SUNDAY WORSHIP November 19, 2017 10:30 a.m. Ou r Mission: Gro wing in Sp irit Living as D isciple s Se rving God s World Preparation for Worship Gracious God, Source of all Blessings, You have been extravagant in your Generosity. You have planted within us the seeds of Hope. You have nurtured within us the saplings of Faith. You have harvested the fruits of your Creation and spread before us the feast of all Possibility. Words cannot express the gratitude for which we come before you. May we embody our thanks with extravagant generosity. May we offer our lives to you in acts of compassion for one another. May we walk gently upon the earth, ever mindful of your gifts of Breath, of Love, of Life itself. Amen. Anne G. Cohen We Gather in God s Name Prelude Nimrod, from Enigma Variations Elgar Ray Freeman, Organist Welcome and Announcements Passing of the Peace Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Praise Song Our God Praise Band Please stand if you are able.
Call to Worship One: Come, you thankful people, come. Let us gather before God and lift up our songs of praise and thanksgiving. Many: God our maker does provide for our wants to be supplied. Let us give thanks for God s generous spirit. One: Let us give thanks for the blessings of food and family, of church and faith. Let us give thanks for the beauty of the earth. Many: Let us praise God from whom all blessings flow. Hymn #268 Crown Him with Many Crowns Prayer of Confession Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord for all. We confess that we have not bowed down before him, and we are slow to acknowledge his rule. We give allegiance to the powers of this world, and fail to be governed by justice and love. In your mercy, forgive us. Raise us to acclaim him as ruler of all, that we may be loyal ambassadors, obeying the commands of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Assurance of Forgiveness Leader: The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting unto everlasting. As far as the East is from the West, so far has God removed our transgression from us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are all forgiven. People: Thanks be to God. We Proclaim God s Word Children s Message Children of any age are invited to the front for a time of worship together. Play n Worship and Bridges will be announced following the message. See guest information on page 7 for details. Anthem Then Sings My Soul Arr. May McDonald Chancel Choir Old Testament Lesson Psalm 100 Hymn #647 Give Thanks New Testament Lesson Colossians 3:15-17 Pastor: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. 2
Sermon Living Thankfully Rev. Susan Wisseman Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings We Respond to God s Word Offertory The Stand Praise Band Response #609 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures high and low. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Prayer of Dedication Penny Newsome Prayers of the People and the Lord s Prayer We Depart To Serve God Parting Hymn #14 For the Beauty of the Earth Benediction Postlude Now Thank We All Our God Karg-Elert Ray Freeman, Organist Please join us after the service in Wester Hall for a time of Fellowship. The Flowers today were placed by the Sanctuary Guild In Grateful Thanks to God Your Greeters today were Wendy and Cherish Lawson.
ANNOUNCEMENTS and OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE The Alternative Gift Fair. Bountiful thanks to everyone who gave so generously to the Alternative Gift Fair last Sunday. We raised over $14,000 for charities that are near and dear to our hearts and blessed many individuals who are in need. We will hold a mini AGF in the Library this Sunday to sell the remaining olive oil, Zuni nuts, and goods from Palestine and around the world, so please drop by after worship. Gift Wrap for Bethany House. As you prepare for the holidays, please remember our annual collection of gift wrap, gift bags, tags, ribbon, and bows for Bethany House. Bethany House provides safe housing and services to victims of domestic violence in Northern Virginia. Grace supports Bethany House through this project, the mission budget, and through your contributions at the Alternative Gift Fair. Please place your gift wrap in the collection box in the Tower Entrance by December 6. Christmas Giving Tree. Please take a gift tag off of the tree in the Narthex. Bring your new unwrapped gift or gift cards to Grace by December 15. Your gifts will go to needy children through the Parenting Education Program, a county program we support here at Grace. CROP Walk. Thanks to the 11 walkers who represented Grace in this community event, and to bus driver Glenn Griser for getting them there. The local Walk is expected to raise $40,000 for the hungry, refugees, and those suffering from disasters. From MMEPJ. Thank you notes have been received from the American Friends of the Diocese of Jerusalem for our donations to Nablus and Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Anne Lynn writes, Continuity and faithfulness are a blessing....we re working hard on increasing Ahli s capacity in cancer treatment. Your gift will be a welcomed part of that effort. Lisa Sams writes, It is inspiring and heart-warming to see your care for the people of Gaza and your