A Christian community of welcoming and nurturing faith. December 6, 2015 10:30 AM GATHERING We gather in response to God's call, offering praise in words of scripture, prayer, and song Prelude Christmas Lullaby Sarah Douglas Welcome/Announcements/Prayer Concerns (Please sign the friendship pad, and then pass it to the next person. If you are able, please stand in praise for items marked with ) Call to Worship Leader: By the tender mercy of our God, People: the dawn from on high will break upon us, Leader: to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, People: to guide our feet into the way of peace. Hymn #104 O Lord, How Shall I Meet You VALET WILL ICH DIR GEBEN Second Sunday in Advent: Peace The Nana Fily Leader: God of hope, Prince of Peace, You speak peace into the world in the Way of the Christ child. Help us embody your peace and live as peacemakers that we may be called children of God. People: God of hope, God of peace, into our darkness come. Advent Candle Song Season of Hope Mary Anne Jes (second verse only)
Confession Pastor: Saints, let us trust in God s love for us and confess our sin, confident in God s mercy. People: Refining God, you have sent us prophets and we have not listened. We have not always determined what is best or made way for your reign in our lives, our church, and our society. Forgive us, we pray, and renew your covenant within us for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (A Time for Silent Prayer) Assurance of Forgiveness The Passing of the Peace Pastor: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another. The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. People: And also with you. Pastor: Please turn to your neighbor and offer the peace. Hymn Glory Be to the Father GLORIA PATRI Minute for Mission The Christmas Joy Offering THE WORD We hear Scriptures, listen for their meaning in our lives Prayer for Illumination First Reading Philippians 1:3-11 Anthem Advent Carol Dale Wood Westminster Sanctuary Choir Children s Time Where Children Belong Jes Ritchie This, this is where children belong, Welcomed as part of the worshipping throng. Water, God s Word, bread and cup, prayer, and song; This is where children belong. Time for Children Chris McKee (Children leave afterward for Children s Church) Second Reading Malachi 3:1-4
Sermon Preparation Rev. Dr. Bryan Franzen Hymn #134 Joy to the World ANTIOCH THE RESPONSE We Respond to God's Word through expressions of faith and commitment, offering of prayers Pastoral Prayer The Apostle s Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended to the dead. On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven, He is seated at the right hand of the Father, and He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Invitation to the Offering Offering/Offertory Then Shall Your Light Break Forth French Advent Carol, arr. Patricia Lou Harris Doxology, #606 OLD HUNDREDTH Prayer of Thanksgiving/Dedication EUCHARIST Christ's work of redemption is remembered with thanksgiving, and the Holy Spirit is invoked upon and in the church. All are welcome at the table. Invitation to the Table The Lord s Prayer Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy ne; 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 God s People Prayer After Communion Pastor: Bless the Lord, O my soul; People: and all that is within me, bless God's holy ne! Pastor: Bless the Lord, O my soul; People: and forget not all God's benefits. SENDING We are sent forth with God's blessing to serve Hymn #106 Prepare the Way, O Zion BEREDEN VAG FOR HERRAN Charge and Blessing Postlude Rise Up, Shepherd! arr. Gerald Peterson = Please Stand Large print copies are available from your usher PARTICIPANTS IN THE SERVICE Dr. Bryan J. Franzen, Pastor Rev. Nancy Schell, Parish Associate Sandy Willis, Liturgist Miles Bayer, Acolyte Christine Merjanian, Organist Chris McKee, Director of Children s Ministry Mary Anne Jes, Music Director Westminster Sanctuary Choir Sound Booth: Ron Schuler
STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION Pastoral Ministry Worship Ministry Pastor/Head of Staff Rev. Dr. Bryan Franzen bryan@westpres-sj.org (408) 771-9853 Music Director Mary Anne Jes maryanne@westpres-sj.org (650) 776-5437 Youth and Fily Ministry Chris McKee, MDiv chris@westpres-sj.org (408) 396-2296 Revive Worship Te Leader Amber Rasura ber@westpres-sj.org Parish Associate Rev. Nancy Schell nancy@westpres-sj.org Church Organist Christine Merjanian christine@westpres-sj.org Administrative Church Administrator joel@westpres-sj.org Joel Storckman (408) 294-7447 CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY Sunday School begins immediately following the Children s Sermon. Fily for infants and toddlers is located just off the Narthex. Children s Church grades Pre-K through 5 Grade will meet in room E114 & E116 after the Children s Message. Youth grades 6-12 are invited to stay in worship and join together in the Hiding Place at 11:35-12:15. Please bring your food from coffee hour as we discuss the scripture from the worship.
