Church Offices: (704) Vol. 50 November 26, 2017 No. 47 THE ORDER OF WORSHIP GATHERING BEFORE GOD

Transcription

1 The Weekly Bulletin FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Albemarle, North Carolina Elizabeth McNair Ayscue, Pastor Matt Drumheller, Associate Pastor Frank Poolos, Director of Vocal & Handbell Music Stanley Scheer, Organist Jane Snyder, Director of Christian Education & Fellowship Leah Beamon, Christian Education Program Coordinator Kyle Lambert, Office Manager Pam Knighten, Secretary Church Offices: (704) Website: Vol. 50 November 26, 2017 No. 47 THE ORDER OF WORSHIP PEALING OF THE BELLS GATHERING BEFORE GOD CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH Please sign and pass the Register of Friendship during this time. PRELUDE Prelude on Rejoice, the Lord is King Charles Callahan *CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: The Lord God is our shepherd. People: We are the people of God s pasture, the sheep of God s hand. Leader: God will seek the lost, feed the hungry, and strengthen the weak. People: But the proud and power-hungry will be fed with justice. *CHORAL INTROIT Rejoice, the Lord is King John Darwall *PRAYER OF THE DAY Almighty and everlasting God, whose will is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King: Grant that the people of earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his gentle and loving rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. *HYMN 263 All Hail the Power of Jesus Name Coronation *PRAYER OF CONFESSION Silence Unison Sovereign God, we confess that we are not ready for your holy realm. You guide us toward right paths, but we refuse to follow where you lead. You love and feed and care for us, but we fail to love and serve others. Forgive us, merciful God, so that we may return to your fold and rejoice in your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the Lamb upon the throne. *ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS Leader: Friends, believe the good news. People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. *RESPONSE TO FORGIVENESS Glory to God, whose goodness shines on me, and to the Son, whose grace has pardoned me, and to the Spirit, whose love has set me free. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. Amen.

2 PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD FAITH SHARING WITH CHILDREN Mr. Drumheller Children will be invited to come forward. At the conclusion of the children s greeting, parents may take preschool children to the nursery. Children in grades K-2 may go to the chapel for Children s Church. ANTHEM Coronation Craig Courtney PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Lord, open the eyes of our hearts by the power of your Spirit, that we may know the hope to which we have been called in Jesus Christ. Amen. GOSPEL READING Matthew 25:31-46 Pew Bible, page 27 SERMON A Word from the King Mrs. Ayscue *HYMN 756 O God of Every Nation Llangloffan MINUTE FOR MISSION RESPONDING TO THE WORD Elizabeth Bryson and Addison Marks RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Introduction Reaffirmation of Faith *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed hymnal, page 35 I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. Prayer Congregational Welcome With joy and thanksgiving, we welcome you to share with us in the ministry of Christ, for we are all one in him. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER Mr. Drumheller 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS Offertory Beautiful Savior David Cherwien *Doxology Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow hymnal, page 606 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *Prayer of Dedication *HYMN 268 Crown Him with Many Crowns Diademata *BENEDICTION *CHORAL RESPONSE Sevenfold Amen John Stainer

