PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE REDEMPTION IN ACTION Sung Response: Ring out your truth. Ring out your love. Come, ring throughout all our lives. Come, Lord, come! 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. OFFERING MUSICAL OFFERING French Carol Variation Gloria Rebecca Owens *SONG OF THANKSGIVING Advent Doxology Tune: Old 100 th Praise God who blesses everyone! Praise Jesus Christ, who is to come! Praise Spirit, making Three-in-One! All praise the miracle begun! PRAYER OF DEDICATION Generous God, we give you thanks for all you have given us. We offer our gifts as tokens of love and gratitude for your greatest love incarnate in your son, Jesus of Nazareth. Open us to even more ways to give of ourselves as we view the world with compassion, in the name of Jesus Christ, who has come and is to come. Amen. *SONG OF DEDICATION People, Look East Number 105 *BENEDICTION *CHORAL RESPONSE Alleluia, Amen! - Carl Wiltse *POSTLUDE From Heaven Above Wilbur Held Songs & Lyrics reprinted under CCLI License #11023707
A CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP December 11, 2016 3 rd Sunday of Advent 11:00 a.m. (LARGE PRINT BULLETINS, PEW BIBLES AND ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES ARE AVAILABLE FROM OUR USHERS) *Please stand, if able. *CAROL Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee. By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; By thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne. GATHERING AS THE PEOPLE OF GOD PRELUDE Joy and Celebration - Lee J. Afdahl Chancel Handbell Ringers ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING Martha Singdahlsen & Mark Fagerberg *OPENING PRAYER Holy Living God, Blessed Jesus, Guiding Spirit, today, we open your gift of the present moment, knowing that every heartbeat and breath is your gift of love bestowed upon us. Open us now to your miracle just begun and in this season, transform us into those whose giving brings love to a turbulent world. We pray in the name of the one who is with us now and is to come, Christ Jesus. Amen. *CAROL O Lord, How Shall I Meet You Number 104 PASSING OF THE PEACE Christ is coming! May you know that you are loved! PRAYER OF CONFESSION How good are we at watching for signs of God's presence in the world, in our lives, in our homes? (A moment of silent reflection) Advent God, forgive us when we pay more attention to satisfying our own needs, than seeking you and your will for our lives; for being more interested in possessing the material things of life, rather than your spiritual gifts. Turn our lives around so that we are looking in the right direction - towards you. Only then can we hope to recognize the signs of your loving presence in the world. We pray in Jesus name. Amen. ASSURANCE OF GOD S LOVING FORGIVENESS God is sending one who embodies God s love. It is God s own Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Because of Christ, our sins are forgiven. We receive the power of the Holy Spirit to embody God s love within our own lives. Praise be to God. Amen. PROCLAIMING GOD S WORD BLESSING THE CHILDREN Young children may leave for Godly Play with Emily Boots following the blessing time. Sung Response (Tune: Away in a Manger) Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with thee there. PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION God, as we find ourselves in the midst of Advent, we don't want to miss its beautiful meaning. We want to soak in the wonder and mystery of the Incarnation. We desire to be drawn into the story of Jesus' coming. Help us to see, hear, and truly experience the truth of this season. Amen. EPISTLE READING Romans 13:11-14 THE WORD IN MUSIC Chancel Choir E en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come - Paul Manz GOSPEL READING Matthew 24:37-44 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! READER S THEATER Sara Hinterlong, David Huffine, Linda Huffine, Kent Pankey MESSAGE Sung Response: In the Bleak Midwinter, #144, verse 4 What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give him: give my heart. The Redemption of Scrooge - God Bless Us Everyone! Being Present in the Now
