Your Throne, Oh God, Is Forever

Transcription

1 To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to whoever will come this church opens wide her doors and offers her welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. MORNING WORSHIP Your Throne, Oh God, Is Forever EVENING WORSHIP Greater Than These... December 6, 2015

2 MORNING WORSHIP 9:00/11:00 AM Prelude O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Ancient Plainsong/arr. S. Sacks O come, Thou rod of Jesse, free Thine own from Satan s tyranny; From depths of hell Thy people save, and give them victory over the grave. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Sicut Locutus Est from Magnificat J. S. Bach/arr. G. Bastable He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, According to the promise He made to our ancestors, To Abraham and to his descendants forever. Hail to the Lord s Anointed S. Wesley/arr. J. Beck Hail to the Lord s Anointed, great David s greater Son! Hail, in the time appointed, His reign on earth begun! He comes to break oppression, to set the captive free, To take away transgression, and rule in equity. Westminster Brass Call to Worship * Doxology (Trinity Hymnal 731) Old Hundredth Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav nly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. * Advent Collect (from Common Worship) O Lord, raise up, we pray, Your power and come among us, and with great might succor us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness in running the race that is set before us, Your bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ Your Son our Lord, to Whom with You and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. * Invocation * Hymn 208: O Come, All Ye Faithful Adeste Fideles Pastoral Prayer Announcements * Hymn 195: Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come Antioch (In the 11:00 service, Praisemakers, ages 4 5, may go to B2; Praisemakers Plus, grades 1 2, may go to B1.) * Offering Prayer Offertory: Concertato on Hyfrydol M. Schweizer Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art, Dear Desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. Westminster Brass Scripture Reading Psalm 45:1 17 (Page 471) * Congregation standing

3 Sermon: Your Throne, Oh God, Is Forever Psalm 45:1 17 (Page 471) Prayer * Hymn 207: Good Christian Men, Rejoice In Dulci Jubilo Sacrament of the Lord s Supper (gluten-free bread is in the center cup.) Words of invitation Distribution of the elements Proclamation of the mystery of our faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! Hymn 193: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Picardy (Please remain seated while the deacons offering is received. Stand for the final stanza.) * Benediction Postlude: Finale from Concertato on Hyfrydol M. Schweizer Westminster Brass INTERCESSORY PRAYER Intercessors are available for prayer each Sunday at 12:30 PM to listen and provide prayers of spiritual comfort, solace and support. All are welcome. Go down the stairs from the Narthex or the door to the left of the pulpit or take the elevator to the B level and meet near Catacombs rooms C5 and C6. Look for team members wearing red tags. PROJECT OF THE MONTH: HOGAR LA PROVIDENCIA CHILDREN S HOME Under the shade of a mango tree, Pastor Jaime Leal began an outreach to indigenous children displaced by guerilla violence in their traditional community. By 2005 the program had mushroomed into a full-time children s home in Santa Marta, Colombia. Ten years later, it continues to serve the most vulnerable and unreached. Presently there are 15 kids in the home from the Chimila and Arahuaco tribes, ages An from Pastor Jaime reads, Two girls, Melany and Yurays, were abandoned by their mother, and their grandmother is 70 years old and cannot take the girls because of the difficulty of providing shelter, food, education, and clothing. We have received them, trusting that God will allow us the means to support them all. To assist by providing food, Christian education, housing, and health care, please make your check payable to Tenth Presbyterian Church with December Project of the Month in the memo line and place it in the collection plate or oak boxes at the Sanctuary entrance. * Congregation standing

4 UPCOMING EVENTS Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols: Wednesday & Thursday, December 23 & 24, 7:15 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) Always a highlight of the season, the Lessons and Carols Services at Tenth Church celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ through Scripture readings, joyful carol singing, and a homily by. The Tenth Church Choir, Westminster Brass, and Tenth Chamber Players combine to provide festive musical accompaniments and anthems heralding Christ s coming. Please join us for a memorable evening. Tenth Family Christmas: Thursday, December 24, 4:30 PM Westminster Brass and the children from Tenth Children s Music will offer their musical talents as part of this service for the whole family. New Year s Eve: Thursday, December 31 9:00 PM Testimonies 10:30 PM Reception 11:30 PM Communion Service THE SHORTER CATECHISM, circa 1647 One of the documents that explains what our church and denomination believe is known as the Shorter Catechism. We are including in the bulletin a series of questions and answers dealing with some of the essential doctrines of our faith. Question 35: What is sanctification? Answer: Sanctification is the work of God s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness.

