SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY

Transcription

1 Our Missi on: Gro wi ng i n Spi ri t Livi ng as Di scip les S erving Go d s Wo rld December 4, :30 a.m. SERVICE FOR THE LORD S DAY PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Prepare the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight. (Matthew 3:3) They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. (Isaiah 11:9) Gathering Music at 10:20 Grace Praise Band Alleluia He Is coming Your Name (Christmas Version) WE GATHER IN GOD S NAME Welcome and Announcements Prelude Ray Freeman, Organist and Accompanist Please stand if you are able.

2 Lighting of the Advent Candles The Christensen Family Kate, Annika Christensen, and Karsten Wahl Reader: Jesus said, I am the light of the world; those who follow me will not walk in darkness but have the light of life. People: We light these Advent candles today as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Reader: I will lead the blind by a road they do not know; by paths they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I will do and I will not forsake them. (Isaiah 42:16) (The first and second candles are lit.) Song Light Two Candles To Watch for Messiah (verses 1 & 2) Reader: Let us pray: People: Eternal God, through long generations, you prepared a way for the coming of your Son, and by your Spirit, you still bring light to illumine our paths. Renew us in faith and hope that we may welcome Christ to rule our thoughts and claim our love. In his name and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we pray. Amen. Hymn of Praise #3 Comfort, Comfort You My People Prayer of Confession Almighty God, you who have shaped out of nothing all that is, forgive us for returning empty-handed. You who called forth light, forgive our preference for the dark. You who sent John to be a voice crying for justice, forgive our reluctance to say anything at all. Create in us clean hearts, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Hear now our silent prayers. Amen. Responsive Assurance of Forgiveness (from Isaiah 43-44) Leader: Hear these words of assurance: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert...i have swept away your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. All: Thanks be to God for accepting us, including us, and binding us together as one body, equipped for service in the name and power of Jesus Christ. In him we are forgiven, redeemed, and renewed! 2

3 Song of Response While We Are Waiting, Come Passing of the Peace Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Response: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. Time for Children WE PROCLAIM GOD S WORD Children ages 3 & 4 are invited to Play n Worship in Room 13. Following their activity, they will be taken to the Nursery. Parents, please pick up your children directly after the worship service. Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 11:1-10 Gospel Lesson Matthew 3:1-12 Pastor: People: The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Sermon People, Get Ready Rev. Dr. Lisa Kenkeremath Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings WE RESPOND TO GOD S GRACE Offertory Of the Father s Love Begotten Men s Chorus Doxology 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 Introduction of New Members 3 Dave Retherford Joe Miller

4 Invitation to the Table Sacrament of the Lord s Supper Prayer of Thanksgiving Pastor: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Lift up your hearts. People: We lift them up to the Lord. Pastor: Let us give thanks and praise to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Pastor: It is truly right and our greatest joy...who forever sing to your glory: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest. (Hymnal #581) 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. Words of Institution and the Breaking of the Bread Communion of the People Prayer after Communion O God, you have so greatly loved us, long sought us, and mercifully redeemed us. Give us grace, that in everything we may yield ourselves, our wills and our works, a continual thank-offering to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Parting Hymn Blessing WE DEPART TO SERVE GOD Days of Elijah 4

5 Postlude Ray Freeman, Organist and Accompanist Please remain in the Sanctuary for the Congregational Meeting. Following the Meeting, a Celebration of Life will be held for Betty Vassel. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Today, immediately following worship, we participate in a congregational meeting called for the purpose of hearing a report by the Pastor Nominating Committee. At this meeting we will be voting on the recommendation of the PNC, that the selected pastor and the Terms of Call be accepted as presented. All are invited to stay to observe the process and participate in the discussion, but only those who are active members in good standing may vote. If you are a first-time visitor today, we ask your pardon if we delay greeting you personally while we conduct this important meeting! Please enjoy snacks in Wester Hall where From former member Fran Stewart - My Dear Friends in Christ, The flowers in the sanctuary were placed by the loving hands of the Flower Guild because He waits for us. We hear from friends... I m writing to let you know my daughter Shawn Anita Stewart-Larson ( ) was called home by God on July 7, Shawn was the daughter of Robert A. Stewart and Ethel Frances Stewart, previous members of Grace. We enjoyed being members of Grace, and I thank all of those who were my dear friends while I was a member. May God bless each of you who are serving for Grace. From Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO of Church World Services - Thank you for your kind donation of Hygiene Kits to Church World Services. Your compassion has given individuals and families touched by disaster the tangible evidence that they matter. That someone cares. And they are not alone. 5

