WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God 2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 (563) 583-1729 http://wpcdbq.org DECEMBER 16, 2018 Take a hard look at Jesus. He s the centerpiece of everything we believe. (Hebrews 3:1 The Message) 9:30 A.M. 1
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 Joyful and Triumphant arr. Andrew Balent Westminster Fanfare and Procession On An Old English Carol by Robert W. Smith Band Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Hal Murry Leader: The Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Welcome and Announcements Minute for Mission "Christmas Joy Offering" Sue Dravis *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 Third Sunday (this is the vision of the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah 2 The Smith Family Leader: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ, People: Advent means coming. Leader : We pray for the day when 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 : The wolf will live with the lamb, People: And the leopard will lie down with the young goat. Leader: The calf and the young lion will feed together, People: And a little child will lead them.
Leader: The desert and the dry land will be glad; People: The wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus. Leader: And all will see the Lord's glory, the splendor of our God. ALL: Let us walk in the light of the Lord. " ADVENT SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS" The message of Advent in Word and Song The WPC Adult Choir and Dr. Luke Tyler, Director and Accompanist and Guest Musicians Genesis 3: 8 15; 17 19 God tells Adam that he has lost the life of Paradise Leader: God of forgiveness and grace; since the first sin, our soul has cried: Genesis 22: 15 18 God's promises to Abraham Leader: God of our fathers and mothers; Your promises are as true now as they were to Abraham. Like them we cry: *Hymn #49 vs. 1,2,4 "The God of Abraham Praise" Isaiah 9: 2; 6 7 The prophet tells the coming of the Savior. Leader: Prince of Peace; in these turbulent times, we look for your justice. Our souls cry: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" Trumpet: Melissa Taylor "Advent Message" Isaiah 11: 1 3a; 4a; 6 9 The peace that Christ will bring is prophesied Leader: God of knowledge, discernment, and harmony; we long for the day of perfect peace and rest. Until violence and hate are no more, we pray: *Hymn #87 all verses "Tomorrow Shall Be my Dancing Day" arr. John Rutter "Comfort, Comfort Now My People" 3 Soloists: Pam Crawford & Lori Etheridge
Gospel of Luke 1: 26 35; 38 The angel Gabriel praises the Blessed Virgin Mary. Leader: God of wonder, mystery, and promise; like Mary, we pray that our faith strong enough to answer when you call. We continue to pray: "Annunciation & Magnificat" by Marty Haugen Luke 2: 1; 3 7 St Luke tells of the birth of Jesus. Leader: God of sacrifice and equality; you left heaven to live in an imperfect world. In our daily sacrifices, we pray: "Do You Hear What I Hear" "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head" Soloists: Merrill Crawford & Peter Woodruff "O Holy Night" Accordion: Wayne Lewis John 1: 1-14 John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation. Leader: God of everlasting Glory; You are found in every living thing as a part of our very spirit. We hope to worship you daily in our lives as we cry: "In the Bleak Midwinter" Invitation to Giving Hal Murry 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 The Little Drummer Boy by Gilroy/Cirone Westminster Percussion Ensemble: Mike Jozefowicz, Merrill Crawford, Sally Stulken, Josh Husemann, Sam Wu, Grace Wu, Erin Ellis, Josh Wu, Karla Kaiser, Logan Ellis *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 Thanksgiving Hal Murry 4
*Hymn #84 GTG "Creator of the Stars of Night" *Blessing Hal Murry *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 ANNOUNCEMENTS 5 Luke Tyler, Pianist TODAY is the Third Sunday of Advent. For centuries, Christians have observed this time of year as both a time to celebrate the birth of Christ, and as a time of prayer seeking spiritual rebirth in our own personal faith journeys. The Bible proclaims Jesus' birth as light in the world's darkness and as a source of hope and spiritual enlightenment for all peoples. THANKS TO ALL the musicians offering their gifts to enhance our worship of God today! AFTER WORSHIP TODAY: Sunday School for children and youth downstairs For grownups: "Westminster Update" in Fellowship Hall with information on the upcoming pastoral transition. ALL are welcome! LAST SUNDAY'S wonderful youth Christmas pageant and sanctuary re-dedication service may be viewed on Westminster's website: www.wpcdbq.org Click on "Online Worship". THE SANCTUARY IMPROVEMENTS TEAM held its last meeting Dec. 10. Here's the list of Sanctuary Improvements completed: 1. New carpeting: sanctuary, narthex and hall 2. Digital projection system installed 3. Sanctuary electrical system updated 4. Energy efficient (brighter) lighting installed for the chancel and under the soffits 5. Sound system upgraded 6. Curb step leveled at the parking lot entrance 7. New glass doors installed 8. Accessible doors with electric openers installed at all sanctuary entrances 9. Pews removed to open flexible space both in the front and back of the sanctuary 10. New digital hymnal purchased for projection 11. TV screens for announcements purchased and mounted CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP with Communion begins at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 24th. The church nursery will be open. This year, for the first time, we'll use "SafeFlame" battery powered candles -- safe for worshipers of all ages. Come and sing Christmas Carols!
