WORSHIP for THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 13, 2015 10:30 AM Grounded in the grace of God, we are a vibrant Christian community, disciples of all ages, gathered for worship and nurture, scattered to serve and to love. -MPC Mission Statement adopted by the Session March 31, 2008
Welcome to Morrisville Presbyterian Church WE WELCOME GUESTS AND VISITORS to our service today. If you are not a member, we invite you to consider membership with us. If you would like more information about how we can serve you, please speak to a pastor. THE CHANCEL FLOWERS are offered to the glory of God and are given in loving memory of Walter and Mary Ellis by Beth and Grace DiTulio. They are also given by Randy and Beth Curtiss in loving memory of Beth s father, Ralph Nelson. USHERING AT TODAY S SERVICE: Glenn Blackadar, Head Usher, Gail Flesch, Beth Keys, Doris James, Tom Evans, Jeff Morruzzi, and Amy Schnurr. Jr.Deacons are James Gilbride and Brandon Schnurr. TODAY S ACOLYTE: Jesus once said, I am the light of the world. (John 8:12) We are grateful to our acolytes who each Sunday morning carry the light into the sanctuary, symbolizing the presence of Christ in the worshiping community. At the conclusion of the service, the acolyte bears the light out into the world, where we are called to follow Christ and serve others in his name. Today s acolyte is Lizzie Pingor. CHILDCARE FOR CHILDREN UP TO AGE 4 is provided in the Nursery/Pre-School room from 10:15 a.m. 11:45 a.m. Infants and toddlers are also welcome in worship. Visitors, please feel free to worship with your children for as long as they are able. If he or she gets wiggly and needs a stretch break, audio from the service is available in the 2 chapel, until your child is ready to return to the sanctuary for you to continue to worship together. PASTORAL CARE REMINDER Members of the staff truly want to be attentive when members or friends of MPC are experiencing health difficulties. If you (or a family member) have been admitted to a hospital, please let us know by contacting the church office, and one of the pastors will be pleased to visit. You may also reach the pastors on their mobile phones Bruce Ballantine at 304-914-2108 and Debbie Heffernan at 267-342-0089. Thank you for your assistance. HEARING ASSISTANCE DEVICES are available for use anywhere in the sanctuary during worship. These pocketsized receivers are available from Deacons in either Narthex and are to be returned after the service. HYMNALS, BIBLES, & BULLETINS WITH LARGE PRINT are available during worship each Sunday morning from a Deacon in the Narthex. Please return the Hymnal and/or Bible after the service. WORSHIP NOTE * The asterisk indicates that those who are able may please stand. Please forward any announcements you would like included in the Bulletin by Tuesday of each week to Bulletin@MPCusa.net. C ONTACT US M ORRISVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH STAFF 771 North Pennsylvania Ave. Morrisville, PA 19067 215.295.4191 Office@MPCusa.net Bruce Ballantine, Interim Pastor & Head of Staff (ext. 234)... BruceBallantine@MPCusa.net Deborah Heffernan, Interim Associate Pastor (ext. 225)... DebbieHeffernan@MPCusa.net Jack McAnlis, Minister of Visitation...JackMcAnlis@MPCusa.net Timothy Carpenter, Interim Director of Music... TimCarpenter@MPCusa.net Geoffrey Shoffstall, Principal Organist... GeoffreyShoffstall@MPCusa.net Rich Drabb, Property Manager (ext. 231)... RichDrabb@MPCusa.net Laurie Jacobson, Bookkeeper (ext. 226)... LaurieJacobson@MPCusa.net Damon Miller, Communication Coordinator... DamonMiller@MPCusa.net Elizabeth Scully, Administrative Assistant (ext. 0)... LizScully@MPCusa.net
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT G A T H E R I N G PRELUDE People, Look East Robert Hobby LIGHTING of the ADVENT CANDLE WORDS of WELCOME Geoffrey Shoffstall The McCleskey Family Pastor Heffernan INTROIT *CALL to WORSHIP One: The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; All: like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. *HYMN 12 People, Look East Eric Moyer-Harrington BESANCON *PRAYER of CONFESSION Unison Merciful God, you pardon all who truly repent and turn to you. We humbly confess our sins and ask your mercy. We have not loved you with a pure heart, nor have we loved our neighbor as ourselves. We have not done justice, loved kindness, or walked humbly with you, our God. Have mercy on us, O God, in your loving-kindness. In your great compassion, cleanse us from our sin. Create in us a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within us. Do not cast us from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from us. Restore to us the joy of your salvation and sustain us with your bountiful Spirit. *SILENT PRAYERS of CONFESSION *RESPONSE Amen (DANISH) Here each worshiper may offer silent prayers of confession. Congregation *PROMISE of FORGIVENESS One: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting. I declare to you, in the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven. May the God of mercy, who forgives you all your sins, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life. All: Amen. 3