6 Advent at grace Las Posadas - This Saturday, December 3rd, 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM Join us for our annual Advent Event! This year, our theme is "Las Posadas". We'll have the traditional Posadas journey to find room for Jesus at the inn, crafts, dinner, and villancicos (Christmas songs). Reservations are not required, but would be appreciated. You can sign up at the Information Station, or Pastor Susan at susan@gracepresby.org. This is an event for everyone--friends, neighbors, young, and old! Families - Please pick up an Advent Calendar! You ll find them near the Information Station, Along with Advent Devotion booklets. ADVENT STUDY - ADULT DISCIPLESHIP CLASS Sunday Mornings throughout Advent, 9:15 a.m., in the Family Room The Adult Discipleship Class has begun an Advent study of what Isaiah prophesied in anticipation of a new king, c. 800 BCE. Walter Brueggemann s book, Names of the Messiah, will review the four royal titles given--wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace--and the meaning they had at that time and at the time of the writing of the Gospels. As always, the group will share insight as to what this means for Christians today. Books are available in class for a $5 donation. Gift Wrap for Bethany House - Due by December 7 Please bring your donations of holiday wrap, gift bags, tags, ribbon, and bows to the collection basket near the tower entrance. Thank you for again helping to support Bethany House through your donations of gift wrap. ISRAEL/PALESTINE WORKSHOP - December 10 Plymouth congregational Church in DC All are invited to attend a workshop designed to help churches identify ways to implement the Israel/Palestine resolutions that were passed last summer by the United Church of Christ, PC(USA), and the Alliance of Baptists. Speaker, Rev. Graylan S Hagler, known as a proponent of Palestinian human rights, will spearhead the panel discussion. More information is available at the Information Station. See Kathy Drinkard if you are interested in carpools/bus transportation. 6

7 The Annual Christmas Brunch December 11th Cuántos Amigos? Come to the most elegant brunch of the Advent Season! Right here at Grace. All proceeds from your donations go to alleviate need in the community. Here s just a taste of what you ll be missing if you re not there: Paella Beef Bourguinon Steelhead Medley of Roasted Vegetables Sumptious Desserts! GRACE PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT December 14, 9:45 a.m. In the Sanctuary The Preschool would like to extend an invitation to the Grace congregation to join them for their annual Christmas Pageant. Come see what God has done in the Preschool! Aging with Grace - Advent Lunch December 15, Noon till 2 p.m. Wester Hall Santa and the Hand Chimes from Greensprings Retirement Community are providing the entertainment $10 Donation, please RSVP by December 12 (703) press #4 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO NABLUS - December 18? The Middle East Working Group invites you to Skype a Christmas conversation with the congregation in Nablus, in real time! The tentative date and time are Sunday, December 18, following worship. More information will be available as plans become concrete. Stay tuned! 7

8 PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN - CIRCLE 6 The women of Circle 6 invite all women of Grace to join them in their Bible study on the first Wednesday of each month. This month s meeting also marks the annual Christmas celebration, with snacks and treats, and the joy of being welcomed by friends for the holidays. December 7, 9:30 AM, in the Family Room END OF YEAR GIVING The Board of Directors is requesting input and consideration for end of year giving in support of the Church physical plant. As a safety measure, the Board is reviewing the installation of parking blocks in the North Parking Lot along the open space to the west. In addition, pull-down blinds will be installed in all the preschool rooms as a security measure. If you have questions or other suggestions, please contact the Board at GPCBOD@gmail.com or call Kent Ford at Club 456 and Youth George s Kids - Today! The Youth Group and Club 456 will leave at 2:00 PM today to go shopping for George s Kids. After shopping, we will return to church for snacks and to wrap gifts, ending at 5:00 PM. Christmas Party - Sunday, December 11 Next Sunday--it s a Christmas party! Details in the weekly . Wreaths Across America - Saturday, December 17 Youth will participate in the Wreaths Across America wreath laying at Alexandria National Cemetery in the morning. Details will follow. PROVIDE A HOLIDAY FEAST THIS DECEMBER The need continues with many hungry families in Northern Virginia. Provide a basket of food or grocery cards for a December holiday feast. Drop them off at ECHO or in the office here at Grace and we will get them to ECHO. For more information about this program, please contact Fran Eck at franalaneck@msn.com before December 12th. 8

