December 4, 2016 - traditional services SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3 P R E P A R A T I O N Organ Prelude Canzona"... J.S. Bach Frank Shelton Choral Introit O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings... Handel Sanctuary Choir, Jim DeJarnette Call to Worship (based on Isaiah 40 and Matthew 3) Katie Fowler - 8:20 Pat Hartsock - 9:45 Leader: Leader: The Glory of the Lord has risen upon us! Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight! Make straight a highway for our God! Come, prepare the Savior s way! A D O R A T I O N * Hymn of Adoration Come, Prepare the Way for Christ Come, prepare the Savior s way; Usher in the brand new day. Spread the news, proclaim the Word, Until all the world has heard. Refrain: Make a highway for our God Straight for all to see and laud! Raise the valleys, grade the heights. Come, prepare the way for Christ! Come, prepare on bended knee, Then go forth by His decree. Washed by blood, baptized with fire Christ alone, our heart s desire! Refrain Come, prepare; shine bright and far Filled with wonder, love and awe! Penetrate the dark of night, With the kingdom and its light. Refrain Words: James DeJarnette; Tune: St. George s Windsor Mark Israel, Stephen Hock, Doug Moden, Trumpet
* Prayer of Adoration * Lighting of the Advent Candle - Hope **Welcome and Greetings * Song of Expectation Beloved Burst into songs together, Sing with endless joy! For unto God, our Father, Is born a heavenly boy! Emmanuel, Jesus is born on earth. All is well, Because of our Savior s birth. Refrain: My beautiful one, come with me Arise, Beloved, and come! The season of singing now appears! Arise, my beautiful one. The Lord, your God is with you, And He is mighty to save: A child is born to rescue And He is calling our name! Be not afraid, He s coming, Making all things right! Prepare the way for Jesus, His Light shines bright in the night. Our Lord will reign, Nothing can stop His love! At His Name, The heavens rejoice above! Refrain Words and Music by James DeJarnette Marj Killick, Piano; James Bristow, Guitar; Jay Hahn, Bass; Scott Barbier, Percussion; Phil Perry, Flute Call to Confession C O N F E S S I O N Community Prayer of Confession Merciful God, who did send Thy messengers, the prophets, to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation, give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Prayer of Personal Confession Assurance of God's Forgiveness
Response There Is a Redeemer There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God s own Son; Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, holy one. Refrain: Thank you, oh my Father, For giving us Your Son, And leaving Your Spirit till The work on earth is done. Jesus, my Redeemer Name above all names; Precious Lamb of God, Messiah, Hope for sinners slain. Refrain Words: Melody Green; 1982 Birdwing Music/BMG Songs/Ears to Hear Music (Admin. EMI Christian Music Publishing); CCLI #153004 P R O C L A M A T I O N Life of the Congregation Please write your name and address in the friendship folder. Offering Our Gifts "Every Valley".... Beck Scripture Isaiah 11:1-5, Page 1032 John Goodale * Hymn of Preparation On Jordan's Banks the Baptist's Cry On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry Announces that the Lord is nigh; Awake and hearken, for he brings Glad tidings of the King of kings. Then cleansed be every breast from sin; Make straight the way for God within, Prepare we in our hearts a home Where such a mighty Guest may come. For thou art our salvation, Lord, Our refuge and our great reward; Without Thy grace we waste away Like flowers that wither and decay. All praise, eternal Son, to Thee, Whose advent doth Thy people free; Whom with the Father we adore And Holy Ghost for evermore. Words: Charles Coffin, 1736; trans. John Chandler, 1837; Music: Winchester New; Tune: Duke Street
Sermon BELOVED I Will Make It Right Matthew 3:1-12 Tim McConnell Invitation to the Table D E D I C A T I O N Great Prayer of Thanksgiving and the Lord's Prayer Minister: Minister: The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them up to the Lord. Minister: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give Him thanks and praise. Words of Institution Sharing of the Bread and Cup (Communion elements are gluten-free and taken as received or when indicated by the minister.) Closing Prayer * Hymn of Dedication How Great Our Joy! This gift of God we ll cherish well, That ever joy our hearts shall fill. How great our joy! Great our joy! Joy, joy, joy! Joy, joy, joy! Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high! Praise we the Lord in Heaven on high! Words: Traditional German Carol; Public Domain * Benediction Postlude Presto... J.S. Bach * Congregation standing. **Ushers will seat worshipers who are delayed here and during hymns. Ministers leaving the service have teaching responsibilities in our Adult Sunday School Communities. Participating Ministers Downtown Campus 8:20 Katie Fowler, John Goodale; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 Pat Hartsock, John Goodale; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 FH Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching 11:10 Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching Inn at Garden Plaza 10:15 Deacon-led; Tim McConnell preaching (video)
