Christ The King Sunday First Baptist Church Halifax November 26, 2017

Transcription

1 Christ The King Sunday First Baptist Church Halifax November 26, 2017 This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, the climax and conclusion of our journey through the life of Christ and the Gospel message through the book of Matthew. It is the last Sunday of the church calendar. Next week begins the start of a new year, as we begin with the journey of Advent.

2 The Community Gathers for Worship Welcome to First Baptist Church Halifax! If you are visiting with us today, please know how glad we are to have you with us as we worship God together. We invite you to complete a visitor s card, located in the hymnal rack in front of you, and place it in the offering plate later in the service. You are also invited to stay for coffee and conversation immediately following this morning s service. We gather in the Parlor, just behind the Sanctuary. Prelude: Sentimental Waltz Schubert Pianist, Naomi Sney Please use this time to settle for worship *Please stand as you are able *Processional Hymn: Congregation #476 O Worship the King, All Glorious Above (LYONS) *Call to Worship: Deacon David Clarke & Congregation Among the poor, among the proud, among the persecuted, among the privileged, Christ is coming to make all things new. In the private house, in the public place, in the wedding feast, in the judgement hall, Christ is coming to make all things new. With a gentle touch, with an angry word, with a clear conscience, with burning love, Christ is coming to make all things new. 2

3 That the kingdom might come, that the world might believe, that the powerful might stumble, that the hidden might be seen, Christ is coming to make all things new. Within us, without us, behind us, before us, in this place, in every place, for this time, for all time, Christ is coming to make all things new. *Prayer of Approach God, we pray, open us up we whose lives are locked, whose thoughts are well rehearsed, whose prayer is predictable. Open us up to depths we have not explored, truths we have avoided, paths we have not followed, beauty we have yet to admire. And open us up to Jesus, in whom all things are held together for God and for our good. Amen. Anthem King of Glory-Iseler Choir Welcome and Announcements Rev. Jenny Drewitz *Children s Hymn: Congregation #150 Come Christians, Join to Sing (MADRID) Children are welcome to come to the chancel steps during the final verse. Children s Story: Rev. Jenny Drewitz & Congregation The children and youth in Primary to Grade 12 are dismissed for Sunday School. First Testament: Ezekiel 34:11-16, (pg. 803) Deacon David Morse 3

4 *Psalm Lesson: 95:1-7 (the Inclusive Bible) Come, let us sing joyfully to God! Raise a shout to our rock, our deliverance! Let us come into God s presence with thanksgiving, and sing our praises with joy. For the Lord is a great God, the great Ruler, above all gods. R O God, in your hands are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks are yours. Yours is the sea, for you made it, the dry land as well, for your hands formed it. Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker. For you are our God, and we are the people you shepherd, the flock under your care. R Epistle: Ephesians 1:15-23 (pg. 192 ) Deacon Kathy Schwartzentruber *Gradual Hymn Congregation #421 The Church of Christ in Every Age (WAREHAM) Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 (pg. 29) Sermon: Has the Church Found Jesus? Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards 4

5 Offertory Anthem Duo, Naomi Sney, Kimberly North Domine Deus- Vivaldi *Presentation of Offering: Doxology (OLD 100TH) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Christ, all people here below, Praise Holy Spirit evermore; Praise Triune God, whom we adore. Amen. Prayers of the People and the Lord s Prayer Deacon David Clarke 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 trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. *Recessional Hymn: Congregation #343 Called as Partners in Christ s Service (BEECHER) Benediction & Choral Amen Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Postlude: Organist, Lynette Wahlstrom O Worship the King Wyton 5

