THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH DECEMBER 17, 2017 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

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1 THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH DECEMBER 17, 2017 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid. Star of the east, the horizon adorning, guide where our infant Redeemer is laid. BECOMING AWARE Brightest and Best, Reginald Heber Vainly we offer each ample oblation, vainly with gifts would His favor secure. Richer by far is the heart's adoration; Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

2 GATHERING RINGING OF THE SANCTUS BELL Some traditions ring Sanctus Bells to call worshippers attention to the holy. (Sanctus means holy or sacred. ) Today, the Sanctus Bell rings to signify the holy around, among, and within us. VOLUNTARY Oh, Come, Little Children Michael Burkhardt INTROIT Thou Shalt Know Him When He Comes Hal Hopson Thou shalt know him when he comes, not by any din of drums, nor his manners, nor his airs, nor by anything he wears. Thou shalt know him when he comes, not by crown or by gown, but his coming known shall be, by the holy harmony which his coming makes in thee. Thou shalt know him when he comes. Amen. * CALL TO WORSHIP Dale Osborne One: Hear these words of the prophet Isaiah, speaking to the people of God in his own day and in our own day: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Many: They lived in a land of shadows, but now light is shining on them. One: You have given them great joy, Lord; You have made them happy. Many: For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. ALL: And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. * HYMN Awake, Awake, and Greet the New Morn 138 REJOICE, REJOICE * PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST One: The peace of Christ be with you! Many: And also with you! Please greet one another with this ancient sign of welcome and extension of hospitality and peace. * SONG OF PRAISE Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS Please pass the Friendship Registers found on each row. Complete the requested information and then pass it back down the row. Thank you for worshipping with us at Binkley!

3 LIGHTING & LISTENING Heather & Colby Rabalais One: The prophet Isaiah awakened hopes and expectations among the people of God. In his words, they heard the promise that God was coming to them as light, as child, as bringer of peace. As we light our Advent candles, Many: Light of the world, shine on us. One: As we prepare for God s coming to us, Many: Light of the world, shine on us. One: In this world of pain and darkness, Many: Light of the world, shine through us. One: To all people who are seeking welcome, shelter, sanctuary, Many: Light of the world, shine through us. One: Jesus Christ, you are still coming, Many: Light of the world, light the way. One: In our service here today, Many: Light of the world, light the way. CANDLE LIGHTING LITANY CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE When God is a Child see insert NATIVITY RETELLING Presented by the Children of Binkley Church The congregation will be invited to join in the story as a singing chorus. Please prepare by marking your hymnals at: 160 Lo, How a Rose E er Blooming 119 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (verse 1) 144 O Little Town of Bethlehem (verse 2) 149 Angels from the Realms of Glory (verses 1 & 2) 151 The First Noel (verse 1) 159 There s a Song in the Air (verse 1) ANTHEM Carol Medley arr. Crawford, Cherrix O Come All Ye Faithful Away in a Manger Silent Night SERMON Drawn to the Light Meredith Bratcher

4 PRAYING & GIVING Stephanie Ford One: Dear God, we have praised You this morning in music and song, through light and word, drama and testimony! Hear now, we pray, the thoughts of our hearts as we offer them to You. Many: May we also open the ears of our hearts to receive what You are saying to us. One: Loving God, we smile today as we celebrate the gift of Jesus, born in a stable, welcomed by animals, celebrated by angels, greeted by shepherds, and held by loving parents. This baby would grow up to show people how to love You and one another with wisdom and spiritual power still true today. Many: May we fully absorb this story of love and carry the joy of Jesus birth as we go out from this place. One: God of compassion, we pray for each child here, that she or he may be healthy, and feel beloved and enjoyed. And so we pray for children throughout the world--all precious to You. May those without enough food be fed; may clean water flow freely for them; may they have good health care; and may all be able to go to school. Many: May all children be able to grow strong in mind and body. One: God of healing, we also lift up into Your care those we know who are dealing with chronic physical and mental health conditions, for those with bones healing, and for each one needing strength. And we pray, especially in this Advent and Christmas season, for all who mourn the loss of a beloved spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, friend. May they feel Your tender nearness and grace. Many: May Your Spirit of healing be known and Your comfort felt. One: And dear God of hope, we pray for our world, for peace among all peoples. May all children be able to sleep safe and protected. In the story of Jesus birth, we have seen Divine power and hope revealed in humble beginnings. Help us, then, to see Your continuing revelation today, both in the great and in the small. All: This we pray, in the name of Jesus, born to us~ our Hope, our Peace, our Joy. A-men. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE OFFERTORY MUSIC AT THE OFFERTORY Born in the Night, Mary s Child arr. Barnes, Davis Born in the night, Mary s child, a long way from home. Light of the world, Mary s child, born in a borrowed room. Clear shining light, Mary s child, your face lights up our way. Light of the world, Mary s child, dawn of our darkened day. Truth of our life, Mary s child, you tell us that God is good. You ll prove it is true, Mary s child, there on your cross of wood. Hope of the world, Mary s child, you re coming soon to reign. King of the earth, Mary s child. Walk in our streets again.

