January 3, :45 a.m.

Transcription

1 North Presbyterian Church 300 N. Forest Rd. Williamsville, NY January 3, :45 a.m.

2 WE GATHER TO WORSHIP GOD Gathering Time Hymn 147 The First Nowell Hymn 151 Jesus, The Light of the World Greeting, Welcome, and Opportunities for Discipleship Welcome to our guests and visitors! As a church of hospitality we invite you, if you feel comfortable, to introduce yourself at this time. We are glad you are here. We hope you will fill out the welcome pad (found in the pew holder) to help us get acquainted. We also invite you to join us in Westminster Hall for coffee hour following worship. Everyone please silence your cell phones. Prelude How Brightly Shines the Morning Star Pachelbel Call to Worship May the light of God s love push back the darkness. We come to the light from the four corners of the earth, from the north, from the south, from the east, and from the west. But we are all one in Jesus Christ. We come from many nations and many cultures. But we are all one in Jesus Christ. We come seeking the light that guides us to life. But we are all one in Jesus Christ. Let us lift up our many voices and praise the God of all people. Invocation *Hymn 152 *Call to Confession What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright (During the singing of the hymn, please pass Joys & Concerns to center aisle.) *Prayer of Confession God our Savior, we confess that we are not people of peace. You shine upon us with your glory, yet we hide our faces from the light. You speak to us a holy mystery, yet we do not listen to your word. Forgive us, God of grace. Give us, the least of all the saints, the gospel of your saving love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *Silent Confession (A time for personal confession of sin)

3 *Assurance of Forgiveness Hear the good news! God loves us. God forgives us. *Response Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! (Hymn 113, refrain) *Passing of the Peace Having received Christ s peace, let us share it by turning to our neighbors and greeting them, saying May the peace of Christ be with you! Sacrament of Baptism Scriptural Warrant Explanation of the Sacrament Presentation of the Candidate for Baptism Lisa Emily, child of Rami & Raya Jarjees Al Maqdasi Elder: Chad Kahler Question to the congregation: Do you as members of the church of Jesus Christ, promise to guide and nurture Lisa by word and deed, with love and prayer, encouraging him to know and follow Christ and to be a faithful member of Christ s church? We do. Profession of Faith Questions to the parent *The Apostles Creed Do you believe in God, the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? 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. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit? 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.

4 Prayer of Thanksgiving over the Water The Baptism Welcome and Congregational Response Lisa has been received into the one holy catholic and apostolic church through baptism. God has made him a member of the household of God, to share with us in the priesthood of Christ. Let us welcome the newly baptized. With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you into Christ s church to share with us in his ministry, for we are all one in Christ. Baptismal Response Hymn 492 You Belong to Christ Prayer for Illumination WE HEAR THE WORD OF GOD Scripture Readings Ephesians 3:1-12 p.193 Matthew 2:1-12 p.2 Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Thanks be to God. Sermon Sharers in the Promise The Rev. William T. Hennessy WE RESPOND AND GIVE THANKS TO GOD Offering Offertory Anthem: Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning Larkin *Doxology (Hymn 133, Refrain) O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord! Celebration of the Lord s Supper The Invitation to the Lord s Table Prayers of Thanksgiving and the Lord s Prayer The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts.

5 We lift them up to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right the faithful of every time and place, singing: Holy, Holy, Holy 1986 by GIA Publications, Inc In the fullness of time,... Great is the mystery of faith: Christ Has Died 1986 by GIA Publications, Inc Gracious God, pour out your Holy Spirit who teaches us to pray saying: 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.

6 Communion of the People Our Lord invites all who trust in him, and all who long to trust in him, to share in this meal, which he has prepared. Communion will be received by intinction. Please come up the center aisle and return down side aisles. Prayer after Communion We give you thanks, eternal God, that you have fed us in this sacrament. Fill us with a vision of your new creation, where all may have life, and have it abundantly; through Jesus Christ, the bread of life. Amen. WE DISPERSE TO SERVE GOD IN THE WORLD *Hymn 150 As with Gladness Men of Old *Charge *Benediction *Postlude In dulci jubilo Held *Those who are able, please stand.

7 300 North Forest Road Sunday, January 3 8:30am Worship/Chapel 9:30am-12:30pm Childcare/S257 10:45 Worship/Sanc. 11:45 Coffee Hour/WH Monday, January 4 7:00pm Session/Chapel Tuesday, January 5 9:00am Staff mtg./ofc. 12:30pm Bible study/lib. Thursday, January 7 7:00pm Girl Scouts 7:30 Adult Choir Saturday, January pm WCF/Chapel Sunday, January 10 8:30am Worship/Chapel 9:30am-12:30pm Childcare/S257 10:45 Worship/Sanc. 11:45 Coffee Hour/WH Monday, January 11 11:00am Pastoral Care/Lib. 1:00pm All-staff mtg./lib. 7:00pm Session (budget)/chapel Tuesday, January 12 7:00pm Membership/Lib. Deacons/DR Wednesday, January 13 7:00pm 7:30pm Friday, January 15 North Star deadline Mindfulness Course/Chapel Sarah Circle Friday, Jan. 15-Sunday, Jan. 17 Duffield Winter Weekend retreat Saturday, January pm Sunday, January 17 8:30am 9:30am-12:30pm WCF/Chapel Worship/Chapel Childcare/S257 10:45 Worship/Sanc. 11:45 Coffee Hour/WH 3:00pm ACE Amherst Chamber Ensemble EGA Embroidery Guild DR Dickinson Room FJC Family Justice Center FONP Friends of Night People Kit Kitchen LE3 Tutoring program Lib Library NPC North Presbyterian Church Ofc Office RC Resource Center WH Westminster Hall ACE concert/chapel

