WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA (563) DECEMBER 3, 2017 Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message) 1 9:30 A.M. "God isn't far away from any of us. For in God we live, move, and exist." (Acts 17:27,28) "Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me won't walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life." (John 8:12)

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. Periodically, Pastor Murry hosts "Welcome to Westminster" orientation meetings for anyone who would like to know more about Westminster or is considering the possibility of church membership. Watch the bulletin for announcements. 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, Organist Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Welcome and Announcements Minute for Mission: "Family Dance" Julia Smith & Girl Scouts *Greeting Our Neighbors *Introit #27 vs. 3 " Gentle Mary Laid Her Child" Gentle Mary laid her child Lowly in a manger; He is still the undefiled, But no more a stranger. Son of God, of humble birth, Beautiful the story; Praise His name in all the earth, Hail the King of glory! *Lighting of the Advent Candle Isaiah 2:4, 11:6 The Heidenreich 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. ALL: Let us walk in the light of the Lord. *Hymn #4 Creator of the Stars of Night" *Invitation to Confession Adam Etheredge 2

3 *Unison Prayer of Confession God of the future, you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace. In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection) *Assurance of God's Forgiveness *Response #56 vs 6 "The First Nowell" Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, That hath made heaven and earth of nought, And with His blood our life hath bought. Now-ell, Now-ell, Now-ell, Now-ell, Born is the King of Is-ra-el. Children s Message "Wake Up! Watch for God!" Anthem Emmanuel, Expected Jesus Chancel Choir arr. Ruth Elaine Schram Sermon: "This Is How It Starts" 1. The Gospel of Mark 2. "...a voice shouting in the wilderness..." 3. Today's Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 (Common English Bible) 4. John's message Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 (CEB) 3 1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, God s Son, 2 happened just as it was written about in the prophecy of Isaiah: Look, I am sending my messenger before you. He will prepare your way, 3 a voice shouting in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight.

4 4 John the Baptist was in the wilderness calling for people to be baptized to show that they were changing their hearts and lives and wanted God to forgive their sins. 5 Everyone in Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went out to the Jordan River and were being baptized by John as they confessed their sins. 6 John wore clothes made of camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He announced, One stronger than I am is coming after me. I m not even worthy to bend over and loosen the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. *Hymn #9 "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel " * Affirmation of Faith (Philippians 2:5-11, CEB) Let us adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Giving of Our Offerings Please use this time to pass the Friendship Binder found at the inside end of your pew. Offertory In the Moon of Wintertime Adult Handbells *Song of Thanksgiving #63 vs 3 As with Gladness Men of Old As they offered gifts most rare At that manger rude and bare; So may we with holy joy, Pure, and free from sin's alloy, All our cost-liest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King. *Prayer of Dedication Invitation to the Lord's Table The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper 4

5 Great Prayer of Thanksgiving Leader: God be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Let us open our hearts People: We open them to our God. & Arden Woodrum "...for we are eagerly awaiting our Savior to come again from heaven. Holy, Holy, Holy, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of Your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of our God. Hosanna in the highest!...the great mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Communion of the People As you pass the bread please say, The body of Christ given for you. As you pass the cup please say, The blood of Christ shed for you. (Please retain the bread to partake together as a sign of our oneness as a community of faith in Jesus Christ. Drink the cup whenever you are ready as a sign of our individual and unique relationship with Christ as our Lord and Savior.) INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED GLUTEN FREE WAFERS ARE AVAILABLE *Unison Prayer after Communion Since, dear God, in this place, at this table, we have touched, we have tasted, and we have heard the signs of your love for us, grant that we may go away filled with our love for you, and filled with your love for those who are around us and who share our lives. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. *Hymn #8 Life Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" *Blessing *Response #66 We Three Kings of Orient Are O star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright; Westward leading, still proceeding, Guide us to thy perfect light! *Postlude Luke Tyler, Organist 5