EPISTLE RADING: Romans 13: 11-14 SCRIPTURE READING 1 Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; 12 the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 13 let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. GOSPEL READING: Matthew 24:37-44 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be left. 42 Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour. Rev. Dr. Janet Winslow, Pastor Rev. Lauren Ramseur, Covenant Pastor Family, Children, Youth Ministry Colin Pettigrew, Ministry Intern Stephen E. Henley, Director of Music Brenda Norton, Office Manager Jennifer Smouse, Preschool Director Dwayne L. Williams, Sexton bonairpc.org 9201 W. Huguenot Rd., North Chesterfield, VA 23235 * (804) 272-7514 Fax (804) 272-9752 * E-mail: office@bonairpc.org WELCOME! We re glad you joined us for worship today. We are a diverse and engaging community of faith seeking and serving Christ to make a difference. We pray that you experience Christ s presence in our midst and that his presence will sustain you in the week ahead. If you are a guest, we hope you will consider Bon Air Presbyterian Church as a community of faith where you belong. Feel free to pick up a welcome folder which contains information about our church. Copies of our newsletter, Outreach, are available in our lobby. Our pastors and ushers are delighted to answer any questions you may have about our ministries and programs. CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP! Special children s bulletins and activity bags are available for children from an usher. Childcare for infants through 2 year olds is available in our nursery. An usher will be glad to direct you. Following the Conversation with Children, young children are welcome to go to the Preschool Block Room for Godly Play. PRAYER REQUESTS - We welcome requests for particular joys or concerns to be included in the Prayers of the People. Please write your request on a Prayer Request Card and hand it to an usher before the service. Please let us know that you are here today! During the service, please sign the blue friendship pad. SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Classes begin at 9:45 a.m. Preschool: Growing in Grace and Gratitude (Block Room) Children and Youth - Rehearse for the Christmas Pageant with Mrs. Houghton at 9:30 a.m. in the AV Sunday School Room. Adults Advent Small Group Studies: The Redemption of Scrooge 9:30 a.m. Middle School Room 9:45 a.m. Rooms 101 and 103 25 th ANNUAL MESSIAH SING-ALONG Catch the true Christmas spirit at this performance, including orchestra, soloists, and a multitude of choristers, today at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come experience our sanctuary filled with this moving oratorio. YOUTH PROGRESSIVE DINNER All Middle and High School youth are invited to the annual progressive dinner. It all begins tonight at the Hurlbert home at 5:00 p.m.
INVITE OTHERS TO CELEBRATE THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS! Invitation postcards are available in the Narthex. Please take one or more, address it to a friend, neighbor, or colleague. Add a word or two of invitation and your name. Then, mail or hand it to the person you will be giving a Christmas blessing! ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Next Sunday, December 18, at 9:45 a.m. A Spy-lent Night Finger foods for the breakfast table in the Fellowship Hall are welcome before the 8:30 a.m. service or sometime between 9:15 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS CAROLING Next Sunday, December 18, at 2:00 p.m. Bundle up and spread Christmas joy and then warm up with hot chocolate! BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE Next Sunday, December 18, at 3:00 p.m. A special service of remembrance, hope, and healing for those who are experiencing sadness and loneliness during this holiday season. CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY CAROL SING -- 4:00 p.m. Hear the Christmas story, sing your favorite carols and celebrate Jesus birthday! CHRISTMAS EVE NATIVITY CONCERT 8:30 p.m. Handbells, harp, flute, and choir. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE - 9:00 p.m. Gather in the candlelight for carols and a message of hope. CHRISTMAS MORNING WORSHIP 10:00 a.m. A casual service of lessons and carols. Ben Houghton on piano. ANGEL TREE PRISON FELLOWSHIP PROJECT The local Angel Tree gifts will be delivered on Saturday, December 17. Those willing to help deliver gifts, please sign-up at the Angel Tree table in the office lobby. PRAYING FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR CHURCH During this holiday season, please join our Session in praying for our community and the ministries of our church. December prayer calendars are available in the Narthex and the office lobby. KIT (KEEP IN TOUCH) As you write your Christmas cards, consider remembering some of our former members who have moved