Pageant. The Youth Group will be having their Second Annual Cookie Tray Sale, with Cookie trays being delivered next Sunday, 12/22/13. Please see the order form in the bulletin. We are still in need of parents to sign up to bring in snacks. Please sign up outside of the office of Gretchen Kolecki, Director of Christian Ed. If you have not done so already, please join our Youth Group Facebook Page: Collingswood Presbyterian Youth Group. It is a good way to keep in touch and up to date on Youth Group info and activities. Next Confirmation class dates Wednesday, January 8 & 22 7:00-8:00 pm

14 Special Announcements The Messiah Sing in at Moorestown Methodist church was rescheduled for today at 5pm. Thanks to everyone who came out to decorate the church this past week! Special thanks to Louanna Sills and Lorrie Heuser who coordinated our decorations this year. The Children will be having pageant practice on Wednesday Dec 18 and we will need some strong arms to move the pulpit and move in the manger. Good Coffee - Doing Good Buy your coffee and tea at CPC s Equal Exchange table, and make a difference in the lives of the farmers who grow it. Started in 2001, the Presbyterian Coffee Project is a collaboration between Equal Exchange and the Presbyterian Church USA s Enough for Everyone Program to involve more Presbyterian communities and individuals in supporting small farmers around the world. You ll find the Coffee Project table in the lounge before and after worship service. At Collingswood Presbyterian Church we have in stock both whole bean and ground coffees; decaf and caffeine. Tea drinkers: we have chamomile, peppermint, green tea, and breakfast teas. Please look at our catalog, tell me if you d like to buy a project not on our table...we plan to reorder soon. If you would like to be part of our Coffee Mission Team, please talk with Lorrie Heuser, heuser551@verizon.net.

15 Mitten, Hat, Coat, and Sock Tree Our congregation will be collecting hats, scarves, mittens and socks this Christmas to donate to help families in crisis and homeless in our county. Please help us warm as many people as possible by donating to this collection. Our Charlie Brown tree will be placed in the Narthex in a few weeks. Hang your gifts of gloves, hats, scarves and socks from its branches. The tree will stay up until January If you have gently used or new coats which you would like to donate, you can place them on the pew in the Narthex. Thank you. Lorrie Heuser WANT TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS BY HELPING OTHERS???? We are needed to help Atlantic City churches and homes rebuild from Super Storm Sandy. Here is how you can help: Help out for a day (or two). The Presbytery of West Jersey is coordinating groups (or individuals) from churches who want to go down to AC for a day to help repair churches and homes. Any day is available if you want to go down -- just contact Pastor Kate and she can put you in touch with the Disaster Relief coordinator Wendy Frisby. Donate slightly used tools for building projects. Bring to church and leave in the narthex. If you have usable electric or gas power tools please put in the boiler room in the box labeled Hurricane Sandy. CPC work day - Saturday December 28- from 8am - 4pm. All hands on deck!! CPC members and friends will be going down to AC as a church that day. All skills (or no skills ) are needed. Youth ages 16 and above are encouraged to help.

16 Dear Friends, The finance committee would like to share two reminders for this season of thanksgiving and Christmas celebration. We have had a wonderful year of progress, due to the many gifts and talents from so many in our congregation. And we have so much to look forward to next year. With this in mind: 1) Please catch up on your 2013 pledge. We are still several thousand dollars behind where we should be. If you can be generous and give a little more, this would be much appreciated. 2) We had a well-attended church service for making our Wings of Hope pledges for We have received about 2/3 s of the anticipated pledges so far. Please read the letter in November that was sent with your pledge card of our progress this year. Then, prayerfully consider your commitment to CPC and return your pledge card to the box in the back of the Sanctuary or mail it to the Church office. Thank you for your faith and commitment to CPC, Bob Marks The new CPC Church Directory is available for you in the mailboxes in the hall outside the Lounge. Please pick up your copy today. 76ers Faith & Family night at the Wells Fargo Center! January 11th against the New York Knicks *The night will include a special post game concert featuring world renowned gospel singers J. Moss and Isaac Carree! Tickets $30, $60, $75 per person lorraine.brown@comcast.net if interested in attending, or call cell

17 Session Highlights The Session was happy to receive into membership Jen & Dave Sullenberger and Barry & Carol Longmire. The Session approved for baptism Thomas Augustus Genghini, son of Jim & Becca Genghini, for January 12, The Session reviewed the membership rolls. We reviewed the financial budget and the stewardship results. Please pay up your 2013 pledge and complete your 2014 pledge if you have not already done so. The Mission Committee reported that they will purchase a freezer with funds from the West Jersey Presbytery. The Property Committee will meet monthly led by chairperson Mike Amato. The Christian Education Committee reported that there were 2 retreats to Johnsonburg and the Christmas Pageant is being planned. The Lounge Committee reported that the re-decorating of the lounge is almost complete and is under budget!