*RESPONSE to GOD S PARDON 567 Glory Be to the Father GLORIA PATRI *THE PEACE One: The Peace of Christ be with you. All: And also with you. One: Let us greet one another with the Peace of Christ. As a sign of their reconciliation in Christ, the people share the peace of Christ, greeting one another with these or similar words: The peace of Christ be with you, Peace be with you, or simply, Peace. PRAYER for ILLUMINATION L I T U R G Y o f t h e W O R D OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 12:2-6 (Old Testament, page 603) One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. ANTHEM The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came - setting by Robert A. M. Ross The angel Gabriel from heaven came, with wings as drifted snow, with eyes as flame: "All hail to thee, O lowly maiden Mary, Most highly favored lady." Gloria! "For known a blessed mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee; Thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold, Most highly favored lady." Gloria! Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head; "To me be as it pleaseth God," she said. "My soul shall laud and magnify God's holy name." Most highly favored lady, Gloria! Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ, was born in Bethlehem all on a Christmas morn, And Christian folk throughout the world will ever say: "Most highly favored lady." Gloria! Time for YOUNG DISCIPLES Children may leave for music with Mrs. Carpenter in room 104. EPISTLE READING Philippians 4:4-7 (New Testament, page 187) One: This is the Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. SERMON Surprised by Joy Pastor Ballantine 4
*HYMN 464 Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee HYMN TO JOY PRAYERS of THANKSGIVING and SUPPLICATION THE LORD S PRAYER (debts and debtors) OFFERING Invitation to Give Presentation of Gifts Offertory Music A Rose Breaks Into Bloom Johannes Brahms *Doxology Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow *Prayer of Dedication OLD HUNDREDTH S E N D I N G *HYMN 2 Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus HYFRYDOL *CHARGE and BLESSING *CHORAL BENEDICTION *POSTLUDE From Heaven Above to Earth I Come J. S. Bach IN LOVING MEMORY OF: Our Mother Fran & Father Charles Our Parents Walter & Rita Sparrow William & Jean Gardner Our Parents My sister, Kaye Patterson CHRISTMAS MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS EVERGREEN TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES: Today the church has been graced with beautiful evergreens for Christmas. Thank you to the following for your contributions: Walter Knouse, Doris Knouse & Kay Beidler. We miss you. 5 BY: Bill Burgess, Betsy Jurey & Family Carol and Roberta Carroll Wes & Judy Gardner Wes & Judy Gardner Clark and Dee Ann Martin Jan Mendrey The Beidler Family
CHRISTMAS CAROLING TONIGHT! Attention all Middle and High Schoolers: join in the MPC neighborhood Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 13 6:30-8:30 p.m. We meet in room 220 and then go through our MPC neighborhood and return to MPC for cookies and hot chocolate. Bring your friends and family. Contact Patrick Gilbride (pgilbrid@estee.com) if are you planning to come. YOUTH IN MISSION Youth in Mission will be selling Christmas ornaments in the Communications Center before and after service during Advent. This year the ornament features a picture of the stained glass over the communion table in the sanctuary. Ornaments are $10 and support our trip to Pipestem, WV. Please stop by and thank you for your support. ADVENT SUPPER SERIES This year Morrisville Presbyterian Church will offer an additional opportunity to assist with our Advent preparation. In collaboration with our friends at St. John Lutheran Church and Morrisville United Methodist Church, MPC will host the last simple supper and worship service this Wednesday evening. Supper begins at 6:00 p.m. followed by worship beginning at 6:45 p.m. December 16 at Morrisville Presbyterian Church, Rev. Wendy Bellis preaching Please mark your calendars and plan to attend. Please notify the church office by noon this Tuesday. This is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our ties with neighboring congregations as together we partake of food for body and soul. Announcements FOOD COLLECTION During the season of Advent, may we, who have been abundantly blessed, share with those whose cupboards are not full. As you come to the church for worship on Sundays, please bring any of the following food items for distribution by the Food Center: 6 canned fruit evaporated milk cereal tuna canned pasta sauce peanut butter Thank you for sharing with our neighbors in need! IVINS HOUSE/DEACONS ANGEL TREE We have many local children who need our help this Christmas. Our church community has helped families in the past by purchasing gifts for these children and we greatly appreciate everyone's generosity! You can help to continue this tradition by taking an angel from our tree and providing a special gift just for that child. Please make sure to attach the tag to your unwrapped gift and place it under the tree by December 18 so that they can be distributed in time for Christmas. Please contact Amy Schnurr at 215-428-1043 with any questions. Thank you and Merry Christmas to all! CONGREGATIONAL MEETING The Session of Morrisville Presbyterian Church has called a congregational meeting for Sunday, December 20, immediately following the worship service for the purpose of hearing the report of the Congregational Nominating Committee and electing a Pastor Nominating Committee. All active members are encouraged to attend.