6 News Notes Our Prayer List We pray for all members of our congregation, especially those who are in frail health and unable to join with us for worship and activities. Particular prayers are requested for: Lynne Alary, Roy Yetman, Judy Morton, Pearl Stevens, Marjorie Morrisson, Bruce Sterns and Betty Deal. Faith Development Notes Advent Potluck Lunch Sunday Dec. 3, following worship (First Sunday of Advent) Assembly Room Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate the beginning of the Advent season with a potluck lunch. This is for all ages and stages in the congregation. If you are able to prepare something for the lunch, please sign up on the sheet in front of the parlour. Don t forget to indicate which food item you plan to bring. This helps the board of Christian Education to fill in the gaps. During the lunch we'll engage in faith conversation about Christmas hymns, and maybe sing a little too. There will also be a puzzle that will need everyone's help to work on! Hope to see you there. Sanctuary Hosts Wanted Tuesdays Thursdays between Dec. 5 th 21 st from 4pm to 6pm Throughout last years Advent and Lenten seasons the Sanctuary was open for selected hours for quiet reflection. Some members of our congregation, as well as the greater community found solace in a place of quiet rest. Given the response from last year, we d like to open our doors again, but need some help. To show greater hospitality, we are looking for hosts that could welcome any guests that would come during this time. Perhaps they have a question about the windows, or services or just need to see a friendly face. 6

7 During these times either Rev. Rusty or Rev. Jenny will be available should a guest wish to speak to a minister. If you are available to host, please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board across from the parlour. The sanctuary will be open from Tuesdays-Thursdays from 4-6pm throughout Advent (Dec 5-Dec 21). Music Notes Songsters Meet & Sing Sunday, weekly following Worship service. Chancel Open to all interested youth (ages 2-17), especially new singers. Come and hear what fun it is to sing! Please see Lynette for more information. Community Outreach Clothing Donations Deadline December 8 th The outreach team is collecting gently used, clean items to distribute at the Brunswick St. Mission Breakfast on Saturday December 9th. Items such as sweatshirts, hoodies, hats, and gloves would be greatly appreciated. There will be a box in the narthex to collect your donations. Brunswick St. Mission Breakfast 2107 Brunswick St. December 9, 5:30am First Baptist Church will be preparing and serving breakfast for the Brunswick Street Mission on this date. Although a busy time of year for everyone, we are hoping that lots of volunteers will sign up for this very rewarding outreach project. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board outside the parlour. 7

8 White Gift Program Sunday Dec. 10 th Worship Service This special Advent program is a great way to support the needs and causes of our community! Last year, members of the congregation generously donated $8, to the program. This year we are hoping to provide gifts for at least 80 people and donate a minimum of $1, for Christmas dinners as well as support a few other worthy organizations this holiday season. Volunteers are needed to: Purchase and wrap gifts of clothing, household items, and toys Deliver the food boxes, as well as the gifts, to the recipients on December 16 th at 9:00 AM We re counting on your support to make our White Gift Program a success again this year a wonderful way to bring Christmas to families in need! Community Notes Induction Service for Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Sunday Nov. 26, 3pm All are invited to join this momentous occasion as we officially receive our new Senior Minister to our congregation. Reception to follow in the parlour. FBC Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon November 27 th 12noon for 12:30pm Assembly Room This is a reminder of the Auxiliary festive luncheon. Marlene Dexter (marlenedexter@eastlink.ca) and Judy Whalen (judywhalen@eastlink.ca) are coordinating this event. 8

9 Christmas Open House at the Parsonage December 10, 1:30pm 3:30pm The Edwards family invite you to visit the parsonage for their Christmas open house. All are welcome. Christmas Memorial Flowers Deadline: Monday Dec. 11th Members and friends of First Baptist Church are invited to place Memorial Flowers, the beautiful poinsettias, in the church for the Christmas season that honour the lives of family members and friends. You can donate to the fund by placing your offering in an envelope marked Flowers. Please note if you wish to have your name added to the acknowledgements that will be in the bulletin of Sunday Dec. 17 th. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the church office via at or by calling during office hours a Greater Community Notes The Halifax Centre of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO) A Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent & Christmas Monday Dec. 4 th, 7:00pm Cathedral Church of All Saints The evening will begin with a recital of organ music by organists from the Centre and will continue with the Service of Lessons and Carols, featuring choirs and clergy from churches in Halifax, Lunenburg and Elmsdale, including our own First Baptist Halifax. A freewill offering will be received. All are welcome. 36th Halifax Scouts - Christmas Trees. The Scouts are selling Christmas trees and wreaths by pre-sale only. Pick-up day is Saturday, December 9 from 9am to 12pm. For your convenience, order forms are available by the bulletin board outside of the parlour. Alternatively, 9

