December 25, :30 a.m.

Transcription

1 WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Warm greetings and love in Christ are extended to each gathered in this house of worship. A double asterisk (**) indicates you may rise in body or in spirit as you are able. Large print hymnals and bulletins are available from an usher. Please respectfully allow others to worship by keeping all cell phones/pagers silent or off. Please record your name and address on the Ministry of Friendship (red folder at the end of the row). Pass it to the end of the row and back to see with whom you worship. Children are always welcome in worship services. If parents prefer, a nursery for infants and toddlers is available in the North Wing. A Children s Bible is located on the wooden tree at the rear of the Sanctuary. Use this Bible to engage your children in scripture. You will find this Sunday s reading under the title 4th Sunday in Advent. Please return the Bible to the tree following worship. Children's Worship bags are located on the wooden tree for children through 5th grade. Take the bulletin and activity sheets home, but please return the bag with all other materials to the tree after worship. Children and Worship does not meet today. CHRISTMAS DAY December 25, :30 a.m. The Prelude is a veil dropped between everyday life and the Sanctuary. When you enter the Sanctuary, the music should separate the world without from the world within. If you must whisper, let it be into the ear of God. PRELUDE...Variations on the Noël Where are you going, you merry shepherds? - C. Balbastre GATHERING OF THE COMMUNITY The Passing of the Peace Greet one another: The peace of Christ be with you. Response to one another: And also with you. Minute for Joy Offering...Gary Franklin

2 ORGAN MEDITATION on Adeste Fideles - R. te Velde **CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Community: Leader: Community: Leader: Community: Leader: Community: Wonder of wonders, God has come to us! As a Savior, not a judge; as a servant, not a bully. Wonder of wonders, God has come to us! In human form, not in magic; bringing Light, not in mystery. Wonder of wonders! God is with us! Wonder of wonders! Let us light the Christ Candle for God is with us! LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE... Emmanuel Em-man-u-el, Em-man-u-el, His name is called Em-man-u-el. God with us, revealed in us, His name is called Em-man-u-el. **UNISON PRAYER Holy God, you come to show us that our lives are holy. You share your love with us and all creation. Thank you for sending Jesus to remind us to touch one another with love. You send Jesus to bring us comfort, encouragement and hope. May we reflect the Light of Jesus into the world so everyone will know and feel the truth of the angels message: Good news, wonderful, joyful news and peace to all people. Amen. **CHRISTMAS CAROL 41, VERSE 1... O Come, All Ye Faithful THE CHRISTMAS STORY WITH CAROLS... The Nativity illustrated by Julie Vivas O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Silent Night, Holy Night Silent night, Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing! Hark! The herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King. Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled! Joyful, all ye nations, rise, join the triumph of the skies; With angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! The herald angels sing, 2 Glory to the newborn King!

3 Away in the Manger Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, The little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay. We Three Kings O, star of wonder, star of night, Star with royal beauty bright; Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. **CHRISTMAS CAROL 23, verse 3... Angels We Have Heard on High CHRISTMAS PRAYER PRESENTATION OF OUR LIVES AND OFFERINGS OFFERTORY...In dulci jubilo, BWV J. S. Bach **CHRISTMAS DOXOLOGY... Angels, from the Realms of Glory, Hymn 22, Verse 4 All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son, Evermore your voices raising To the eternal Three in One: Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King. **PRAYER OF DEDICATION **CHRISTMAS CAROL 40, verses 1 and 4... Joy to the World **COMMISSION AND BENEDICTION **POSTLUDE...In dulci jubilo, BWV J. S. Bach (During the Postlude, you are invited to remain in the Sanctuary to reflect upon God s Word and promise for you as you go to serve in the world.) - ASSISTING IN WORSHIP TODAY - Preaching: Liturgists: Organist: Ushers: Greeters: Host: Counters: Gordon Edwards, Pastor Rusty, Denise, Ethan, and Caitlyn Rex Rebecca te Velde K and Sandy Cohlmia, Dick Shawley, David Baker, John Gelder & Lisa McGaw Jerry & Mary Burson, Gwen Piersall, Nancy Franklin, Mary Frye, Beverly Gumm Cynthia Shawley Tim Krehbiel, Steve Fairbanks 3