5 * DOXOLOGY Please sign with the leader or simply sing. LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below, Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Creator, Christ, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! * AN INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP * UNISON READING OF THE BINKLEY COVENANT Professing our faith in Jesus Christ, we covenant with God and one another to live together as members of this church in obedience to God s will as it has been and shall be made known to us. As part of the body of Christ throughout the world, we promise to express our faithfulness to Christ in love for one another and for the whole of God s creation. The Spirit of God assisting us, we further promise to attend the services of this congregation, observe its sacraments, support its mission to all people, practice faithful stewardship of our possessions and be conscientious caretakers of the Earth, endeavoring always to be a fruitful body of Christians. * HYMN OF INVITATION Christians All, Your Lord is Coming 136 If you wish to become a member of Binkley Baptist Church, you are invited to come forward during the hymn to be welcomed and received. PLEADING SAVIOR * RECEPTION & INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS 341 * BENEDICTION RESPONSE TO THE BENEDICTION Amen from Mass of Creation Marty Haugen VOLUNTARY Cold December Flies Away Wilbur Held Upon leaving the Sanctuary, please be mindful of those choosing to use the Voluntary as their final act of worship. Guests, welcome! We are so glad you have chosen to worship with us today. Please leave us your information in the Friendship Register so we can get to know you better. We are grateful for the musical gifts offered today by The Chancel Choir; The Children s Choir; Jenny Walters, flute; Art Aylsworth, fiddle; Billy Barnes, vocalist; and Mike Davis, piano. Thank you for serving as crèche bearer today Zoé Redick. Today s cover art End and Beginning by Jan Richardson. Hearing assistance devices and children s worship bags are available in the Narthex before the service begins. Music reprinted by permission under OneLicense.net A Thank you for serving in the Nursery Heather McCuiston, Hser Ku, and Tay Nay Sar. * The Congregation standing as each is able.

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7 Thank you for leading the reenactment of the Christmas Story! Caesar Augustus Decree Reader Tax Collector Mary Joseph Innkeeper Angel Gabriel Angels Lead Shepherd Shepherds Lion Dove Sheep Cows Narrator Director Asst. Directors Costumes Accompanist Sound System Zoé Redick Dylan McDonough Nicholas Butler Maggie Reid Morris Ziang Shelby Burgess Julie Harper Jasmine Ge, Iris Harper, Caroline Lee, James Lee, Yixin Liu, Bella Zhang Jacob Bradshaw Tyler Burgess, Kevin He, Annie Ren Jessica Cao Leo Wang Jenny Wu, Tina Zhang Daisy Lu, Fei Fei Wang Kennedy Crawford Priscilla Bratcher Angela Snider, Sara Thompson Lyn Lamont, Merrie Shelp Daniel Cherrix Matthew Ripley-Moffitt Please drop off costumes in the Fellowship Hall following worship.

8 WELCOME TO BINKLEY! Binkley Baptist Church is a community of faith on a journey that calls for questioning, humility and conviction. As followers of Jesus, we embrace spiritual growth, mutual care, and service, assured that as we serve our neighbors, we joyfully serve God. Intentionally inclusive, we welcome people of all races, sexual orientations, and cultures, respecting diverse religious experiences within the church and beyond. We invite others to join us in our commitment to peace, justice, and care for creation. In a spirit of Christian love, we welcome you. The mission of Binkley Baptist Church is building compassionate and joyful community, freely exploring spiritual paths, and pursuing justice and peace in the way of Jesus. THIS WEEK AT BINKLEY Sunday 12/17 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT: JOY 9:45 am Christmas Coffee and Worship Fellowship Hall 11:00 am Worship: Meredith Bratcher preaching; Nativity Reenactment Sanctuary 5:00 pm Youth Choir Choir Room 6:00 pm Youth prepare for Lovefeast Lounge 7:00 pm Lovefeast in the Moravian Tradition Sanctuay Monday 12/18 7:00 pm Adult Christian Formation Team Library 7:00 pm Church Council Lounge Tuesday 12/19 9:30 am Staff Meeting Library 1:00 pm Sermon Shaping Library Wednesday 12/20 9:00 am Morning Prayer Chapel 6:00 pm Blue Christmas Service Chapel 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Choir Room Thursday 12/21 9:30 am Grounds Committee Library Sunday 12/24 FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: LOVE CHRISTMAS EVE 11:00 am Service of Holy Remembrance: Stephanie Ford Preaching Sanctuary 4:00 pm Service for Children and Families Sanctuary 6:30 pm Pre-service music begins Sanctuary 7:00 pm Service of Carols, Candlelight, and Contemplation Sanctuary

