DECEMBER 6, 2015 8:45 & 11:00 AM 2 ND SUNDAY of ADVENT PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD, MAKE STRAIGHT PATHS FOR HIM. Luke 3:4
2 ND SUNDAY of A DVENT December 6, 2015 8:45 & 11:00 am Worship WELCOME Welcome to all who are worshipping with us. Child care and a worship education program for preschoolers are available in Building D during this service. Consult an usher if you need an assistive hearing device or a largeprint bulletin. As we enter a holy space and time this morning, please silence your cell phones. The opening voluntary is the call to silent meditation and preparation for worship. Today s opening voluntary is a setting of the German chorale (hymn) Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, by J. S. Bach (1685-1750). This chorale was sung yearly during Advent services in Lutheran worship. The text can be found as hymn #11 in our hymnal, in a translation by Martin Luther. OPENING VOLUNTARY Johann Sebastian Bach Saviour of the Nations, Come CALL TO WORSHIP AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH One: Today is the second Sunday of Advent, and so we light the candle of Peace. We live in a world of chaos and discord. The trademark of our times is violence. Our civil dialogue has given way to abusive rhetoric. All: In all of it, we long for peace. One: The state of our minds often mirrors the state of our world. We juggle hyperactive schedules and our lives are fragmented. All: In all of it, we long for peace. Surely the peace of our world starts with the peace of our hearts. One: At the core of each of us, if we will only listen, there is a still, small voice which can calm our fears, quiet our lives, dispel our desperation, and embolden us to be peacemakers where there is strife. As we prepare for the Prince of Peace, the peace of God is already with us. All: Prepare the way! The promise is come! One: The lion shall dwell with the lamb. All: Prepare the way! The old with the young! One: A child shall teach us to stand. All: Prepare the way! Make the paths straight! [2] *Those who are able, please stand. One: Let us worship God and prepare for the Prince of Peace, who is always coming to us.
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN #8 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates truro CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION All: Holy God, during this season of anticipation, we confess that we busy ourselves with many preparations and neglect preparing our hearts for your coming. Our relationships with you and our neighbors are wounded. We have failed to love as you love us. We do not always walk in the peace of Jesus Christ, whose coming we both celebrate and await. Forgive us, and mend what is broken. Silent confession One: Merciful God, All: Open unto us light for our darkness, courage for our fear, strength for our weakness, compassion for our apathy. Prepare our hearts to receive Christ, who brings us hope in our despair, peace in our turmoil, joy in our sorrow, and love in our loneliness. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE alt. tune: munich On those who sit in darkness the sun begins to rise, the dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner s eyes. God guides the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace. O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease! (tune may be found as hymn #128) In the assurance of pardon we are reminded once again that God s grace sets us free from guilt and fear. As Walter Brueggemann says, You can keep singing. You can keep hoping. And because you sing and hope, you can act in freedom, unburdened, uncoerced, unafraid, and without cynicism. The song goes on. It is a subversive, revolutionary song. And we get to sign on to sing and to live it...unafraid! CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE Please sign and pass the Friendship Register. PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE READING Luke 3: 1-6 One: The Word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God. [3]
This morning s anthem is a setting of a hymn that first appeared in the Genevan Psalter in 1551. The text of the hymn references our reading from the gospel of Luke and is by Johannes Olearius (1671). The composer is Minnesota organist, educator, and conductor John Ferguson, retired Professor of Organ and Choral Music at St. Olaf College. 