away to be near family: Virginia Chaffin, Louise Mallory, Margaret Murphey, Garth and Jackie Nelson, Ethel Rhodes, and Halma Wilson. Addresses are in the church directory. They would love to hear from their church family. THIS WEEK AT BON AIR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (December 11-18) Sunday THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:30 a.m. Worship Celebration (Sanctuary) 9:30 a.m. Advent Small Group: The Redemption of Scrooge 9:30 a.m. Christmas Pageant Rehearsal 9:45 a.m. Advent Small Groups: The Redemption of Scrooge 11:00 a.m. Worship Celebration (Sanctuary) 4:00 p.m. Messiah Sing-Along (Sanctuary) 5:00 p.m. Youth Progressive Dinner (starts at the Hurlbert home) 7:00 p.m. Session (Room 101-103) Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday 8:30 a.m. Friendship Café (Beck Room) 9:30 a.m. Yoga (Room 101-103) 2:30 p.m. Advent Small Group: The Redemption of Scrooge 3:45 p.m. Sabot School (Fellowship Hall) 5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts (Fellowship Hall) 6:30 p.m. Chancel Ringers (Sanctuary) 6:45 p.m. Boy Scouts (Room 208-210) 7:15 p.m. Walk Away the Pounds (Room 101-103) 8:30 a.m. Friendship Café (Beck Room) Noon ROMEO s (Pescados Restaurant) 5:00 p.m. AA (Fellowship Hall & Room 101-103) 7:00 p.m. Christian Education Youth Ministry Team (Room 403) 8:30 a.m. Small group from POJ (Parlor) Noon Staff Meeting (Library) 6:00 p.m. Christmas Dinner (Fellowship Hall) 7:30 p.m. Church & Society Team (Library) 7:30 p.m. Advent Small Groups: The Redemption of Scrooge Noon Staff/Volunteer Christmas Party (Beck Room) 1:00 p.m. Angel Tree Gift Sorting (Parlor) 6:00 p.m. Yoga (Room 101-103) 7:00 p.m. Staff Relations Team (Beck Room) 7:15 p.m. Walk Away the Pounds (Room 101-103) Friday 5:00 p.m. AA (Fellowship Hall & Room 101-103) Saturday Angel Tree Deliveries Sunday FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT Christmas Joy Offering Received 8:30 a.m. Worship Celebration (Sanctuary) 9:45 a.m. Christmas Pageant (Fellowship Hall) 11:00 a.m. Worship Celebration (Sanctuary) 2:00 p.m. Christmas Caroling 3:00 p.m. Blue Christmas Service (Sanctuary)
Given in honor: Birth of William Ross Cushnie, Jr., by the Jacocks and Cushnie families By Carolyn Cobb Meigs My Aunt Betty by Nora Narum To the glory of Almighty God by Alan & Kathy Sestak Peace on Earth by Peter & Gisela Stech Bill Weddington by Tom & Nancy Elizabeth Van Auken Mary Enlow, Sandy s mother, by Don & Sandy Thornburg Given in memory: John Baker by Joan Baker Helen Hines, Diane s mother, by Dave & Diane Berg (George) Mac & Nettie McCeney by Marvin & Emily Boots My mother, Barbara Brett, and my sister, Susan Tweedie, by Bob Brett Mr. & Mrs. Edward L. Callear, Sr., and Mr. & Mrs. Albert L. Knighton, Sr., by their great-grandchildren Julian & Adalyn Callear Martha W. Sampson by Rosemary Day William J. Day by Rosemary Day Earl Graf by Mary Graf Loved ones by Mary Ann Halpern Friends and family no longer here, now saints up above, by Robert E. Halpern My mother, Sally Cato, by Pam Hinterlong My husband, Jack Holland, by Judy Holland My parents, Grace & Ed Smoot, by Judy Holland Henry & Margaret Hephner by Tom Hephner Marjorie Brown Hephner by Tom Hephner Bob & Babs Van Vleck by Van Vlecks and Jacocks children and grandchildren Wilbur Jacocks by Gussie Jacocks Calvin Johnson by Wilma Johnson & Jane Nagel My father, Langstaff Johnston, by Linda Johnston Family & Friends by Jan Jones Gloria Cassler Armstrong by Erick & Elaine Kasten Daniel R. Kasten Sr. by Erick & Elaine Kasten Family and special friends by Frank & Jane Lawrence Our parents, Gladys & Emil Kloeblen and Barbara & Leslie Lindsey, by Pat & Paul Lindsey Robert Browne Miller by Grayson & Nancy Miller Maurice & Louise Meddaugh by Ed & Gloria Myers Shaune O Neill & Gloria Voss by Ed & Gloria Myers Our parents and our brothers by Terry & Linda Oggel Ken s mom, Bernice Ford Pankey, by Ken & June Pankey Sharon Peters by Mindy Peters Glen Pearcy by Mindy Peters My parents, Myrtle & James Davis by Mary Ricketts Liz Rupp by John Rupp Loved ones by Alan & Kathy Sestak Our parents by Preston & Ann Shannon Jane Wall by Sandra Sieben Frances Harris by Sandra Sieben Lawrence Enlow, Sandy s father; Worth & Lucy Thornburg, Don s parents; Helen, Dean, Barb, Brenda & Harold, Don s siblings, by Don & Sandy Thornburg Loved ones by Virginia N. Turner Our parents, Otha & Lola Vaughan, and Ben and Pat Jordan, by Warren & Anna Mae Vaughan Ernie s mother, Melva Wright, and Cindy s father, William Meigs, by Ernie & Cindy Wright