9 UPCOMING ADVENT OFFERINGS Lovefeast in the Moravian Tradition TONIGHT 7:00 pm, Sanctuary Wednesday, December 20 6:00 pm, Chapel 11:00 am, Service of Holy Remembrance 4:00 pm, Service for Children & Families 7:00 pm, Service of Carols, Candlelight, & Contemplation Pre-service music begins at 6:30 pm Sanctuary Write a Postcard to an Elected Official: after the 11 o clock service this Sunday, December 17, Take five minutes to write a post card conveying your thoughts about pressing issues of the day. A table in the narthex will have pre-stamped postcards, pens, addresses, and guidelines. The Christmas Eve Offering: The Outreach Committee is recommending to the Church Council that the Christmas Eve offering be allocated among three projects: one third to Binkley families in need, one third to hurricane relief in Puerto Rico through the American Baptists Churches and one third to the Pastor s Discretionary Fund, which supports members of the community in financial crisis. Please make checks payable to Binkley Baptist Church with Christmas Eve in the item section. Thank you for your support of these ministries. As you enter the sanctuary, Angels You Can See on High this Christmas Presentation from the Fine Arts Committee is a montage created by Catherine Carter. More later. LOOKING AHEAD EPIPHANY CELEBRATION ON THE 12TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS! Saturday, Jan. 6, 6 pm, Fellowship Hall: We will gather together for dinner and worship at our tables, marking the arrival of the Magi. A dramatized story, carols, and a meditation from Stephanie Ford will be included in this time of fellowship and fun. A rousing rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas will be featured invite friends! ALL AGES SUNDAY SCHOOL PROJECT: Sunday, Jan. 7, 9:30 am, Lounge: Details to be announced soon. Winter/Spring Sunday School classes will resume on Sunday, January 14.

10 BINKLEY PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS CHURCH FAMILY Allen Davidson Rachel Avery Meredith Bratcher Jo Flair Alex Swanson-Boyd Edith Wiggins Priscilla Bratcher John Holt HEALTH CENTER RESIDENTS AND THOSE IN THE HOSPITAL Ann Overton Carolyn Kozelka Martha Henderson Bill Moffitt Bill Bodkin Jim Greene EXTENDED FAMILY Nanh & Veo Siu (Ehn Rocham & Phyut Siu) Ron & Sharon Hull and family (Vicki Shafer) The Binkley Church Council The Binkley Diaconate Bill Elcome & Karen Koop (Barbara Harris) Dean Johnson (Terry Huneycutt-Horn) Maria de la Mata Bruno (Maribel Bruno) Aaron Perkinson, USAF (Nape Baker) David Houser (Lynn Houser) Pinheiro Baptist Church, Maceio, Brazil Jesse & Mary Ann Cantrell (Stuart Cantrell) Joan Hammond (Tim Bradshaw) Tara Strickland (The Walker Family) Torren Kudzal, US Army (Roal Carlson) Diane Kudla (Marge Miles) Valerie and Percell Harper (April Harper) Bill Maher (Larry McManus) Tammy Jordan (Roy Brock) Mary Alice Kearley (Christine Jernigan) Dan McInnis (Gary Stutts) Betsy Bradley (Julie Lentz) Johnny O Neal (Janet O Neal) Dirk Leiser (Mary Lou Smith) Linda Cox (Karen Long) Melanie Minton Nault (Mae Lee Waddell) Suzie Michael (Karen Long) Scott Carpenter (Libba Wells) Ann & John Glover (Alice Glover) Jennifer Iacono (Larry McManus) Jean Swanson (Pam Swanson-Boyd) Ethan Zolit (Martha Hutt) Rusty Gunn (Susan Preston & Dee Gunn) Don Knight (Josiah & Myra Knight) Jan Parsons (The Rabalais Family) Tan & Scott Coats (Burma missionaries) Jim Dyer (Barbara Harris) OUR STAFF Associate Minister Minister of Christian Formation Minister of Music and Organist Dale Osborne Stephanie Ford Daniel C. Cherrix dale@binkleychurch.org stephanie@binkleychurch.org daniel@binkleychurch.org Business Manager Office Manager Sexton Duane Gilbert Stephenie Sanders Charles Myhand business@binkleychurch.org office@binkleychurch.org sexton@binkleychurch.org THE OLIN T. BINKLEY MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH 1712 Willow Drive Chapel Hill, NC