December 4, 2016 - contemporary services SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Matthew 3:3 GATHERING SONG Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus WELCOME, GREETING, PASSING OF THE PEACE Yemi Mobolade CALL TO WORSHIP / LIGHTING OF ADVENT CANDLE Tim McConnell Leader: Leader: The Lord be with you. And also with you. We light the second candle of Advent, the candle of Hope, as a sign of the coming light of Christ. In accordance with God s promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth where righteousness is at home. Let us worship our coming King. Come, Lord Jesus, come. SONGS OF WORSHIP O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Song of Hope Sinking Deep LIFE OF THE CONGREGATION Jennifer Holz (9:45) / Tim McConnell (11:10) CHILDREN S SERMON (11:10) Danny Shaw SERMON BELOVED I Will Make It Right Matthew 3:1-12 Tim McConnell COMMUNION (Gluten-free elements at far right station) Abide With Me How He Loves PRAYER OFFERING OUR GIFTS Abide With Me / Sinking Deep BENEDICTION *Children are always welcome in worship. For those parents who prefer having a special program for their children, we have snack & praise time for young children (ages 3-2nd grade) during the 11:10 service. (Room S206). Watch for your child to return after the sermon. Questions? Call Children s Min. at 884-6126. Participating Ministers Downtown Campus 8:20 Katie Fowler, John Goodale; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 Pat Hartsock, John Goodale; Tim McConnell preaching 9:45 FH Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching 11:10 Jennifer Holz; Tim McConnell preaching Inn at Garden Plaza 10:15 Deacon-led; Tim McConnell preaching (video)
Our Advent series, Beloved, is about focusing on the greatest love story ever told, the love of God for us, His creation. God loved us so much that He sent His Son to suffer and die on our behalf. Christmas is a celebration of the beginning of that story. The Book Song of Songs captures the deep passion of those yoked in marriage, but it s also a metaphor for Jesus Christ and His bride, the church. Song of Songs 2:16 says, My beloved is mine and I am his. That is how Jesus feels about us. God is coming over the hills to reach you, to save you, to bring you home and to call you His Beloved. NEW TO FIRST PRES? Welcome! We re glad you re here. Please join us after the morning worship services at Guest Central, just to the east of the Sanctuary. We d love to meet you, offer refreshments and a welcome gift. To get all the latest information, subscribe to the First Pres weekly e-blast at www.first-pres.org/enews and follow us on Facebook at First Pres Colorado Springs! Worship Times Traditional Services 8:20 and 9:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary Contemporary Services 9:45 a.m. in Fellowship Hall; 11:10 a.m. in the Sanctuary 12/4/16 VISIT US ONLINE AT FIRST-PRES.ORG
WHAT S HAPPENING AT FIRST PRES Deacon Fund Offering Every Communion Sunday a special offering is taken for the Deacon Fund. As members of one body, God calls us to care for one another as unto Jesus Himself (1 Corinthians 12:12-31, Matt 25:31-46). One way we serve our brothers and sisters who are hungry, thirsty, sick, or in need is by collecting a special offering. Envelopes are in the pew racks. Christmas Joy Concert Christmas Joy Concert, December 11, with performances at 2:30 and 6:00 p.m. at Pikes Peak Center. Guest Artist, Alvy Powell. All remaining tickets are now available at the Pikes Peak Center Box Office (719-799-4139) or online at pikespeakcenter.com. Caring Ministries - 884-6145 Diabetes Support Group, 2nd Saturday every month, 10-11 a.m., room 031 for December meeting. Meetings offer education, information, and prayer in support of people with diabetes, their families and friends. Interested adults are welcome. Call Caring Ministries at 884-6145. Student Ministries - 884-6220 Don t miss out on Winter Camp registration! Camp for Christmas is a great opportunity for parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts and uncles to help send students to Winter Camp. Sign up before December 25 for a discounted rate only three weeks left for this amazing deal! High School Winter Camp is January 13-15 and Middle School is February 24-26. We are excited to have your students join us. Please go to the website to sign up - www.first-pres.org/ wintercamp2017. Launchpoint (College age - young adults) Looking for space to connect with others at First Pres? Join us for our next monthly worship gathering on December 18 at 6 p.m. at Café 225 (225 N. Weber St). Questions about Launchpoint or want info on being part of a weekly community? Email Katie at kfowler@first-pres.org. Are you passionate about helping the next generation connect with God? We are looking for older adults to bless, serve and pray with young people, help provide meals for our monthly worship night, and build intergenerational relationships. Contact Katie Fowler, kfowler@first-pres.org. Adult Ministries - 884-6117 Stay-at-Home Dads Group, Thursdays, 9-10 a.m., January 12- February 8. Are you a dad and the primary caregiver of your children? Come join us for our Stay-at-Home Dads Group at First Pres. Childcare is provided. Register on the calendar link at www.first-pres.org.