5 EVENING WORSHIP. 6:15 PM Soli Deo Gloria Five Christmas Carols The First Noel We Three Kings of Orient Are Angels We Have Heard on High Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella Still, Still, Still arr. Y. Kondonassis Sarah Javaux, harp Soli Deo Gloria is a motto that has been used since the time of the Protestant Reformation. It is the culminating phrase of five Solas and means Glory to God Alone. Soli Deo Gloria affords musicians (singers and instrumentalists alike) the opportunity to give back to God from the gifts He has given them. At the same time, the music is intended to encourage the congregation and to be a public testimony of our desire at Tenth Church to honor Him with our musical offerings. 6:30 PM Welcome Call to Worship Invocation * Hymn 203: Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Mendelssohn * Hymn 230: Thou Who Wast Rich beyond All Splendor Quelle Est Cette Odeur Agréable * Advent Collect (from Common Worship) Father in Heaven, Who sent Your Son to redeem the world and will send Him again to be our judge: give us grace so to imitate Him in the humility and purity of His first coming that, when He comes again, we may be ready to greet Him with joyful love and firm faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen * Doxology (Trinity Hymnal 733) Lasst Uns Erfreuen (Children ages 4 and 5 may leave to attend their program.) Praise God from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below: alleluia, alleluia! Praise Him above ye heav nly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Prayer of Preparation God s Word Read John 14:8 14 (page 901) * Hymn 216: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly W Zlobie Lezy * Offering Prayer Offertory: Nativity Carol J. Rutter Born in a stable so bare, born so long ago; Born neath light of star; He who loved us so. Far away, silent He lay, born today, your homage pay; For Christ is born for aye, born on Christmas Day. * Congregation standing

6 Cradled by mother so fair, tender her lullaby; Over her Son so dear, angel hosts fill the sky. Wise men from distant far land, shepherds from starry hills Worship this Babe so rare, hearts with His warmth He fills. Love in that stable was born, into our hearts to flow; Innocent dreaming Babe, make me Thy love to know. Tenth Church Choir Sermon Series: That You May Believe: Greater Than These John 14:8 14 (page 901) * Hymn 201: O Little Town of Bethlehem St. Louis * Benediction Postlude * Congregation standing

7 TENTH PRESS DECEMBER 6, 2015 Band of Gideon: Prayer for 1710 Spruce By George McFarland, Clerk of Session When God chose to deliver the Israelities from the hands of the Midianites, he chose to use Gideon and a small band of men ( With the 300 men... I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Judges 7:7, 8). God could have chosen to supply many men for the work; instead, he chose to use a small number to demonstrate that the real victory comes from him rather than overwhelming odds. God commands us to pray and tells us that he honors the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man. Like Israel of old, Tenth is at a critical juncture in its history. Recently, the property at 1710 Spruce Street was purchased. I still recall many years ago ministers and ruling elders of Tenth standing outside the front of the building praying that the Lord would in time provide this for Tenth. The Lord has wonderfully provided for us as a congregation. Now that we have purchased the building, there are significant decisions and commitments that are needed: facility use, raising the money for paying off the building, etc. On one hand, we rejoice with thanksgiving for the building, and at the same time we look to the Lord in prayer for wisdom to move forward with the building. The Session s desire is that the Lord s people first of all seek the Lord. The elders of Tenth Presbyterian Church would like to invite Tenth people of all ages to consider being a part of the Band of Gideon. This group will commit to pray regularly for the upcoming decisions, including the capital campaign. s, along with praise/prayer items listed in the church bulletin, will be available to assist you through this process. If, after carefully considering this commitment before the Lord, you wish to participate, please fill in your name and address on the form to the right. Through weekly s, you will receive updates, matters to pray for, and encouragements to pray. Return this form to George McFarland s box in the mailroom, the offering plates, or one of the oak boxes. If you desire, you may George directly at gmcfarland@dccs.org. Please be certain to print so the letters/numbers can be read. None of these addresses will be shared I COMMIT TO PRAY REGULARLY FOR WISDOM FOR THE ELDERS IN THE DECISIONS ABOUT THE 1710 SPRUCE STREET BUILDING, INCLUDING A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN. NAME ADDRESS