4 The 2011 Christmas Joy Offering is received today. Please prayerfully consider participating in this offering which provides assistance to retired and active church workers and their families and supports Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education. - MUSIC NOTES BY REBECCA TE VELDE - Prelude: Claude Balbastre ( ) was appointed organist (one of several) at Notre Dame in Paris in He taught members of the royal family and also served as one of the organists at the Versailles chapel. This buoyant setting of a traditional French Noël brings the shepherd s excitement to life for us yet again in Offertory and Postlude: J.S. Bach ( ) wrote these settings of hymn #28 ( Good Christian Friends, Rejoice! ) while still a very young man in his first church job in Arnstadt ( ). The offertory is a gentle arrangement that allows for the use of our Cimbelstern. In the joyful, exuberant postlude, Bach inserts free, toccata-like passages between the phrases of the hymn melody. Excitement builds to a wonderfully joyous conclusion Financial Peace University Have you ever reached the end of a month and wondered where your money went? You aren't alone. Managing money isn't easy! Come to the Financial Peace University Preview Class to learn how to better manage your money and your life. We are hosting Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace class to teach God s way of handling money. The class consists of Dave's teaching on video, followed by small-group discussion. Here are the Class Details: Free Preview: January 8, Noon, Hospitality Area Class Start: January 19, 6:00 p.m., Youth Suite Registration Deadline: January 8 Cost: $100 for lifetime member kit For more information: Tim and Becky Schlais, (405) or becky.schlais@okstate.edu Please make plans to join us on the journey to true financial peace! 4

5 Wanda Bradley Chowning Brake Robert Branson Abbey Brown Shannon Cape Keenan Carter Lanna Carter Susie Causley Mary Louise Chapel J B CHRISTIAN C Allison Christy Abby Clapp Mike Clemens Lisa Cook Don Cooper Dona Cooper Dan Condit Sharon Corley Sue Cornish Rick Coutant Mildred Crayton Anita Davis Pete Davis Pat Dorr Bill Eason Lori Fagan PRAYER CONCERNS Larger Church: Middle East Joy: December 15 birth of Emerson Grace, daughter of Jenna & Casey Campbell, sister of Reese, and granddaughter of Larry & Carolyn Caldwell and Bob & Michelle Campbell Sorrow: Julie Bills in the death of her father, John Members & family members of our church family who have been activated and/or deployed in service to our country: SGT Chris Boren (PYG) SPC Micheal Casteel (SPD) SGT Anthony Gillilan (Savage) Alice Giacobbe Robert Gibson Bud Gray Hunter Griffin Barbara Gunter Norma Hall Adelia Hanson Karl Harman Dorothy Hayes Nelda Hershberger Keith Humphrey Kristin Hutcherson Jim Huwe Kim Jenkins Evelyn Johnson Cindy Johnston Mary Jane Kirchenbauer Noah Kiser Tom Koehn Tom Kunz Todd Lowry Tom Lutjens Janet Martin Ray Matoy Elisa Mendoza Tony Mendoza Bob McGaw Rhonda McKee Philip Meadows Luke Miller Laura Mitchell Bob Neal Cindy Nelson JOAN PARSONS Bill Raun Pat Razook Jim Rex Paul Roach Leslie Roark Mercedes Rogers Betty Scott Steve Shedrick David Smith Grace Smith Naomi Stevenson Shannon Steele Gerald Stotts Betty Stratton Gayle Thomas Dan Tripp Don Tripp Charlie Walker MAJ Adam Headrick (Osborn) SGT Ricardo Inciarte (SPD) LTC Shannon Jordan (SPD) Kelsey Walker Lucille Wickstead Nona Wilhm Roland Wilkinson Tracy Wilkinson Lynn Witzen Bruce Abbey Jean Ames Margie Anderson Kay Baker Roger Banks Sarah Barr Twink Barr Will Barr Steve Bender Julie Bills Jill Boggs LeNell Bowen Glen Boyer LEON BOYER Bold means recently added MAJ Lee North (Savage) MG Tod Wolters (Wolters) It s time for a new Church Picture Directory Photographs will be taken January 25-28, January 31-February 2, and February 9-11 Sign up at the church website or call the Church Office ( ). 5

