Messages and Music That Return Us To Christmas

Transcription

1 Messages and Music That Return Us To Christmas Christ Presbyterian Church Advent 2013 D_]_m\_r 15, 2013

2 Welcome Families to Christ Church! For those of you with very small children (up to age 3) our Nursery is open and available to you in our lower level. Our caring volunteers are ready and willing to watch over your child while you are in service this morning. You can worship with peace of mind as all parents are given a pager so you can be contacted at a moment s notice should your child need you. An usher is able to help direct you if you need assistance. All children are welcome to come forward for our Children s Message. Following the message, children ages 3 through 7th grade are invited to follow our teachers out for Kids Church. At the end of service, children up through 4th grade can be picked up in the lower level, while children in 5th-7th grade can be picked up upstairs in our youth room. An usher is able to help direct you to these locations if you need assistance. Thank you for worshiping with us this morning. I look forward to meeting you and your child. Jennifer George, Children s Ministry Director The Order For Morning Worship Third Sunday of Advent * Those who are able please stand; if rising and si ng is difficult for you, then please remain seated. Please silence all electronic devices prior to the worship service. Large print copies of the hymns are available in the Narthex or from an usher. December 15, 2013 Ten-Thirty O Clock PREPARING FOR WORSHIP Congregational Singing Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Cantor: People: Hymn No. 103 (sung by all) Come Now, O Prince of Peace

3 Welcome Call to Worship Leader: My soul magnifies the Lord; Luke 1:46b-47, 49 People: my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Leader: The Mighty One has done great things. People: Holy is God s name! Lighting of the Advent Candles *Hymn in Procession No. 82 Jan & Barb Bartchy, Karen Morabito Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus *Prayer of Adoration (unison) Holy God, your prophets have long spoken Matthew 11:2-11 of the one who would come to save us. Now the promise is fulfilled; now your kingdom has come near. Send us as messengers of your way, to go and tell all the world of the wonders we have seen and the good news we have heard; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Call to Confession GIVE PRAISE TO GOD Prayer of Confession (unison) God of majesty and glory, we are thirsty for your grace. You made a way for us in the wilderness, and still, in our foolishness, we go astray. We hide our eyes from your presence. We do not listen to your Word. We are lifeless when we ought to dance and speechless when we ought to sing. Forgive us, O Lord. Speak peace to our fearful hearts, strengthen our weak hands, and make firm our feeble knees as we seek to follow in your holy way. Amen. Kyrie (sung by all) Hymn No. 579 Singing three petitions in Greek: Kyrie... Christe... Kyrie. Lord, Have Mercy

4 The Declaration of Forgiveness Leader: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. People: May the God of mercy, who forgives us all our sins, strengthen us in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life. Unison: Amen. *The Peace Leader: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you. (The people may exchange with one another, by words and gesture, signs of peace and reconciliation.) During the Passing of the Peace, children are invited to walk to the front for the Message. LISTEN FOR GOD S WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED Message for Children Prayer for Illumination Old Testament Reading Isaiah 35:1-10 The Return of the Redeemed Leader: The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible pages 578 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible pages Anthem Magnificat in E John Rutter My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me, and holy is his Name. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

5 He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he hath sent empty away. He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel, as he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever. 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. -- The Song of Mary; Luke 1:46-55 Epistle Reading James 5:7-10 Patience in Suffering Leader: The Word of the Lord. Pew Bible pages 982 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible pages 281 *Hymn No. 100 My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout The Gospel Matthew 11:2-11 Messengers from John the Baptist Leader: The Gospel of the Lord. Pew Bible page 792 People: Thanks be to God. Large Print Pew Bible pages Sermon Hope Before You Rev. David L. de Vries Jesus answered them, Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. OUR RESPONSE TO THE WORD *Affirmation of Faith The Apostles Creed: page 35 Prayers of the People and the Lord s Prayer Offertory Anthem Charles Wood O thou, the central orb of righteous love, Pure beam of the most high, eternal light Of this our wintry world, thy radiance bright Awakes new joy in faith, hope soars above. Come, quickly come, and let thy glory shine, Gilding our darksome heaven with rays divine. Thy saints with holy luster round thee move, As stars about thy throne, set in the height Of God s ordaining counsel, as thy sight Gives measured grace to each, thy power to prove. Let thy bright beams disperse the gloom of sin, Our nature all shall feel eternal day, In fellowship with thee, transforming day To souls erewhile unclean, now pure within. Amen. H. R. Bramley

