Advent Lessons & Carols

Transcription

1 Advent Lessons & Carols Advent 2018 Advent Through the Backdoor Sunday, December 2, 2018, 10:00 a.m. First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette

2 Advent Lessons & Carols Prior to the start of the worship service, please ensure that all electronic devices are silenced. BELL PRELUDE Pastorale from The Messiah BAGPIPE PROCESSIONAL WELCOME AND OPENING PAYER *CALL TO WORSHIP The days are surely coming when God's promises shall be fulfilled. When our love for one another and for all God's children will increase. The days are surely coming when God's promises shall come true. When God will strengthen our hearts in humility and holiness. The days are surely coming when God's promises are realized in us. When we will walk the paths of faithfulness and steadfast love. *PLEASE STAND arr. Arnold B. Sherman *HYMN NO. 106 Prepare the Way, O Zion BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES As this first candle is lit, we begin a familiar journey made ever-new in Christ s love. We light this candle as a prayer for light to come where there is darkness. We light this candle as a prayer for warmth of heart and faith. We light this candle as a prayer for Christ to be known among us and in the world. Come among us, Lord Jesus Christ. Come among us, Lord Jesus Christ, to make our Advent journey vital and new. HANGING OF THE GREENS - BELL ANTHEM The Holly and the Ivy Trad. English Carol, arr. Cathy Moklebust CALL TO CONFESSION Advent is indeed a season of mystery of waiting, of longing, of watching. Even as we wait, God is powerfully present. Our God is the hidden mystery, the sun behind all suns, the soul behind all souls, in everything we touch, in everyone we meet. Let us confess to our gracious and mysterious God how we have not been faithful to our call, first in silent prayer... PRAYER OF CONFESSION Eternal God, maker of the skies above, lowly Christ, born amidst the growing earth, Spirit of life, wind over the flowing waters, in earth, sea and sky, you are there. As we begin this Advent Season, we ask, God, for your fresh forgiveness. When we have not touched but trampled you in creation, when we have not met but missed you in one another, when we have not received but rejected you in the poor, forgive us, and hear now our plea for your mercy and renewal. May this Advent be a new beginning for all of us. Amen. ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS To all and to each, where regret is real, God pronounces pardon and peace! Thanks be to God! Amen.

3 *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Hymn No. 67, verse 2, PUER NOBIS NASCITUR I sing of mercies that endure, forever firm, forever sure, A strong support that never dies, established changeless in the skies. *SHARING THE PEACE OF CHRIST The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you! Children are welcome to come forward to the front steps. TIME WITH YOUNG DISCIPLES BLESSING OUR CHILDREN IN SONG Hymn No. 487, verse 1 These treasured children present now are bound to us by sacred vow: With love, we make a heartfelt claim to welcome them in Jesus name. Pre-schoolers through first graders may go to class, all other children are invited to remain for Family Worship. Service of Lessons & Carols: An Advent Journey with Handel s Messiah (please remain seated for hymns) FIRST LESSON Isaiah 40:1-3 Hymn No. 87 Comfort, Comfort Now My People (congregation sing verses 1 & 3, choir will sing vs. 2) SECOND LESSON Isaiah 40:4-5 Anthem And the Glory of the Lord THIRD LESSON Isaiah 7:14, 40:6-9 Recitative, Air and Chorus - Behold! A Virgin Shall Conceive O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion FOURTH LESSON Isaiah 35:5-6; 40:10-11 Recitative and Air - Then Shall the Eyes of the Blind Be Opened He Shall Feed His Flock FIFTH LESSON Isaiah 9:6-7 Singers & Ringers Anthem For Unto Us a Child is Born Bell Anthem For Unto Us a Child is Born arr. Lorie Line/Kevin McChesney ADVENT REFLECTION Rev. Jeff Lehn PRAYERS FOR OUR ADVENT JOURNEY AND THE LORD S PRAYER 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

