FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS December 28, 2008 Is your cell phone on? What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8) 9:40 a.m. VOLUNTARY Variations on In Dulci Jubilo (1981) Variations sur In Dulci Jubilo (1992) 10:00 a.m. + + + The Approach to God + + + Theodore Beck Dénis Bédard GREETING Daniel Carlson The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you. And also with you. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND WORSHIP ORIENTATION CALL TO WORSHIP INTROIT Gloria Pablo Sosa *PROCESSIONAL HYMN #29 Go, Tell It On The Mountain Go Tell It *OUR NEED FOR GOD (unison) God of the future: you are coming to bring all powers and principalities into your domain. We confess that we have not expected your arrival. We have lived casual lives and ignored your precepts. Help us, O God, for we have been slow to serve you. Forgive us through your son, whose triumph we desire and eagerly await. *GOD S FORGIVING LOVE *THE GLORIA PATRI (Hymn 579) *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Song of Hope) We are a people of hope waiting for the return of our Lord. God has come to us through the ancient people of Israel, as the true Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth, as the Holy Spirit at work in our world. Our Lord speaks to us now through the inspired Scriptures. Christ is with us day by day. *PASSING THE PEACE Daniel Carlson *PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD S PRAYER 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. *HYMN #53 What Child is This? + + + The Word of God + + + FIRST LESSON Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (page 692) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. CHILDREN S MESSAGE SECOND LESSON Luke 2:22-40 (page 59) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Greensleeves SERMON "The Wait of a Lifetime" Stacey Midge ANTHEM A Baptism Hymn Nicholas White Be with us, our Father, Holy Spirit divine; look upon this child who in your name we sign. Keep him from all danger, full of grace and truth, Help us guide and teach him, living out his youth. We are all your children, renew our spirits now. Give to us your blessing as we confirm our vow. Grant us your forgiveness and keep us in your way. Baptize us with your love as we baptize this child today.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM PRESENTATION AND PROMISES OF THE PARENTS *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE Amen (see below) Amen Marty Haugen, 1984 *PROMISE OF THE CONGREGATION Do you promise to love, encourage, and support this brother by teaching the gospel of God s love, by being an example of faith and character, and by giving the strong support of God s family in fellowship, prayer, and service? We do. * APPOSILES CREED I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. On the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy Catholic Church; the communion of saints; he forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen. *POSTLUDE Toccata on God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (1989) Alfred Fedak *The congregation may stand. PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING AND BAPTISMAL COVENANT *BLESSING AND WELCOME Welcome our brother in Christ. Joyfully we receive you. Join with us as we give witness in the world to the good news, For we are all one in Christ Jesus. Alleluia! OFFERING OFFERTORY + + + The Response to the Word + + + *DOXOLOGY (Hymn 592) AND PRAYER OF DEDICATION PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING *RECESSIONAL HYMN #603 Song of Simeon Land of Rest *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
Welcome If you are a first time visitor, please fill out a little white card and place it in the offering plate. If you are interested in becoming a member, please speak with one of the ministers after the service. We are eager to know and serve you. Everyone is invited to enjoy fellowship and refreshments after the service in Friendship Hall. Need Help? Large print bulletins and audio receivers are available to assist you. Please ask an usher. Special bulletins for children are also available. Restrooms are located out the front right doorway of the sanctuary. Caring for Children During Worship We love kids. Childcare for babies through age four is