6 *Doxology FESTAL SONG *Prayer of Dedication (unison) Thanks be to you, O God, maker of heaven and earth giver of justice, lover of righteousness, hope of the afflicted, and friend of the poor. Your faithfulness never fails. Take and use these gifts we offer to further your purpose in the world and to fulfill the promise of the world to come; through Christ our Lord we pray. Amen. RE-ENTRY INTO THE WORLD TO SERVE THE LORD Being Christ s Church Minute for Mission ~ Children s & Youth Christmas Program (Please sign the Friendship Pad found in your pew and return it toward the center aisle, noting names of those with whom you are worshiping.) Lee Lavery *Hymn in Procession No. 105 People, Look East *Benediction Choral Response Hymn No. 95 Prepare the Way of the Lord *Organ Voluntary on Hymn 88 Veni Emmanuel Adolphus Hailstork Greeting One Another For anyone wishing confidential individual prayer, immediately following the service a member of the Stephen Ministry will be available in the Chapel. AT REST: Nick Halkides November 29, 2013 Albertine Scarlott-December 6, 2013

7 The flowers in the Chancel vases are given in loving memory of Jim Doebereiner by Judy. The flowers in the Pedestal vases are given in loving memory of Joseph Long Hilton, Jr. from Lois Hilton. The Cathedral Hour today is made possible through the generous donations from members and friends of Christ Presbyterian Church. Liturgist: Bette Maier Preparing for Next Week Scripture Readings for December 22, 2013 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25 Consider: In Romans 1:1-6, Paul defines himself according (1) who Jesus is (promised through the prophets); (2) what Jesus gives (grace and apostleship); and (3) why Jesus is for all people (to foster faith). How do those qualities and gifts inform your own definition of self? How might you amend, or more greatly appreciate, your own self-image and the image you have of others because of Jesus? Sunday Morning Adult Classes ~ 9:15-10:15 a.m. The Library Class is working on the Book of James by John McArthur. Contemporary Issues and Biblical Thought Adult Class is studying the Book of Mark; meets in the Quilting Room. The Parlor Class is studying from the Present Word: 12/15 Zechariah Prophesies, led by Jim Smith; 12/22 Jesus is Born, led by Jack Ketterer; 12/29 Jesus Is Presented in the Temple, led by Les Morgan. Intergenerational Bible Study Class in the Upper Room (on the second floor above the Parlor): Mike Ophardt leads the discussion. Westminster Class: On Dec. 22, Dr. John David Geib will lead the Westminster Hall class Angels at the Nativity: 24 Hour Adoration. Weather/Building Related Closings In the event of church services/activities being cancelled due to inclement weather, the closing will be announced on the local television stations, WKYC-TV3; NewsChannel 5. You may also check the websites: or

8 Tuesday, December 17 T.A.G. Luncheon & Program Cost: $7.00 (ham balls, vegetable, potato, dessert) 11:30 a.m. Fellowship/11:45 a.m. Lunch in Westminster Hall followed by program, Jazz at Christmas with Chuck Reiman Sign up online, at the kiosk, or call the Church office ( ). Sunday, December 22 Christmas program The children and youth of Christ Church invite you to attend this year s Christmas Program, Simply Christmas at 5:00 pm This year our youth will also be performing a play of their own following the children s program! Come and hear everyone in the Christmas story tell their part of the story in their own creative way! Cookie and punch reception to follow. Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 6:30 p.m. Family Worship in the Sanctuary Children & Youth Choirs 9:45 p.m. Music of the Season in the Sanctuary Chancel Choir 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service in the Sanctuary Chancel Choir Sunday, December 29 Worship 8:00 a.m. Worship in the Chapel 10:30 a.m. Festival of Christmas of Lessons & Carols in the Sanctuary Chancel Choir, Brass Quartet Daily Graces ~ CPC Rhythms of Worship and Discipleship The Week of December 15, 2013 Using Sunday s Order of Worship, we enter into worship and prayer every day of the week. We worship together separately. The Call to Worship The Prayer of Adoration (Followed by silence) The Prayer of Confession (Followed by silene) The Assurance of Pardon Scripture Readings (Worship texts for next Sunday, December 22) Monday Isaiah 7:10-16 Tuesday Psalm 80:1-7 Wednesday Romans 1:1-7 Thursday Matthew 1:18-25 Friday Psalm 80:17-19 Saturday Isaiah 7:10-16 Silent Meditation and Prayer (Listening for God s voice in Scripture & silence) Prayers of the People (Lifting others before God) Prayer of Dedication Becoming Familiar With Holy Scripture If you wish to become more familiar with the Bible and the best known stories of scripture, read Isaiah 40 ~ Soaring on Wings Like Eagles.

