WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 583-1729 http://wpcdbq.org DECEMBER 2, 2018 Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message) 1 9:30 A.M.
TO OUR GUESTS: WELCOME! Thanks for joining us for worship. More information about Westminster Presbyterian Church is available on the Welcome Table in the back of the Sanctuary. We encourage you to fill out the Friendship Binder found in your pew and please join us for refreshments and conversation in the Narthex after the service. If you would like to become a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, please see Pastor Murry. Large print bulletins are available from the ushers. Childcare for children 5 and under is provided in the Nursery down the hall from the Sanctuary. * All who are able may stand. Prelude Luke Tyler, Pianist Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Leader: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Welcome and Announcements *Greeting Our Neighbors *Introit #88 vs. 6 " O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer... our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death's dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel... shall come to thee, O Israel. *Lighting of the Advent Candle Isaiah 2:4 The Heidenreich Family Leader: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ. People: Advent means coming. Leader: We are preparing ourselves for the days when the nations will beat their swords into iron plows... People: And their spears into pruning tools. Leader: Nation will not take up sword against nation. People: They will no longer learn how to make war. Leader: Let us walk in the light of the Lord. *Hymn #82 GTG "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus" *Invitation to Confession Max Cary *Unison Prayer of Confession Lord, have mercy on us. We are not ready for your coming. We live in sin, as though there were no justice. We live in fear, as though there were no grace. Forgive us, Lord. Show us your mercy and steadfast love. Lead us in your truth, and teach us your paths, for you are the God of our salvation. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection) 2
*Assurance of God's Forgiveness *Response #121 vs. 4 "O Little Town of Bethlehem" O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel! Children s Message Logan Ellis Youth with speaking parts for the pageant should leave now and meet in the media room for rehearsal. Anthem "Annunciation & Magnificat" Adult Choir by Marty Haugen Sermon: "Intervention" 1. Children's Letters to God 2. "If you are real, you'd better do something quick." 3. Today's Scripture: Isaiah 64: 1-4, 8 and John 1:6-14 4. Our central claim Scripture: Isaiah 64: 1-4, 8 and John 1:6-14 (CEB) 64 If only you would tear open the heavens and come down! Mountains would quake before you 2 like fire igniting brushwood or making water boil. If you would make your name known to your enemies, the nations would tremble in your presence. 3 When you accomplished wonders beyond all our expectations; when you came down, mountains quaked before you. 4 From ancient times, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any god but you who acts on behalf of those who wait for him! 8 But now, Lord, you are our father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. All of us are the work of your hand. John 1:6-14 6 A man named John was sent from God. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning the light, so that through him everyone would believe in the light. 8 He himself wasn t the light, but his mission was to testify concerning the light. 9 The true light that shines on all people was coming into the world. 10 The light was in the world, and the world came into being through the light, but the world didn t recognize the light. 11 The light came to his own people, and his own people didn t welcome him. 2 But those who did welcome him, those who believed in his name, he authorized to become God s children, 13 born not from blood nor from human desire or passion, but born from God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his home among us. We have seen his glory, glory like that of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. *Hymn #93 GTG "Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates" 3