6 ANNOUNCEMENTS TODAY is the First Sunday of Advent. For centuries, Christians have used the term "advent" to designate the coming of "the Christ." In many churches, the four weeks before Christmas is called the "Season of Advent." It's a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus by seeking a more intense relationship with God. John the Baptist (the "prophet of Advent") put it this way: "Now is the time! Here comes God's kingdom! Change your hearts and lives and trust this good news!" (Mark 1:15). Blessings on your Advent preparations! FOLLOWING TODAY'S WORSHIP SERVICE: Sunday School for children and youth meets downstairs A congregational meeting to elect church officers will be held in Fellowship Hall. The brief formal election will be followed by an informal "Interim Update" with. Among the topics: the status of the pastoral leadership transition, additional staff transitions, fall stewardship campaign results, 2018 strategic priorities, plus your questions. ALL are welcome! COMING SOON... Sunday, December during worship, a special Christmas program presented by the Adult Choir, followed by a retirement reception honoring Director Pam Crawford. In lieu of retirement gifts, Pam requests that donations be made to Westminster's Organ Repair Fund. Sunday, December Youth Christmas Pageant during worship, followed by a Fellowship Hour in Fellowship Hall. Sunday, December Christmas Eve. Worship at 9:30 a.m. (child care provided) and 7:30 p.m. (nursery closed). The evening service is the traditional lessons and carols with Communion. (NO 11:00 p.m. service this year.) PARKING REMINDER: The University of Dubuque parking lot across University Ave. from Westminster Church is available to churchgoers on Sunday mornings. It is an uphill walk plus a few steps to the church doors, but you will enjoy the feeling of using the crosswalk traffic light switch to stop traffic on University Ave. BE SURE that the traffic has stopped before entering the crosswalk! DONATE HAMS? Please bring your hams this week so we can get a count? The Dubuque Food Pantry is again requesting 3 to 5 lb Hams for their Christmas Basket Give Away. Hams should be here to WPC by Dec. 14th. They also are in need of canned goods especially: stuffing mix, can fruit & vegetables, soup, ramen noodles, brownie or cake mixes, canned or boxed sweet potatoes, coffee, toothpaste and canned cranberries. Thank you! Please have non-perishable items to the pantry by Dec. 15th too. Printed copies of the written introduction to 's Sermon may be found on the "Bible Benches" behind the last pews. 6

7 DEACON S FUND POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Order before Dec. 15th see order forms on tables in church Last Chance to attend Fair Trade/SERRV SALE TODAY until Noon The Westminster Giving Tree is here! 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 Bethany Home s Christmas Party is Dec. 9th so their gifts are needed by Dec. 6 th. There are only 4. The rest of the gifts are due back December 18 th! 7

8 WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: DECEMBER 3, 2017 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, Emily, Megan, & Scarlett Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Organist/Pianist: Dr. Luke Tyler Adult Choir/Adult Handbells: Pam Crawford Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: C Dausener/J&JSmith Head Usher: Rich Henderson Greeters: Judy Schuster, Bonnie Sue Lewis Ushers: Grades 1st thru 5th Margaret Callaghan, Patt Carmack, Bev Graves Communion Servers: *Janice Lewis, Ross/ Sally Madden, Dick/Barb McMurray, Mark Oberhoffer Tom Stovall, Susan Taylor, Terry Flynn, Deb Seiffert, Lois Pearce Sunday, December 3 SERRV, BR - before & after worship 8:00 a.m. Adult Handbells, LOFT 8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehsl, LOFT 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Sunday School, Classrooms 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 11:00 a.m. CONGREGATIONAL MTG., FH 11:30 a.m. Youth Group to Hockey Game 11:45 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, Choir Rm. Monday, December 4 9:00 a.m. PEO, Sue March, FH, K 3:00 p.m. Property Meeting, BR 5:30 p.m. Mission Team, BR 7:00 p.m. Scouts, Brd of Rev, CR 7:00 p.m. Troop 11 Boy Scouts, FH Tuesday, December 5 4:30 p.m. NAMI Christmas Party, FH, K 5:45 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA 6:30 p.m. PNC Meeting, CR 7:00 p.m. Deacons Board Mtg., BR THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: DECEMBER 3 THRU DECEMBER 10TH 8 Wednesday, December 6 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, LOFT 5:40 p.m. Christmas Pageant Rhsl, Media Rm. 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehsl, LOFT 7:00 p.m. Youth Leader Mtg., Media Rm. Thursday, December 7 7:00 p.m. Table Tennis, FH Friday, December 8 2:00 p.m. Mandarin Bible Study, CR Saturday, December 9 8:00 a.m. B.S. Breakfast with Santa, FH 9:00 a.m. English Tutoring, CR 11:00 a.m. Joyce Uzel, HS Room 6:00 p.m. WPC Dance Party, FH, K Sunday, December 10 8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehsl, LOFT 9:00 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship thru Music by Choir 9:30 a.m. Mandarin Worship, BR 10:30 a.m. Reception for Pam Crawford, FH 10:40 a.m. Pageant Dress Rehearsal, Media 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 2:45 p.m. Youth Angel Tree Shopping