available between 10:00 and 12:00 a.m. at the Kinderwyk building at 10 North Church Street. Memorial Flowers If you would like to order celebratory or memorial flowers for the chancel, please call the church office. Music Notes The Baptism Hymn will be sung by Nancy Ellen Swann and Julie Panke. + + + Sacrament of Baptism This morning Jacob Bachorik will receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Jacob is the son of Eric and Sarah Bachorik. First Forum The First Forum meets in the Poling Chapel following the fellowship time on Sunday mornings. It is over at noon. Today Coffee and Connections, Assembly Hall January 4 - Moose Chapel Organ Concert, Poling Chapel At the First Forum time after worship on January 4, Charlie Moose will present a small concert of Christmas and Epiphany music on the chapel organ in Poling Chapel. This fine chamber instrument is unique in its appearance and sound. The presentation will end at noon. Vespers Every Sunday, 5 p.m. Today Celtic Vespers Larry Meyerhoff plays a wide variety of instruments, including hammered dulcimer, guitar, Irish flute, penny whistle, and bagpipes. Jan. 4 Jazz Vespers Nat Phipps, piano; Tom D Andrea, drums, Pete Toigo, bass. Jan. 11 Chamber Vespers Jan. 18 Jazz Vespers Peg Delaney, piano, Bill Delaney, bass; Tom D Andrea, drums. Jan. 25 Celtic Vespers Cliudan - driven acoustic music with traditional Irish and Scottish roots. Adult Bible Study Are you mulling over whether to make any New Year's resolutions? After the service, grab a cup of coffee and join us for Bible Study in the Poling Conference Room. This week, we will study scripture to discern whether we should make any changes in the New Year. The passages we will examine are 2 Peter 1:5-8 and Philippians 3:2-14. This is a drop-in study. No preparation is necessary. Wednesday Dialog Wednesday Dialog will resume after Christmas on January 7. Have a happy and safe holiday season. Chrismon Tree Please take time to enjoy the Crismon tree in the Dirck Romeyn Room. This tree was planted years ago by Annie Neikirk when they both were young seedlings and donated to us by her parents, Hope and John Neikirk. Thanks to Nate Carlson for cutting and transporting it, and to Tom Lighthall for setting it up. Back Rx We'll not meet the week of December 28, but will resume again the week of January 4. Restore to join us, as you are able. Kerygma Concluding Celebration All those who have been reading Earth Faith, Earth Ethics are invited to a party at the Carlson's on Monday, January 5 at 7 p.m. marking the conclusion of this challenging study. On this twelfth night of Christmas we'll enjoy food and drink, reflect together on the final section of Larry's book, and share resolutions that honor Creation and our Creator. Bring your book, a desert, appetizer, or beverage, and your reflections and resolutions. WE @ FRC We'll not meet December 24 or 31, but shall resume with new light and warmth on January 7. Check out January's First Things for further details! A Fat King, a Talking Donkey, and a Flock of Eunuchs Can the Bible be funny? Find out in this dramatic exploration of satire, farce and all around humor in Scripture. Stacey will lead this 4-week class at 7 pm every Wednesday in January. Bring a Bible, and come prepared to laugh, think, and see a serious book in a lighter way. Chili Cook-Off and Auction We all know there are some fabulous cooks out there, and now is your chance to shine! Our annual Chili Cook-Off and Auction will be held on January 10 from 5:00-8:00pm. If you make a mean chili (or a nice one), please sign up with Stacey ASAP. We also need items to be auctioned at this event. Past donations have included gourmet dinners, cakes baked on demand, and time at vacation homes. If you have a service or item you'd like to donate, please talk to Stacey or a member of the Senior High Youth Group. And of course, please plan to attend the big event on January 10! Youth Activities Junior High Youth Group will meet on January 4 and 18 at 5 pm. Dinner will be served, so come hungry and ready for fun! Senior High Youth Group will meet on January 4 at 7 pm. On January 18, we will be attending a drywall class at Home Depot at 1 pm. Meet at church at noon for lunch, or catch the van at 12:45 pm. Everyone is welcome, whether they are going on the mission trip or not.
