Northeastern Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 Northeastern Presbyterian Church 2112 Varnum Street, NE, Washington, DC Telephone: (202) Fax: (202) Website: December 14, :00 a.m. Worship Service The Rev. Nancy E. Thornton, Pastor

2 Northeastern Presbyterian Church Third Sunday of Advent John the Witness reminds us of the importance of pointing to even the tiniest light and saying "Look, behold, the Lamb of God!" In this season of Advent that is typically described as one of preparation, what does it mean to prepare? Maybe, preparation means simply adjusting our eyes to see light when there seems to be none. God calls us to be witnesses like John who point to Jesus and say "Look!" so that all might know God's pastures of peace. Perhaps pointing and saying, "Look!" can be our preparing the way. (Karoline Lewis, Working Preacher) Welcome to Northeastern Presbyterian Church! Prelude Please enter after the invitation of the ushers *We stand with our hearts or our postures SOZ refers to the Songs of Zion hymnal WE GATHER AS GOD'S PEOPLE IN PRAISE AND PRAYER Introit O Come, O Come Emmanuel The Chancel Choir Greetings *Invocation

3 Lighting the Advent Wreath Stacey Brown & Family One: We have lit the first two candles, one for hope and one for peace. Today we light the third candle, the candle of joy. This should be the easy one, because joy is all around us in the children, the lights, the music, the gathering together. But how often do we let our preparations or our memories push joy to the side? Joy is like an underground spring that wells up within us, but joy is also a choice, an attitude. Like a muscle, it needs to be exercised. So today we open ourselves to joy, trusting that God has already planted it in us. All we need to do is give it care and offer it to share. {Three candles are lit. Sing verse 3 of "O Come, O come Emmanuel" #9, Hymnal) All: Loving God, we open ourselves to you, trusting that this is how you made us: you created us for joy-filled hearts and lives. Show us the creative power of hope. Teach us the peace that comes from justice. Fill us with the kind of joy that cannot be contained, but must be shared. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by you that we may walk in the light of Christ. Amen. Singing God s Praises Congregation The Choir and *Call to Worship One: Many: One: Many: The Spirit of the Lord is with us The time of God s favor has come Pray for the gift of joy from God: Shine in our lives, Lord Jesus Christ. Let us worship God. *Prayer of Confession God our Maker, we confess that we are not ready to meet you. You send your Spirit to release us, yet we remain captivated by sin. You stand among us in Christ Jesus, yet we claim we do not know you. Forgive us God of grace. Make us holy; make us whole. Keep us safe and sound until the day of your coming; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *God s Good News One: Many: Announcements In Jesus Christ, the Lord has done great things for us! Even if we have gone out in tears, God brings us home shouting for joy. Thanks be to God: we are forgiven!

4 Special Announcements Welcome to our Visitors The Anniversary Coordinating Team The Presbyterian Men s Council Passing the Peace #146, SOZ Amen One: May the peace of Christ be with you. Many: And also with you. WE EXPERIENCE GOD'S WORD Response #304, Hymnal Me Children s Message Elder Jesus Loves Invitation to the Offering At this time of year, the abundance of some and the needs of so many stand in marked contrast. As we bring now our tithes and offerings, may Christ s heart rejoice and the needs of others be tended. Offertory The Chancel Choir *Doxology #592, Hymnal Flow Praise God from Whom All Blessings *Prayer of Dedication Gracious God, teach us to give thanks in all circumstances, for you are always with us. Thank you for the privilege of sharing what we have with others, of giving ourselves away in love, and of receiving the gifts that others share with us. With our whole being, spirit and soul and body, we rejoice in you. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Prayer of Illumination Holy One, giver of life and light, as your word is proclaimed in music, illumine our hearts and minds, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives may reflect God s glory. Amen. Scripture Readings: John 1:6-8, 19-28, p. 862, Pew Bible One: This is the Word of the Lord. Many: Thanks be to God!

