Mighty God, has been born for us, authority rests upon his shoulders; Prince of Peace. For a child. a son given to us; and he is named

Transcription

1 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

2 Advent Blue The use of deep blue for Advent shades the season with a hint of expectation and anticipation of the dawn of Christ, the church s hopefilled and faithful watch for the coming of Christ. Please join in reading aloud those parts of the service printed in bold. S ECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT S UNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017 G ATHERING AROUND THE W ORD WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Liz Sherer and Peggy Harrelson (8:30) Dave and Kelly Dicke (11:00) We light these candles as a symbol of the hope we have in the promise of the Lord s coming. And he will be known as Mighty God, demonstrating in word and action God s unconditional and unlimited love for everyone. He will again show us that only love can drive out hate, only light can drive out darkness. Come, Lord Jesus, come! MUSIC FOR PREPARATION Magnificat (from The Nativity According to St. Luke) Randall Thompson ( ) Patty Philipps, soprano When this symbol (*) precedes an element of the service, please rise in body or spirit. We lay before God our own sins, the sins and brokenness of our fellow worshipers, the church universal, and the world. CALL TO WORSHIP My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. The Mighty One has done great things. Holy is God s name. *PROCESSIONAL HYMN NO. 347 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence *CALL TO CONFESSION *CORPORATE PRAYER OF CONFESSION God our Savior, we ask for mercy. Though we have heard Mary s song, we still seek security in pride and power and possessions. Though we know your story, we resist the costs of following you. We pass by those considered lowly in the world. We turn away for the hungry people who still wait to be filled. Forgive us, we pray. Help us to work for the justice you intend. Make us messengers of the peace you bring. As we wait for you, turn our apathy into acts of love and service. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel. *SILENT PRAYER OF CONFESSION PICARDY

3 *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Lord, Have Mercy JEFFERSON *ASSURANCE OF PARDON *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Glory to God in the Highest (Gloria in Excelsis) GLORIA The astoundingly good news of our reconciliation to God through Jesus Christ frees our tongues to sing mighty praise to God. *PASSING THE PEACE, LOVE AND JOY OF CHRIST TO OTHERS The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you. We exchange reconciling words and gestures among the people of God. LISTENING FOR THE WORD A TIME WITH THE CHILDREN (11:00) PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION OLD TESTAMENT READING: Isaiah 9:2-7 Large Print Pew Bible, pages Pew Bible, page 638 The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.

4 We listen for what God is saying to God s people through scripture, song, and sermon. ANTHEM (11:00) The Father s Love arr. William Roger Price (b. 1955) Chancel Choir Of the Father s love begotten ere the worlds began to be, he is Alpha and Omega, he the Source, the Ending he, of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see, evermore and evermore. Lo, how a rose e er blooming from tender stem hath sprung, of Jesse s lineage coming, as men of old have sung. It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter, when half-spent was the night. This flower, whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air, dispels with glorious splendor the darkness every where. True man but very God; from sin and death he saves us and lightens every load. Isaiah twas foretold it. This is he whom heaven-taught singers sang of old with one accord, whom the Scriptures of the prophets promised in their faithful word; now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore. GOSPEL READING: Luke 1:46-55 Large Print Pew Bible, pages Pew Bible, page 57 The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ. SERMON: The Names of the Messiah Mighty God Dr. Ron Shive Our response to hearing God s Word includes singing and saying what we believe. RESPONDING TO THE WORD *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - from A Brief Statement of Faith We trust in Jesus Christ, fully human, fully God. Jesus proclaimed the reign of God: preaching good news to the poor and release to the captives, teaching by word and deed and blessing the children, healing the sick and binding up the brokenhearted, eating with outcasts, forgiving sinners, and calling all to repent and believe the gospel. Unjustly condemned for blasphemy and sedition, Jesus was crucified, suffering the depths of human pain and giving his life for the sins of the world.

5 God raised this Jesus from the dead, vindicating his sinless life, breaking the power of sin and evil, delivering us from death to life eternal. *HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 86 The People Who Walked in Darkness ISAIAH 9 SACRAMENT OF THE LORD S SUPPER INVITATION TO THE LORD S TABLE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. who forever sing to the glory of your name: Lord s Supper During his ministry, Jesus shared meals as a sign of community and acceptance. As we gather for communion, know that you are welcome in this community and accepted at Christ s table. LORD S PRAYER 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. BREAKING OF THE BREAD COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND DEDICATION