8 TENTH NEWS WELCOME We are delighted to have you worship with us. Please stop at our welcome center in the narthex (Spruce Street lobby). Information is also available at tenth.org and in the Delancey lobby. Between morning services, we invite you to Reception Hall for light refreshments. Serving on the platform: 9:00 AM Bruce McDowell, George McFarland; 11:00 AM Carroll Wynne, Gavin Lymberopoulos; 6:30 PM Deryck Barson (WTS student), Oliver Pierce (WTS student/tcf intern) Deadline for bulletin announcements is Tuesday noon. Children may pick up a copy of the Family Worship Bulletin in the Narthex before any service. Large print bulletins and hymns are available in the narthex they are in white binders. Hearing assistance devices and large print Bibles are also available nearby. Please return all of these to the same location after use. An American Sign Language interpreter is present at evening services at the sanctuary front (18th Street side). Please do not bring food or drinks into the Sanctuary. Post and find ads for events, housing, jobs, services and more at tenth.org/classifieds. See similar information on bulletin boards near the 17th Street exit between Reception Hall and the Delancey lobby. Parking in the Liberty Place garage is free to you with a chaser ticket. Please park there to free the streets for neighbors, bikers, and those with mobility issues. Pick up chaser tickets immediately after Sunday worship service in Reception Hall (near water fountain after the morning services, at nursery desk after evening services). The garage has entrances between Market and Chestnut Streets on both 16th and 17th Streets. More details are at tenth.org/parking. When using street parking on Spruce and Pine, please remember to use your mirrors and watch for bikers in the bike lane as you pull in and as you open your doors. The discounted parking rate for churches is $6 at the Penn Garage (1700 South Street); please stamp your ticket in the Narthex or Delancey lobby. If you have a smart phone, download the Church Life app and have the church directory and calendar with you all the time. Log in with the same username and password as you do for AccessTenth. Members/regular attenders who have not already used AccessTenth can sign up for a login if your is in our database (use quick link, upper right at If you do not have an address in our database, send your address to Elizabeth at ecarlson@tenth.org to add it. Lost-and-found is in labeled compartments in the mailroom off the Delancey lobby. Go to tenth.org/volunteers to volunteer at Tenth. TODAY S EVENTS 2016 offering envelopes are available in Reception Hall through January 10. If you currently do not have and would like a numbered box assigned to you, please contact Elizabeth at ecarlson@tenth.org. Please also let her know if you are giving online and no longer need envelopes. We celebrate communion at morning worship services today. Members should use goldenrod slips of paper to register their participation. Following communion, the Deacons offering will be taken to help those in our church who have difficult financial circumstances. Today is our Day of Prayer. Please pray for the ministry of Tenth Church at 9:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. Today is the last day to sign up for the December 13 infant baptism for children of members. Contact Elizabeth at ecarlson@tenth.org. Nursery Volunteer Training is today at 9:00 AM in Delancey 4 East. This is for all current nursery volunteers who have not previously attended. Tenth College Fellowship s Bible school class meets in 1716 Spruce, 2 Rear, at 9:15 AM for breakfast, 9:30 AM for study. Gavin will be teaching on Colossians. Tenth International Fellowship (TIF) meets for worship on Sundays at 11:00 AM in Fellowship Hall. Contact tif@ tenth.org with questions. Today s 12:30 prayer intercessors in the Catacombs prayer rooms are Sabita Balgobin, John Hahalyak, and Rebecca Marcos. Find them near Catacombs room C6. Join Medical Campus Outreach today to hear audiologist Maxine Young speak about Caring for and Understanding Patients with Chronic Disabilities. They meet 12:45 2:00 PM in Fellowship Hall to learn and enjoy fellowship and food together.