GET ACQUAINTED BREAKFAST GATHERINGS Anyone who is interested in becoming a member of Morrisville Presbyterian Church is cordially invited to attend a series of Get Acquainted Breakfast Gatherings at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, January 3, 10, 17 and 24. Led by Pastor Ballantine and Pastor Heffernan, the gatherings will take place in Room 210 and will serve as an orientation to the church, enabling prospective members to get acquainted with our pastors and some of our members, our Presbyterian heritage and MPC history, our mission as we understand it, and our ministries. One need not be committed to joining the church in order to attend. In fact, attending the Get Acquainted Breakfast gatherings can serve as an effective way of learning about the congregation and discovering if this is the congregation for you. In order that we might plan properly, please let one of the pastors know of your intention to attend by Wednesday, December 30. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! Staying Put in Lower Bucks is looking for your talents! Staying Put utilizes volunteers to help older adults in Lower Bucks County remain at home and actively engaged in their community for as long as possible. We are looking for volunteers to provide support services such as: transportation, companionship, simple handyman services, telephone reassurance, assistance in the home and yard, pharmacy/ grocery pickups and delivery, daytime respite for members and help planning social events. Sometimes the best time of your life is the time you give to others. Anyone interested should call Charlie or Rene at 215-428- 0500 ext. 103 or email stayingput@ivinsoutreach.org. Announcements ADULT RETREAT OPPORTUNITIES Save the dates for opportunities for spiritual growth and deepening friendships. Two adult retreats will be offered in 2016. MPC MEN'S RETREAT will be held at Pendle Hill in Wallingford, PA February 19-21, 2016. The theme, One Anothering One Another, will be explored by Rev. Stuart Spencer. MPC WOMEN'S RETREAT will be held March 11-13, 2016 at Emmaus House, one block from the beach in beautiful Ocean Grove, NJ. This retreat on Spirituality and Creativity will be facilitated by Rev. Nancy Schongalla Bowman. Brochures with registration forms are available in the information racks or through the church office. Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your spouse? Why not give them a retreat? BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS The group discussing Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet will meet on Monday, January 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 200. Discussion will cover pp. 103-46 (for K i n d l e u s e r s t h r o u g h "Uwajimaya"). Discussion of letters 11 through 15 of The Screwtape Letters will occur Tuesday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lounge. 7
SUNDAY, December 13 8:30 a.m. God s Thunder Sanctuary 9:10 Weekly Prayer Meeting Room 202 9:30 Sunday School for All Ages 10:30 Worship Sanctuary 11:30 Fellowship Time Reception Lounge Youth Ministry 11:45 Teen Choir Music Room 6:30 p.m. Youth Caroling 7:00 Deacons Conference Room MONDAY, December 14 Noon Deborah Circle 6:00 p.m. Rebecca Circle Conference Room 7:00 Cub Scouts Rooms 125, 220, 221 7:00 Boy Scouts Fellowship Hall 7:00 Food Packing Room 4 TUESDAY, December 15 10:00 a.m. Clothing Center Room 4 10:00 Food Center Set-Up Fellowship Hall 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting Room 200 6:00 GSEP Senior Troop 2030 Room 125 7:00 EMC Room 208 7:00 Finance Committee Conference Room 7:30 Alcoholics Anonymous Room 220 WEDNESDAY, December 16 9:00 a.m. Food Center Fellowship Hall 6:00 p.m. Advent Supper and Worship Youth Club Fellowship Hall Christmas Eve Services 5:00 p.m. Children's Lessons and Carols Incorporating A Night For Dancing and Featuring the Agape Choir 7:30 p.m. Candlelight Worship and Communion Featuring God's Thunder and Teen Choir 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship Featuring Adult Choir, Soloists, College Singers, Chancel Ringers American Sign Language interpretation will be provided MPC Weekly Calendar THURSDAY, December 17 11:00 a.m. Food Stocking Room 4 Noon Alcoholics Anonymous Room 222 6:30 p.m. Oakville Girl Scouts Room 220 6:45 Chancel Choir Music Room 8:15 Chancel Ringers Chapel FRIDAY, December 18 7:30 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Room 122 SATURDAY, December 19 6:45 a.m. Prep & Serve Breakfast Trenton Pres. 9:00 Children s Christmas Eve Rehearsal Sanctuary SUNDAY, December 20 8:30 a.m. God s Thunder Sanctuary 9:10 a.m. Weekly Prayer Meeting Room 202 9:30 Sunday School for All Ages 10:30 Worship Sanctuary 11:30 Congregational Meeting Elect PNC Sanctuary 11:30 Fellowship Time Reception Lounge Deacons 11:45 Teen Choir Music Room 11:45 Visitation Ministry Conference Room 11:45 Mission Study Team Chapel To view upcoming events and meetings, please visit www.mpcusa.net and click on the MPC Events Calendar under the About Us tab. M O R R I S V I L L E P R E S B Y T E R I A N C H U R C H 771 NORTH PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE MORRISVILLE, PA 19067 215.295.4191 WWW.MPCUSA.NET 8