*Affirmation of Faith (Philippians 2:5-11, CEB) Let us adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Invitation to Giving ALL encouraged to pass the friendship pad in your pew and to register your attendance. First-time visitors providing contact information receive a valuable free gift! Offertory "Lullaby Carol" arr by Barbara Baltzer Kinyon Adult Handbells Angel Carol" by John Rutter, arr by Sondra K. Tucker *Song of Thanksgiving #145, vs. 3 What Child Is This? So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh; Come, one and all, 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! *Prayer of Dedication The Sacrament of the Lord s Supper Invitation to the Lord's Table & Tom Stovall Great Prayer of Thanksgiving Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader: Lift up your hearts People: We lift them to the Lord. Leader: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give our thanks and praise. "...we join the ancient and eternal hymn: 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!...and praying: Come Lord Jesus! Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. 4
Now together we pray... 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. Communion of the People As you pass the bread please say, The body of Christ given for you. As you pass the cup please say, The blood of Christ shed for you. (Please retain the bread to partake together as a sign of our oneness as a community of faith in Jesus Christ. Drink the cup whenever you are ready as a sign of our individual and unique relationship with Christ as our Lord and Savior.) INDIVIDUALLY PACKAGED GLUTEN FREE WAFERS ARE AVAILABLE *Unison Prayer after Communion God of grace, you renew us at your table with the bread of life. May this food strengthen us in love and help us to serve you in each other. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen. *Hymn #88 vs 1 & 5 GTG "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" *Blessing *Response #88 vs. 7 " O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" O come, Desire of nations, bind...all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven's peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. *Postlude Luke Tyler, Pianist ANNOUNCEMENTS THE REV. DR. LOREN SHELLABARGER has accepted the Pastor Nominating Committee's (PNC) invitation to be the candidate to be called as Westminster's next Pastor. The Session has scheduled a congregational meeting following worship on January 6 to vote on the PNC's recommendation to elect Loren as Pastor. Many will recall that Loren, Becky and their twin sons attended Westminster during Loren's seminary days (2009-2012). Watch for a letter from the church this week that will provide much more information. AFTER WORSHIP TODAY Fair Trade Market open in the Board Room Sunday School for children and youth downstairs NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9: Christmas Party! Please come and invite a friend! 5
+ World Premier of "Live from Bethlehem" a children's Christmas pageant written by Westminster's own Allie Hinga + Celebrating and dedicating Westminster's sanctuary improvements to the Glory of God! + A movie ("The Star") for kids downstairs + A FREE lunch and Christmas music for ALL in Fellowship Hall! No reservations needed, plenty of food for everyone! FREE CHRISTMAS CONCERT! 7:00 p.m., Monday, December 10 in the sanctuary -- provided for the Westminster church family by the Tyler family (Lizz, Luke and Theia). ALL are welcome! THE WESTMINSTER FOUNDATION Board of Directors met this past week. Current leadership for the Board: Norma Smith, President; Don Ryerson, Vice President; Betsy Badger, Treasurer and Howard McLean, Secretary. The Foundation receives gifts and bequests from friends and members of the church which generate funds for grants to support of church and community missions. The Foundation's total assets are nearly $650,000. THE PERSONNEL COMMITTEE has completed annual reviews of Westminster's "office" staff. Committee members have expressed much gratitude for the dedication and quality of Westminster's staff, all of whom are part-time except for our custodian and pastor. NEW HYMNALS Most of our worship hymns are selected from our denomination's newest hymnal Glory to God (2013). The new hymnal is digitally-supported which allows for easy electronic projection. A limited supply of hardback, print hymnals is available for use during worship. You can find the hymnals (red) on the tables/benches behind the back pew. Please return the hymnal after worship. A selection of Bibles (various translations) is also available in the back of the sanctuary for use during worship. TAKE A HYMNAL (or two or three!) home! The blue Presbyterian Hymnals are stacked on the side pews in the back of the sanctuary and are free for the taking. It could be just the gift for someone who has everything! DONATE HAMS? Please bring your hams this week so we can get a count? The Dubuque Food Pantry is again requesting Hams or other meats (between 2 to 5 lbs) for their "Christmas Basket Give Away". Please mark & put in kitchen refrigerator. All meat should be here to WPC by Dec. 13th. They also are in need of canned goods to put in the baskets especially: Coffee/tea, canned fruit, ramen noodles, canned sweet potatoes, cake or brownie mixes, baking supplies, soup, boxed potatoes, flour, sugar, toothpaste and personal care items. Thank you! Please deliver non-perishable items to the shopping cart in the Narthex by Dec. 13th. Thank You...your WPC 6 Mission Team