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. DECLUTTER TIME! LAST DAY IS TODAY! 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 by TODAY 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! FIRST SUNDAY CUSTODIAN Still Needed. Duties are making coffee, picking up donuts, and unlocking doors. Time starts around 7:00 AM till after Church. See Rich Henderson if interested. Fall Adult Forum Immigration Class Follow-up Information: Dubuque for Refugees: Assistance for Central American Minors c/o RRS Stewart, P.O. Box 1741 Dubuque, IA 52004-1721 Ethiopian Mission: Friends of Homacho Don Koppes, 2115 Embassy West Dr., Dubuque, IA 52002 563-580-8547 Catholic Charities: Legal Assistance for Immigrants/Refugees Mt. Loretto, Dubuque, IA 52003 Westminster Angel Giving Tree Gifts due before Tues., Dec. 18th Please provide wrap or bags for these unwrapped gifts. DEACON S FUND POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Last day! see order forms on tables in church & narthex INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELLATIONS To learn of any cancellations of worship services or events you can check the following: 1. The church website www.wpcdbq.org 2. You can listen to any one of these radio stations below: KDTH 1370 AM or KATF 92.9 FM "The Rock" 97.3 FM or "The River" 101.1 3. Watch KCRG -TV, ch. 9, or KWWL, ch. 7 Note: This will be followed through ALL winter months and inclement weather times. 6
Gift of Warmth You will notice that the tree of scarves looks a little thinner. This is because scarves have been donated to the Rescue Mission as well as Opening Doors which is a non-profit organization that operates the Maria House and Teresa Shelter. Thank you to everyone that has contributed to this project that we are now calling the "Gift of Warmth". Since we plan on continuing this project throughout the year, we would appreciate your support of knitting or crocheting. Linda Stovall & Lisa Fast Green Team Tip Go Green and Save Money: Clothes Washing and Drying When washing clothing, make sure that you use cold water or warm water. Using hot water will take the washing machine longer to fill while consuming more water and using more energy. Also, use less energy by hang drying your clothes rather than using the dryer. In response to numerous requests, the Green Team has provided receptacles for recycling plastic bags. Containers are located in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: DECEMBER 16, 2018 Church Office Number: 583-1729 Rev. Hal Murry: 563-580-4196 Rev. Hal Murry, 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: Robin Beadle Head Usher: Terry Flynn Greeters: Bev Graves & Margaret Callaghan Ushers: Ross & Sally Madden Tom & Linda Stovall John & Pam Adams PRAYER REQUESTS: For Wally Brown, celebrating the blessing of a kidney transplant. Cards and notes of encouragement may be sent to: 1494 Oeth Court, DBQ 52003 The sympathy of the congregation is extended to Cameron Fast & his family on news of the death of Cameron's grandmother. Cards may be sent to: 3105 St. Anne Dr. DBQ 52001 If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office (583-1729) or the Pastor. 7
THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: DECEMBER 16TH THRU DECEMBER 23RD Sunday, December 16 8:30 a.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Lessons & Carols 10:45 a.m. Westminster Update, FH 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 10:40 a.m. Sunday School, Classrooms 1:30 p.m. Worship at Bethany Home 3:00 p.m. Youth Christmas Shopping 3:00 p.m. Playground Task Force, BR Monday, December 17 EARLY HOTLINE DEADLINE 6:00 p.m. Pack 20 Den Meeting, classrooms 6:00 p.m. Scout Master Mtg., BR 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts Troop 11. FH 7:00 p.m. Scouts Parent Mtg., BR Tuesday, December 18 5:40 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA Wednesday, December 19 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, LOFT 6:45 p.m. Adult Choir Rehearsal, LOFT Thursday, December 20 6:00 p.m. Session Meeting, BR 7:00 p.m. Table Tennis, FH Friday, December 21 10:00 a.m. OPNV Staff Christmas Party, FH, K Saturday, December 22 7:00 p.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA Sunday, December 23 8:00 a.m. Timbrel & Lyre Rehearsal, SA 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship, Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Sunday School, Classrooms 1:00 p.m. Donath Christmas Party, FH, K FROM YOUR WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION: Your will speaks for you after your death. Have you included a bequest to Westminster Presbyterian Church in your will? 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