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19 KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS... Birthdays: Melissa Wolfe, Griffin Maylath, Carly Forgach, Matina Lagakos, and Gregory Ambruster Anniversaries: Sara Webber & Vanessa Ross (2007) Seminarians: Chris McNabb, Buzzy LeCluyse and Richard Aylor Those who serve in government, our military personnel, & those who work in other countries. Our country, our president, and our leaders Our troops in Afghanistan and around the world Military personnel - Mark McCaulley, Jennifer Riippa, & Ben Sheldon Kyle Stoy-- who is teaching ESL in Seoul, South Korea Those in Care Facilities or at home Elizabeth Baggett Elsie Hak Robert Johnson Evelyn Plunkett Dorothy Varnum Jean Waitz Raymond Perry Harry Binder Pray for Health and Wellness Ray Burns Michael Burns Sal Ferraro Sam Jang Do-Soon Joan Klacik Bob Lowden Ray Perry Carol Rowand Frank Griffin Frederick Bates Jay Sills Linda Hanson Doris Happy Feaster Judy Grantham Please pick up a prayer card in the narthex and mail it to these loved ones for whom we pray. Deerfield Presbyterian Church Our PCUSA mission in Hungary Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Church, Cardenas, Cuba Njikob Presbyterian Church, Cameroon If you are going into the hospital or would like a pastoral visit, please call or have a family member call the church office or one of the deacons or elders. If you don t call, we are going to assume you don t want a visit! Please remember to fill out a new pink form.

20 Collingswood Presbyterian Church Our Vision Statement (What we want to be) We seek to become: A church that witnesses to the community and the world by sharing and demonstrating our relationship with Christ. A church that encourages all people to know God s great love revealed in Jesus Christ. A church that faithfully listens for God s will for our lives and our community A community of God that is an open, inviting, caring family of faith where all are embraced, accepted and loved. Our Mission Statement (How we will accomplish this vision) The Collingswood Presbyterian Church Congregation, as part of the Christian Church, Presbyterian Church USA, is called to Worship and Serve the Lord by: Constantly seeking renewal through God s Grace and Wisdom. Welcoming and reaching out to all of God s community. Providing for education in Christian and Presbyterian principles Ministering to everyone through community and worldwide mission. Sharing the Christian message as expressed in the Gospel.

21 CHURCH STAFF AND OFFICERS The Rev. Dr. Katherine G. Killebrew, Pastor William Powell, Director of Music Gretchen Kolecki, Director of Christian Ed Joan Hafer, Church Secretary Chris Keeley, Custodian Maryann Kelly, Bookkeeper THE SESSION (Meets second Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.) Melissa Corso, Clerk of Session Bob Marks, President, Board of Trustees Barbara Bockmann, Financial Secretary & Treasurer Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Robert Marks Keith Haines Abby Murray Lorraine Brown Melissa Corso Mike Amato Jeff Hirt Candace Lowden Committees of Session Christian Growth Finance and Stewardship Mission and Outreach Outreach Memorial Personnel Nominating Property Worship and Arts Chair Keith Haines Bob Marks Abby Murray Candace Lowden Karen Mazak Melissa Corso Melissa Corso Mike Amato Moderator BOARD OF DEACONS (Meets first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.) Lorrie Heuser, Moderator Martha Caldwell-Bates, Vice-Moderator Jane Trent, Treasurer Richard Herzog, Secretary Class of 2014 Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Richard Herzog Lorrie Heuser Louanna Sills Natalie Sperlunto Jane Trent Martha Caldwell-Bates Erica Werner Karen Mazak [Terms begin Feb 1 of each year or upon Ordination/Installation] Rev. 11/3/13

22 Mark your calendars for a special time to celebrate Christmas together. The Christmas Pageant will be presented during worship on December 22nd, After church we ll fellowship together over lunch. Please make your reservations early so that we may prepare enough food and goodies for all! Fill out and submit the form below by Sunday 12/15/13 or Lorraine at lorraine.brown@comcast.net cell ********************************************************************** (Please fill out and place in the offering plate by 12/15/13) Family name # attending address: We will bring (circle one, please): Side Dish Mac and cheese, string bean casserole, spinach casserole, or potato salad. Dessert Your choice Drinks Case of water or 4 bottles of soda *YES I would like to help set up *YES I would like to help clean up

23 Christmas Cookie Trays The CPC Youth Group will be selling Cookie Trays as a fundraiser for their group. The money will go towards retreats and mission trips. The trays will come in 2 sizes: Small: $10 and Large: $15. The cookies will be assorted Christmas favorites. Please fill out this form and return with appropriate funds to: Gretchen Kolecki, Director of CE. by 12/15/13. (Orders will not be accepted after this date.) Name: Phone#: # of Small Trays: x $10= # of Large Trays: x $15= Total # of Trays: Total $ Cookie Trays will be delivered on 12/22/13 after church. The Youth Group will also be making and delivering cookie trays to the shut-ins of the church.

24 Place Your Order Now! Collingswood Presbyterian Church has purchased new hymnals. The cost for each Hymnal is $ You can still purchase a hymnal in memory or honor of a friend or loved one! Complete the following information and return this form to the church office, or place in the offering plate, with your check made payable to Collingswood Presbyterian Church Hymnal. Given by: In Memory: In Honor: ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Given by: In Memory: In Honor: