SERVICE FOR TODAY 7:00 a.m. December 4, 2016 Leader: Deacon Denise Forrest Speaker: Rev William Edwards Musician: Sis Joy Simons-Brown

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1 Pastor: Rev. Dr. Burchel K. Taylor Assistant Pastor: Rev Norman Mills Telephone: / General Office [ FAX] Office Canteen Pharmacy [FAX] Pharmacy Clinic/Counselling Cyber Centre Bethel Thrift Coop [BTC] Prayer Line [Mon Fri 5:00 p.m 7:00 p.m.] Prayer line bbprayerline@gmail.com bethelbaptisthwt.ja@gmail.com Website THEME FOR THE CHURCH YEAR Being God s People in God s World: Living the Sacrificial Life Giving Freely; Serving Fully: Living Faithfully We thank you, Father, for the way in which the Bible can still surprise us that we can suddenly see new meaning in words we had read a thousand times before:; that passages which had never seemed to have much to say to us can suddenly thrill us with their significance, and scripture s driest bones come alive. We thank you for the strangeness of the Bible; that it addresses itself to us in this world, but speaks of a world beyond, that it speaks to us in this life, but sets our little lives in the light of eternity. Lord, grant that we may hear thy word, read them, learn them and inwardly digest them. Amen Officers on duty 7:00 a.m. Y Daley/ A Wilmot 10:15 a.m. C Thoms-Rodriquez 6:00 p.m. B Roper Counsellors on duty 7:00 a.m. N Donaldson/ L Hardware/ D Duncanson 10:15 a.m. J Richards/ G Tucker

2 SERVICE FOR TODAY 7:00 a.m. December 4, 2016 Leader: Deacon Denise Forrest Speaker: Rev William Edwards Musician: Sis Joy Simons-Brown December 4, 2016 CALL TO WORSHIP HYMN OF PRAISE No. 1 - God s word has shone from age to age 1. God s word has shone from age to age, 3 It points to Christ on every page It s wisdom never fails, If we desire to see, It s promises unchanging stand, To Him it leads that we might live His will to be obeyed. Salvation full and free! 2 This word of God instructs the mind, 4 Rekindle in your church O God It feeds the heart and soul; A passion for your word It teaches, trains, rebukes and guides, That all who seek to know your truth It makes the Christian whole. May from its pages learn 5 So set our hearts to seek you Lord, Your spirit we implore To teach us truth and change our lives That we might love you more. [Howard Cunnington- Tune GERONTIUS] PRAYER OF ADORATION & THANKSGIVING RESPONSIVE READING: No. 689 Leader: Sing to the Lord a new song, People: sing to the Lord, all the earth. Leader: Sing to the Lord, praise his name; People: proclaim his salvation day after day. Leader: Declare his glory among the nations, People: his marvelous deeds among all peoples. Leader: For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; People: he is to be feared above all gods. Leader: For all the gods of the nations are idols, People: but the Lord made the heavens. Leader: Splendour and majesty are before him; People: strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Leader: Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, People: ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Leader: Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name, People: bring an offering and come into his courts. Leader: Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness; People: tremble before him, all the earth. Leader: Say among the nations, The Lord reigns. People: The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved. He will judge the peoples with equity. Leader: Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; People: let the sea resound, and all that is in it; Leader: let the fields be jubilant and everything in them. People: Then all the trees of the forest will song for joy; Leader: they will sing before the Lord, for he comes, People: he comes to judge the earth. Leader: He will judge the world in righteousness ALL: and the peoples in his truth.

3 SONGS OF WORSHIP A. The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty, Let all the earth rejoice, let all the earth rejoice. He wraps Himself in light and darkness tries to hide; It trembles at His voice, it trembles at His voice. How great is our God! Sing with me, How great is our God! And all will see how great, how great is our God! Age to age He stands, and time is in His hands; Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End. The Godhead, three in one, Father, Spirit, Son The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb. How great is our God! Sing with me, How great is our God! And all will see how great, how great is our God! Name above all names, [you are] worthy of all praise; [And] my heart will sing, How great is our God! B. All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel, King of kings and Lord of lords, bright Morning Star. Throughout all eternity, I m going to praise Him; and for evermore, I will reign with Him. [Sung Prayerfully] We place you on the highest place for You are the great High Priest. We place you above all else, and we come to You and worship at Your feet. [Brief Period of Silence] PRAYER OF CONFESSION & INTERCESSION [Response] 1 O come let us adore Him 2. For He alone is worthy O come let us adore Him For He alone is worthy O come let us adore Him, For He alone is worthy Christ the Lord. Christ the Lord. 3. We ll give Him all the glory We ll give Him all the glory We ll give Him all the glory Christ the Lord. WELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS ACT OF FELLOWSHIP TITHES/ OFFERING DOXOLOGY