8 A New Year, Another Opportunity to Give Through North Church Late last year we asked you to help us fulfill our mission to worship together, teach and learn from one another, nurture each other with care and love, and reach out in ministry and mission to the world. If you have already responded, thank you! If you have not, we hope you will consider responding by returning the pledge commitment card you received in the mail. There are also cards available in the south entrance of the church for your convenience. Thank you for helping to make North Church a place where others are nurtured and cared for. Church School Will Resume Next Week Church school classes will resume next Sunday, January 10, at 10:45 a.m. Children s and Youth Choir There are no rehearsals in January and February. Tuesday Bible Study: See You in the New Year! Because of holiday travels, the Tuesday lunchtime Bible Study is postponed until January 5, Join us in the New Year! No books or preparation required. Bring a bag lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the library, followed by Bible study from 1:00 to 2:00. Annual Congregational Meeting The annual congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, January 31. This meeting is for the purpose of electing elders and deacons, reviewing the budget for 2016, receiving the annual report, and conducting other business appropriate for a congregational meeting. In preparation for this meeting, you are asked to think about active members you would like to see on the Nominating Committee and ask them ahead of time if they would be willing to serve, if nominated and elected. If they say yes, then come prepared to nominate them as atlarge members of the Nominating Committee. (They cannot be members of the Session or

9 Board of Deacons.) This will save us having to wait during the meeting while people try to think of someone to nominate. Special Schedule 8:30 a.m. Breakfast/WH 9:00 Annual Meeting/WH 10:45 Worship Service/Sanctuary January Church Calendar Meeting Our calendar meeting for committee chairs will be Tuesday, January 26, at 3:00 p.m. in the library. North Church Website and Facebook Have you checked out the website and Facebook lately? You can find bulletins, calendars, news, and so much more. Visit and Newsletter Deadline The next North Star deadline is January 15, for the February issue. There are a few extra copies of the December 2015/January 2016 issue in the south entrance. Call the church office at or n.church@verizon.net if you didn t get one and would like one. Reading the newsletter is an excellent way to stay in touch with the life of the church. Book Groups (library) Morning (10:00 a.m.): January 20, 2016: In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming (2007, mystery) February 16: The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind by Michio Kaku (Feb. 2015) March 16: Erik Larson. Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania (2015)

10 Is Your Information Correct in Our Records? As you know, we have been in the process of producing a new pictorial directory. If you have moved, changed phone numbers, or changed your name or address, we d like to know about it. Please contact the church office by phone or no later than Friday, January or n.church@verizon.net Before and After School Program at North North Church is the site of a before and after school program called LE3 Inc. Locally Enriching Educational Experiences for All Children. This is a tutoring program, not a daycare, for children in grades k-8. For more information and rates for the program, check out Members of North Church receive a slight discount. Check out the website or call director Ellie Poleon at to learn more. Mindfulness: Free, Four-Week Course at North Church Beginning January 13, North will once again provide the venue for a four-week Course in Mindfulness led by Paul Lukasik, a licensed mental health counselor who has practiced mindfulness since This course is for anyone those who are experienced in mindfulness and those who are new to the practice. Check it out at A half-day retreat at North Church is offered on Saturday, January 30. Registration for the retreat is separate from the course and can be found at website above. Save the Dates: January Mindfulness Course begins 15 North Star deadline 17 ACE concert, 3 p.m. 26 Calendar Meeting, 3 p.m. 30 Presbytery Meeting/Maryvale Dr. Pres., 10 a.m. Mindfulness Retreat 31 Annual Congregational Meeting (8:30 a.m.) One Service only at 10:45

11 Preacher: Bill Hennessy Liturgist: Linda Gowans Counters: Bill Clark, Linda Gowans Greeters: Debbie & Tim Hutton Ushers/Communion Servers (10:45): Ann & Ed Eisenlord; Mary Beth Karr & Joe Alber Coordinator: Byron Mohlke Lock-up: Randy Bigler Pianist: Marlene Harrington Childcare: Regina Koteras & Eden Donelli Ushers/Communion Servers (8:30): Joanne Hickey; Duncan Hemink Visitors You are important to us. We invite you to come to the chancel area in the front of the sanctuary after the (10:45) service to learn more about North Church. You may also approach anyone wearing a yellow ribbon today. Fill out a visitor card and put it in the offering plate if you wish to be contacted. Mission Statement Brought together by our shared faith in Jesus Christ, Called by God to live as faithful disciples, Blessed by our diverse gifts and experiences, We commit ourselves to: Worship together, Teach and learn from one another, Nurture each other with care and love, and Reach out in ministry and mission to the world. (Adopted by the Session June 5, 2006) Ministers: The Congregation Pastor/Head of Staff: The Rev. William T. Hennessy Director of Sacred Dance: Olivia Ebsary Administrative Assistant: Cynthia Machamer Bookkeeper: Judy Blackchief Facilities Coordinator: Mike Callaghan Childcare Supervisor: Regina Koteras Director of Music, Organist: Marlene Harrington Webmaster: Tara Martin Director of Music, Children & Youth: Marty Shafer