We will be busy this month preparing for our mission trip to Dulac, Louisiana from February 15-21. The Chili Cookoff is on January 10. The SHYG will gather at 2 pm to set up for the auction and cook-off. Please remember to get out there to your assigned areas and collect as many donations as possible for the auction! We will also be selling mission shares on Sundays from January 18-February 8, so plan on sticking around after the services. 2 nd Sunday Pot Luck Lunch Resolve now to bring some food to share with other s following worship on January 11 th. Mission Shares for Youth Trip The Senior High Youth Group will be going to Dulac, Louisiana from February 15-21 to work with a community that has suffered great damage from several hurricanes. Obviously, the whole church cannot go to the Bayou in person - but everyone can participate in the effort! We will be selling Mission Shares from January 18-February 8. They will be available on Sundays from the SHYG students, or you can purchase them from Stacey at any time. We appreciate your help in this project, which we hope will be transformative for us and for those we serve! Home Furnishings Program As many of you know, we have a relationship with the Home Furnishings Program through our missioner, Randy Sparrow, who spends part of his week transporting items to and from their storage facility. The Home Furnishings Program is always in need of clean, usable furniture for families and individuals in transition. They have particular need for beds, but will take all furniture of appropriate quality, including: dressers, kitchen tables and chairs, sofas, chairs, end tables, coffee tables, lamps, and smaller items such as linens, blankets, and cookware. Please call 346-2444 to make an appointment for pick-up of larger items, or drop off smaller items at the Home Furnishings Program office at 603 State Street. 2009 Offering Envelopes Offering envelopes for next year are now available for pick-up in the Narthex. If you do not see your name and would like offering envelopes for 2009, you may pick them up in the office. The sanctuary and chapels are adorned to the glory of God and in loving memory of: Our loved ones, by the Allen family Grandpa Al Holland by Emily Attanasio Warren D. and Ethel F. Barrett by their children and grandchildren Robert Bruce Crandell by Janet Crandell Joe s mother Marjorie s 104 th birthday by Joe and Gay Doolittle Carlton W. Dyer by his wife, Janice B. Dyer Genevieve Brunelle, John Krawczak, Earl Fetrow, and Hank and Ruth Emken by the Krawczak and Emken families Rudolph and Therese Mahlberg by the Erickson family William and Louise Stange by Marlene Risseeuw and the Erickson s Raymond and Marion Falconer and Lois Weidenfeller from their families Dr. Judson & Jessie Gilbert from the Gardner family Mr. & Mrs. Clark H. Godfrey and Marian D. Francis by Dorothea F. Godfrey Charles David Greskovich by Maria, Chad, Ann and Melissa Our parent and grandparents by the Griggs and Griggs-Janower families Loved Ones by Mr. and Mrs. Peter G. Ipsen Tom & Viola Ruckman, Tom Ruckman, Jr., Ross & Hazel Marrs by Tom, Maggie, Mandy, and Matt Kiesow LeRoy Jewett by his family Al & Celest Levering by the Levering family Russell Jones and Dr. Charles Assini by their grandchildren Alicia and Andrew Assini Richard McLane by his wife Beverly, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren Drew Mills by the family Dorothy and Edmund Sanderson by Neil and Sandy Moynihan Beloved wife, Elizabeth by Caleb Paine Loved ones by Anne Peterson Mrs. LeRoy Cope, and Mr. & Mrs. Thomas McNeil by Elyne Schulte Eldon Springsted by his wife Elaine Carl Steubing by his wife Jayne, children, and grandchildren Richard L. Shuey by his family Mr. & Mrs. Francias R. Swann, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas E. Niles, Florence Niles, and Donald Armington by Dale and Nancy Ellen Swann Daniel J. Thuener by his wife Vernetta and Elaine and Amir, Glenda and Deborah Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Coons, David Coons Van Voast, Thomas Teichner, William and Charlotte Teichner, and George Teichner by Mrs. Thomas Teichner and family Don by Carol Troost Mr. & Mrs. Carl W. Veeder by their daughter Dr. Elizabeth Veeder Our parents Clarence and Sara Hollister Linder, and Clarabelle Wescott Linder by the Walravens and the Linders Palmer V. Welch, Marian A. Welch, and Mary C. Welch by the Welch family Our parents by Bill and Linda Ward Anne Shepherd Wemple, Robert V. Shepherd, and Susan Shepherd by the Welch family Donald E. Craig, Elizabeth Craig, and Corinne Craig; Eugene C. Zeltmann and Ruth Zeltmann by Susan and Eugene Zeltmann