4 CALL FOR OFFERING OFFERTORY - Recitatives and Chorus Glory to God G. F. Handel *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE The Doxology (Hymn No. 606) Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God all creatures here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION Loving God, giver of all good gifts: we praise you for this season of Advent and for your gracious way of answering our prayers. We thank you for teaching us generosity and commitment to the work of your kingdom. Receive our tithes and offerings to the glory of your name and for the mission of your church. We pray in Christ s name. Amen. OUR COMMON LIFE HYMN NO. 82 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus HYFRYDOL *BENEDICTION *BAGPIPE RECESSIONAL TO THE WASSAIL PARTY All are invited downstairs to the Wallace Moore Fellowship Center for refreshments. Thank you to our Fellowship Ministry Group and our Confirmation Junior High students for hosting the Wassail Party, a long-standing fpcw tradition. WORSHIP LEADERS: Rev. Jeff Lehn, Pastoral Liturgist Rev. Erin Raska, Pastoral Liturgist Peggy Massello, Director of Worship and Music Aaron Stampfl, Music Assistant Pam Lutter and Carol Yampolsky, Violins Betty Lewis, Viola; Richard Yeo, Cello Patrick Lynch, Bagpiper Chancel Choir Singers & Ringers Chancel Bells CHURCH STAFF Rev. Jeff Lehn, Senior Pastor Rev. Erin Raska, Senior Associate Pastor Peggy Massello, Director of Worship & Music Aaron Stampfl, Music Assistant Josh Larson, Director of Student & Family Ministry Lindley Traynor, Director of Children & Family Ministry Sue Sklansky, Director of Congregational Care & Engagement Madeline Weston, Office & Communications Coordinator Marvin Behm, Financial Manager Maria Balthalzar, Childcare Provider Marigold Cooper, Childcare Provider First Presbyterian Church of Wilmette 600 Ninth Street, Wilmette, IL Phone: Fax: office@fpcw.org Website:

5 OUR COMMON LIFE ADVENT 2018 Sunday Worship 10 am Sermon Series - Advent Through the Backdoor Resignation to Hope Cynicism to Joy Separation to Peace Fear to Love Advent 1, Today Advent Lessons and Carols Advent 2, Dec. 9 Communion/Healing Service Advent 3, Dec. 16 Advent Worship Advent 4, Dec. 23 Christmas Pageant Christmas Eve, December 24 4 pm Family Candlelight Service 9 pm Candlelight Worship Service ADVENT ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES Advent Through the Backdoor Adult Study Sundays, 8:45 am, December 2-16 Advent Devotional God Lifts the Lowly based on Mary s Song of Praise. Christmas Luncheon All are invited join us Wednesday, December 12, Noon, WMFC, for lunch and a Christmas carol sing-a-long led by Music Director, Peggy Massello. Longest Night Service Thursday, December 20, 7:00 pm, Chapel. CHILDREN & YOUTH Infant Toddler Nursery Offers a caring, safe environment for our youngest children. The nursery is staffed with two professional caregivers each Sunday from 8:45-11:45 am. Sunday School for children ages 3 through 4 th grade. Children gather in the Yellow Room after Time with Young Disciples to hear, wonder, and respond to the story of God s love, through singing, prayer, art, games, and other activities. Club 56 curriculum fosters community and prepares students for confirmation. Mission and monthly Friday fellowship gatherings round out this curriculum. Confirmation Class Students meet at 8:45 am for breakfast and class in the Yellow Room on the 2nd floor. Students will meet next Sunday, December 9th. Tower Youth students meet today at 5 pm for dinner and fellowship. ADULT FAITH FORMATION & FELLOWSHIP Advent Adult Study Join us Sundays at 8:45 am during Advent for a compelling review of scripture. Our Advent theme this year is "Advent Through the Backdoor." Examining Advent through the lens of it's opposites. If you cannot join us Sundays, pick up a beautiful Advent devotional booklet in the narthex, containing exquisite artwork created by a young man with Down's Syndrome. Men s Hour Feel the need to decompress a bit? Then come check out Men s Hour. This group gathers each Thursday at 7 pm in the fpcw Lounge. No homework, no commitment, no pressure, just stop by and focus on spirituality and a walk with Jesus.

