Providence Presbyterian Church

Transcription

1 Welcome to Providence Presbyterian Church (PCA) Jim Angehr, Pastor/Teaching Elder Meeting at the Seventh Day Adventist Center 53 rd Street and Elgin Avenue Sunday School (for all ages)... 9:30 a.m. Worship Service... 10:30 a.m. Nursery is available for children up to 4 years Al Bauerle Peter Griffith Ruling Elders (elders@providencepca.org) RUF Pastor at Texas Tech Steve Percifield ruf@providencepca.org Church Administrator Dana Gring administrator@providencepca.org Sunday School Peter Griffith, Superintendent Music Coordinator Brian Tate Pianist Trent Tibbit Dr. Mark Gring Tim Milovich Dell Schipper Lonnie Snider Greeter Coordinator Richard King Nursery Coordinator Faith Tate Usher Coordinator Jeff Klein Family Promise Outreach Wendy Wilkerson Prayer Chain Contact Emily Angehr emilyangehr@gmail.com Webmaster David Coons webmaster@providencepca.org Providence Presbyterian Church Presbyterian Church in America December 14, 2008 James Angehr, Pastor P. O. Box Lubbock, Texas /

2 * PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Hymn 203 THE LORD S DAY December 14, 2008 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Words: Charles Wesley, 1739, Tune: Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, * CALL TO WORSHIP Luke 1:26-33 Birth of Jesus Foretold 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you! 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end. * Congregation Standing All music copied by permission of CCLI # Page Page 2 -

3 * HYMN 213 What Child Is This Words: Traditional English Carol. Music: English Melody, Greensleeves, 16th century. * HYMN 201 O Little Town of Bethlehem Words: Phillips Brooks, Tune: Lewis H. Redner, * INVOCATION - Page 4 -

4 The Nicene Creed We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of his Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made; who for us and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; he suffered and was buried; and the third day he rose again according to the Scripture, and ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father; and he shall come again, with glory, to judge both the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end. And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets; and we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. CONFESSION OF FAITH - Page 5 - CONFESSION OF SIN Almighty and most merciful Father we have erred and strayed from Your ways like lost sheep. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts. We have offended against Your holy laws. We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare those, O God, who confess their faults. Restore those who are penitent; according to Your promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O merciful Father, for His sake; that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; to the glory of Your holy name. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON IN CHRIST OFFERING OLD TESTAMENT READING 1 Samuel 18:1-30 David and Jonathan's Friendship 1 As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him return to his father's house. 3 Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his armor, and even his sword and his bow and his belt. 5 And David went out and was successful wherever Saul sent him, so that Saul set him over the men of war. And this was good in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul's servants. - Page 6-

5 Saul's Jealousy of David 6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. 7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands. 8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom? 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on. 10 The next day a harmful spirit from God rushed upon Saul, and he raved within his house while David was playing the lyre, as he did day by day. Saul had his spear in his hand. 11 And Saul hurled the spear, for he thought, I will pin David to the wall. But David evaded him twice. 12 Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul. 13 So Saul removed him from his presence and made him a commander of a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David had success in all his undertakings, for the Lord was with him. 15 And when Saul saw that he had great success, he stood in fearful awe of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David, for he went out and came in before them. David Marries Michal 17 Then Saul said to David, Here is my elder daughter Merab. I will give her to you for a wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the Lord's battles. For Saul thought, Let not my hand be against him, but let the hand of the Philistines be against him. 18 And David said to Saul, Who am I, and who are my relatives, my father's clan in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king? - Page 7-19 But at the time when Merab, Saul's daughter, should have been given to David, she was given to Adriel the Meholathite for a wife. 20 Now Saul's daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 Saul thought, Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him. Therefore Saul said to David a second time, You shall now be my son-in-law. 22 And Saul commanded his servants, Speak to David in private and say, Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now then become the king's sonin-law. 23 And Saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, Does it seem to you a little thing to become the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man and have no reputation? 24 And the servants of Saul told him, Thus and so did David speak. 25 Then Saul said, Thus shall you say to David, The king desires no bride-price except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, that he may be avenged of the king's enemies. Now Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king's son-in-law. Before the time had expired, 27 David arose and went, along with his men, and killed two hundred of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, which were given in full number to the king, that he might become the king's son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal for a wife. 28 But when Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul's daughter, loved him, 29 Saul was even more afraid of David. So Saul was David's enemy continually. 30 Then the princes of the Philistines came out to battle, and as often as they came out David had more success than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was highly esteemed. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, A publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