3 *POSTLUDE Crown Him with Many Crowns Jason D. Payne *All that are able may stand. We rejoice that you are worshiping with us today. If you are a member of this church, please seek out those who are visiting and welcome them to this family of faith. If you are visiting and would like to know more about the church and membership here, please speak with one of the ministers following worship. The acolyte today is Jackson Shedd. After extinguishing the Christ candle, the acolyte takes the light of Jesus Christ out into the world. The flowers in the sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of our daughter, Jody Oliver, and her husband, Jacob Oliver, by Cathryn and Claude Harwood. Thanks to Graham Hatley for loaning us his tubular chimes and to Martha Sue Hall for playing them during the anthem. Ushers: Brett Richards, captain; Judy Kilgore, Jim Marshall, Mike McLeod, Grace Richards, Lee Snuggs Outside Ushers: Brad Boone; Tom Norwood Elder Greeters: Steve Cumming; Ellen Snyder Nursery: McKenzie Hinson Toddler Room: Sara Kate Thomas Preschool Partners: Jane & Brad Boone Nana & Papa Team: Cathy King; Teresa Taylor Children s Church: Liz Jolly; Katherine Jolly; Grace Richards We ask that you keep these people in your prayers: Marty Goforth (treatment for melanoma). See newsletter for complete list. New Members *Shelley & *Mike Shedd Jackson & Thomas Snuggs Rd. Norwood, NC gracoriah@aol.com Tea & Conversation Tuesday, November 28 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. in the Church Parlor Theme: Hobby Stories All women of the church are invited to come for an afternoon of conversation and Jane s lovely tea refreshments. Bring something that represents a hobby you have (or once had) and be prepared to tell a story about it. Call the office ( ) to let us know you want to be part of the fun! Sanctuary Window Décor for Advent Would you be willing to share a nativity set with the church in this Advent? We would like to fill the sanctuary windows with a variety of nativity scenes this year. Contact Ellen Snyder ( or ellens@carolina.rr.com) to let her know you have one to loan for this season.

4 Alternative Christmas Gifts On November 26 and December 3, 10, and 17, opportunities are available to purchase alternative gifts in the Pit Stop. Recipients include: Homes of Hope, Community Care Clinic, SCCM-Clothing Closet, and Heifer International. For each purchase, you will receive one of several holiday-themed acknowledgement cards designed by artist Leslie Carter. Come visit us in the pit stop on Sunday or the church office Monday-Thursday during office hours. December 3 is the First Sunday of Advent Join us for worship and a festive chili luncheon provided by Session. Then, we ll decorate the Chrismon tree and ten to other decorations in the church. There will be Advent activities and fun for children of all ages. Backpack Food Program UPDATED LIST OF DONATIONS NEEDED: Breakfast Cookies, Individual Bags of Goldfish, Large Cans of Soup, Canned Tuna, and Saltine Crackers. A bin in the pit stop will receive your donation. Next Packing Date: January 3 FIRST FAMILY GATHERING EVENING PRAYER AT 5:45 P.M. IN THE CHAPEL WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT 6:00 P.M. We will gather as a church family for dinner on December 6 at 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome for fellowship and a delicious meal together. Jane needs your help cooking, baking, prepping, serving and cleaning up. December Menu: Homemade Vegetable Beef Soup, Tomato Soup, Crackers, Fruit, Kale Salad, Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich Station, Desserts, Tea, Lemonade, Coffee and Water. Contact the church office to make reservations: or klambert@fpcalbemarle.org. Volunteers Needed for First Family Gathering Dessert and Soup Crew: Tuesday, December 5 at 10:00 a.m. Salad and Fruit Crew: Wednesday, December 6 at 10:00 a.m. Set up crew: Wednesday, December 6 at 3:45 p.m. Final Touches crew: Wednesday, December 6 at 5:00 p.m. Clean-up crew: Wednesday, December 6 at 6:45 p.m. Before and after the First Family Gathering is a great time for fellowship. We have so much fun in the kitchen. I would love to have you join us! Please call Jane Snyder at the church , on her phone or her at jsnyder@fpcalbemarle.org. ANGEL TREE There is an angel ornament waiting for you or your group on the Christmas tree in the Pit Stop. Please stop by and select one or more with the name of a Central Elementary School student or their sibling. You will be provided with not only their Christmas gift wish-list but instructions how best to bring delight to that child on Christmas Day. Be sure to fill in your name or the name of your group/family on the appropriate line(s) on the sign-up sheet. Each child s angel ornament is linked to a specific number on the sheet. The unwrapped gifts need to be returned to the church by December 10. See the instruction sheet for more details. Should you have any questions, contact Peggy Finley at or maf447@windtsream.net.