9 GRACE WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS! The following new members have been received into the life of the church. Please greet them and make them feel at home: Kate Christensen - Kate is a retired Naval Officer and currently works as an engineer supporting the Navy. She grew up in the Methodist church and has enjoyed her experience learning about the Presbyterian faith at Grace. Kate has two children, Karsten and Annika, and they are all three very happy to have found a church home. Linda Patterson - Linda grew up in Staten Island, NY, and settled in Northern Virginia in February after a brief stay in Florida. She grew up in Calvary Presbyterian Church, then joined Olivet Presbyterian Church as an adult, the only two PC(USA) churches in Staten Island. She expressed such delight in finding a plethora of Presbyterian churches when she moved out of NYC! She has been very active in all aspects of her church life. She s served as an elder, being ordained at the age of sixteen, as a Sunday School Superintendent, and on many committees, but her love lies in her faith through music. She was asked to join the adult choir at her childhood church at the age of 14, and participated in their hand bell choir for many years. She has two adult children, Andrew and Rebekah, both living in NY, and a precious black cat named Velvet! FINANCIAL UPDATE Thank you to all members who have provided their 2017 pledges. To date, we have received 78 pledges totaling $367,826. We need additional pledges to reach last year's pledge total of $455,000. If you have not yet turned in your pledge card, please do so as soon as possible so that we can plan for next year's programs. You can put your pledge card in the offering plate or in Mike Phillips' box in the church office. Thank you. PLEDGE ENVELOPES The pledge envelopes are in the Narthex for you to pick up today. If you did not receive a box of envelopes but would like one, please contact the Church Office. CHECK OUT THE GRACE LIBRARY! There are many wonderful resources in the Grace Library. Among them are books about Israel/Palestine and the videos that have been used in the last two Voices from the Holy Land film series. Please check them out!! 9

10 Please pray for Grace Family Members and Friends Donna and Kevin Baetsen, Judy Bernal (Virginia Beach), Rhea Boswell, Cameron Buckley, Stan Dreyer, Jim Dunstan, Reecie Ford, Harry Gault, Lou Gaudian (Aarondale Assisted Living), Clara Gipson, James Lawson, Lynn Muys, Jenell Phillips, Malcolm Weaver, and our Missionary in the West Bank, Kate Taber Former Pastor: Paul Eckel The mothers of: Veronica Crump*, Mary Hawkins (Jean), Nancy Machado, Beth Jenkins Smith (Marie), Meg Rogers (Beth), Hiede Sowdon, Phillip Spiess (Dorothy), and Dave Treasure (Hilda) The fathers of: Raven Fox and Penny Newsome The son of: Rhea Boswell (Scott) The daughters of: Rich and Kathy Calahan Lynn), and Bob and Valerie Patrick (Molly Chacko) The brothers of: Ed Bryant (Paul) and Nelson Thurman (Dennis) The sisters of: Marie Lawall (Joan), Penny Newsome (Susan) The daughters-in-law of: Marie Lawall (Lisbeth*), and Warren and Maria Clayton (Julie - deployed to Korea) The sister-in-law of: Peter Smith (Annette) The nephews of: Claire Manger (Edward & Scott), and Dave Little (Sean) The niece of: Rosalie Lawson (Marcie) The cousins of: John Grimes (Lori), Donna Lucas (Angela), Nancy Machado (Jan), Valerie Patrick (Virginia), and Linda Patterson (Angie). The friends of: Cindi Bryant (Anna), Reecie Ford (Kate), Raven Fox (Deanna), Rosalie Lawson (Stephanie), Penny Newsome (Lisa and Louis), Marty Post (Lucy), Hiede Sowdon (Dylan), and Chris Thurman (*Chronic, ongoing situation) 10