6 OUR WORSHIP SERVICE IS BROADCAST AT 11:00 A.M. EACH SUNDAY ON KSPI AM (780). POINSETTIAS WILL BE DELIVERED TO CHURCH MEMBERS FOLLOWING WORSHIP TODAY. If you can assist with the delivery, please contact Claudia Roach. HAVE YOU RETURNED YOUR 2012 PLEDGE CARD AND TIME AND TALENT SHEET? Your commitment is needed to complete the ministries of our church. Please return it as soon as possible. THE 2012 FLOWER CALENDAR is on the bulletin board in the south hallway. Sign up on the Sunday you would like to provide flowers for the Communion or Narthex table. Cost is $20. Today: MORNING WORSHIP IS AT 9:30. Church School Classes do not meet; classes resume on January 8. THE JOY OFFERING is a special PC(USA) offering to assist retired clergy and Presbyterianrelated racial ethnic higher education. Use a special envelope (available in the pews) to make a gift to this important offering. PYG (PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH GROUP) DOES NOT MEET. This Week: CHURCH OFFICE IS CLOSED MONDAY, DECEMBER 26. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY DOES NOT MEET THIS WEEK. SATURDAY MORNING BRUNCH IS SERVED AT 11:00 A.M. in Fellowship Hall. Next Sunday, January 1 - ANNOUNCEMENTS - ONE WORSHIP SERVICE AT 9:30 A.M. Church School classes do not meet. FELLOWSHIP TIME FOLLOWING WORSHIP IN FELLOWSHIP HALL. Bring your family, guests, and goodies and celebrate the new year with a potluck brunch. Some people are bringing black eyed peas. Drop your goodies in the Fellowship Hall on your way to church. Dale & Margie Alspach in memory of Stu & Louise Alspach and Jim & Mary Jenkins, and in celebration of Matt Alspach and Janet & Kenny Martin Gene & Janet Anderson in memory of Ralph & Francis Higgins the Arquitt family in memory of Mr. & Mrs. G.E. Arquitt, Sr. the Arquitt family in memory of Dr. C.R. Bender and in honor of Mrs. C.R. Bender D.E. & Marilyn Bourne in celebration of Christ s birth Charlie & Elizabeth Bruce in celebration of our children and grandchildren Jerry & Mary Burson in celebration of the strength of our church community Poinsettia dedications continue 6

7 the Chancel Choir with love and appreciation in honor of Heather Lanners, Best Choir Director ever! the Chancel Choir with love and appreciation in honor of Becky te Velde, Best Organist ever! Donna Clark in celebration of the joys of family and friendship K & Sandy Cohlmia in memory of Mae & Mitch Cohlmia and Margaret & Ned Stuart the Rick Dearinger family in celebration of God s continual love and hope for the world Mike & Ellen Dicks in memory of George Martin Dicks Gordon & Marty Edwards in memory of their parents FPC Stephen Ministers in celebration of Carolyn Caldwell, and with thanks for her faithful gifts to our Stephen Ministry Mission FPC Stephen Ministers in celebration of Kay Stewart, and with thanks for her faithful gifts to our Stephen Ministry Mission Cathy & Steve Fairbanks in memory of Billie & Perk Powers and Gus Fairbanks, and in honor of Helen Fairbanks Veta Jo, Beth, and Jo Ellen Fenimore in memory of Bob Fenimore Dennis & Judy Ferrell in celebration of Fred & Elouise Hansen and Vernon & Elva Ferrell the Gelder/McGaw families in memory of Harvey & Stella Gelder and Waurine Nixon and Sue McGaw, and in honor of our families Peggy Gibbs in memory of Lawrence Gibbs and Auntie Mignon Joe Groshong & Nancy Dryden in memory of Ray & Eleanor Dryden Judy & Gary Holland in celebration of Judy s mother s 90th birthday and in honor of their grandchildren Mairead, Shea, Cash, and Cade Guyla Bond Houston in memory of Franklin Emory Bond, USMC the Houston Family in memory of Barbara Houston and Lillian Houston Jeff Jaynes and Pat Jaynes in celebration of Jenna, Justin, and Jenny Kay Woodruff Keys in memory of her parents H.E. & Catherine Woodruff Samuel & Dorothy Kraemer in memory of Dorothy s parents, Mr. & Mrs. L.E. Keene Allan & Patty McCrary and Dale Fehringer in honor of Paul & Ines McCrary Ken & Mary McKinley in celebration of the Fair Trade Store Iris McPherson in memory of Jim McPherson Steven, Christina, Luke, and Isabelle Miller in memory of Roy O. Evans, III Joseph L. Myers in memory of J.B. Brown Bob Norris in memory of Kay Norris Bob Norris in memory of Harold & Nancy Norris Bob Norris in memory of Walter & Marjorie Baum 7 Poinsettia dedications continue

