December 18, 2016 - traditional services FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13 P R E P A R A T I O N Organ Prelude O Come, All You Faithful....Harbach Frank Shelton Choral Introit Joy to the World....Wilberg Sanctuary Choir and Symphonic Brass Jim DeJarnette Call to Worship (based on Luke 2) Matt Holtzman Leader: People: Leader: People: Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Glory to God in the highest heaven! And on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. Come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! A D O R A T I O N * Hymn of Adoration, #182 O Come, All Ye Faithful O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, born the King of angels; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord. Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above; Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing; O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord! Text: Attr. John F. Wade; tr. Frederick Oakeley; Public Domain; Tune: Adeste Fideles * Prayer of Adoration * Lighting of the Advent Candle - Joy
**Welcome and Greetings * Songs of Expectation Beloved Burst into songs together, Sing with endless joy! For unto God, our Father, Is born a heavenly boy! Emmanuel, Jesus is born on earth. All is well, Because of our Savior s birth. Refrain: My beautiful one, come with me Arise, Beloved, and come! The season of singing now appears! Arise, my beautiful one. The Lord, your God is with you, And He is mighty to save: A child is born to rescue And He is calling our name! Born to redeem and save us Good news of great joy! All is forgiv n through Jesus, When hearts are won by this boy! His Kingdom come, Pray that His will be done. Holy One! We welcome God s only Son! Refrain Words and Music by James DeJarnette The First Noel Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord, Who hath made heaven and earth of naught, And with His blood our life hath bought. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, Born is the King of Israel. Words: English Carol; Public Domain; Tune: The First Noel Call to Confession C O N F E S S I O N Community Prayer of Confession We beseech Thee, Almighty God, to purify our consciences by Thy daily visitation, that when Thy Son our Lord comes He may find in us a mansion prepared for Himself; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Prayer of Personal Confession Assurance of God's Forgiveness
Response Peace, peace, peace on earth And good will to all. This is a time for joy, This is a time for love. Now let us all sing together Of peace, peace, peace on earth. Peace, Peace ; Words: Rick and Sylvia Powell; 1969 Matterhorn Music; CCLI #135004 P R O C L A M A T I O N Children's Sermon (8:20) Kathy Dobyns Sacrament of Infant Baptism (9:45) Holly Linda Genrich, child of Jay and Silke Genrich Life of the Congregation Please write your name and address in the friendship folder. Offering Our Gifts "Angels We Have Heard on High"... Longhurst Scripture Isaiah 52:7-10, Page 1108 Jennifer Holz Ministry of Music Sweet Little Jesus Boy....MacGimsey Children's Christmas Choir Bethany Hanson, Director Prayers of the People/The Lord's Prayer * Hymn of Preparation, No. 184 What Child Is This? What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the Son of Mary. So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come peasant, king, to own Him; The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone Him. Raise, raise the song on high, The Virgin sings her lullaby; Joy, joy for Christ is born, The babe, the Son of Mary! Words: William C. Dix; Public Domain; Tune: Greensleeves
Sermon BELOVED All Is Forgiven Colossians 1:9-14 Tim McConnell D E D I C A T I O N * Hymn of Dedication, No. 185 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 the angelic host proclaim,. Christ is born in Bethlehem! Hark! the herald angels sing,. Glory to the newborn King. Christ, by highest heaven adored,.christ, the everlasting Lord, Late in time behold Him come,.offspring of the virgin s womb: Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;.hail th incarnate Deity, Pleased with us in flesh to dwell,.jesus, our Emmanuel. Hark! the herald angels sing,. Glory to the newborn King. Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!.Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings,.risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays his glory by,.born that we no more may die, Born to raise us from the earth,.born to give us second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing,. Glory to the newborn King. Text: Charles Wesley; Public Domain; Tune: Mendelssohn Words 1971 by Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188 * Benediction Postlude Fanfare on 'Hark! The Herald.... Wyton * Congregation standing. **Ushers will seat worshipers who are delayed here and during hymns. Ministers leaving the service have teaching responsibilities in our Adult Sunday School Communities. Musicians participating in our services this morning Frank Shelton, Organ; Chris Lawson, Stephen Hock, Jim Crosbie, Trumpet; Stephenie Osman, Erin Powers, French Horn; Sondra Bell Israel, Scott Crump, Bruce Blomquist, Trombone; Patrick Mills, Tuba; Gerald Grandel, Timpani; James Bristow, Guitar; Jason Crowe, Bass; Scott Barbier, Percussion; Marj Killick, Piano and Percussion Participating Ministers Downtown Campus 8:20 Matt Holtzman, Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 Matt Holtzman, Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 FH Katie Fowler; Tim McConnell preaching (video) 11:10 Katie Fowler; Tim McConnell preaching Inn at Garden Plaza 10:15 Deacon-led; Tim McConnell preaching (video)
