December 11, 2016
Matthew 11:28, Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. To all who sin and need a Savior, to all who are burdened and need rest, to all who sorrow and long for comfort, to all who struggle and seek victory, to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and to whosoever will come, Providence Presbyterian Church opens wide her doors and offers The Preparation For Worship welcome in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Prelude and Silent Prayer Welcome and Announcements Choral Introit (Please pass registration pad after signing) Mrs. Janet Taylor Elder Steve McNair Choir The Adoration Of God *Call to Worship Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 12:12, 13 Rev. Michael Cannon Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel. Therefore strengthen your tired hands and weakened knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but healed instead. *Prayer of Adoration and Lord s Prayer *Hymn of Praise Joy to the World! The Lord Is Come No. 195 *Nicene Creed *Gloria Patri
Confession Of Our Need Of Christ And God s Grace Corporate Confession of Sin O God of Grace, You have imputed my sin to Jesus, my substitute; You have imputed his righteousness to my soul, clothing me with a bridegroom s robe, decking me with jewels of holiness. But in my Christian walk I am still in rags; my best prayers are stained with sin; my tears of sorrow are not pure; I need to repent of my repentance. I have no robe to bring to cover my sins, no loom to weave my own righteousness; I am always standing clothed in filthy garments. But by grace I am always receiving change of apparel, for you justify the ungodly; I am always going into the far country, then returning home as a prodigal, saying, Father, forgive me, and you always bring out to me the best robe. Grant me never to lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the exceeding righteousness of salvation, the exceeding glory of Christ, the exceeding beauty of holiness, the exceeding wonder of grace. Renew me in the grace and strength of your Holy Spirit, For the sake of Jesus Christ your Son, my Savior. Amen. Adapted from the Valley of Vision The Assurance of Pardon 1 John 4:9-10 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Hymn As with Gladness Men of Old No. 226 (Ushers come forward for offering)
Response Of Thanksgiving Offertory Prayer Elder Steve McNair Receiving Tithes/Offerings *Doxology No. 731 Choral Anthem Run to Bethlehem arr. McDonald/Martin Shepherd, wake up from your sleep, run, run to Bethlehem; Rise up from your flock of sheep! Run, run, run, run to Bethlehem! In the manger you will find the Lamb for all mankind! Shepherd, do not be afraid, run, run to Bethlehem; Christ, the Lord, is born this day! Run, run, run, run to Bethlehem! In the manger you will find the Lamb for all mankind. Shepherd, hear the news we bring, run, run to Bethlehem! Glory be to God, we sing; run, run run, run to Bethlehem! In the manger you will find the Lamb for all mankind. The Means Of Grace Shepherd, search and find the Lamb, run, run to Bethlehem! Leave your flock of ewes and rams. Run, run, run, run to Bethlehem! In the manger you will find the Lamb for all mankind. Old Testament Scripture Reading 1 Samuel 8: 1-9 Page 230 New Testament Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 9: 1-18 Page 956 *Psalm Singing Psalm 149B Children (ages 4&5) leave for Children s Church God s people have been given the victory - the old situation of bondage has become new by the coming of Christ, hence a new song (vs1). But they also have a calling to the whole world. The two-edged sword (v6) is the word of God and the warfare is for the hearts of men that every thought be brought captive to him (2 Cor 10:3-5). If men remain rebellious, if the sentence that was against us (vs9) is not dealt with through faith in Christ (Col 2:14), then that sentence will be born personally at the last day. The musical instruments he mentions (vs3) were peculiar to this infancy of the church, nor should we foolishly imitate a practice which was intended only for God s ancient people. (John Calvin)
Pastoral Prayer Scripture Lesson Luke 4:1-13 Page 859 The Response And Blessing *Benediction *Closing Hymn May the Mind of Christ My Savior No. 644 May the mind of Christ my Savior live in me from day to day By his love and pow r controlling all I do and say. *Postlude *Congregation standing as able
The Session Has Scheduled the Sacrament of Holy Communion A Means of Grace to be observed on Sunday Morning December 18, 2016 The scriptures warn us to be diligent in making preparation before the celebration of Communion. Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, and then so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. 1 Cor. 11:27-29 In A Sacramental Catechism by John Williamson (1680-1750), he asks: What sort of preparation is it that God requires of such that come to His table? It is not a slack or careless preparation to be done in a hasty and superficial manner, as some do who never set about it till Saturday or the Lord s day morning before they commune. No, it must be timely and deliberately, conscientious and impartial, diligent and fervent in the use of all appointed means, depending upon God for the gracious preparation of the heart according to His promise Ps. 10:17; Prov. 16:1 The Westminster Larger Catechism (Question 171) gives a wonderful and clear explanation of how we ought to prepare for the observation of this covenantal meal: They that receive the sacrament of the Lord s Supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves there unto, by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience, and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation and fervent prayer. Carefully consider these before your participation: 1. Reflection on the depth of your love for Christ and the brethren. 2. Discernment of your own understanding of the Supper. 3. Meditation on Christ s death and suffering. 4. Feeding on Him in faith.