11:00 ANTHEM Comfort, Comfort arr. John Ferguson Comfort, comfort now my people; tell of peace! So says our God. Comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning under sorrow s load. To God s people now proclaim that God s pardon waits for them. Tell them that their war is over; God will reign in peace forever. For the herald s voice is crying in the desert far and near, calling us to true repentance, since the Kingdom now is here. Oh, that warning cry obey! Now prepare for God a way! Let the valleys rise to meet him, and the hills bow down to greet him. Straight shall be what long was crooked and the rougher places plain. Let your hearts be true and humble, as befits his holy reign. For the glory of the Lord now on earth is shed abroad, and all flesh shall see the token that God s word is never broken. 11:00 LITANY OF PARTING For first- and second-graders as they leave for worship enrichment Congregation: May God be with you there. Children: May God be with you here. SERMON Pam Driesell Let Every Heart Prepare By Making Straight Paths *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe the Holy Spirit creates and renews the church as the community in which we are reconciled to God and to one another. The Spirit enables us to receive forgiveness as we forgive one another, and to enjoy the peace of God as we make peace among ourselves. To be reconciled to God is to be sent into the world as God s reconciling community. We are sent to make straight the paths that lead to peace. We are sent to seek the good of all, in cooperation with the powers and authorities in politics, culture, and economics, and to fight against pretensions and injustices when these same powers endanger human welfare. We are entrusted with God s message of reconciliation, sharing the labor of healing enmities that separate people from God and from each other. The One born in Bethlehem has called us to this mission and given us the gift of the Holy Spirit. adapted from the PCUSA Confession of 1967 *CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE stuttgart Israel s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart. (may be found as stanza 2 of hymn #1) [4]
GIVING OF OFFERINGS OFFERTORY 8:45 Sweet Little Jesus Boy Robert MacGimsey Sweet little Jesus Boy, they made you be born in a manger. Sweet little Holy Child, didn t know who You was. Didn t know you come to save us, Lord; to take our sins away. Our eyes was blind, we couldn t see, we didn t know who You was. Long time ago, you was born. Born in a manger low, sweet little Jesus Boy. The world treat You mean, Lord; treat me mean, too. But that s how things is down here; we didn t know t was You. You done showed us how, we is trying. Master, You done showed us how, even when you s dying. Just seem like we can t do right, look how we treated You. But please, sir, forgive us, Lord; we didn t know twas You. 11:00 E en So, Lord Jesus, Come Paul Manz Peace be to you and grace from Him who freed us from our sins. Who loved us all and shed His blood, that we might saved be. Sing holy, holy to our Lord, the Lord Almighty God. Who was and is and is to come; sing holy, holy, Lord! Rejoice in heaven, all ye that dwell therein, rejoice on earth, ye saints below, for Christ is coming, is coming soon, for Christ is coming soon! E en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come, and night shall be no more; they need no light nor lamp nor sun, for Christ will be their all! *DOXOLOGY #592 old hundredth *PRAYER OF DEDICATION INVITATION TO THE TABLE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING One: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you. One: Lift up your hearts. All: We lift them to the Lord. One: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. All: It is right to give our thanks and praise. Paul Manz (1919-2009) was an organist and educator. A Fulbright grant enabled him to study with Flor Peeters in Belgium and Helmut Walcha in Germany. He was in great demand for his hymn festivals, which are his legacy as a church musician. This morning s offertory is his most famous sacred choral composition. It has been performed all over the world, including at the famous Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King s College, Cambridge. As with the whole season of Advent, Holy Communion looks backward and forward at the same time. It looks backward to the kingdom of God as it became manifest in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And it looks forward to the time when all people gather at the table and feast together in the kingdom of God. By looking backward and forward, by remembering and hoping, we find comfort and courage for today. [5]