fellowship with Palestinian Christians. Your ministry is really unique; thank you for being a light to the people of the Holy Land. Sundays at 9:15 a.m. - Church Turned Upside Down: The Reformation. Today we looked at Ripples of the Reformation women, education, the Reformed Church in the world. Next week, we ll begin an Advent Series on Reformation and Advent Hymns led by Caroline Hayes. We meet in the Family Room every Sunday. RECYCLING That Counts! Bring these items to us; we ll take care of them! Batteries - All kinds to turn into funds for AV. Place in pink bin in outer office. Coats, Hats, Sweaters - For Help The Homeless. Place on stage in Wester Hall. Gift Wrap - For Bethany House. Place in collection box in Tower Entrance. Tuesday Conversations - Reconvenes on December 5, then breaks until January. 4
Poinsettias. Sign up in the Narthex for a poinsettia to decorate the sanctuary. Include your dedication on the signup board. $25, and take it home on December 31. Helpful Giving Information from Finance. Charitable contributions from your IRA can be made to Grace if you are 70-1/2 or older and you have to take a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD). You can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) that will count towards satisfying your RMD for the year, and will be excluded from your taxable income. If you are interested and would like additional information, please contact your IRA custodian or Mike Phillips, Finance Elder. EVENTS Peter Griggs in Concert at Grace - Friday, December 1, 7:00 p.m. A wonderful way to usher in the Advent Season, enjoy Music for an Old English Christmas featuring carols and songs accompanied by guitarist Peter Griggs. Love offering at the door. Annual Advent Festival - Saturday, December 2, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Make Christmas crafts and decorations, have supper, and be treated to an Advent program for the whole family especially little ones. Men s Chorus - 1st Sunday of Advent, December 3, 10:00 a.m. You men of Grace are invited and encouraged to sing next week, the first Sunday of Advent. We practice in the Choir Room at 10 and sing at 10:30. Juice, donuts, and a Christmas treat will be available. Contact Bob Rawlins, 703-451-6825, or Mike Phillips, 703-642-6533. Youth Gather for George s Kids - Sunday, December 3, 11:30 a.m. Lunch, Shop, Wrap. Contact Pastor Susan for information. Youth are also looking forward to a December 12 Christmas party and white elephant gift exchange. AWG Advent Luncheon - Wednesday, December 6, 12:00 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus are the guests of honor at this year s luncheon. Join us for an old-fashioned carol sing, and vote for your favorite crèche. Sign up by December 3 in the Narthex and choose your entrée: chicken tetrazzini or penne pasta with roasted vegetables. $10 donation is requested. Contact: Yvette at aging@gracepresby.org. Fall Clean Up - December 9, 10:30 a.m. This time for real! Please come help rake, mulch, and beautify the church grounds--work off some of those Thanksgiving desserts! Deck the Halls - December 9, 9:30 a.m. Let s pull out the wreaths and decorations and dress Wester Hall for the coming season! Meet in Wester Hall. Please pick up the Advent Schedule for the upcoming season at The Station. 5
6 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) Please pray for these Grace Family Members and Friends. Members: Jean Ackor, Judy Bernal (Virginia Beach), Cameron Buckley, Char Custer, Pat Ferrell, Mary Frances Koerner, James Lawson, Liz Lincoln, Katie Machado, Sam Proctor, Anne Sedlak, and George Wade. Our Missionary and Scholars in Honduras: Pastor Selvin; and Bertha, Cindi, Denis, Feralyani, Leonardo, Mario, Ronal, and Wendy; and PC(USA) missionaries world-wide. The Mothers of: Veronica Crump, Mary Hawkins (Jean), Meg Rogers (Beth), Hiede Sowdon, Phillip Spiess (Dorothy), and Dave Treasure (Hilda). The Step-Mother of: Donna Lucas (Jackie) The Fathers of: Raven Fox and Penny Newsome (Richard). The Husband of: Donna Lucas. The Great-grandmother of: Dennis and Diego Bustillo. The Daughters of: Rich and Kathy Calahan (Lynn) and Bob and Valerie Patrick (Molly). The Son of: Wendy Lawson (Seth). The Brothers of: Ed Bryant (Paul), Steve Gretsuk (John), Reecie Ford (Trent), Joe Miller (Jack and wife Karen), Nelson Thurman (Dennis), and Hilde Uffelman (Brian Marsh). The Sister of: Penny Newsome (Susan). The Sisters-in-Law of: Claire Manger (Bev) and Dave Little (Joan). The Step-Sister of: Becky Yarbrough (Nancy) The Uncle of: Scott Rogers (Phill). The Nephews of: Maria Clayton (Jack) and Claire Manger (Edward & Scott). The Niece of: The Wissemans (Averi). The Cousins of: John Grimes (Lori), Donna Lucas (Angela), Beth Ann McClelland (Deborah), Katie Machado (Jan), and Valerie Patrick (Virginia). The Friends of: Cindi Bryant (Anna), Cindy Chapman (Margie and Emma), Craig and Judy Crooks (Liz), Reecie Ford (Kate), Raven Fox (Deanna), Kim Gretsuk (Nancy), John and Wendi Grimes (The Bochtler Family and Douglas), Linda Hitchens (Leon and Debbie, and Keitha), Rosalie Lawson (Emma and Stephanie), Katie Machado (Jonathan), Penny Newsome (Lisa and Shawn), Bob McClelland (Mark), Scott and Meg Rogers (Jackie and Dave), Hiede Sowdon (Dylan), and The Yarbroughs (Randy).