SERMON NOTES & PRAYER R EQUES T S Key Truths of the Passage: Life Application (What does God want you to do?) What Crisis of belief does this passage create? Rethink: What assumptions about your life, salvation and your ministry do you need to question? What relationships or activities do you need to re-consider? What did you learn about God that you didn t know before? Reform: How have you presented yourself as a spiritual sacrifice to God? What portions of your life have you refused to surrender to God?
CALENDAR OF THE WEEK Elder on Call: John Spears Deacon on Duty: Jason Carter TLC: For Need Call Church Office (601-924-4747) Monday: John 1:1-18 Tuesday: Luke 1:1-80 Wednesday: Luke 2:1-40 Thursday: Luke 3:1-20 Friday: Matthew 3:13-4:17 SUNDAY Coffee and Fellowship Sunday School Morning Worship Service Deacon s Meeting Evening Worship Service Christmas Choir Rehearsal 9:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 4:45 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 7:15 p.m. TUESDAY Men s Prayer Group WEDNESDAY Govero/Fellowship Joint Christmas Party Harrison Group Youth Group College Group @ 406 Monroe Street 6:45 a.m. 6:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY Men s Breakfast at Shoneys Ladies Prayer Group 8:00 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Missionary Family of the Week Pearson Foundation - Jarvis Ward Prayer Family of the Week Mr. and Mrs. Chris Govero, Anna Grace, Luke, Noah and Sarah Rose
ORGANIST Most of you know that Providence is losing her highly regarded organist. At the end of December Janet Taylor is retiring. Janet has been our faithful organist/pianist for over 37 years. If you would like to express your appreciation to her for her tireless service to our congregation, please write her a note and leave it in the basket in the narthex. CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR S DAY On Christmas and New Year s morning, Sunday School classes will not meet. Also the Evening Service for these holidays will also be cancelled, see Holiday Calendar. JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY The Fellowship group and Govero group will have a joint Christmas party Wednesday, December 14th at 6:00 p.m. at the Govero s home. Please bring heavy hor d oeuvres. CHOIR RECEPTION We will have a reception tonight following the Candlelight Choir Service. Please bring sandwiches, chips, cookies, or other goodies. The hostesses ask that you please bring your ready-to-serve food by 5:45 p.m. before the service. LADIES TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY All ladies are invited to a weekly Bible study on Tuesdays at 9:30 am, starting January 10th. The study will examine the book A Woman s Wisdom: How the Book of Proverbs Speaks to Everything by Lydia Brownback ($12). Nursery will be provided, please sign up if you are interested. THANK YOU Thank you for your prayers and love of Tim and I over the years. What a blessing it is to have a loving church family, especially during difficult times. Thank you for the food, cards and visits. And many thanks to the Ladies for the delicious luncheon after the Memorial Service. Charlene Baker, Cathy Palmer and Family LADIES CHRISTMAS TEA All ladies are invited to attend the Ladies Christmas Tea at 10 am on Saturday, December 17 at the church. There will be light brunch food, good fellowship, and an exchange of Jesse Tree ornaments. All ladies are welcome whether they signed up to make ornaments or not. Please check the sign up sheet for more information.
PASTOR S GIFT As is our usual custom, we will give a Christmas love gift from the congregation to our Pastor after the choir program. You may give your donation to Chris Govero, Harold Miller, or put it in the offering plate marked Pastor s Gift. CHRISTMAS SUNDAY SCHOOL Join us for our annual Providence Sunday School hour of sharing Christmas songs and stories on Sunday, December 18. Members, young and old, are encouraged to present their talent as it relates to the celebration of the Christmas Season and the Christmas Story. Those interested may contact Steve McNair, Dan Vogt, or Reuben Oates. INQUIRERS CLASS The Session is planning to offer a quarterly Inquirers Class for any that might like more information about Providence PCA, the Reformed Faith, and particularly for those seeking to join the Church. If you would like to attend an Inquirers Class offered during the Sunday school hour, please drop a note in the offering plate, make a note on the Fellowship Pad, or call the Church office. We are working to get the first class scheduled and knowing Holiday Calendar December 11 Christmas Candlelight Service 6:00 p.m. December 13 Mt. Salus Elementary Musical 7:00 p.m. December 17 Ladies Tea 10:00 a.m. December 24 Christmas Eve Service 5:00 p.m. December 25 No Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Service No Evening Service January 1 No Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Worship Service No Evening Service
Church Staff Pastor..Rev. Michael Cannon Music Director.Mrs. Emily Reeves Organist...Mrs. Janet Taylor Church Treasurer.Mr. Chris Govero Secretary..Mrs. Deborah Scott Nursery Director..Mrs. Amanda Davis Assistant Nursery Director..Mrs. Amy Carter Youth Director.Mr. David Reeves College Intern..Mr. Bryce Davis The Session Dr. Lester Harrison Clerk Mr. Chris Govero Mr. Bill Pleasant Mr. Steve McNair Mr. Harold Miller Mr. John Spears The Diaconate Mr. Jason Carter Chairman Mr. Pete Bishop Mr. Jason Bullock Mr. Steve Craven Mr. Jeremy Elliott Mr. David Johnson Mr. Reuben Oates Mr. David Reeves Mr. David Thornton Mr. John Turbeville Rev. Michael Cannon PROVIDENCE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, PCA 1580 Clinton Raymond Road * Clinton, Mississippi 39056 601-924-4747