9 2013 Charitable Contribution Deduction Please remember that all cash donations and/or stock transfers must be delivered to the Church Financial Office by December 31, 2013, in order to claim them as a charitable contribution deduction on your 2013 tax returns. Checks placed in the Church offering on the first Sunday in 2014 will not qualify for a charitable contribution deduction in 2013, even if the check is predated to 2013 or was actually written in When contributing stock, please send a letter of direction and intent to Merrill Lynch and also a copy to myself in the church office. Thank You, Donald Weltlich REMINDER: The 2014 Per Capita Communicant Apportionment is set at $28.63 per member. With the General Assembly receiving $7.02, Synod $3.25 and the Presbytery $ Your assistance in donating to help defray the cost to the church will be greatly appreciated. Please indicate on your check for the 2014 apportionment. As you are aware, Session had voted to withhold the G/A and Synod portions and distribute them equally between the Session and the Mission Funds. The Presbytery portion will continue to be paid monthly to the Presbytery. What does PB&J mean to you? To some it could bring back memories of a nice afternoon snack we had after school when we were very young and our mothers had it waiting for us with a big glass of milk. But unfortunately for many in our community it might be their only meal for the day. On Epiphany Sunday, January 5, the Deacons are once again asking for your generous donations of 18 oz. jars of peanut butter and jelly. The Food, Clothing & Prayer Ministry will include this along with their regular food distributions on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month. In years past we have had so many donations that we were able to include these items for not just one distribution but several. The Deacons thank you for your continued generosity. Deacon, Joyce McKimm Advent devotionals now available on the information kiosk and throughout the church. This year s devotional is also available as a digital download on Nook and Amazon Kindle for $ Offering Envelopes: If you requested envelopes, you will find them beginning today in alphabetical order on the table in Cloister Hall. If you do not find envelopes with your name, and would like to receive them, please call the Church office or print your name on the pad found on the table. If you are not able to pick up your envelopes, please call the Church office and we will gladly mail them out to you. Holiday Office/Building Hours Tuesday, December 24 Office Closes at Noon Wednesday, December 25 & Thursday, December 26 Church Office/Building Closed All Day Tuesday, December 31 Church Office/Building Closes at Noon Wednesday, January 1 & Thursday, January 2 Church Office/Building Closed All Day Friday, January 3 Church Office/Building closes at 2:00 pm for Staff Christmas Party