6 What's New on The App? Did Lessons and Carols get you in the mood for more hymns of the Advent season? The app has a link on the ADVENT page to Spotify, where you can listen to some of our favorites. If you have a favorite playlist, let us know and we will add it! Men s Council Gathers at Saturdays, 7:30 am for breakfast and fellowship followed by a presentation. All are welcome and please RSVP to edwinbender84@gmail.com. Presentation for December 8th is Understanding and Designing Vaccines, presenter: Jeff Martin. Christmas Greeting Cards What better way to get to know new faces at church than by sharing our Holiday Cards with each other. As you are mailing cards to friends and family, don't forget to send one or drop one off at church. They will be displayed in the church Narthex. Church address: 600 Ninth Street Wilmette, IL Ring those bells on Christmas Eve! Come join the Chancel Bells for a short session leading up to ringing at the 9:00 pm service on Sunday, December 24th, Christmas Eve. We'll rehearse Thursdays Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 8-9 pm in the Music Room on the Lower Level. Please let Peggy Massello, Director of Music and Worship, know of your interest. MISSION PCUSA Young Adult Volunteer Emily Hicks, former fpcw member, is now serving as a PCUSA Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) in Washington D.C. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation while exploring the meaning and motivation of their faith in community with peers and mentors. fpcw is pleased to support Emily through the May Fund, an fpcw endowed fund given to support and encourage theological education. Check out the News & Publications page of our website to read a letter from Emily Hicks. Stock the Shelves Truck is the missing link that unites an abundance of North Shore resources with underresourced refugee families. The STS truck delivers these items on the 4th Wednesday of the month to 125 refugee families who select the items they need to continue to build sustainable lives. How can you help? Check out the new Stock the Shelves website for ways to donate and/or volunteer. Katawa, Malawi School Project fpcw donated money to our sister church in Katawa, Malawi, for a new school building. For students to be eligible to attend school, each child is required to have various school items. Check out the News & Publications page of our website to access the list of items school children need. Please consider donating to this important mission and help support these children with an opportunity to continue their education. ***************************************************************************************************** Hark, Ye Christmas Cookie Bakers Deacons plan to assemble holiday cookies for delivery as gifts to various church members and friends. If you plan to bake, we would love to have your help. Please fill out the form and drop it into the offering plate or the church office. Please drop off your cookie donation in the small kitchen on the main floor during regular office hours. Mon., 12/10, Tues., 12/11, Wed. 12/12 and Thurs., 12/13, For more information please contact Ann Boyle at boyle6939@gmail.com Please consider helping with this important cookie ministry. Yes, I ll bake cookies! We are asking for 1 batch (3-4 dozen) Please deliver cookies in zip-lock bags! Kind of Cookies Your Name, Phone Number and # of Dozens

7 JOYS AND CONCERNS For those with health concerns: Melissa Rooks, Katie Harris, Marge Brumitt, Rod Quainton, and Carlyn Whitehand, For those who grieve, For our homebound members who are with us in spirit, For those with mental illness or addictions, and those who walk beside them. CALENDAR FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2018 Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm, Friday, 9 am - 3:30 pm Mon., Dec. 3 7:00 pm Deacons Lounge 7:30 pm Boy Scouts Troop 5 WMFC 8:30 pm Crew 5 Yellow Room Tues., Dec. 4 10:00 am Staff Meeting Lounge 6:30 pm Strategic Planning Upper Room 7:30 pm Adult Faith Formation Lounge Wed., Dec. 5 9:15 am Mom s & Psalms Lounge 5:30 pm Finance Budget & Operations Upper Room 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Music Room Thurs., Dec. 6 9:30 am Presbyterian Homes Spoke Pres. Homes 10:00 am Bible Study Upper Room 4:30 pm Pageant Rehearsal Sanctuary 5:45 pm Church Family Dinner WMFC 7:00 pm Men s Hour Lounge 8:00 pm Chancel Bells Music Room Fri., Dec. 7 12:45 pm Al-Anon Lounge 6:00 pm Club 56 Christmas Party WMFC Sat., Dec. 8 7:30 am Men s Council WMFC Sun., Dec. 9 8:45 am Childcare Nursery Confirmation Class Chapel Adult Advent Study Upper Room 10:00 am Worship Sanctuary 10:15 am Sunday School ages 3-4th grade Yellow Room Club 56 (5th-6th grade) Purple Room 11:15 am Fellowship Hour WMFC 5:00 pm Tower Senior Highs WMFC

8 STAY CONNECTED AT FPCW If you have not been able to attend worship, please note that worship bulletins and the Common Life are posted on our website at Click on Worship Services under the Worship & Music tab. Stay connected to fpcw Make sure you download the fpcw phone app and stay up to date and connect to all the church activities. Questions? Contact Sue Sklansky at WEBSITE FACEBOOK facebook.com/1st Presbyterian Church of Wilmette TWITTER SERMONS CALENDAR CHURCH STAFF Jeff Lehn Senior Pastor ext. 12 Erin Raska Senior Associate Pastor ext. 24 Peggy Massello Director of Worship & Music ext. 16 Aaron Stampfl Music Assistant Josh Larson Director of Student & Family Ministry ext. 23 Lindley Traynor Director of Children & Family Ministry ext. 20 Sue Sklansky Director of Congregational Care and Engagement ext. 14 Madeline Weston Office & Communications Coordinator ext. 11 Marvin Behm Financial Manager ext. 13 Marie Balthazar Childcare Provider Marigold Cooper Childcare Provider OFFICE HOURS 9am-5pm (Monday-Thursday) 9am-3:30pm (Friday) FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WILMETTE 600 9th Street, Wilmette, IL