December 18, 2016 - contemporary services FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13 GATHERING SONG O Come, O Come, Emmanuel WELCOME AND GREETINGS Yemi Mobolade CALL TO WORSHIP / LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE Tim McConnell - 9:45 Katie Fowler - 11:10 Leader: People: Leader: People: The Lord be with you. And also with you. We light the fourth candle of Advent, the candle of Joy, as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Let us worship our coming King. Come, Lord Jesus, come. SONGS OF WORSHIP All Who Are Thirsty (Come Lord Jesus Come) Come As You Are O Come All Ye Faithful CONFESSION AND PARDON PASTORAL PRAYER / THE LORD S PRAYER LIFE OF THE CONGREGATION CHILDREN S SERMON (11:10) Danny Shaw SERMON BELOVED All Is Forgiven Colossians 1:9-14 Tim McConnell OFFERING OUR GIFTS Sinking Deep BENEDICTION *Children are always welcome in worship. For those parents who prefer having a special program for their children, we have snack & praise time for young children (ages 3-2nd grade) during the 11:10 service. (Room S206). Watch for your child to return after the sermon. Questions? Call Children s Min. at 884-6126. Participating Ministers Downtown Campus 8:20 Matt Holtzman, Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 Matt Holtzman, Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 FH Katie Fowler; Tim McConnell preaching (video) 11:10 Katie Fowler; Tim McConnell preaching Inn at Garden Plaza 10:15 Deacon-led; Tim McConnell preaching (video)
Our Advent series, Beloved, is about focusing on the greatest love story ever told, the love of God for us, His creation. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to suffer and die on our behalf. Christmas is a celebration of the beginning of that story. The book Song of Songs captures the deep passion of those yoked in marriage, but it s also a metaphor for Jesus Christ and His bride, the church. Song of Songs 2:16 says, My beloved is mine and I am his. That is how Jesus feels about us. God is coming over the hills to reach you, to save you, to bring you home and to call you His Beloved. NEW TO FIRST PRES? Welcome! We re glad you re here. Please join us after the morning worship services at Guest Central, just to the east of the Sanctuary. We d love to meet you, offer refreshments and a welcome gift. To get all the latest information, subscribe to the First Pres weekly e-blast at www.first-pres.org/enews and follow us on Facebook at First Pres Colorado Springs! Worship Times Traditional Services 8:20 and 9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary Contemporary Services 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall; 11:10 a.m. in the Sanctuary 12/18/16 VISIT US ONLINE AT FIRST-PRES.ORG
WHAT S HAPPENING AT FIRST PRES Worship on Christmas Day We will have one worship service on Sunday, December 25, at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Join us on this blessed day! Caring Ministries - 884-6145 Al-Anon Meeting, Tuesdays, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., room 219. If you or anyone you know has family or friends who struggle with alcohol abuse, you are invited to attend. Contact Al at 650-5764. Student Ministries - 884-6220 Don t miss out on Winter Camp registration this is your last chance to sign up for a discount! Camp for Christmas is a great opportunity to help send students to Winter camp. Sign up before December 25 for a discounted rate!! High School Winter Camp is January 13-15 and Middle School Camp is February 24-26. Please go to the website to sign up - www. first-pres.org/wintercamp2017 Adult Ministries - 884-6117 Stay-at-Home Dads Group, Thursdays, 9-10 a.m., January 12- February 8. Are you a dad and the primary caregiver of your children? Come join us for our Stay-at-Home Dads Group at First Pres. Childcare is provided. Register on the calendar link at www.first-pres.org. Christmas Eve Services of Worship Saturday, December 24 10:30 a.m. Children s Service 2:00, 3:30, 5:00, 7:00 and 8:30 p.m. Candlelight Service 10:45 p.m. Celtic Candlelight Communion Service As we celebrate the Good News of Christmas we offer hospitality to our church family and visitors. The following special instructions help us accommodate the thousands of worshipers who are with us on Christmas Eve: Enter through Weber Street doors leading to waiting areas for main level or balcony seating where you ll receive a program, candle, and a ticket to assure seating. Sanctuary doors on Bijou Street will be exit only. Handicapped and those needing special assistance enter through the Bijou Street handicap entrance. Special Nursery Instructions Use the Weber Street Entrance or Courtyard Nursery entrance. If entering through Weber Street, take the Plaza elevator or stairs to 2nd floor and follow signs to Nurseries. Nurseries open: 1:30 p.m. through 7:00 p.m. service. Arrive at least a half hour early. (Services fill up quickly. The 3:30 and 5:00 services usually experience overflow consider attending less crowded services.) We are unable to accommodate saving seats. Please gather all members of your party prior to entering the Sanctuary.