10 Parent Book Club: We are going to begin a discussion about the book How to Hug a Porcupine, by Julie Ross. This book deals with the trials and frustrations that go along with raising a preteen or teenage child. We will be meeting at the church during Youth Group. Our first meet time will be January 12 at 6:00 p.m. Further locations and meeting times will be discussed this day. Bring your book and your frustrations! The book is available in paperback or on the Kindle at Amazon.com. If you have any questions, please contact Averi Hudson at or hudsonaveri@lakelocal.org. December Youth Group: December 15 th Meet at 6 p.m. Walk thru Bethlehem and Out to eat. Confirmation Class: December 15 th 4:30-5:30 p.m. (Please note time change). Youth Christmas Program Practices: December 15 th 12-2 p.m.; December 21 st a.m.; December 22 nd Christmas Program (after the elementary kids program). Coming Up: Winter Jam Junior High Retreat in Louisville Cost: $45 per person Friday, January 17, 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 19, Noon Save the Date: Friday, April 4, 2014 in Westminster Hall 23rd Annual Camp Wakonda Auc on When you re out shopping and see a great deal, consider picking up an extra of that item to donate. Great ideas include: Toys, household items, pet items, and small appliances. Watch for more informa on on this great event! Mission Moments The Knitters will meet Monday, December 16 at 10:00 a.m. in the Parlor. The BEST pecan clusters, ever: There are many box sizes to choose from, beautifully wrapped, just perfect for a gift to a friend or yourself. Proceeds go to the Food, Clothing, and Prayer Ministry. Gifts for the Person Who has everything are featured in a new blue catalog distributed by PCUSA. Please pick up a copy at the kiosk, look it over, and make a purchase in the name of a friend you wish to honor. The Christmas Joy Offering will be received Sunday, December 22. Mark your Calendars: March 23 Esther Wakeman and the CCI Dance/Drama Troupe May 1 Re-entry Symposium Contact Andrew Hubsch if you can help/ Philippines Disaster Assistance is sorely needed. You can donate online at

11 ACTIVITIES FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 15 TODAY 8:00 am Worship Service Chapel A reminder 9:00 am Fellowship Westminster Hall Either at home or on the 9:15 am Children & Youth Sunday School Classes road,you can listen to the 9:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes 10:30 service on WHLO :15 am- 11:30 am Infant Nursery (ages 0-2) Room L4 AM, or log on your computer to 10:30 am Worship Service Sanctuary 10:45 am Kids Church 12:00-2:00 pm Children s & Youth Christmas Program Rehearsal 4:30-5:30 pm Confirmation 6:00-8:00 pm Youth Group Walk thru Bethlehem and Out to Eat MONDAY 10:00 am Knitters Group Parlor TUESDAY 9:30 am Bible Study Parlor 11:30 am TAG Luncheon & Program West. Hall 1:00 pm Staff Meeting 6:30-9:00 pm Children s & Youth Christmas Program Dress Reh. West. Hall WEDNESDAY 4:30 pm Wednesday Choirs Rehearsal 6:30 pm Mission Ministry Re-Entry Event Meeting Parlor GMG Kindermusik (Wednesday) 9:30-10:15am Village 10:45-11:30am Our Time 12:00-12:45pm Imagine That! 4:30-5:15pm Melody, Mallets-More 5:30-6:15pm Young Child 1 6:30-7:15pm Young Child 3 GMG Kindermusik (Thursday) 9:30-10:15am Our Time 10:45-11:30am Village 12:00-12:45pm Imagine That! 4:30-5:15pm Our Time 5:30-6:15pm Imagine That! THURSDAY 7:00 am Men s Bible Study Westminster Hall 7:15 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal FRIDAY 6:00 pm Chancel Choir Christmas Party Jerry & Linda Norton s SATURDAY 10:00 am-12:00 pm Youth Christmas Program Reh. 11:00 am Chancel Choir Reh. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22 ~ The Fourth Sunday of Advent 8:00 am Worship Chapel (Christmas Joy Offering) 9:15 am Adult Sunday School Classes 10:30 am Worship Sanctuary (Christmas Joy Offering) 10:45 am Kids Church 5:00 pm Children s & Youth Christmas Program Westminster Hall

12 Christ Presbyterian Church 530 Tuscarawas Street, West, Canton, Ohio cantoncpc.org Christ Presbyterian Church exists to glorify God, lead people to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, build one another up in spiritual maturity, and send out servants to share the Good News in word and deed. Christ Presbyterian Church Staff Ministers: The People of Christ Church Pastor: Rev. David L. de Vries Parish Associate: Rev. Eldon Trubee Director of Music and Organist: David J. Kienzle Specialist in Music for The Young Child: Deborah Garren Director of Youth Ministry: Jon Mathewson Director of Children s Ministry: Jennifer George Director of Outdoor Ministries: Chris Harmsen Business Administrator: Donald R. Weltlich Financial Assistant: Diane J. Nave Administrative Assistant to the Senior Pastor/Secretary: Caryn G. Smith Custodians: Kurt A. Gottschick & Ron Pelger