Se rving God s World. Sunday Worship January 7, :30 a.m. Preparation for Worship (Based on Isaiah 43:1-7)

Transcription

1 Sunday Worship January 7, :30 a.m. Ou r Mission: Gro wing in Sp irit Living as D isciple s Se rving God s World Preparation for Worship (Based on Isaiah 43:1-7) The God who breathed this world alive And sustains it day by day Whose hands flung stars into space And who controls our destiny Says, Do not be afraid, for I am with you. The God who filled the ocean depths And set tides on their way Who caused mountains to be raised up And rainbows to display Says, I have called you by name, you are mine. The God who made the fertile earth And seed within to sow Whose artistry creates butterflies And the early morning dew Says, You are precious in my sight. We Gather in God s Name Prelude How Fair and Pleasant Art Thou Ray Freeman, Organist Dupré Welcome and Announcements Passing of the Peace Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Praise Song Holy Is the Lord Praise Band Please stand if you are able.

2 2 Call to Worship (From Isaiah 60) One: Many: One: Many: Arise, shine; for your light has come, And the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. The Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Hymn #152 What Star Is This, with Beams So Bright Prayer of Confession God of grace and glory, you sent Jesus to be the light of the world and to reveal your love for all people. We confess that our sin and pride often keep us from reflecting the full brightness of your light. We twist and distort the truth to get our own way; we avoid taking full responsibility for our own actions; we turn away from the poor and ignore cries for justice. In your mercy, cleanse us of our sin and baptize us once again with your Spirit. Then may we show forth your glory, with the light of Christ shining forth in our lives, attitudes, and actions. We make our prayer in your holy name. Amen. Assurance of Forgiveness One: Many: The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far he removes our transgressions from us. We Proclaim God s Word Anthem Didn t My Lord Deliver Daniel Arr. Emmerson Chancel Choir Children s Message Children of any age are invited to the front for a time of worship together. Play n Worship will be announced following the message. Bridges will be on hiatus until January 14. See Guest Information on page 7 for details. Hymn #151 We Three Kings of Orient Are

3 3 Scripture Lesson Matthew 2:1-18 Meditation The Magi, The Messiah, and The Paranoid Potentate Rev. Dr. Ben Trawick We Respond to God s Word Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings Offertory Welcome to the Place of Level Ground Praise Band Response #609 Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow Prayer of Dedication Invitation to the Table Prayer The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper Prayer We Depart To Serve God Parting Hymn #150 As with Gladness Men of Old Charge and Benediction Postlude Thou Wondrous King Karg-Elert Ray Freeman, Organist Flowers are presented to the Glory of God. Your Greeter today was Bonni Astorino. A big thank you to all the ushering teams, and the members who work hard to find volunteers to participate in the worship services at Grace. Poinsettias are in Wester Hall for you to take home today.

4 ANNOUNCEMENTS and OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE Weather Closings. Now you can go to WJLA 7 (ABC) or to the Grace website homepage (see back panel) to see if worship or your other church activities are canceled. Christmas Joy Offering. Our offering total has reached $1,825. You may still contribute today using the envelopes in the pews. Thank you for your contribution. Giving and Taxes. Today is the last day to receive checks dated in 2017, which will be considered contributions for the 2017 calendar year. Checks MUST be dated in 2017 for us (and the IRS) to consider them as 2017 contributions. News from the APNC. We are happy to report that we have started our weekly meetings, and will be reviewing the Associate Pastor Position Description and the Ministry Information Form as our first tasks. We welcome back Diane Hutchins, our representative from Presbytery, who will be working with us. Please be in prayer for our committee: that God will give us all open hearts to listen to each other and, most importantly, listen for God s Spirit speaking to us and through us; to prepare our future candidate with a desire to serve with us here at Grace; and also to give us a clear path to the best candidate who will fill this position with energy, passion, and an obvious love for Jesus Christ. The APNC: John Machado, Donna Lucas, Tim Wilder, Rachel Amatuzzi, Mary Hawkins, Shane Hatfield, and Janet Little. Adult Discipleship - Church Turned Upside Down. Today we wrapped up our Hymns of Advent series. If this inspired anyone to join the Chancel Choir or the Joyful Ringers, rehearsals start next week, and you will be warmly welcomed! Next week, we ll begin a look at the issues facing the Church today, starting with a run through Phyllis Tickle s book Emergence Christianity. Conversations resumes on January 16th. Contact Nelson Thurman, n.thurman4@verizon.net. PC(USA) Chooses Facilitator. Doug Dicks has been chosen to fill the Education for Justice and Peacemaking position vacated by Kate Tabor last spring. Doug s extensive experience as a regional liaison to Israel, Palestine, and Jordan; as a mission co-worker; and as a peacemaking consultant will further his capacity to educate and connect congregations with Christians in Israel and Palestine. Look for more information about Doug Dicks at the Information Station. House Bill 4391 Promotes Human Rights. Hundreds of Palestinian children between the ages of 12 and 18 are detained by the Israeli military each year, suffering abuse and torture, and often being held without charges. Rep. Betty McCollum (D- MN) introduced a bill that will require the US to certify that no federal money is used to carry out the detention of children. The bill, Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian Children Act, gives us something we can actively support to impact the dire situation of the Palestinians. Members of the MMEPJ invite the congregation to meet for 15 minutes in the Library following worship on Sunday, January 21, to discuss how we can make our voices heard. 4