5 From the First Presbyterian Church Community Christmas Dinner Committee Community Christmas Dinner Sunday, December 25 at Central United Methodist Church We are well on the way to the 28 th Annual Community Christmas Dinner with the following churches: Annunciation Catholic, Central UMC, Christ Episcopal, First Baptist, and First Lutheran. Food and volunteer sign-up sheets are on the bulletin board in the pit stop. If you sign-up for dressing or sweet potato casserole, we will provide the aluminum pan and lid. Monetary donations are accepted toward our church s portion of this total amount. If you would like to make such a donation, please indicate on your check Community Christmas Dinner. First Presbyterian Church Contact Person: Martha Sue Hall ( or hallmsh@hotmail.com). Blessings to all for helping provide a Christmas meal for so many in our community. Luncheon Help Needed for Advent Service at Christ Episcopal Church Wednesday, December 13 at Noon First Presbyterian Church is responsible for providing lunch following the noon advent service. Gayle Russell is the coordinator. Please let her know if you can donate a dessert, soup, or finger sandwiches. She will also need help with prep, transporting, serving, and clean-up on the day of the lunch, Wednesday, December 13. Sign-up sheet on clip board in Pit Stop or call Gayle at Thank You! Faith Explorers Christmas Card Fundraiser This December, you can help our Faith Explorers (4 th and 5 th graders) support the Helping Hands Ministry at SCCM by purchasing beautiful handmade Christmas cards to send to your family and friends. These unique cards were made with love by our Faith Explorers and will be sold in packs of 6 for $10. Cards will be on sale in the pit stop on Sundays, December 3 and 10, and on Wednesday December 6 before and after First Family Dinner.

6 OPPORTUNITIES THIS WEEK Sunday, November 26 Alternative Gifts available in the Pit Stop 9:45 am *Sunday School 10:40 am Called Session Meeting (Parlor) 11:00 am *Worship Monday, November 27 7:00 pm November Book Study 8:00 pm-9:00 pm Bible Study with Matt at Off the Square 8:30 pm Senior High Bible Study at Elizabeth s Tuesday, November 28 2:00 pm-3:30 pm Tea & Conversation (Parlor) Wednesday, November 29 6:30 am Toby Webb Men s Prayer Breakfast 9:15 am-11:00 am *Pray & Play 3:15 pm-5:15 pm Youth Cubs/Youth Club 5:15 pm-5:45 pm Youth Orff Ensemble (Grades K-2) 5:15 pm-5:45 pm Youth Handbells (Grades 3-5) 7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, November 30 10:00 am Staff Meeting Saturday, December 2 Community Table Sunday, December 3 First Sunday of Advent/The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper/Ten-Cents-A-Meal/ Alternative Gifts Available in the Pit Stop/ Faith Explorers Christmas Cards Fundraiser in the Pit Stop 9:00 am Breakfast Bunch (2 nd & 3 rd Graders-Media Room) 9:45 am *Sunday School 11:00 am *Worship 12:00 pm Advent Chili Lunch, Decorating, & Advent for Kids 12:00 pm Mission Committee (Session Room) 5:00 pm-7:30 pm Youth Group *childcare provided HAPPY BIRTHDAY! NOVEMBER 27- Charles McLaurin 29- Janice Abernathy Matt Drumheller 30- Bill Hall Diane Stevenson HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! NOVEMBER 26- Mark & Kim Andrew 29- Skeet & Elizabeth Ayscue HAPPY BIRTHDAY! DECEMBER 01- Steve Cumming Ruth Goodwin 02- Taylor Jolly Don Stewart Lynn White SCCM CHALLENGE FOR NOVEMBER Canned Fruit (Lite Syrup or No Sugar Added) SCCM CHALLENGE FOR DECEMBER CANNED VEGETABLES Green Beans, Corn, Carrots, Peas, Beans, Mixed Vegetables Vegall, Canned Tomatoes Saturday, December 2 First Presbyterian Church will host the Saturday lunch at the Community Table on Saturday, December 2. Volunteers are needed to prepare food ahead of time and to help serve and clean-up on December 2. For more information as to how you can help or to volunteer your services, contact Linda Anderson ( ) or refer to the Mission Bulletin Board in the pit stop area. Sign-up sheets are posted on the Mission Bulletin Board.