Congregational responses during prayer (sung) Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. 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. Léon Boëllmann (1862 1897) was a French composer, educator, and church musician of Alsatian origin. He was a student of Eugene Gigout and organist of the Church of St. Vincent-de- Paul in Paris. His most enduring composition is Suite Gothique (1895), still very much a staple of the organ repertoire. This morning s Concluding Voluntary is the popular and dramatic final movement of the Suite. COMMUNION OF THE LORD S SUPPER 8:45 As the ushers indicate, the congregation will come forward to receive communion. Gluten-free bread is available on the communion table. After receiving the bread, participants should dip the bread in the chalice and partake. For those unable to come forward, Elders are available to serve you where you are seated. 11:00 The elements used in the Lord s Supper are wine and gluten-free bread. For those who do not wish to drink wine, grape juice is in the outer rim of the trays. When passing the bread to your neighbor, say, This is the Bread of Life. When passing the wine or juice to your neighbor, say, This is the Cup of Salvation. POST-COMMUNION PRAYER *CLOSING HYMN #13 *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION Prepare the Way bereden vag for herran BENEDICTION RESPONSE Rejoice, Rejoice veni emmanuel [6] CONCLUDING VOLUNTARY Toccata Léon Boëllmann
LIFE AT TRINITY WELCOME welcome intentionally WE RE GLAD YOU ARE HERE! JOIN US FOR COFFEE AND CONVERSATION IN THE FIVE POINTS COURTYARD AFTER THE SERVICE. We can answer any questions you may have or simply get to know you, whether you are just visiting or looking for a church home. If you are interested in learning more about Trinity Church or in becoming a member, you are encouraged to attend one of the New Member classes held throughout the year. Classes are held in the Chapel Parlor from 9:45 to 10:45 am on Sunday. Child care is available. The next class series meets January 23, 31; February 7, 14. For more information, contact Gay Gunter at 770-432-1090 or gayhgunter@charter.net. worship Creatively TODAY AT TRINITY Worship Leaders Preaching: Rev. Pam Driesell, senior pastor Liturgists: Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd, interim associate pastor 8:45 - Paul Marston, lay reader 11:00 - Ruth Marston, lay reader Lighting the Advent Wreath: 8:45 - Jim and Debbie Wagner 11:00 - Reid, Kirk, Connor, and Knox Willingham, and Caroline Brown Music 8:45 - Norman Mackenzie, organist and director of music and fine arts David Blalock, tenor 11:00 - The Chancel Choir of Trinity Church Norman Mackenzie, organist and director of music and fine arts Acolyte 8:45-Harry Kahn 11:00-Scott Kuhlke Banner Bearer Denton Grubb Flowers The flowers in the sanctuary are given by Saralyn Bell, Sarah French, Lizzie Hickman, and Temple McDaniel to the glory of God and in loving memory of their mothers, Carolyn N. Bittick, Virginia P. McLellan, Ethel Bryan Hendrix and Carol Sellers. Child Care Although children are always welcome in the sanctuary, child care is available for children, birth through K, in building D: infants, D100; one-year-olds, D102; two-year-olds, D104; three-year-olds, D106; pre-k, D119. Church School 9:45 am Church school classes for all ages are held at 9:45 am. For a complete description of the classes being offered, visit www.trinityatlanta.org. Congregational Lunch 12:00 pm, Williams Hall Join us in Williams Hall following 11:00 am worship for First Sunday Lunch. Cost is $7 per adult, $4 per child. Everyone is invited to stay for lunch; then take your dessert and visit our Christmas Market being held in the gym. [7]
[8] NEXT SUNDAY Sunday, December 13 Let Every Heart Prepare...by Facing the Fire Isaiah 12:2-6; Luke 3:7-18 Rev. Dr. Richard Floyd preaching WORSHIP AND MUSIC Poinsettias during Christmas Order poinsettias in honor or in memory of loved ones for Trinity s Christmas services. Place your order online at www.trinityatlanta. org/register-now, or use the paper form available from the church office. Congregational Carol Sing Sunday, December 20 7:00 pm, Williams Hall Come and enjoy an evening of holiday singing and merriment for the whole family led by Norman Mackenzie. Bring a plate of goodies to share after the singing. Christmas Eve Worship Thursday, December 24 Worship with Children and Families 4:00 pm, Sanctuary This will be a lively celebration, with families and young children all worshiping together, and will feature the 2nd-grade class as worship leaders, the Primary and Junior choirs, and the Hosanna Ringers. Worship with Youth and Families 6:00 pm, Sanctuary A youth-led service of lessons and carols, with music by the Youth Choir and brass quartet Festival Service of Lessons and Carols 9:00 pm, Sanctuary The service will feature the Chancel Choir and brass quartet and congregational singing. Candlelight Worship 11:00 pm, Dobbs Chapel A traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service with homily and communion. GATHER JOYFULLY CONGREGATIONAL LIFE Thursday Night Supper Thursday, December 10 5:45 pm, Williams Hall Menu: spaghetti, meat sauce, marinara