5 Is Steven Speilberg in the Audience? NO? Then we need your help. The Grace AV Team needs volunteers to record and copy services. This may count as community service for students. See John Machado for details Flower Dedications. The sign up is in the Narthex to dedicate flowers for the upcoming year. The donation is $50, and will support the Flower Guild. Place checks in the offering plate or bring them to the office. For information, contact Virginia. EVENTS Midweek Through-the-Bible Study - Wednesday, January 10, 7:30 p.m. The group will re-orient its way-finding journey through the Bible by revisiting the Fall study of the Old Testament and examining the intertestamental period (400 BC to the birth of Christ). We ll then preview the New Testament study for the remainder of the year. Contact Greg Suess ( ) or Bob Bouchard ( ). Honduras Home Team - Sunday, January 14, 11:30 a.m. With the new year, it s time for the Home Team to meet to support the Mission Trip planned for August 4-11, If you plan to go or just want additional information, we hope to see you there after worship in the Family Room. Trail Blazers - Tuesday, January 16, 5:00 p.m. Singles and couples, young and old, are invited to the monthly AWG fellowship dinner at House of Dynasty, 7550 Telegraph Road, Alexandria (Hayfield Plaza Shopping Center). This is a first time visit to this restaurant, which features a full Chinese menu. Good friends! Good fun! AWG Brown Bag Lunch - Wednesday, January 17, 12:45 p.m. Armored trains were developed prior to World War II, but at the war s end, were considered obsolete. Come learn more about the development of these historic trains with model builder Doug Carl. Armored trains displayed in Wester Hall for this event will be actual scale models of trains used in Eastern Europe. Come, bring your lunch and a friend. Drinks and snacks provided. Speaking Peace Together - Saturday, January 27, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. A team from the Isaac-Ishmael Initiative, a group that promotes shalom to Jews and Muslims, will be at St. Mark s Lutheran Church for a dialogue between a Jew, an Arab, and a White Guy. The three panelists will discuss how they have learned to listen and relate across ideological and faith lines. This practical, hands-on workshop will also provide tools for relating to people from Jewish and Muslim backgrounds. Register at Enter DC20 for a 20% discount off of the entry fee. $25 pre-registration cost and $35 at the door. Includes lunch. Bunco - Tuesday, January 30, 1:00 p.m. All are welcomed to join the BUNCO Squad in the Family Room for two hours of games, snacks, and prizes. A cheerful heart is good medicine. Proverbs 17:22. 5

6 6 Lord, Teach Us To Pray. (Luke 11:1) Our sympathy is extended to Alan Goldstein on the loss of his cousin. Members: Jean Ackor, Judy Bernal (Virginia Beach), Cameron Buckley, Carol Byrd (former member), Jeanne Jackson Corns, Char Custer, James Lawson, Liz Lincoln, Bev Olver, Sam Proctor, and Anne Sedlak. PC(USA) Missionaries and Our Missionary in Honduras: Pastor Selvin. The Mothers of: Veronica Crump, Mary Hawkins (Jean), Meg Rogers (Beth), Hiede Sowdon, Phillip Spiess (Dorothy), Dave Treasure (Hilda), and Dwight Yarbrough (Verla). The Step-Mother of: Donna Lucas (Jackie). The Fathers of: Raven Fox, Nancy Machado (Jim), and Penny Newsome (Richard). The Husband of: Donna Lucas. The Great-grandmother of: Dennis and Diego Bustillo. The Daughters of: Rich and Kathy Calahan (Lynn), and Bob and Valerie Patrick (Molly). The Sons of: Wendy Lawson (Seth) and Dave Retherford (Drew). The Grandson of: Craig and Judy Crooks (Jackson). The Daughter-in Law of: Fran and Chet McLaren (Teresa). The Brothers of: Ed Bryant (Paul), Steve Gretsuk (John), Reecie Ford (Trent), Joe Miller (Jack and wife Karen), Nelson Thurman (Dennis), and Hilde Uffelman (Brian Marsh). The Sister of: Penny Newsome (Susan). The Sister-in-Law of: Claire Manger (Bev). The Brother-in-Law of: Scott Anckner (Larry). The Uncle of: Scott Rogers (Phill). The Nephews of: Maria Clayton (Jack) and Claire Manger (Edward and Scott). The Nieces of: Stan and Susan Wisseman (Averi), and Liz and Dave Lincoln (Meghan). The Cousins of: John Grimes (Lori), Donna Lucas (Angela), Beth Ann McClelland (Deborah), Katie Machado (Jan), and Valerie Patrick (Virginia). The Friends of: Cindi Bryant (Anna), Barbarra Chapman (Greg), Craig and Judy Crooks (Liz), Reecie Ford (Kate), Raven Fox (Deanna), Kim Gretsuk (Nancy), John and Wendi Grimes (The Bochtler Family and Douglas), Linda Hitchens (Leon and Debbie, and Keitha), Rosalie Lawson (Emma and Stephanie), Katie Machado (Jonathan), Penny Newsome (Lisa and Shawn), Bob McClelland (Mark), Sam Proctor (Nicole and Family), Scott and Meg Rogers (Jackie and Dave), Hiede Sowdon (Dylan), Tim and Susan Stryker (Bryce), and The Yarbroughs (Randy).