4 SCRIPTURE READING [NT] Galatians 3: HYMN OF MEDITATION No. 2 -#139 Come, thou long-expected Jesus 1. Come, thou long expected Jesus, 3. Born thy people to deliver, born to set thy people free; born a child and yet a King from our fears and sins release us, born to reign in us forever let us find our rest in thee. now thy gracious kingdom bring 2.Israel's strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. SPECIAL ITEM MESSAGE 4. By thine own eternal spirit rule in all our hearts alone by thine all sufficient merit, raise us to thy glorious throne Sis Camille Savage Rev William Edwards HYMN OF RESPONSE No. 3 - #331 Come, praise the name of Jesus I Come, praise the name of Jesus for all his gracious powers, our only God and Saviour who makes his goodness ours; he calls us to his kingdom, the Lord of life and death, to see his face in glory and know him now by faith. 2 His virtue and his wisdom, endurance, self-control, his godliness and kindness, his love which crowns them all - this is his royal nature that we are called to share, his robe of perfect beauty that we are given to wear. 3 We see his shining splendor in every sunless place where Christ, the light of nations, appears in truth and grace. Transfigured by his likeness we make the vision known, reflecting in our faces the radiance of his own. 4 The king of grace inspires us to love him more and more, to grasp our hope more firmly and make our calling sure. Christ Jesus, Lord and Saviour, to this dark world you came; and for the dawn of heaven, we praise your holy name. PRAYER [Christopher Idle 1938: Tune D - Ellacombe] BENEDICTION

5 December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent 6:00 a.m. Christ for Today Broadcast, RJR 94 FM 7:00 a.m. First Worship Service Leader: Deacon Denise Forrest Speaker: Rev William Edwards 8:45 a.m. Sunday School/ New Members Classes [for all ages] 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. LIBRARY SERVICES [for all ages] 10:15 a.m. Second Worship Service Communion Service Leader: Deacon Glendon Brown Speaker: Rev Dr Burchel K Taylor [Lord s Supper] 10:30 a.m. JUNIOR CHURCH [for children 10 years and under] 4:00 p.m. Visitation to Shut-Ins 6:00 p.m Third Worship Service- Leader: Deacon Kareen Lewis-Tucker Speaker: Rev Dr Burchel K Taylor [including the Lighting of the Second Advent Candle] Parents/Guardians we remind you that the NURSERY [located on the ground floor of the Administration Block opposite to the CYBER CENTRE] - for children 0-4 years is available for your use during the period 7:00 a.m the close of the 10:15 a.m service. Happy Birthday/Happy Anniversary This is the Last Month of the year..! We however take time out to wish all our members and friends who will be celebrating any of the special milestones noted above, God s richest blessings during the year ahead! Monday, December 5 6:00 p.m. Women s Federation Meeting Wednesday, December 7 7:00 p.m. BIBLE STUDY Thursday, December 8 5:45 p.m. GAMES EVENING 7:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal Friday, December 9 6:00 p,m. Youth Chorale rehearsal 7:00 p.m. G I F T [YAdults/Y Fell.]** Saturday, December 10 8:00 a.m. MINISTRY TO THE HOMELESS BAZAAR 10:00 a.m. LEGAL AID Clinic** [**Attorney on duty Mr Emile Leiba] 5:30 p.m. Praise Team Rehearsal BIRTHMONTH GROUP MEETINGS