6 OFFERING OF TITHES AND GIFTS MUSIC AT THE OFFERTORY Mary s Lullaby John Rutter (b 1945) (8:30) Patty Philipps, soprano (11:00) Chancel Choir See the child that Mary bore on her lap so softly sleeping In a stable cold and poor, ox and ass their vigil keeping. Sing lullaby, sing lullaby, my own dear son, my child; Lullaby, sing lullaby; lullaby, my little baby. Flights of angels round his head sing him joyful hymns of greeting: Peace on earth, goodwill to men. Each to each the song repeating. Shepherds kneeling by his bed offer homage without measure; Wise men, by a bright star led, bring him gifts of richest treasure. *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow VENI EMMANUEL Pennies for Hunger Offering is being received today. The collection is sent to Salem Presbytery where it is then divided and returned to local food ministries. *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION BEARING THE WORD INTO THE WORLD *RECESSIONAL HYMN NO. 93 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates TRURO God blesses and sends us in mission to the world. MUSIC AT THE VOLUNTARY Fantasia on Veni Emmanuel Alec Rowley ( ) Ronald L. Shive, D. Min., Pastor Lindsay Conrad, M. Div., Associate Pastor for Young Adults, Missions, and Congregational Care Taylor Barner, M. Div., Associate Pastor for Student Ministries Norman Whitney, M. Div., Parish Associate for Pastoral Care J. Patrick Murphy, M. Mus., Organist-Choirmaster Charlotte Allbright, C.C.E., Church Educator Don Grady, 8:30 a.m. Liturgist Patti Bates, 11:00 a.m. Liturgist

7 THE POINSETTIAS are given to the glory of God and in memory and in honor of the following: In Memory of Betty and Allan Cannon In Memory of William and Jean Coad and Walter and Faith Smith In Memory of Tom B. and Maxine W. Collins and James O. and Clara W. Edens In Memory of Marshall and Myrtle Garrison and Charles and Audrey Wyrick In Memory of Bobby King In Memory of Harvey and Rae Leonard and Frank and Thelma Harrelson In Memory of Virginia and Tom McGowen In Memory of Don McPherson, Allen Beck and Gwen and Vance Beck In Memory of Donald Miller In Memory of Donald Stewart Miller In Memory of T. D. Miller In Memory of Grace S. Schuchardt In Memory of Bill Schwegmann In Memory of Marilyn Jenkins Whitcomb In Honor of the Congregation Who Has Shown Care and Compassion to Us In Honor of Cindy Cothran In Honor of the FPC Family for Their Care and Compassion In Honor of Shirley Gerken and Beth and Jim Hooten In Honor of Dr. Beth Hooten In Honor of Dr. Jim Hooten In Honor of The Owens Family Laura, David Larkin and Caroline In Honor of Marion and Don Stadler In Honor of Nancy Williams Dick Cannon Pat and Gene Smith The Family Steve and Karen Garrison Ann McKenzie Clark Leonard and Peggy Harrelson Their Family Our Family Jane Andrews Jane Miller and His Family Jane Miller and His Family Lee F. Schuchardt The Schwegmann Family Chuck Whitcomb and Family John and Barbara Rasch Ann McKenzie Clark Leonard and Peggy Harrelson Don and Doris DeSarro Shirley Gerken Shirley Gerken Jim and Pat Hair Britt and Bo Stadler Britt and Bo Stadler