8 Carol & Kent Olson in celebration of their grandchildren and children Larry & Beverly Perkins in honor of their Church Family and Staff Frank, Mary Jane, and Brenda Phillips in memory of family and friends Rusty, Denise, Ethan, and Caitlyn Rex in honor of Christine Parson, Ray Parson, and Glenn & Lou Ann Rex...the Roberts Family in memory of Audrey Roberts and Pastor Jim Struthers the Rohlfings in memory of Dan E. Goodwin the Savage family in memory of grandparents passed Jim Shaw & Tracy Carter in celebration of Fauna s engagement to Sean Hurley Dick & Cynthia Shawley in celebration of God s greatest gift His Son Betsy Showalter in honor of the Saturday Brunch Ministry Ginny Smith in celebration of and hope for world peace Ted & Laura Smith in memory of Margaret Brown K. Kay Stewart in gratitude for Christ among us Steve & Cheryl Stone in memory of Cheryl s mother Jane Smith, and Steve s parents Max & Lois Stone, and in honor of Cheryl s father Sid Smith Tom Thedford & Libby Stott in celebration of loved ones, past and present Bettie Todd in memory of Ray & Perle Sissons, Ruth Ann Sissons, Beulah Grace Cox, and Rae Mae Hudson Edna Visnic, Will Goetze, and Taylor Goetze in memory of Samuel Visnic and Dr. Sandra Goetze Janet, John, and Donna Webster in memory of Jennifer Webster Jim & Arletta Webster in memory of their daughter, Jennifer Webster, and their fathers, Gilbert Webster and George Visser Jim & Lynda Williams in celebration of their 55th anniversary Mary Williams in memory of Eric Williams Tom, Emily, and Bryn Williams in memory of Eric Williams and James & Virginia Taff, and in honor of Mary Williams David Womack in memory of Katie Womack After worship today, poinsettias will be delivered to many members of our church family. Donations beyond what was needed to purchase the poinsettias were given to the Christmas Joy Offering of the PC(USA). If you can help deliver poinsettias, please contact Deacon Claudia Roach. 8

9 - THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - SUNDAY (DECEMBER 25) 9:30 a.m. Worship...SAN Church School classes do not meet. PYG does not meet. MONDAY Church Office closed. TUESDAY 8:45 a.m. Morning Prayers... LIB WEDNESDAY 7:30 a.m. Communion... LIB Location Key: Main Building: LIB = Library HA = Hospitality Area HAK = Hospitality Area Kitchen MPR = Multi Purpose Room NA = Narthex PL = Parking Lot SAN = Sanctuary VES = Vestibule WC = Worship Center WR = Westminster Room YS = Youth Suite PRE = Preschool THURSDAY 8:45 a.m. Morning Prayers...LIB Bible Study does not meet. FRIDAY 8:45 a.m. Morning Prayers...LIB SATURDAY 11:00 a.m. Saturday Brunch... FH SUNDAY (JANUARY 1) 9:30 a.m. Worship...SAN 10:30 a.m. Fellowship Brunch... FH Church School classes do not meet. PYG does not meet. Fellowship Hall: FH = Fellowship Hall NFH = NORTH Fellowship Hall SFH = SOUTH Fellowship Hall KIT = Kitchen SDR = Small Dining Room First Presbyterian Church 524 S. Duncan Stillwater, OK