6 MARCH Group members, please note that annual Christmas social will be on Saturday, Dec. 10 th at 22 Windsor Ave at 4:30 p.m Confirm your attendance with your group leaders. JULY If you have not already done so, members, kindly collect from the Church office downstairs, a notice giving details on the Christmas social, due to be held on December 9, Kindly confirm your attendance with your leaders by Monday, Dec. 5 th. A special invitation is extended to all our young and new members born in JULY we would love to welcome you into the group! AUGUST & SEPTEMBER All members, please meet with your respective leaders immediately following the morning services today. DECEMBER Group members, please meet Sis Annette Grant and Sis Pearline Walters, respectively, today, immediately following the 7:00 a.m and 10:15 a.m services. Sun. December 4 Depressed and desperate Psalm 38 Mon December 5 Question time St Luke 20: Tues. December 6 Seven brides for one man St Luke 20: Wed, December 7 What lies beneath St Luke 20: Thur. December 8 Profit motive St Luke 21: 1-4 Fri. December 9 Choose not to worry St Luke 21: 5-28 Sat. December 10 That ll be the day St Luke 21: For further reflection/prayer Our Father in Heaven, thank you for the gift of each day, with all its opportunities, beauty and challenges. Help me to look forward to that day when Jesus will come again in glory, so that in the meantime I will make every day matter. Amen. NOW AVAILABLE Our Daily Bread Devotions 2017 cost $ each Daily Bread Words for Life Devotional books cost $ each Please check with the officer on duty in the Church office to secure your copy give one or two to a friend! ON OUR PRAYER LIST *Remember that our PRAYER LINE is available to anyone seeking prayers. Please call us at Monday - Friday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Prayer partners are reminded to check the Roster and make alternate arrangements if you are unable to keep your schedule.* We now have a specially designated address to receive your prayers bbprayerline@gmail.com send in your requests at any time! We ask that you remember the following persons/families in your prayers during this week.- Our Shut-In/Home Bound members and their respective Care-givers. We ask for your prayerful support for the following members and their respective family members. *Bro Franklyn Reid died recently. Funeral service will be advised. *Sis Janet Mitchell and all other family members, advise of the death of their mother, Sis Anrena Walters this past week. The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, December 13, *Deacon Beryl Roper and family seek our prayers, following the death of a sister, Mrs Joyce Murdock, of Strathbogie, Westmoreland Funeral service on Sunday December 18 at the SDA Church in Savanna- la-mar. Bro Haughton Bowen and family request our prayers for one of his sisters who is quite ill. In particular, do remember her children at this time. *Sis Janet Savoury died this past week. Do remember all family members in your prayers. Contact Sis Pauline Savoury funeral arrangements will be advised. THURSDAY PRAYER DAY -Even as we prepare for the approach of Christmas time, let us find it necessary to prepare our own hearts for the time of the coming of our Lord! The Church s Advent/Christmas devotional booklets are now ready for you to purchase at a cost of $ each. Please check with the Officer on duty in the Church Office immediately following both morning and evening services to secure your copy and purchase another for a friend!. ******************* We are also reminding our members and friends to make contributions to the Christmas baskets that we prepare annually, for our home-bound and needy persons within the Church community. We accept donations of toilet articles, tinned meats, any other nonperishable items, as well as CASH./CHEQUES. Leave your donations with the Officer on duty in the Church Office on Sundays, or at

7 the Office upstairs during the week. We will commence distribution of these baskets during the week of December 19 th Friday, December 23 rd. Thank you for continuing to care! Please remember to submit your pledge forms/specially marked envelopes regarding your contribution to the Church s Energy Project. Check with our ushers to get a pledge form or envelope for this special contribution. ASSISTANCE TO HAITI Members, friends, you can still give your financial support to the Church s HAITI Fund through the Church, which will be sent to the JBU as is our custom. WELCOME Thank you for choosing to worship with us today! Please turn off your cellular telephones during the periods of worship, so that you and your neighbour will benefit fully from the experience being offered! We are asking all persons to cooperate with the security personnel on duty in the respective parking areas, i.e. Church premises and NCB Parking Lot, {4 Hope Road}, as they seek to assist you in parking appropriately in the spaces provided. Also, do remember where you might have parked so that you do not inconvenience any others who might want to leave immediately following the worship services. We also wish to remind all our members and friends that additional parking facilities are available at JAMAICA NATIONAL BUILDING SOCIETY premises at 2 Constant Spring Road. Entrance on Constant Spring Road. A reminder to our members and friends that mid-day reflections are held each Wednesday [12:00 1:15 p.m.] at the Webster Memorial United Church, Half Way Tree Road [These are sponsored by the Half Way Tree Ministers Fraternal] This week s meditations on December 7 th - and will be led by Representatives of The WEBSTER MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH FELLOWSHIP. Plan to be there to support them. COMING SOON.. *The Ministry to the Homeless reminds us of the upcoming Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 10 th - we are seeking donations of clothing [in good condition]; household articles etc. which can be offered for re-sale. Contact Deacons Frances Morrison and Winston Shakes for further details. *Important Church members meeting scheduled for Monday, December 12 th 6:00 p.m Do make an effort to attend. *We wish to advise our members and friends that the next Baptism / reception of members will be held on December 18 th at the 10:15 a.m. service. Persons wishing to be baptized at that service are asked to contact the Church Office or Deacon Angella Spence. FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS [AUDIO-VISUAL] DEPARTMENT All members /friends who have ordered copies of Worship Services and Bible Studies CDs from the Department, are asked to collect same from the Personnel on duty in the Sound Room-upstairs at the back of the Church - as a matter of urgency. If you are unsure whether or not you placed an order, please check with the team on duty on Sunday mornings.