Launchpoint (College Age - Young Adults) Looking for space to connect with others at First Pres? Join us for our monthly worship gathering tonight at 6 p.m. at Café 225 (225 N. Weber St). Questions about Launchpoint or want info. on being part of a weekly community? Email Katie at kfowler@first-pres.org. Alpha - Do you know someone with questions about Christianity? Consider inviting them to Alpha. Our next course will run on Wednesday nights at 6:15 p.m. from January 18 - March 15 at the Commons (332 N. Tejon Street, 80903). Interested in helping? Email Katie at kfowler@first-pres.org. Christmas Eve Volunteers Needed Last day to sign up! Give the gift of hospitality this Christmas by volunteering on Christmas Eve. Sign up at the bulletin board located near Guest Central, or contact Mary Frieg at 884-6189 or mfrieg@first-pres.org. Family Ministries - 884-6117 Carols and Cocoa, tonight!, 5:45-8:30 p.m. Caroling to neighborhoods around First Pres followed by hot cocoa and skating. Register at www.first-pres.org/carols. Missions - 884-6233 Something Significant for Christmas catalogs are available at the reception desks and in racks. If you need your order filled quickly for Christmas gifts, stop by the Missions Office. Next Doorways Class Save the date! Doorways New Member class will begin Wednesday, January 11, 6:15 p.m. Contact Mary Frieg, mfrieg@first-pres.org, or register online www.first-pres.org Crown the Year Offering We invite you to participate in this special offering to give an additional gift to the work of the Lord at year end. Envelopes are available in the pew pockets in the Sanctuary, usher s table in Fellowship Hall and reception desks. Year-End Giving The Business Office, located on the lower level of Hansen Hall, will be open 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday, December 30, to receive yearend contributions. In addition, a drop slot is located outside the entrance to the Business Office. All contributions received or postmarked on or before December 31, will be recorded on the 2016 giving statements to be mailed in January 2017. New Year s Eve Worship Gathering Saturday, December 31, at 7 p.m., in the Sanctuary. Join us as we sing, pray and reflect on the year gone by, share in communion, and hear God s Word. Nursery is available for children five and under. Giving Envelopes Pre-ordered offering envelopes are available for pick up today at the table located outside the Library.
Financial Summary for 2016 2016 Budgeted Contribution Income... $ 5,846,076 Actual Contribution Income through Dec. 12... $ 5,416,612 Remaining Balance to Reach 2016 Budget... $ 429,464 Thank you for your gifts and prayers. We are grateful to be partners in ministry with each of you. WEEKLY PRAYER FOCUS Mission Emphasis: Ted and Brandy Cox serve with Greater Europe Mission in southern Germany and describe their ministry in these words: Ted makes short films that ask hard questions, while Brandy ensures quality health care for children of missionaries from 40 different countries. Pray especially that they will soon be at full financial support. Local Church: Mountain Springs Church Pray for those in hospitals or short-term rehab: Penrose Main Mr. John Cuddeback Ms. Lilian Simek Life Care Center Mr. Erin Sillasen St. Francis Medical Mrs. Marla Wilson Center at Centennial Mrs. Lila Cooper Mr. Don Fuhrman GIFTS TO SANCTUARY FLOWER FUND In loving memory of: Jay and Doris Bouton by Annie and Rob Foster Richard A. and Joyce E. Robinson by the Bubeck and Robinson families Edgar W. Jenkins by Sue Hayward and family Our precious mother, Eunice Ehlert, by John and Cheri Swann and families Oleta Edward s 100th Birthday by Bill and Virginia Harris, and the Mark Harris and Holly Spalding families Richard Ebeling by Marion Ebeling and family Paul and Evelyn Perkins and Carl and Blanche Swan by Joan Perkins My brother, Charles Alan Haley, by Margaret Haley Oliver Richard W. Brubaker, Douglas Scott Brubaker, Ruth Beal, Max and Hazel Davis, Harold and Anita Brubaker, Ron and Nancy Vocalino by Brubaker, Lord and Mearns Families My parents by Kathy D. Nelson Lu Ann Peterson, Joseph and Doris Gascoigne and Harry and Mildred Peterson by the Wally Peterson family Roger DeKok by Carolyn DeKok and family Charlotte and Bill Flinkow by Carolyn and Pete and the Dekok and Flinkow families IN MEMORIAM Mr. Edmund A. Gorab - 12/9/16 Mrs. Lorna Mildred Taylor - 12/14/16 Information on those who have gone to be with the Lord may be found at www.first-pres.org/memorials.