9 The Bible School Christmas program will be this afternoon at 4:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. Children will perform instrumentals and vocals; light refreshments will be served. All are invited. The church library is open 10:25 10:55 AM in C1 and C4. UPCOMING EVENTS Who is Jesus Christ and why does it matter? If you have questions or would like to explore the claims of Christianity, please join our senior pastor, Dr. Liam Goligher, at the home of Ron and Beth Ferner in Moorestown, New Jersey, at 7:00 PM on December 9 for a relaxed conversation that explores the reality of the Christian story. Please RSVP to Beth Ferner if you plan to attend. Tenth International Fellowship will have an International Christmas Dinner on Saturday, December 12, 5:30 PM, in Fellowship Hall all are welcome. For information, please contact Enrique at eleal@tenth.org. Tenth City Network s Christmas party (for those in their 20s and 30s) will be held in 1710 Spruce Street, on Saturday, December 12, 7:00 9:00 PM. There will be a brief word of welcome from Liam and some live music. Invite and welcome friends who are unfamiliar with the gospel to celebrate with us. Further details are on the Tenth City Network Facebook page. Tenth Business Network meets next Sunday, December 13, 9:00 AM, in 1710 Spruce, first floor rear conference room (continental breakfast provided). Join them as they discuss how to glorify the Lord in the business workplace. They are currently using Tim Keller s Every Good Endeavor as a guide. For details, contact Frank Pulcini. Parish 6 has an opportunity to serve our homeless neighbors at next Sunday s Community Dinner. Help is needed with food preparation and hosting in Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 service. Contact David at dapple@ tenth.org or x224. Dealing with Con Artists is the workshop at Tenth s Mercy Training on Saturday, December 19, 9:00 AM 12:30 PM (no cost to Tenth members). This is a great learning opportunity for individuals and small groups. Register with David at dapple@tenth.org. A memorial service will be held for Dorine Houston on Saturday, December 19, 2:00 PM, at Faith Baptist Church, 4210 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware. A church supper will follow the service. Those interested in attending should contact Clark McCutcheon at All are welcome to join Bridge Builders for its third- Sunday luncheon and fellowship on December 20, 1:00 PM, in Fellowship Hall East. Jerry Mc Farland will bring a message on You Go From an Orphan to an Heir (1 John 3:1 2), as part of our series on God s Passion for His People. It s a great way to spend Sunday afternoon. The next membership class (required for membership at Tenth) will be on Sundays, January 10 through March 6, 5:00 PM, at 1710 Spruce Street. Just show up on the first week. Contact Elizabeth at ecarlson@tenth.org with questions. Join Pathfinders to tackle the Book of James. James may not always feel good, but it is good for the soul. This book is focused on living out our faith in everyday life. The group has returned to its original day and location: Mondays at 6:30 PM in 1 West. Come to partake of food, fellowship, and the Word. Tenth has Bible studies throughout the metropolitan area. Pick up a parish flyer in our lobbies to learn the small group Bible study contact for each area. Join Bruce McDowell and Enrique Leal for prayer on Wednesdays, 5:30 6:00 PM, in 3 West. Join the West Philadelphia International Students Christian Fellowship (ISCF), a TIF ministry, for weekly Saturday dinnertime fellowship at 6:30 PM at Woodland Presbyterian Church, 42nd and Pine Streets. Contact Enrique at eleal@tenth.org or x223. OPPORTUNITIES ACTS Nursing home needs a regular preacher for its second Sunday nursing home ministry. Contact David at dapple@tenth.org. Do you have a heart for mercy ministry? ACTS Ministries (Tenth Mercy) has opportunities in its homeless and nursing home outreaches. Contact David at dapple@tenth.org.