Christmas Eve Volunteers Needed Give the gift of hospitality this Christmas by volunteering on Christmas Eve. You can sign up at the bulletin board located near Guest Central, or by contacting Mary Frieg at 884-6189 or mfrieg@first-pres.org. Family Ministries - 884-6117 Carols and Cocoa, Sunday, December 18, 5:45-8:30 p.m. Caroling to neighborhoods around First Pres followed by hot cocoa and skating in Acacia Park. Register at www. first-pres.org/carols. Giving Envelopes Pre-ordered offering envelopes are available for pick up today at the table located outside the Library. You may still request envelopes by filling out the order form at the table. Missions - 884-6233 Something Significant for Christmas catalogs can be picked up at the Reception desk or all around the church. For your convenience, we will be in the Narthex and Plaza on Sunday, December 11, to fill orders on the spot. Meet guests from our partner church in Cairo on December 7, at 6:30 p.m. in room 431. Their pastor and other leaders will share about the ministries and life of Heliopolis Evangelical Church. Please help us welcome these special guests. Hope for the Holidays Bring hope and joy by writing Christmas cards to mothers and children who have just arrived in the U.S. Meet in the Weber Street Center today from noon - 2 p.m. Bring cards, colored pens, stickers and Spanish Bible. COSILOVEYOU If you missed out during City Serve, we now have more t-shirts available for $10. Contact the Missions office to purchase. Men s Life - 884-6119 Men s Annual Christmas Brunch, Saturday, December 17, 9:30-11 a.m. Speaker: Wess Stafford, former president and CEO of Compassion, Intl. Cost: $10. Tickets are available in the Plaza today and in Men s Ministries during the week or register online at www.first-pres.org/mensbrunch. Prime Time Program Wednesday, December 7, Fellowship Hall, 11:30-1 p.m. Stories Behind our Christmas Songs, with Dale Mc- Clure. Lunch: $8. RSVP by December 5 at 884-6142.
Crown the Year Offering Each year during the Advent season, the church invites a special Crown the Year offering as a way of giving a gift to the Lord that is over and above our regular commitment. Prayerfully consider how you might participate in this giving opportunity. Crown the Year envelopes are available at the reception desks in the Narthex and Plaza, and in the pew pockets of the Sanctuary and at the ushers table in Fellowship Hall. Financial Summary for 2016 2016 Budgeted Contribution Income... $ 5,846,076 Actual Contribution Income through Nov. 30... $ 5,042,738 Remaining Balance to Reach 2016 Budget... $ 803,338 Thank you for your gifts and prayers. We are grateful to be partners in ministry with each of you. WEEKLY PRAYER FOCUS Mission Emphasis: Prison Fellowship works hard during the Christmas season to provide for prisoners children through the Angel Tree program. Pray that both inmates and their children will see the love of Jesus as gifts are received. Pray also that truth will be read and heard by the 140,000 families of incarcerated men and women who will receive Bibles this Christmas. Local Church: International Anglican Church Pray for those in hospitals or short-term rehab: St. Francis Medical Mr. Dick Throckmorton Health South Mr. Erin Sillasen Center at Centennial Mrs. Ilah Helmick Mr. Jack Timberlake Mr. Phil Foster Mrs. Nancy Harris GIFTS TO SANCTUARY FLOWER FUND In loving memory of: John Cary by Mary Ann and family Mr. and Mrs. W. Hoyt Baird and Mr. and Mrs. William H. Gunderson by the Carroll Baird family David Paul Collier by Marion, Verne, Craig and Brett Collier Maxine Townsend by Kelly Townsend Daughter-in-law Kristin Jackson by Kelly Townsend IN MEMORIAM Information on those who have gone to be with the Lord may be found at www.first-pres.org/memorials.