sauce, mixed fruit, salad, cookies Gather around the table in Williams Hall and share joy, food, and fellowship. Cost is $7 per adult, $4 per child. Reservations: www.trinityatlanta.org or 404-237-6491 Men s Breakfast Friday, December 11 7:27 am, Williams Hall Join the group for this weekly opportunity to enjoy great fellowship, a lively program, and a really good breakfast. Our speaker will be Mac Irvin on Did the Grinch Really Steal Christmas? Revisiting the Case File. Reservations are not required; $7 per person. YOUNG ADULTS Faith and Fellowship Sundays 9:45 am, C105 Faith and Fellowship is now meeting in the hustle and bustle of morning church school! Join us at 9:45 in the Groom s Room (across from the Chapel). Chris Holmes is helping us explore how reading can transform who we are in Christ. See you there for coffee, snacks, and good conversation! Movie Night Friday, December 18 8:30 pm, Atlantic Station Start off the Christmas holidays with...star Wars. We ve got a limited number of tickets to see The Force Awakens on Friday, December 18, at 8:30, Atlantic Station. Email Jenelle if you re interested, jholmes@ trinityatlanta.org
CHILDREN & FAMILIES Kids Day Out/Secrets Workshop Saturday, December 12 Kids Day Out/Secrets Workshop is December 12. Come join your friends for fun Christmas activities, games, and movies (older children only) at church, and make presents for family and friends. Register at www.trinityatlanta.org/ cfm; Deadline is TOMORROW! Register: www.trinityatlanta.org/cfm Christmas Pageants Elementary Christmas Pageant - December 13-9:45 am in Dobbs Chapel Preschool Christmas Pageant - December 20-9:45 am in Dobbs Chapel SENIOR ADULTS Christmas with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Norman Mackenzie, conductor Saturday, December 12 2:00 pm, Symphony Hall Cost: $35 per person Over 400 musicians and singers take part in a wondrous interpretation of the four-part story of Christmas. Space is limited. To secure a place, make your check payable to Trinity Presbyterian Church with ASO on the memo line. Mail to Trinity Church, Attn: Senior Adults ASO Concert. The church bus will depart from the Trinity parking lot at 1:00 PM (no lunch) learn purposefully ADULTS Awakening Wednesdays 7-8:15 am, A116 Did you know that Jesus s most frequent command was to stay awake/keep watch? Awaken with this stimulating discussion group each Wednesday morning. This fall the group will start with Marcus Borg s The Heart of Christianity. Join the conversation! YOUTH Presbyterian Youth Connection Sunday, December 6 5:00 pm Youth Choir 6:00 pm Youth Supper & PYC It s Andrew s first night at PYC! Come meet new youth director Andrew Esqueda tonight. We ll have dinner together in Williams Hall at 6 pm and spend lots of time getting to know him. Meet and Greet with Andrew Esqueda Sunday, December 6 5:00-6:00 pm, Youth Lounge All parents of youth are invited to come meet new youth director Andrew Esqueda on December 6 in the Youth Lounge from 5-6 pm. Please make every effort to attend and introduce yourself! MISSION Christmas Market December 6 and 13 9:30 am - 1:30 pm, Gym welcome intentionally serve wholeheartedly The Christmas Market will be open today from 9:30 to 1:30 in the Gym. The Global Mission Committee invites you to stop by and stock up on gifts to benefit our global mission partners. Featured this year are a range of virtual Gifts for Good, from tuition for seminary students in Cuba to MARTA passes for refugee families here in Atlanta. Plus, we ll have inexpensively priced, family-friendly tangible gifts, including African chocolate and Haitian coffee, olive oil from Galilee, artwork, ornaments, and Trinity [9]
member crafts. Please come and shop! We take cash, check, and credit/debit cards. Christmas Toy Drive Donation Deadline Agape Giving Tree: December 7 In the spirit of the holiday season, Trinity is sponsoring a toy drive benefiting the Agape Community Center. The Agape Giving Trees are located in Williams Hall and Building D. Go by, choose a name, and help make Christmas a joyous time for the Agape children, seniors, and families. St. Luke s Bags Sunday, December 13 12:00 pm, Gym Join in the annual tradition of assembling lunch bags in the gym on Sunday, December 13, following 11:00 am worship. These bags will be given on Christmas Day to the homeless served by St. Luke s Community Kitchen. AMIS Dinner Tuesday, December 22 6:00 pm, Williams Hall Trinity will host the Christmas International House supper on Tuesday, December 22, at 6:00 pm for 40 students of the Atlanta Ministry for International Students (AMIS) program. Trinity members are encouraged to attend. Reservations: mclerveaux@trinityatlanta.org. give generously Year-End Contributions Below are guidelines