5 Message Northeastern Chancel Choir and Friends present Excerpts from MESSIAH (Part I) George Frideric Handel Monica Johnson, Soprano Shawnee Ball, Mezzo-Soprano Reginald Bouknight, Tenor Charles Barber, Narrator Overture Reading Tenor Recitative - Comfort Ye, My People Tenor Air - Every Valley Shall Be Exalted Chorus - And the Glory of the Lord Reading Chorus - And He Shall Purify Alto Recitative Behold! A Virgin Shall Conceive Chorus - O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion Reading Chorus - For Unto Us A Child Is Born Pastoral Symphony Reading Soprano Recitative - And Suddenly There Was with the Angel Chorus - Glory to the God Reading Soprano Aria Rejoice Greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Alto Recitative - Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Opened Alto Aria - He Shall Feed His Flock Soprano Aria - Come Unto Him, All Ye that Labor

6 Reading Chorus Hallelujah! Prayers of the People WE RESPOND TO GOD S WORD The Prayer Jesus Taught p. 16, Hymnal WE GO FORTH TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD AND NEIGHBOR *Charge and Blessing One: Rejoice in God always, and again I say, rejoice For God has created you with the capacity for joy. Many: We will find what makes us joyful, and make that our gift to the world. One: Trust in God s good will for all of creation and open yourself to God s gentle, transforming love. Many: We will welcome new possibilities in our lives. We will offer ourselves to God s goodness. We will go forth in hope, and peace, and joy. Benediction (Choir and Congregation): Silent Night, Holy Night (Please be seated) Postlude Good Christian Men Rejoice LECTIONARY: ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11; PSALM 126 OR LUKE 1:46-55; 1 THESSALONIAN 5:16-24; JOHN 1:6-8, Today s Worship Leadership Liturgist: Elder Shirley Logan Greeters: Savannah and Nia Miller THIS NORTHEASTERN Dec. 14 Intergenerational Sunday School and Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.,

7 Auditorium Sunday Morning Worship Service, 10 a.m. 40 th Annual Congregational Meeting, following worship Last day to order Poinsettias Dec. 15 Prayer Conference Call, 9 p.m. Dial- in Number: (712) , Access Code: # Dec. 16 Cherub Choir: 6:30 p.m., Choir Room Celestial Choir: 7:30 p.m., Choir Room Dec. 18 Thankful Thursday. E- mail your reason to be thankful to nepc1@verizon.net Chancel Choir: 7:30 p.m., Choir Room Dec. 20 Food Pantry: 9:30 a.m. 12 noon, Undercroft Presbyterian Men, 9:00 a.m., Auditorium Presbyterian Women s Holiday Program, 12 a.m. Dec. 21 Sunday Morning Worship Service, 10 a.m. Adult Church School, 9:00 a.m., Jamison Lounge Young Folk Church School, 9:00 a.m., Auditorium Deacons meeting, following worship, Jamison Lounge Trustees meeting following worship, 3 rd Floor Dec. 22 Prayer Conference Call, 9 p.m. Dial- in Number: (712) , Access Code: # AARP Holiday Celebration, 10-2:00 p.m., Auditorium Dec. 23 Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 11:00 a.m., Jamison Lounge Noon Day Prayer Service, Chapel Cherub Choir: 6:30 p.m., Choir Room Celestial Choir: 7:30 p.m., Choir Room Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service, 6:00 p.m., Sanctuary Dec. 25 Christmas Holiday Church closed Thankful Thursday. E- mail your reason to be thankful to nepc1@verizon.net Dec. 28 Sunday Morning Worship Service, 10:00 a.m. Adult Church School, 9:00 a.m., Jamison Lounge Young Folk Church School, 9:00 a.m., Auditorium Dec. 29 Prayer Conference Call, 9 p.m. Dial- in Number: (712) , Access Code: # Dec. 30 Tuesday Morning Bible Study: 11:00 a.m., Jamison Lounge Noon Day Prayer Service, Sanctuary ANNOUNCEMENTS 40 th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven Matthew 5:16. We are inviting all committees and organization of NEPC to talk about the function of their program, some of its past good works and some of the good works planned for We would like to have as many programs as possible give a presentation at our Opening Event on Sunday, January 18, 2015, following church service. In order to be scheduled on the program, please contact Elder Thriftone Jones at (202) ,