6 * HYMN 218 Angels, From the Realms of Glory Words: James Montgomery, 1816, Tune: Henry Smart, SERMON Luke 19:11-27 * HYMN 224 Go Tell It on the Mountain Words and Tune: Spiritual. PRAYER OF INTERCESSION - Page Page 10 -

7 SACRAMENT OF THE LORD S SUPPER We hold the elements while they are being passed, so we can partake together. * DOXOLOGY Tune: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Praise him, all creatures here below: Praise him above, ye heav nly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. * BENEDICTION È Prayers of Meditation For Those Not Participating in Communion Prayer for Those Searching for Truth Lord Jesus, You claim to be the way, the truth, and the life. Grant that I might be undaunted by the cost of following You as I consider the reasons for doing so. If what You claim is true, please guide me, teach me, and show me the reality of who You are. Amen. Prayer of Belief Heavenly Father, I admit that I am more sinful than I ever before believed, but, through Your Son Jesus, I can be more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank You that He lived the life I should have lived, and paid the debt and punishment I deserved. Receive me now for His sake. I turn from my sins and receive Jesus to be my Lord and Savior. Amen. Prayer for Those Struggling with Sin Lord Jesus, help me to look to You as the fulfillment of all my needs, and to turn from every false satisfaction to feed on You, the true and living bread. Enable me to lay aside the sin that clings so closely, and run with perseverance the race set before me, looking to You, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith. Amen. Prayer of Commitment Lord Jesus, You have called us to follow You in a life of committed discipleship in Your church. Grant that I may take the necessary steps to be one with Your people, and live in the fullness of Your Spirit. Amen. - Page Page 12 -

8 Follow-up Questions to the Sermon 1. From a narrative perspective, why do you think that this story, Luke 19:11-27, is the final episode of the journey to Jerusalem in Luke, right before the triumphal entry into Jerusalem? PPC Announcements Friendship Registry Located on the end of the row is a friendship registry. Please let us know of your attendance in worship this morning by filling out the registry and passing it down the row. 2. Why did the disciples think that "the kingdom of God was to appear immediately" (Luke 19:11)? 3. Does this passage as a whole, or specific verses like vv or v. 26, teach salvation by works instead of grace? How would you counter that assertion not only from systematic theology but the basis of this text itself? 4. Is what happens in v. 27 fair? Fellowship Lunch/Christmas Party Today Please join us today for our Fellowship Lunch/Christmas Party. In addition to sharing a meal, we will celebrate the Lord s birth by singing Christmas Carols and listening to a short devotion. Christmas Eve Service Providence will host a special Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, December 24, at 7:15 p.m. in the Adventist Center. It will be a short come-as-you-are service, there will be a homily, singing, prayer, and a time to reflect upon the significance of our Lord's birth. A nursery will be provided for young children. Please plan to attend! 5. What are you afraid of? How is that fear affecting your faithful stewardship and missional investment? How can that change? Christmas Children s Choir All children are invited to participate in a Christmas Children s Choir. We will be practicing immediately following the worship service for the next two Sundays and then sing at the Christmas Eve service. - Page Page 14 -