10 you may pre-order your tree or wreath by calling Scouter Howard Donohoe at Your support helps the scouts to purchase equipment and program aids. Angel Tree Christmas There are approximately 350,000 children in Canada who experience the stigma and separation of having a parent in prison or in jail. You can make a difference by helping keep children and incarcerated parents connected as a family through our Angel Tree Christmas program. Angel Tree Christmas is a program of Prison Fellowship Canada (PFC) that connects church communities and individuals with the families of inmates through the delivery of a Christmas gift on behalf of the incarcerated parent. This brings children the joy of receiving a gift, but more importantly it tells them that mom or dad is thinking about them at Christmas time. For inmates, your support helps them experience the love of God during a time marked by guilt and loneliness. By strengthening their family ties, it also reduces their probability of reoffending when released. We need your help to bring the hope and joy of Christmas to families impacted by incarceration in your local community. For more details on how you can help, please see the poster on the bulletin board outside the parlour. Office Schedule Note Office Administrator, Mary Banks, will be taking a few vacation days on Monday Nov. 27 th and Tuesday Nov. 28 th. We will have a staff member scheduled between 8:30am 3:30pm to answer the door and handle basic office inquiries on each of these days. Casual Employment Opportunity (Daytime availability required) From time to time, there is a need for an individual (or individuals) to perform daytime duties during the regular work week to supplement the work done by 10

11 our Office Administrator, Part-Time Custodian or Assistant Sextons. For example, assistant sexton duties for an event (such as a funeral) or reception type duties (answering phone and overseeing access to building), or other duties in the absence of either our Office Administrator or Part-time Custodian. If this work is of interest to you or you know an individual whom you would recommend, please speak with or write to Sheila Stanley, Chair of the Personnel Committee at sheilastanley@fbchalifax.ca. This Week in Our Church: Nov 27 Dec 3 Please refer to the calendar on our website for a complete list of activities. Church Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm. Today 10:30am Creche, Worship 11:45am Songsters, Sanctuary 11:45am, Coffee & conversation 3:00pm, Induction Service for Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards Monday 12pm, Auxiliary Luncheon Tuesday 6:30pm, Diaconate Meeting(Boardroom) Wednesday 11am, Clergy Meeting Wednesday 5:30pm, The Nativity discussion (Parlour) Thursday 7:00pm, Choir Practice Saturday 9:00am, Christmas Decorating, Sanctuary Saturday 1:00pm, Play Rehearsal, Sanctuary Next Sunday: December 3, 2017; 1 st Sunday of Advent, Holy Communion 10:30am Creche, Worship A Song We Sing Together: Magnificat, Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards 11:45am, Advent Potluck, Assembly Room 11

12 First Baptist Church Halifax - Where Faith Comes To Life! Founded in Oxford Street, Halifax, NS B3H 3Y8 Office office@fbchalifax.ca facebook.com/firstbaptisthalifax Of Service To You Today Deacon on Duty: David Clarke Sexton on Duty: Caitlin Smithers Rev. Dr. Rusty Edwards, Senior Minister (rustyedwards@fbchalifax.ca) Rev. Jenny Drewitz, Minister of Faith Development (jennydrewitz@fbchalifax.ca) Rev. Nelson A. Metcalfe, Minister of Visitation (na.metcalfe@ns.sympatico.ca) Ms. Lynette Wahlstrom, Director of Music (lynettewahlstrom@fbchalifax.ca) Dr. Pauline Allsop, Deacon Emerita Our Mission To be an inclusive and ecumenical community of believers in Jesus Christ, committed to proclaim God s mission of love by word and deed. Our Vision To be a Christ-centered community of diverse people experiencing God s unconditional love and acceptance, finding opportunities to grow and nurture our faith, and sharing that love, acceptance and faith with the world. Using gifts God has given us to do the work God is calling us to do! 12