8 ANNOUNCEMENTS A WARM AND CORDIAL WELCOME is extended to all who worship with us this Sunday. We hope in this service you will encounter the living Christ and experience the warmth of our caring family of faith. Please take a moment to sign our friendship register when it is passed to you. If you are visiting with us and in search of a church home, we invite you to become a part of our church family here at First Presbyterian Church. Please let us know of your interest by way of the friendship register, or by speaking to one of our ministers. LARGE PRINT HYMNS: Copies of today s hymns are available in the Narthex. HEARING ASSISTANCE: If you need hearing assistance, units with headphones are available in the narthex from the ushers. LIVE VIDEO STREAMING: The Sunday morning worship service can be seen live from anywhere you have an internet connection. Click on the Live Streaming box at the bottom of the website home page ( NURSERY CARE PROVIDED: Each Sunday nursery services are available from 8:30 a.m. until noon for children from birth through Pre-K age. Children are welcomed to Room 101. Children Kindergarten age and older are invited to worship. Nursey is staffed by childcare professionals with extensive child care experience, background checks and Child and Infant CPR training. Pagers are given to all guardians for immediate access during worship or Sunday School as needed. Please ask an usher or Church Educator for more information. WELCOME-TO-WORSHIP ACTIVITY TOTE BAGS containing worship bulletins, pencils, crayons, children s Bibles, and other activities for preschoolers and elementary children are available on the tree in the narthex located at the main Davis Street entrance. Blue bags are for children 2 nd grade and younger. Red bags are for children 3 rd grade and older. The worship bulletins found in the blue and red tote bags have been specially prepared for each age group. Please return the tote bags to the tree following worship. WORSHIP SERVICE CDS AVAILABLE EACH WEEK: Each Sunday, the Scripture readings, anthem, and sermon will be recorded on CD. A limited number of copies will be available immediately after the 11:00 a.m. worship service in the narthex. Additional copies may be requested by calling the church office. This same recording will be posted on the website. OFFERING RITUAL: In the pew racks you will find Offering Ritual cards. The giving of our offerings and ourselves is vital part of worship in which we express our gratitude for God s blessings. The passing of the offering plate is a visible demonstration of our commitment to devote our time and treasures to Christ s ministry. If you give monthly, quarterly, annually; or through stocks, credit cards, or e-giving, you may still participate in the offering ritual by placing this card in the offering plate. If you are interested in giving electronically through our secure e-giving process, you will find instructions on the back side of this card STEWARDSHIP: Generous giving makes it possible for First Presbyterian Church to fulfill our mission to worship God, care for one another, nurture our children and youth, share the love of Christ with others, and support the many outreach ministries of this congregation. Every gift matters. No one gift is too small to matter. Making a pledge is important for another reason. It not only helps our officers be good stewards of our resources, but it has a profound spiritual impact on our lives. Giving enlarges our lives and our hearts; giving allows the goodness of God to flow through us; giving awakens us to a rich harvest of thanksgiving. If you have not yet made your 2018 pledge, please join your fellow church members by doing so today. Pledge cards are available in your pew rack and you can simply put it the offering plate.

9 ALLIED CHURCHES OF ALAMANCE COUNTY HONOR CARDS ARE HERE! Come pick up this great Christmas gift for your loved ones in the church office. Checks are to be made payable to Allied Churches. FURNITURE MINISTRY HONOR CARDS are available in the office for purchase! Minimum $5 donation for each card, please! ADVENT HEALING SERVICE is a service of comfort, healing, and hope. It is an opportunity to remember that God is there and we do not journey through this world alone. We are loved and cared for. Please join us for this service on Tuesday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. in John Knox Room. A FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS AND CAROLS: Today marks the 55 th offering of A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at First Presbyterian Church. Carols of the season, sung by our choirs and congregation, will be alternated with scripture lessons read by representatives from our choirs, congregation, and clergy. An orchestra of strings, flute, oboe, harp, timpani and organ will accompany the choirs and congregation. You are invited back at 5:00 p.m. (a prelude of carols for handbells, harp, and strings will begin at 4:30 p.m.) today. An offering to support the Music Fund will be received. CHILDREN-LED CHRISTMAS SERVICE: The children of our church will lead us in a visual telling of the Nativity story on Sunday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. CHURCH-WIDE CHRISTMAS DINNER: On December 17 th following the children-led Christmas Worship Service, we invite free of charge (donations are greatly appreciated). K&W will cater this dinner. During dinner we will also sing some Christmas Carols and have a Festive Christmas Sweater Contest so bust out those favorite holiday sweaters! Dinner begins at 6:00 p.m. Merry Christmas! FRIENDSHIP GROUP: Our December Friendship Group event brings us the Bradford Academy Choir once more! Our normal lunch will be replaced this month by a covered dish meal. We ask that everyone bring a dish to share and leave some space at your table for these talented students to join you for lunch after the performance! The show begins at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 14 th in the John Knox Room. Hope to see you there! DRIVE-THRU LIVE NATIVITY: The Live Nativity is back again! Come see our youth groups bring the Christmas story to life here at FPC on Wednesday, December 20 th. The event will be open from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Come support our young people as we celebrate Christ s birth! NEW PICTORIAL DIRECTORY IN JANUARY 2018: LifeTouch has been invited back to help us produce this directory, with plans to conduct the photography sessions during the first two weeks of January. Sign-up for photo times will be available online ( like last time, with a link through the church's website. As before, the purchase of pictures is optional. Please do plan to come have your photo taken so that we can have a full representation of our church family. The dates for photo sessions are as follows: January 3-7, and January Sitting times will be as follows: Wednesday through Friday from 2:00 to 8:30 p.m. Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. IN MEMORIAM MARY WHITE WHITEY MCNEELY FEWELL January 24, November 30, 2017 I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord. John 11:25