8 before December 22, After that date, please be on the lookout for a telephone call from Elder Jones. THE ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING of Northeastern Presbyterian Church will be held today, following the worship service. THE PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON themed "Challenges During the Christmas Season: Caring and Consumerism," will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014, at 12:00 noon, in the Dorothy Harris Auditorium. Please plan to come. THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE: As a fundraiser for our most recent project, the purchase of an electronic signboard, the Capital Improvement Committee will be selling dinners on the first Sunday in January, Pick up a menu form in the narthex, fill it out by December 28 th and place it in the Capital Improvement Committee mailbox or the church office mailbox in the breezeway. Thank you for your support. CHURCH DONATIONS: 2015 is quickly approaching! All donations and offerings for 2014 must be received by Wednesday, December 31, 2014, for processing. CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: The 2015 offering envelopes are ready for pick up. Please pick up your envelopes in the narthex as soon as possible. THE PRESBYTERIAN MEN S COUNCIL plans to schedule a group picture taking with the church officers, ministries, music staff, choirs, and office staff for placement on the church website. The undertaking will serve several purposes, not the least of which is to make the NEPC website more attractive, promote its growth and illustrate that Northeastern is a vibrant congregation. Towards that end, church organizations can expect to be contacted in the near future about scheduling. Should you have questions please contact Robert C. Robinson at 202/ for further details. SOCIAL CONCERNS COMMITTEE: If you are concerned about your Medicare program or considering making important healthcare changes, Ms. Kay Moses, an insurance agent is offering free consulting services. She may be reached at See the flyer in the Narthex. STEWARDSHIP CORNER: Joy to the World. The deepest joy comes when we connect to our Christ nature. The joy of Spirit in us is effervescent. It sparkles in our eyes and add quickness to our steps. Let us rejoice as God s jubilation burst forth from within us doing this season of advent. As we graciously give and receive, we are blessed with abundance of JOY. John 15:11 TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS will meet at 11:00 a.m., in the Jamison Lounge. The subject of the Book of Exodus is redemption- - through the power of God, by means of a deliverer, under the cover of blood. It was written to record the events of Israel's deliverance from slavery in Egypt and contains the Laws that God gave to the Israelites in order to guide them in their relationship with Him. Please join us in studying the Word. WORSHIP AND MUSIC TODAY is the last day to purchase Christmas Poinsettias. Please be sure to see Worship and Music Committee Members after worship. Cost is $13.00 per plant. Poinsettias are provided by Melwood, a nonprofit that advocates for and empowers individuals of differing abilities to transform their own lives through unique opportunities to work and play in the community. Please

9 consider leaving your poinsettias to beautify the sanctuary through Christmas Eve Service. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE will be at 6:00pm on Wednesday, December 24th in the Sanctuary. Please join the choirs and the children for this special musical presentation. 1- Ernest Harris; 3- Freddie Peaco; 6- James Wilson; 8- Karen Cooper- Geathers, 10- Isabella Sims; 12- Michelle Williams;13- Lois Millings, Kathy Spencer; 15- Bishetta Merritt; 22- Josephine Glenn, Dorothy Williams; 30- Robin Miller NORTHEASTERN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH VISION STATEMENT As we rely on God s guidance, the vision of Northeastern Presbyterian Church is to fulfill the command of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to promote Christian faith and practice through evangelism, outreach, compassion and fellowship to our congregation and the wider Community. We commit to: Worship Witness Learn Grow Nurture Serve