The Westminster Giving Tree is here! Each year, Westminster supports local families in need by helping with Christmas. Gift requests are hung on a Giving Tree in the Narthex during Advent. Bethany Home s Christmas Party is Dec. 8th so their WRAPPED gifts are needed by Dec. 6 th. There are only 10. The rest of the gifts are due back BEFORE December 18 th! Please provide wrap or bags for these unwrapped gifts. Green Team Tip Go Green and Save Money: Clean Your Trap A clothes dryer can lose 75% of its efficiency if lint clogs its trap. Clean it after every use and save $100 on the annual cost of operating a dryer. DECLUTTER TIME! After years of accumulation it is time to begin a declutter campaign. Starting with the tunnel beneath the Sanctuary the Property Committee requests all committee chairs/moderators, task force leaders, and others to tour the tunnel before by 16 December 2018 to claim all items currently stored in the tunnel. All items no longer used or that are otherwise not justified are very likely to disappear! WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: DECEMBER 2, 2018 Church Office Number: 583-1729 Rev. : 563-580-4196 Rev., Teaching Elder Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Becky Jenkins Custodian: Tim Till Faith Formation Leader for Youth: Lisa Fast Nursery: Amy, Megan & Amanda Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Organist/Pianist/Music Coord: Dr. Luke Tyler Adult Choir: Dr. Luke Tyler Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth & Adult Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: Carolyn Dausener & Jason & Julia Smith Head Usher: Rich Henderson Greeters: Judy Schuster & Bonnie Sue Lewis Ushers: 3rd & 4th graders Margaret Callaghan & Patt Carmack Communion Servers: *Ross & Sally Madden, Janice Lewis, Mike Jozefowicz, Betsy Badger, Susan Taylor, Deb Seiffert, Linda Stovall, Terry Flynn, Jim Edwards PRAYER REQUESTS: Please pray for Darrell & Shirley Eickelkamp's daughter, Carol Doerr, who was diagnosed with stomach & liver cancer last week. Carol has started treatment at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison. If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office (583-1729) or the Pastor. 7
Sunday, December 2 8:00 a.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, SA 8:30 a.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. SERRV SALE, BR 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Sunday School Pageant Practice, SA 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 12:00 p.m. Eickelkamp Family Christmas, FH 3:00 p.m. Playground Task Force, BR 4:00 p.m. Parent Triennium Mtg., Media Rm. 7:00 p.m. Scout Boundary Waters Mtg., FH Monday, December 3 2:00 p.m. Property Meeting, BR 4:00 p.m. Sanctuary Team, WR 6:00 p.m. Pack 20, Parent Meeting, BR 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 11. FH 7:00 p.m. Scouts, Bd. of Review, CR Tuesday, December 4 5:40 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: DECEMB ER 2ND THRU DECEMBER 9TH Wednesday, December 5 10:00 a.m. Deacon's Meeting, BR 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, LOFT 5:40 p.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, MediaRm. 5:45 p.m. Youth Faith Team, WR 6:00 p.m. PNC Mtg., BR 6:45 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, LOFT Thursday, December 6 10:00 a.m. Financial Task Force, WR 7:00 p.m. Table Tennis, FH Friday, December 7 5:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Lock-in, FH, classrooms Saturday, December 8 10:00 a.m. Pageant Rehearsal, SA 1:30 p.m. Brunch Prep, FH, K 6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts, 3-5 Rm. Sunday, December 9 Youth Christmas Pageant Open House Celebration 8:30 a.m. Youth Handbells Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:30 a.m. Luncheon, FH 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 11:45 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, Choir Rm. 3:00 p.m. Youth Group, FH Snowbirds... Help us to save on postage! Please notify the office when you leave for a period of time, so we can either email or send the Hotline to your temporary address. Thank you! 8 DEACON S FUND POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Order before Dec. 16th see order forms on tables in church & narthex