10 No Falling Word, a radio broadcast featuring Dr. Goligher s sermons, can be heard Sundays at 8:30 AM on WNTP 990 AM and at 12:30 PM on WFIL 560 AM. PRAISE GOD FOR Andrew Johnson Fuller, born Tuesday, November 24, to David and Jen Fuller. PRAY FOR Family and friends who mourn the recent death of Dionne Wilson s co-worker Bob. Members who have ongoing health needs: Clare Arnesen, Bob Caldwell, Marjorie Calvanico, Marion DeHoff, Paul Graves, Cyndy Hunt, Wally Jones, Lois Palumbo, Temmie Pearson, Ronald Smith, Ginny Strable, Howard Vos, and Saundra Wiggins. Members serving in the military: Justin Buffington, James C, Edward Dawson, Christopher Hala, JD Hala, James Kenis, Rusty Pfeifer, and Elijah Riggs. Contact Dot at dboersma@tenth.org or x233 with others to add. Those of our congregation who are seeking employment. Check at tenth.org/classifieds or our 17th Street stairwell bulletin boards for housing and employment opportunities. ACTS Thursday Bible study at Our Brother s Place homeless shelter. Small group leaders, please help us stay on top of our small group listings. Log into AccessTenth and doublecheck your information. Contact Elizabeth at ecarlson@ tenth.org with any changes. Medical Campus Outreach ministers to medical and healthcare students and professionals in the Philadelphia area and is a ministry of Tenth. They are searching for a director with a passion for one-on-one discipleship with students in the healthcare professions, administrative skills, and the ability to fundraise. Please contact MCO at mco.smi.tenth@gmail.com. To receive Tenth s s, you must have a current address in our database. Send your address to Elizabeth at ecarlson@tenth.org to add it. Please schedule all church events with Dot Boersma. Make event reservations now for spaces and/ or resources now through Contact Dot at dboersma@tenth.org with any questions. OPERATIONS Tenth Preschool is looking for an assistant teacher for Monday Friday, 8:00 AM 12:15 PM. Contact Pam at pnothacker@tenth.org. FINANCIAL PROJECTION FOR END-OF-YEAR 2015 Church Ministry Outreach Giving needed as of 11/22/15 to meet projected expenses 459, ,466 Giving 11/23/15 11/29/15 34,392 19,607 Additional amount needed in , ,859

11 17th & Spruce Streets SENIOR MINISTER MAILING ADDRESS 1701 Delancey Street Philadelphia, PA p f welcome@tenth.org MINISTERS Dr. Bruce McDowell, Global Outreach Dr. Jerry McFarland, Senior Associate Rev. Carroll Wynne, Pastoral Care MINISTRY DIRECTORS Dr. David Apple, Mercy Patrick Canavan, Administrator; Chr. Ed. Colin Howland, Organist/Music Rev. Enrique Leal, Internationals Gavin Lymberopoulos, Outreach Dora Phan, Jr/Sr High Kimberly Wynne, Nursery ELDERS PARISH 1: CENTER CITY/S PHILA Frank Harder Bob Sharrar PARISH 2: N PHILA/N SUBURBS Steve Bachman David Fiori Nasrat Ghattas Dan Kunkle Paul Shultes PARISH 3: W PHILA/W SUBURBS Bob Kempf PARISH 4: MAINLINE Patrick Canavan Paul Grant Clive Stockdale PARISH 5: SW SUBURBS/DELAWARE Dave Collins Bert Fink George McFarland PARISH 6: NEW JERSEY Daryl Bird Andrew Fletcher Jim Hala Russ Pfeifer SERVICES NEXT WEEK 9:00/11:00 AM: Morning Worship...a little lower than the angels... (Psalm 8:1 9) 6:15/6:30 PM: Soli Deo Gloria/Evening Worship That You May Believe... (John) CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Nursery care is available during all services. For Adult/Youth/ Children s Bible School opportunities, see our Bible School brochure available in our lobbies, or visit our website at tenth.org. DIRECTIONS AND SUNDAY PARKING An Attending Services placard, which is available in our lobbies, must be placed on the front dashboard of your car for parking in permitted areas on the street. See the parking map on the placard. The main reduced-rate garage is between 17th and 18th on South Street. Parking lot tickets must be stamped in the Narthex or Delancey Lobby. Free parking is available on Sundays in the Liberty Place Garage (north of Chestnut Street, from 16th to 17th Street). Free chaser tickets are available in Reception Hall after services. See tenth.org/parking for all parking details and directions. RESOURCES Explore the church and our ministries at tenth.org. At the site, you may view services live, as well as past services. Tenth members and regular attendees may also link to the church s database using the AccessTenth link from the home page. The church library is open between morning services, 10:30 11:00, in Catacombs rooms C1 and C4. ABOUT TENTH We are a congregation of the Presbyterian Church in America adhering to the authority of Scripture and confessing the doctrine contained in the Westminster Standards. Tenth was founded in 1829, its present structure was designed by John McArthur Jr., and built in The interior was redesigned by Frank Miles Day in More information about history and architecture is at tenth.org/history.