10 THIS WEEK AT FPC December Sunday, December 10 8:30 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary 9:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship Welcome Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages 9:45 a.m. Happy Birthday Jesus Party for Children Room :00 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearses 10:45 a.m. Session meets for prayer Board Room 11:00 a.m. Worship Service Sanctuary Noon Peru Exchange Meeting Room 122 4:30 p.m. A Prelude to A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sanctuary 5:00 p.m. A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols Sanctuary 6:00 p.m. Youth Supper 6:30 p.m. Middle and High School Youth Group Monday, December 11 10:00 a.m. Presbyterian Women s Circle #2 The home of Jo Grimley 10:00 a.m. Presbyterian Women s Circle #3 Meeting and Covered Dish Luncheon The home of Barbara Roberts 6:00 p.m. Joint Meeting of Session and Diaconate and Covered-Dish Supper Calvin Hall Tuesday, December 12 6:45 a.m. Tuesday Morning Men s Bible Study Witherspoon Room 8:00 a.m. High School Dough Devotions Biscuitville on S. Church St. 10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting Noon Book Club Room 122 7:00 p.m. Presbyterian Women s Circle #4 da Vinci s Table on S. Church St. Wednesday, December 13 7:00 a.m. High School Dough Devotions Skid s in Elon 8:00 a.m. Meditation Group The home of Nan Perkins 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Morning Bible Study Witherspoon Room 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearses 6:45 p.m. Trivia at Mellow Mushroom Thursday, December 14 6:45 a.m. Thursday Morning Women s Bible Study Witherspoon Room 10:00 a.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets Resource Center 6:00 p.m. Playschool Family Christmas Celebration Calvin Hall Friday, December 15 5:30 p.m. The Point Family Fun Night The home of Elizabeth Gould Minister on Call: December 8-10 Lindsay Conrad (336) December Ron Shive (336)

11 Through Saturday December 24 Advent Prayer Centers: Explore and enjoy the Advent Prayer Centers located around the church campus. These are hands on experiences for you to explore the Advent theme of "The Names of the Messiah." Centers are located in the Welcome Center, in the hall between the Sanctuary and the Education building, in Williams Chapel, and in the children's hallway. Sunday, December 10, Second Sunday of Advent A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: 5:00 p.m. Sanctuary This marks the 55th year this congregation has celebrated Christmas with A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. The choirs of FPC will be joined by a chamber ensemble, organ, harp and timpani. Carols for choirs and congregation will fill the sanctuary with music of the season! A prelude of carols for handbells, harp, and strings will begin at 4:30 p.m. An offering to support the Music Fund will be received. Thursday, December 14 Friendship Group: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. John Knox and Calvin Hall Special Guests: Bradford Academy Choir Playschool s Annual Christmas Family Night: Each class will perform a short program in Calvin Hall at 6:30 p.m. Then families are invited into John Knox for refreshments and a visit with Santa. Sunday, December 17 - Third Sunday of Advent Children-led Christmas Worship Service: Everyone is invited to gather in the sanctuary at 5:30 p.m. as the children of First Presbyterian Church lead us in joy-filled worship. Let us praise God with singing cherished hymns and listening with new ears the retelling of the story of Jesus birth. Church-wide Christmas Dinner: Join us in Calvin Hall at 6:00 p.m. No reservation necessary. Our menu will be chicken pie, Mac and cheese, potatoes, green beans, and cobbler for dessert. Donations will be accepted for those able. No reservation required come as you are! Christmas Joy Offering taken up at morning worship and that evening at the Church-wide Christmas Dinner. Wednesday, December 20 Drive Thru Live Nativity: The youth of First Presbyterian Church will present the annual Live Nativity. Join us for this drive-thru story event from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve - Fourth Sunday of Advent Candlelight Communion Worship Services 5:00 and 11:00 p.m. Sanctuary Music by the Chancel Choir (5:00) and Soprano April Martin (11:00) Sunday, December 31 - First Sunday after Christmas One Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Sanctuary Sermon: Waiting for Consolation

12 The Names of the Messiah an Advent Worship Series In Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare asked the question, What s in a name? Both Shakespeare and you and I know the answer to that question. Our very being is tied up in our name. Our name is an indispensable part of who we are and whose we are. Often the naming of a child is the first stressful and hand-wringing decisions a parent must make. You want to get it right. In the 8th Century BCE, Isaiah described the coming of a new king, most likely Hezekiah calling him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. In that day, often times people described their kings with divine-like qualities. While we need to hear these words first in their original contexts, Christians have seen these names reflect our Messiah, our Savior, whose coming we anticipate in Advent and whose birth we celebrate during Christmas. Each week of Advent our worship will focus on one of Isaiah s four names for the Messiah. December 17 3rd Sunday of Advent - Everlasting Father Ron Shive OT: Isaiah 9:2-7 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 December 24 4th Sunday of Advent (10:00 a.m.) Prince of Peace Ron Shive OT: Isaiah 9:2-7 Gospel: Luke 1:67-80 First Presbyterian Church 508 West Davis Street Burlington, North Carolina