10 Members: Our Thoughts & Prayers are with Northeastern Ms. Carol Fleming is recuperating at her mother s home following back surgery. Mr. Ralph Jefferson is home recuperating. (202) Dr. Phyllis Hobson c/o Mrs. Valerie Williams 711 Ash Pl., Gary IN Mr. Edmund Annor nd Street, NE, - Wash., DC (202) Ms. Arline Chisholm 1260 Raum Street, NE, Wash., DC (202) Ms. Shelia Dixon 350 Galloway Street, NE - Unit 105 Wash., DC Mrs. Ethel Farrior The Specialty Hospital of Washington 700 Constitution Ave., NE, Wash., DC Mrs. Connie Fortune th Street, NE, Wash., DC (202) Ms. Vivian Hayes- Mayes Health Care Center Drive, #207 Bowie, MD 20716, (301) Ms. Jacqueline Hamlin 1709 Otis Place, NE, Wash., DC (202) Mrs. Harriette Hemby Prospect Court Glenn Dale, MD (301) Mrs. Mary Hinton 9250 Edwards Way Dr., #106 Adelphia, MD (301) Mrs. Rutha Hodges 119 Quincy Place, NE Washington, DC (202) Mrs. Beatrice Hyatt 6100 Sargent Road, #112 Hyattsville, MD (301) Elder Judine Johnson Rittenhouse St., NE Wash., DC (202) Mrs. Sadie Johnson 4810 Eastern Avenue, NE Washington, DC (202) Mrs. Doris Keating Fox Chase Rehab Ctr 2015 East West Hghy Silver Spring, MD, (301) Mrs. Mary Lockard Mike Road - Fort Washington, Md Ms. Claudia Mallory Russell Avenue, #7 Mt. Rainier, Md (301) Mrs. Beatrice O Bryant nd Street, NW Wash., DC (202) Mr. James Page, Jr th Place, Hyattsville, MD (301) Mrs. Helen Price 55 Trialor Lane - Sicklerville, New Jersey Mr. Nathan Price Parkway Court Hyattsville, MD (301) Mrs. Iris Rogers 776 Oglethorpe St., NE Wash., DC (202) Mrs. Isabella Sims 9885 Greenbelt Rd Lanham, MD Mrs. Verelle Webster 5000 NH Burroughs Avenue, NE - #531 Wash., DC (202) Mrs. Minnie White Sunrise Senior Assisted Living New Hampshire Avenue, #214, Silver Spring, MD (Desk: ) Ms. Ethelyne Wilkes 1217 Tuckerman Street, NW Wash., DC (202) Family Mr. John Darden 3001 Queens Chapel Rd, #225, Mt Rainier, MD (Husband of Mrs. Barbara Ross- Darden) Mrs. Maggie E. Dodson 5858 Eastern Avenue, NE, Washington, DC (202) (Mother of Shirley Dodson and Doretha Elmore) Mr. Tecumseh Harris 5432 Shirley Jean Court, Winston Salem, NC (Nephew of Charlotte Smoot)

11 Ms. Sylvia Matthews Signature Health Care Memphis, TN (Aunt to Amanda Sargent) Mr. Wilbert Samuel Winston Salem, NC (Brother of Hasker Samuel) Mrs. Dorothy Samuel Smith Tabaccoville, NC (Sister of Hasker Samuel) Mrs. Helen T. Brandon Althea Woodland Center 1000 Daleview Dr., Silver Spring, MD (Sister to James Torrence)

12 Elders Frank Enty Cynthia Gervais Angela Hemphill Pamela Jackson Bishetta Merritt Nachee Miller Freddie Peaco Lisa Slade Shawn Thomas Clarence Wade James Wilson Rhonda Winston Charles Barber, Clerk Church Officers Deacons Phyllis Adkins Jacqueline Cook Willie Jean Cook Carol Fleming James Haggins Ralph Jefferson Robin Miller Robert Robinson Antoinette Spriggs Lauren Spriggs Randall Timbers Cherie Young Katrin Jones, Moderator Trustees Lillian Berry Iris Burnell Jeffery Carr Ernest Harris William Hymes, Jr. Chris Jenkins Arthur Slade, II Helena Slade James Williams Shirley Wilson Patricia Young Eliot Johnson, President Church Music Staff Director, Chancel Choir/Organist - Dr. Laddie Bell Assistant Organist - Ms. Lillian Berry Director/Pianist, Celestial Choir - Rev. Rosemarie Jones Director, Youth/Cherub Choir - Mrs. Michelle Williams Pianist, Youth/Cherub Choir - Ms. Jennifer Allen Pastor s Information Cell Phone: Home Phone: nancyethornton@gmail.com Address: th Street, NE, Washington, DC Office Phone: Northeastern Presbyterian Church

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