9 Women s Ministry Coordinator As the Women's Ministry (WM) continues to develop, we are praying for and seeking someone to lead or coordinate WM. Posted on our Website is a description of the coordinator position. Please take a few minutes to read over that document and prayerfully consider which lady may be suited for this position. If you feel that someone in particular should consider being coordinator, please talk to that person. At the WM meeting on January 13, we will take "nominations" for the position, from which the Session will select the coordinator. The Presbyterian Church in America Foundation, Inc. The PCA Foundation is a ministry that provides charitable financial services to members and friends of the PCA. These services, which facilitate both current and deferred giving, help them to fulfill their stewardship responsibilities and carry out their charitable desires. The services include donor advised funds (the Advise & Consult Fund), endowments, charitable trusts, anonymous giving, estate design and bequest processing. As year-end approaches, many people are faced with difficult decisions concerning gifting and tax issues. The PCA Foundation is available to help you in these areas of concern. Please call the PCA Foundation at for further information, or visit their website at Regular Activities (Please refer to the newsletter for meeting dates.) Community Groups Community/small groups meet during the week. One group meets on Sunday afternoons at the Gring household. Contact Mark or Dana Gring at for more details. Another gathers every other Wednesday evening at the Landess home. Contact Michael or Missy Landess at for more information. Grad Students and Young Professionals This group meets every other Sunday evening for fellowship and prayer. Contact Chelsea Collins, , or chelseapillsbury@hotmail.com. A grad student/young professionals Bible study is held on alternate Thursdays at the Sell s, The study will be lead by Sean Cunningham, , or raidergator@gmail.com. Men s Activities All men are invited to participate in two weekly activities. The Men s Bible Study meets at 7:00 a.m. every Tuesday at Sugar Brown s, th Street. The Men s Prayer Breakfast is on Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. at Market Street Café, 50 th Street and Indiana Avenue. Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) at Texas Tech RUF will begin meeting on Thursday nights for the Spring Semester at 8:00 p.m. in Ag 214 on TTU s campus. Visit for more information. Steve Percifield in the campus minister; Chris Hilton is the RUF intern. - Page Page 16 -

10 Women s Ministry Bible Studies: Regular Bible study groups are open to all women. The Morning Group meets every week on Thursday at about 10:00 a.m., alternating between a week of fellowship time and a week of study/prayer. Children are welcome, and child care is provided for study weeks. For more information, particularly exact time and location each week, please contact Emily Angehr: emilyangehr@gmail.com, The Evening Group meets two Mondays each month at 7:00 p.m., at the Griffith State Farm Insurance Office, 409 Frankford Avenue. For more information, contact Brenda Hayes: hayes_bs@yahoo.com, (cell) or (office). The Plainview Group meets on Tuesdays, at 3:45 p.m., at the home of Charlotte Nop. For more information, contact Charlotte at cgnop@suddenlink.net. Monthly Prayer: A monthly prayer session is held the last Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the church office. (No meeting in December.) Monthly Planning Meeting: The planning meeting is on the second Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Becky Schipper. (No meeting in December.) Meal Ministry - Shared Joy, Shared Pain, Shared Meal: The women of Providence bring meals to people in the church when needed - especially births, deaths, hospitalizations, and illnesses. If you would be willing to participate, contact Becky Schipper. (Participating can be as simple as making brownies or as involved as a whole meal.) If you need a meal, also contact Becky Schipper at Newsletter Copies of the monthly church newsletter are available at the entry table. If you would like to be on the list to receive the newsletter, please contact Dana Gring: administrator@providencepca.org Ushers Ushers serving today are: Al Bauerle Cliff Bingham Richard King Allen Hoksbergen Ushers serving next Sunday, December 21: Mark Gring Michael Landess Joel Damron Clint Bingham Greeters Greeters serving today are: Allen and Becky Hoksbergen Greeters serving next Sunday, December 21: Corinne Gring Evan Gring Nursery Workers Nursery Workers serving today are: Infant to 23 months class: Amy Leafgren Kelly Percifield Edie Looper 2-4 year old class: Lyndi Klein Naomi Snider Nursery Workers for next Sunday, December 21, are: Infant to 23 months class: Missy Landess Meredith Williams Maggie Landess 2-4 year old class: Aurora Bauerle Robert Hardwicke - Page Page 18 -