and information you may find helpful for year-end giving: Cash and check contributions can be mailed, placed in the plate at any service, or hand-delivered to the church reception or finance offices. A contribution must be received or postmarked by December 31, 2015, in order for it to be considered a 2015 tax deduction. If you plan to hand- deliver your contribution, please note that the church offices are closed all day on Thursday, December 31st. Stock transfers must be received in the church s account by December 31, 2015. It is important to initiate the transfer early enough to allow for any year-end delay in transfers being completed. To obtain transfer information and notify the church of your gift, please contact Lynn Mitchell at 404-495-8441 or lmitchell@trinityatlanta. org. Your stock gift does not come to us with your name attached. We do not know who the donor is unless you tell us. Please know that your gifts in support of the missions and ministries of Trinity Presbyterian Church are always received with great appreciation. care compassionately FINDING SUPPORT Stephen Ministry Trinity s Stephen Ministry offers confidential, one-to-one Christian care to those who are experiencing difficult life circumstances. Stephen Ministers are available in Williams Hall following the worship service. Contact: Meredith Daniel at msdaniel@ bellsouth.net or 404-869-0025, or Marc Krause at 404-713-0629 or mtkphoto1@gmail.com. Pastoral Care To notify the church of illness, hospitalization, birth, death, or prayer request, contact Veronica Ridenhour at 404-495-8440, or vridenhour@ trinityatlanta.org. If you need pastoral care after church hours, page the pastor on call by dialing 404-237-6491. Counseling Counseling services at Trinity are available by appointment with Mary Lisa Henry, Ph.D., LCSW. Dr. Henry can be reached through her confidential voicemail at 404-869-3707. [10]
THIS WEEK GATHER JOYFULLY Sunday, December 6 8:45 am Worship 9:30 am Christmas Market 9:45 am Church School 11:00 am Worship 12:00 pm Congregational Lunch 5:00 pm Youth Choir 5:00 pm Parents of Youth 6:00 pm Youth Supper & PYC Monday, December 7 9:00 am Visitation Committee 10:00 am Pastors Aid Committee 10:00 am Women s Link Tutorial Tuesday, December 8 8:30 am Yoga 9:30 am Women s Link Circle 1 10:00 am Women s Link Circle 3 10:00 am Women s Link Circle 4 11:00 am Tai Chi 12:30 pm Chapter 3A 6:00 pm Middling Dads 6:00 pm Trinity Explores Committee 7:00 pm CFM Book Club 7:00 pm Chapter 3C-1 7:00 pm Chapter 3C-2 7:00 pm Men in Transition C 7:00 pm Men in Transition A Wednesday, December 9 7:00 am Awakening 10:00 am Women s Link Circle 5 10:00 am Spirituality of Aging A 10:30 am Senior Adult Planning Committee 12:00 pm Covenant Bible Study 12:30 pm Silent Meditation 7:30 pm Chancel Choir 8:00 pm AA Meeting Thursday, December 10 9:30 am Thursday Morning Study 10:00 am Elder Wisdom 10:00 am Spirituality of Aging: Bearing Fruit in All Seasons 3 10:00 am Writing as Spiritual Practice 3:45 pm CFM - Gym Time 4:00 pm CFM - Arts & Crafts 4:00 pm CFM - CE Lab 4:00 pm Hosanna Ringers 4:00 pm Primary Choir 4:45 pm Cherub I Choir 5:00 pm Junior Choir 5:15 pm Cherub II Choir 5:45 pm Thursday Night Supper 6:00 pm Women s Link Circle 6 7:00 pm Trinity Explores 7:00 pm Young Adult Small Group Friday, December 11 7:27 am Trinity Men s Breakfast Saturday, December 12 9:00 am Secrets Workshop lead humbly STAFF The church office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Office: 404-237-6491 Direct: 404-495-8(extension) For a complete list of staff members, visit www.trinityatlanta.org. [11]
As clergy, we pray fervently for the victims of the shootings today in California. We pray for their families and friends who will always feel the loss of their loved ones. We pray for an end to the senseless violence and needless suffering. With two mass shootings in less than a week and more than 21 this year, it s time for policy makers to make passing common sense gun laws an urgent priority. As a diverse interfaith coalition who disagree on many issues, we agree that to address the wave of gun violence in our communities in our schools, our houses of worship prayer alone isn t enough. We are in the midst of an epidemic. There are indeed guns everywhere, as the name of Georgia s misguided law promised. When do we start respecting lives enough to take action? When do we say it s time to admit that guns everywhere is a problem? How many families need to suffer before we can do what s moral and right? Trinity is a member of OUTCRY: Interfaith Voices Against Gun Violence. If you would like information about two gun bills that are before the Georgia General Assembly, you may find those informational cards in the narthex and outside Williams Hall. [12]