TO OUR GUESTS Welcome, we re glad you re here! We are pleased that you decided to join us in worship today, and we hope you get something special from the worship service and will return again soon. If you have prayer requests, please complete the prayer request slips located in the pews and drop them in the offering when it is passed. If you have any questions or special needs today, please let the ushers know, and they will be happy to assist you. Please sign a friendship pad in one of the black binders in the pews. Leave an e-mail address; we ll send you our weekly e-mail newsletter. PLEASE PRAY FOR Olga Deviar: healing Beverly Felix (the Corsons daughter): healing Glenna Corson: healing Dorothy Hedlund: comfort, peace Sophia Kaphphe: healing Melinda Schell: healing Darlene Shinada: healing Elaine Fleming: healing Neil s father: wisdom and calm Janet Johnson and fily Jennifer Seguin Al Carrerow: healing Michelle: discernment, healing Tina Johnson: healing GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS DO YOU LOVE TO SING OR PLAY? Revive Worship Te is looking for singers and instrumentalists for our Wednesday night service! Come join us! Rehearsals take place at 6:00 PM Sunday and from 5:00-6:30 PM in the Sanctuary. NEWS FROM NATIO (Latin for People and pronounced NAY-toh) COMMITTEE Interested in exploring and experiencing our rich diversity in cultures? You are invited. We meet every two weeks. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Bryan Franzen or Olga Enciso Smith, Chair WPC Social Justice Committee at 408-529-2296.
COMING UP AT WESTMINSTER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 12:00 P.M. MEN S NOON BIBLE STUDY We will be studying the topic of Advent this week. Come to the patio near the office; bring your lunch! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 5:30 PM CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY & GAME NIGHT Pot-luck, Carols, Christmas-y crafts and ges for all ages, and adults, and festive fellowship. Held at the Westminster Manse. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 10:30 AM CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Come enjoy a special musical presentation of the Christmas Story by our children during the morning worship service! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 10:30 AM CHRISTMAS CANTATA Save the date! SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 12:30 PM CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK Join Westminster for Christmas in the park!!! Walk around and take in the sights, then at 2 PM listen to our own Revive Band bring holiday cheer to those gathered! Since parking is limited, we plan to carpool, walk, or possibly arrange for transport, so see Bryan if you are interested or have ideas. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 7:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE A fily-friendly service, full of lessons, carols and music. Led by our Revive Worship Te! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 11:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE A traditional candle-lit service, also with lessons, scriptures, carols, and special music.
THIS WEEK S CALENDAR: DEC 6 13 Please call or e-mail the church office for more information. Hours: Mon Fri: 9 AM 1 PM, 2 PM 5 PM; Sat Sun: Closed For longer-term calendar, please go to: http://www.westpres-sj.org/calendar.html SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 11:45 11:45 12:15 6:30 8:00 6:30 7:00 8:00 12:00 6:00 7:00 7:00 7:00 Coffee n Conversation, Mission Hall Good News Choir Rehearsal, Choir Youth Handbells Rehearsal, Choir Men s Bible Study & Prayer, Mission Hall Better Bones & Balance, Fireside Music and Worship Committee Meeting, Melinda s house Brown Bag for Seniors, E-100 Better Bones & Balance, Fireside Men s Noon Bible Study, patio (or Mission Hall if rain) Revive! Dinner, Fireside Wednesday Revive! Worship Service, Sanctuary Youth Group, Hiding Place Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal Choir
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 8:00 5:30 10:00 10:00 9:00 10:30 10:50 11:45 11:45 12:15 Better Bones & Balance, Fireside Church Christmas Party and Ge Night, manse Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal, Sanctuary Writing Group, Nancy s house Adult Sunday School, Hiding Place Worship Service with Christmas Pageant, Sanctuary Children s Church, E-114/116 Coffee n Conversation, Mission Hall NO - Good News Choir Rehearsal NO - Youth Handbells Rehearsal STEWARDSHIP UPDATE Returning to God, that which is God s. 2015 Year-to-date Budget: $351,231 2015 Year-to-date Income: $301,538 Over/ (Short): ($49,692) 86%