7 Begins with This Week s Calendar For complete details, including locations and descriptions of events, please visit or call the Church Office, :00 a.m. Cong. Care 6:00 p.m. Computer Tutoring Joyful Ringers Tutoring 8:00 p.m. Outside Group Mon Tue Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun (Cont.) :00 a.m. Outside Group 10:00 a.m. Garden Club Board 6:30 p.m. Women s Club HR APNC 7:30 p.m. Finance 9:00 a.m. Grand Involve 9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel 6:00 p.m. Art Guild Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Special Funds 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir Yvette is on a mission in Haiti this week from 1/6 through 1/11. 2:00 p.m. Outside Group 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Honduras Home Team 11:45 a.m. Children s Choir WE ARE VERY GLAD YOU CHOSE TO WORSHIP WITH US TODAY! PLEASE SIGN OUR FRIENDSHIP REGISTER SO THAT WE CAN GREET YOU BY NAME AND CALL ON YOU IF YOU WISH. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHARE PRAYER REQUESTS. You may do so by completing prayer cards found in the pews and placing them in the offering plate. TRUST YOUR CHILDREN TO OUR NURSERY CARE AND CHILDREN S WORSHIP LEADERS. We provide childcare for infants through 3-year-olds in the Nursery Suite (Rooms 3 & 5) downstairs. Worship Bags are available in the Narthex for preschoolers through thirdgraders. After the Children s Message, children go downstairs for their own worship time. At the conclusion of worship, 4- and 5-year olds will be in Room 3, and older children in the Bridges to Worship Room (Room 14). Please return worship bags to the basket in the Narthex, and pick up children before meeting in Wester Hall for a time of fellowship. GRACE INSIGHTS - LEARNING ABOUT PRESBYTERIANS AND GRACE CHURCH. Classes for those who want to learn more about our denomination, our church, and our mission form throughout the year. If you would like to attend an introductory class or have an interest in membership at Grace, please speak to one of our pastors or contact Elder Joe Miller, jsmeda@hotmail.com. FUTURE EVENT - Visitors may want to mark the date for a Spring event with Walter Brueggemann, who will be our guest the weekend of April PLEASE ASK ANYONE FOR HELP OR DIRECTIONS!

8 8 PA STORS BEN TRAWICK Pastor Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 am - 2:00 pm ext. 2 ben@gracepresby.org SUSAN WISSEMAN Associate Pastor Office Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30 am - 3:00 pm ext. 3 susan@gracepresby.org O F FI CE STA FF YVETTE MOY Aging With Grace Director Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:00 am - 3:00 pm ext. 4 aging@gracepresby.org VIRGINIA BOUCHARD Office Manager Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm ext. 1 manager@gracepresby.org S E S S I ON Coleen Austin Care Ministries Cindi Bryant Human Resources Ed Bryant Nominating/Stewardship David Retherford Missions Maria Clayton Preschool Kim Hatfield Youth Ministry John Machado Communications Nancy Machado Children s Discipleship Joe Miller Evangelism M U SIC STA F F SCOTT SEIFRIED Music Director sseifried@yahoo.com RAY FREEMAN Organist/Pianist/ Accompanist JIM DUNSTAN Joyful Ringers Director VERONICA CRUMP Treasurer vlcrump@gmail.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Anckner Craig Crooks Kent Ford, Chairman Rob Gold Scott Rogers Peter Smith gpcbod@gmail.com G RACE P RESB YTE RIAN CHURC H 7434 BATH STREET SPRINGFIELD VIRGINIA OFFICE HOURS: MON-THU 9:00-4:30; FRI 9:00-3:30 WEATHER ALERTS: GO TO OUR WEBSITE OR TO WJLA 7 (ABC) FOR INFORMATION ABOUTCLOSINGS AT GRACE. Pat Ferrell Michael Phillips John Sowdon Nelson Thurman Worship Finance Fellowship Adult Discipleship Greta Miller, Clerk Ben Trawick, Moderator Session and Board contact information is posted in the church office and on the church website. G RACE WEEKDAY P RE SC HO OL The Preschool is a Christian-based ministry and developmental program for children aged 2 to 4. Classrooms are designed as learning centers, offering students a unique hands-on learning adventure. Call the Preschool for information or a tour. Registration begins on January 2. An Open House is on January 19. JUDY PHILLIPS Preschool Director HOLLY COOK Administrative Assistant preschool@gracepresby.org