11 GRACE CALENDAR - Through December 11th Sunday, Dec. 4 2nd Sunday in Advent 8:30 AM Called Session Meeting Library 9:15 AM Christian Education Various Locations 10:30 AM Service for the Lord s Day with Communion Sanctuary 11:30 AM Congregational Meeting Sanctuary 1:00 PM Betty Vassel Celebration Luncheon Wester Hall 2:00 PM Youth and Club George s Kids Off-site Monday, Dec. 5 7:00 PM Grace Tutoring WH, Office, Various Spaces 7:00 PM Joyful Ringers Practice Sanctuary 8:00 PM AA Family Room Tuesday, Dec. 6 9:00 AM Springfield Garden Club Meeting Family Room 10:00 AM AA Choir Room 1:00 PM Staff Meeting Library 1:30 PM Preschool Music and More Performance Wester Hall Wednesday, Dec. 7 9:30 AM Presbyterian Women - Circle 6 Family Room Thursday, Dec. 8 12:30 PM Preschool Christmas Luncheon Family Room 5:30 PM Fairfax Cty Parent Education Program Various Locations 7:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Choir Room 8:50 PM Praise Band Rehearsal Sanctuary Saturday, Dec. 10 8:00 AM Phoenix Landing Family Room Sunday, Dec. 11 3rd Sunday in Advent 9:15 AM Christian Education Various Locations 10:30 AM Service for the Lord s Day w/ Baptism Sanctuary 11:30 AM Annual Amigos Brunch Wester Hall 6:00 PM Youth Christmas Party Wester Hall 6:15 PM Club 456 Family Room OFFICE ABSENCE Virginia will be out of the office Monday and Tuesday, December 5th and 6th. Office volunteers will provide support in her absence. Please use the manager s phone , Press 1-- and address-- manager@gracepresby.org--for general church communications and information. WE ARE VERY GLAD YOU CHOSE TO WORSHIP WITH US TODAY! We encourage you to share requests for prayer. You may do so by completing prayer cards found in the pew racks and placing them in the offering plates. Trust your children to the care of our nursery workers. We provide childcare for infants and children up to 4 years old in the Nursery Suite downstairs, Rooms 3 & 5. Worship Bags are available in the Narthex for preschoolers - thirdgraders. Please return bags to the Narthex after the service. Grace 101, An Inquirer s Class (In progress, Sundays til 11/20) If you would like to learn more about the Presbyterian Church, Grace Church, and about membership, contact our pastor. Grace Weekday Preschool The Preschool is a Christian-based developmental program ministry. For information call

12 STA F F LISA KENKEREMATH Interim Pastor Office Days and Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm press #2, ext 207; pastor@gracepresby.org SUSAN WISSEMAN Stated Supply Associate Pastor Office Days and Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9:30 am - 3:00 pm press #3, ext 205; susan@gracepresby.org CHERYL DEANS Executive Office Manager Office Days and Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm; Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm press #1, ext 206; manager@gracepresby.org YVETTE MOY Aging With Grace Director Office Days and Hours: Monday - 9:00 am-12:00 pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 10:00-3:00 pm; Friday, 9:00 am - 11:00 am press #4; aging@gracepresby.org VERONICA CRUMP, Treasurer vlcrump@gmail.com SCOTT SEIFRIED, Music Director sseifried@yahoo.com RAY FREEMAN, Organist/Pianist/ Accompanist rfreeman504@comcast.net JIM DUNSTAN Hand Bell Choir Director moonmanjimd@hotmail.com GRACE OFFICE INTERIM STAFF Virginia Bouchard For now: , press 1 manager@gracepresby.org S E S S I ON Coleen Austin Aging With Grace; Stephen Ministry; Congregational Care Lee Bartlett Cindi Bryant Ed Bryant Dave Buckley Maria Clayton Kim Hatfield Alan Goldstein Nancy Machado Joe Miller Penny Newsome Michael Phillips John Sowdon Nelson Thurman Nursery/Bridges to Worship Human Resources Nominating/ Stewardship Missions Preschool Youth Ministry Communications Children s Discipleship Evangelism Worship Finance Fellowship Adult Discipleship Greta Miller, Clerk Lisa Kenkeremath, Moderator BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Anckner Craig Crooks Kent Ford, Chairman Rob Gold Scott Rogers Peter Smith gpcbod@gmail.com SESSION and BOARD OF DIRECTORS contact information is posted in church office and on GPC website. 12