This Week Next Sunday Kinderwyk Tani & Steve Breitenbach SHYG/JHYG Helpers Greeters Darwin & Ellie Brudos Madelyn Young, Ronnie Bartholic Head Usher Mike Beals Communion Service Ushers Elders John & Margaret Anderton Robert & Cathy Allen, Joe Gallagher, Maurice Robbins Art Casey, Carol DeLaMarter, Rob Dickson, Barbara Draffen, Jerry Griggs, Bill Hubbard, Marlene Risseeuw, Linda Witkowski Liturgist Daniel Carlson Daniel Carlson Reader Preacher Stacey Midge Bill Levering Counting Deacons Joe Gallagher, Greg Matusic Refreshments Cathy Allen Faith Bookshop Roberta Blackmer Fred Daniels, Joan Lindsay, Greg Matusic, Chris VanOort, Max Della Pia, Jim Ramsey, Ken Rimany, Ann Walraven Calendar for the Week of December 28, 2008 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Youth Orchestra, Music Room Dec. 28 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:20 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study, Poling Conference Room 11:00 a.m. Fellowship and Refreshments, Assembly Hall 5:00 p.m. Celtic Vespers, Sanctuary Monday 9:00 a.m. Men s News Group Dec. 29 Tuesday 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Morning Prayer, Dykstra Chapel Dec. 30 Thursday New Year s Day Office Closed Jan. 1, 2009 Sunday 9:00 a.m. Youth Orchestra, Music Room Jan. 4 10:00 a.m. Worship, Sanctuary 10:20 a.m. Church School 11:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study, Poling Conference Room 11:00 a.m. First Forum, Poling Chapel 11:20 a.m. First Forum, Poling Chapel 5:00 p.m. Junior High, Assembly Hall 7:00 p.m. Senior High Youth Group 5:00 p.m. Jazz Vespers, Sanctuary
FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Schenectady, New York THE CONSISTORY Bill Levering, Senior Minister Daniel Carlson, Associate Minister Stacey Midge, Minister of Mission, Outreach, and Youth Delbert Pierce, Bill Rochelle, Senior Elders Fred H. Daniels, Treasurer Mary Jewett, Clerk Elders Deacons Carolyn Jones-Assini William Brooks Andrew Chestnut Christine Daniels Eric Evans Delbert Pierce William Rochelle Harvey Schadler Nancy Ellen Swann Linda Ward CHURCH STAFF Kimberly Burgoyne Fred Daniels Cynthia Gallagher Elsa Hjelmar Adam Kerwin Catherine Lewis Joan Lindsay Greg Matusic David Schweizer Chris Van Oort Jamie Ipsen, Director of Children s Ministry Julie Panke, Director of Music Charles Moose, Organist Jamie Ipsen, Director of Children s Music Eric Bachorik, Director of Klokken Ringers Sarah Bachorik, Director of Kinderwyk Gay Doolittle and Heather Chestnut, Hospitality Coordinators Heather Scribner, Office Administrator Gary Nelson, Facility Supervisor FIRST REFORMED CHURCH SCHENECTADY THE COVENANT OF OUR CONGREGATION Adopted by the Congregation in 1962 We do hereby set forth the principles of the Christian faith as commonly held among us, believing that no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. It shall be our aim to bring joy to little children, instruction and high ideals to youth, inspiration to men and women in the midst of life, and comfort to those in life's later years; and to labor together for the betterment of humankind. Our fellowship shall not be dependent upon identity of theological opinion, or of outward circumstance, or of denominational concern, but shall grow from a common loyalty to Jesus, a common commitment to serve the world we touch, and a common purpose to do justly, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. Our ideal is a church of the open mind, the warm heart, the hopeful spirit, and the social vision which ever seeks to express, in all walks of life, the mind of Jesus. December 28, 2008 First Reformed Church 8 North Church Street Schenectady, New York 12305 (518) 377-2201 www.1streformed.com Ministers: Daniel Carlson, Bill Levering, Stacey Midge