This Week s Calendar For complete details, including locations and descriptions of events, please visit www.gracepresby.org; or call the Church Office, 703-451-2900. Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 27 9:00 a.m. Congregational Care 28 9:00 a.m. Garden Club (WH) 29 9:00 a.m. Grand Involve 30 5:30 p.m. Parenting Class Dec 1 7:00 p.m. Christmas Concert 2 8:00 a.m. Phoenix Landing 3 9:15 a.m. Sunday School 6:00 p.m. Computer Tutoring 7:00 p.m. Tutoring 7:00 p.m. Joyful Ringers 10:00 a.m. Staff 1:00 p.m. Bunco 7:00 p.m. Care Givers 9:45 p.m. Preschool Chapel 7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir 9:00 a.m. MMEPJ 4:00 p.m. Advent Festival 10:00 a.m. Men s Chorus 10:30 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. George s Kids 11:45 a.m. Children s Choir ADVENT WE ARE VERY GLAD YOU CHOSE TO WORSHIP WITH US TODAY! PLEASE SIGN OUR FRIENDSHIP REGISTER SO THAT WE CAN GREET YOU BY NAME AND CALL ON YOU IF YOU WISH. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHARE PRAYER REQUESTS. You may do so by completing prayer cards found in the pews and placing them in the offering plate. TRUST YOUR CHILDREN TO OUR NURSERY CARE AND CHILDREN S WORSHIP LEADERS. We provide childcare for infants through 3-year-olds in the Nursery Suite (Rooms 3 & 5) downstairs. Worship Bags are available in the Narthex for preschoolers through thirdgraders. After the Children s Message, children go downstairs for their own worship time. At the conclusion of worship, 4- and 5-year olds will be in Room 3, and older children in the Bridges to Worship Room (Room 14). Please return worship bags to the basket in the Narthex, and pick up children before meeting in Wester Hall for a time of fellowship. GRACE INSIGHTS - LEARNING ABOUT PRESBYTERIANS AND GRACE CHURCH. Classes for those who want to learn more about our denomination, our church, and our mission form throughout the year. If you would like to attend an introductory class or have an interest in membership at Grace, please speak to one of our pastors or contact Elder Joe Miller, jmeda@cox.net. PLEASE ASK ANYONE FOR HELP OR DIRECTIONS! 7
8 PA STORS BEN TRAWICK Pastor Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 am - 2:00 pm 703-451-2900 ext. 2 ben@gracepresby.org SUSAN WISSEMAN Associate Pastor Office Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30 am - 3:00 pm 703-451-2900 ext. 3 susan@gracepresby.org M U SIC STA F F SCOTT SEIFRIED Music Director sseifried@yahoo.com RAY FREEMAN Organist/Pianist/ Accompanist rayfreeman1029 @gmail.com JIM DUNSTAN Joyful Ringers Director moonmanjimd @hotmail.com O F FI CE STA FF YVETTE MOY Aging With Grace Director Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 703-451-2900 ext. 4 aging@gracepresby.org VIRGINIA BOUCHARD Office Manager Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm 703-451-2900 ext. 1 manager@gracepresby.org VERONICA CRUMP Treasurer vlcrump@gmail.com BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Anckner Craig Crooks Kent Ford, Chairman Rob Gold Scott Rogers Peter Smith E-mail: gpcbod@gmail.com Coleen Austin S E S S I ON Cindi BryantHuman Ed Bryant David Retherford Maria Clayton Kim Hatfield John Machado Care Ministries Resources Nominating/Stewardship Missions Preschool Youth Ministry Communications Nancy Machado Children s Discipleship Joe Miller Pat Ferrell Michael Phillips John Sowdon Nelson Thurman Evangelism Worship Finance Fellowship Adult Discipleship Greta Miller, Clerk Ben Trawick, Moderator Session and Board contact information is posted in the church office and on the church website. G RACE WEEKDAY P RE SC HO OL G RACE P RESB YTE RIAN CHURC H 7434 BATH STREET SPRINGFIELD VIRGINIA 22150 703-451-2900 WWW.GRACEPRESBY.ORG OFFICE HOURS: MON-THU 9:00-4:30; FRI 9:00-3:30 The Preschool is a Christian-based ministry and developmental program for children aged 2 to 4. Classrooms are designed as learning centers, offering students a unique hands-on learning adventure. Call the Preschool for information or a tour. Registration begins in January. JUDY PHILLIPS Preschool Director HOLLY COOK Administrative Assistant 703-451-3314 preschool@gracepresby.org