8 Bethel Baptist Church Thrift Cooperative Society Ltd. (BTC) ANNOUNCES EXTRA SPECIAL INTEREST RATE 9% p.a. (Nine Percent) Applicable to all Categories of Loans OFFER ENDS DECEMBER 31, Conditions Apply - Don t you miss this opportunity!! Visit the BTC Office to speak with a Rep; Call or btcsociety@gmail.com From the Social Worker s Desk A two-bedroom house, located in Ensom Acres, St Catherine, is available for rent. Please contact for details. An Early Childhood Institution seeks a Trained Early Childhood Practitioner for January Please contact Nicole for further information. FROM THE SUNDAYI SCHOOL DEPARTMENT There will be Open Assembly immediately following the 7:00 a.m. Service today. Sunday School Teachers' Meeting will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, Teachers are being asked to make a special effort to attend. The Sunday School Ministry, extends sincere thanks to all those who assisted in making our Anniversary Services a success. Special thanks to all those who presented plaques/trophies on behalf of their family or donated prizes to the winners of the Quiz. Thanks to all who took time out of their busy schedule to be present with us. May God's blessings remain with you all. We wish also to advise of and congratulate all our awardees, and in particular the following *The Student of the Year for the Beginners is: Keanu Leslie and for the Younger Children: Melanie Taylor and Moya-Lee Cameron. *The Overall Student of the Year Ms Tia-Kay Whittingham, from the Youth Department. CONGRATULATIONS We extend congratulations to the following members, who recently completed their courses of study under the JBU s Training in Discipleship & Ministry [TDM] Modules. Sis Annette Grant Diploma Mrs Yvonne Soares [Social Worker] Sis. Rochelle Hemmings Certificate Sis Nadia Prince Sis Lisa Prince Deacon Tressie Wallace Deacon Richard Hemmings Deacon Gentle Wallace The Bethel family is invited to join the teachers and students of the Ambrook Lane Sunday School on Sunday December 11, 2016 at 11:00 am as they host their Annual Christmas Concert and Prize-giving. Venue is the Basic School in Ambrook Lane. Anyone needing directions or a guide, may contact any of the teachers including Danielle Lazarus, Danielle Redwood, Andria James, Monique Savage-Williams, Richard and Rochelle Hemmings or Eileen Wilson.

9 The Meaning of Advent Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the season is preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus in his first Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his second Advent. It is recounting the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God, a process in which we now participate, and the consummation of which we anticipate. Advent affirms that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. Our situation of living "between the times" prompts us to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God s people. So, as the church celebrates God s inbreaking into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation of that history for which "all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption," it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to "love the Lord your God with all your heart" and to "love your neighbor as yourself." The Colors of Advent The main color of Advent is Purple, the color of penitence and fasting, as well as the color of royalty to acknowledge and welcome the Advent of a King. The purple of Advent is also the color of suffering used during Lent and Holy Week. Originally, Advent was a time of penitence and fasting, much as the Season of Lent and so shared the colours of Lent. In time, the third Sunday of Advent came to be a time of rejoicing and the shift from the purple of the season to pink or rose for the third Sunday Advent candles reflected this change in emphasis to celebration. Many churches now use blue to distinguish the season of Advent from Lent. Although red and green are often used as part of the church decorations they are not normally used as liturgical colours during Advent since they are used at other times of the church year. At the 6.00 pm service today, we will light the second candle, the Bethlehem candle, the candle of preparation, while we situate ourselves to welcome God s arrival. A voice of one calling in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall be made straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind shall see God s salvation.