PRELUDE WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH *CALL TO WORSHIP Let us worship God! Service for the Lord s Day Holy Communion Reign of Christ November 26, 2017 GATHERING (Silence during the Prelude is requested in preparation for worship.) King s Weston He is King of Kings (Those who are able may stand.) Come into God s presence with gladness and singing. Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth! For we are God s people, the sheep of God s pasture. Give thanks to God and bless God s holy name. God is good; God s steadfast love endures forever. God s faithfulness is to all generations! *PRAYER OF THE DAY The Lord be with you. And also with you. God of all glory, on this first day you began creation, bringing light out of darkness. On this first day you began your new creation, raising Jesus Christ out of the darkness of death. On this Lord s Day, when we celebrate the reign of Christ, grant us the grace and courage to follow him. In his saving power which is love, we pray. Amen. Robert Powell Spiritual/Robert Powell (The Cross and Bible lead the procession, symbolic of the centrality in worship of Jesus Christ - the Living Word, and the Bible - the written Word.)
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 367 ST. GEORGE S WINDSOR Come, Ye Thankful People, Come 2
CALL TO CONFESSION If we claim we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Let us confess our sins whatever separates us from God, from our neighbors, and from ourselves. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Holy One, we bow before you humbly and joyfully for you are a gracious king both powerful ruler and gentle shepherd of all. We depend upon your mercy, for we have sinned. We have neglected your call to seek the lost, feed the hungry, bind up the injured, and strengthen the weak. We have failed to hope and work for justice. We have ignored your face in the stranger. We live as if the reign of Christ has not yet begun. Forgive us, we pray. Gather and direct us, that we may live as your faithful people, seeing as you see, and loving as you love. Amen. (Silent confession) Kyrie (Sung responsively by the choir and congregation) Hal H. Hopson Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. ASSURANCE OF PARDON (The liturgist pours water, which reminds us of our baptism.) 3
Believe the Good News: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! *The Peace Since God in Christ has forgiven us, let us also forgive one another. The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you. (Please exchange the peace with the words, The peace of Christ be with you. ) *ACT OF PRAISE Celtic Alleluia O Carroll/Walker (The congregation sings with the choir.) The Word of the Lord lasts forever. What is the Word that is living? It is Jesus Christ, who is risen from the dead. CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH (Everyone is asked to sign the Friendship Register, which is located on the center aisle end of each pew.) PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE THE WORD Hear the Word of God! Our ears are open. Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 (Old Testament, pages 803 and 804 in your pew Bible) The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God! 4
Psalm 100 (Hymn 385) OLD HUNDREDTH Matthew 25:31-46 (New Testament, page 29 in your pew Bible) SERMON When Did We See You? Heidi Hudnut-Beumler (A moment for meditation) 5
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH We believe in God whose love is the source of all life and the desire of our lives, whose love was given a human face in Jesus of Nazareth, whose love was crucified by the evil that waits to enslave us all, and whose love, defeating even death, is our glorious promise of freedom. Therefore, though we are sometimes fearful and full of doubt, in God we trust; and, in the name and reign of Jesus Christ, we commit ourselves in the service of others, to seek justice and to live in peace, to care for the earth and to share the commonwealth of God s goodness, to live in the freedom of forgiveness and the power of the spirit of love, and in the company of the faithful so to be the church, for the glory of God. Amen. OFFERING Anthem (8:30 a.m.) THE EUCHARIST (Iona Community) William Bradley Roberts In All These You Welcomed Me Traveler s child laid in a manger, refugee to Egypt bound, pilgrim youth, yet not a stranger, when your Father s house you found: Christ, who set aside your glory to reclaim our wayward race, help us read salvation s story in each passing heart and face. Guest who vintaged wine from water, wandering healer brimmed with balm, foreigner whose hearer brought her heart-thirst to your well of calm: Savior, may we see our neighbor as an emblem of your care; in our leisure and our labor give us grace to find you there. 6
Homeless squatter in a garden, feaster in a rented room, scapegoat for another s pardon, sleeper in a borrowed tomb: Jesus, outcast and offender to those certain of God s will, rend the veils of race and gender, wealth and health, that shroud us still. Strange wayfarer to Emmaus, vague form on the distant shore, fright to friends ( Does sense betray us? ) when you stood with them once more: Risen Lord, be there to meet us when life dawns eternally; may your promised blessing greet us, In all these you welcomed me! Anthem (11:00 a.m.) Rejoice, the Lord is King Malcolm Archer Rejoice, the Lord is King, your Lord and King adore; Mortals, give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice! Jesus, the Saviour, reigns, the God of truth and love; When he had purged our stains, he took his seat above: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice! His kingdom cannot fail; he rules o er earth and heaven; The keys to death and hell are to our Jesus given: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice! He sits at God s right hand till all his foes submit, And bow to his command and fall beneath his feet: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice! Rejoice, the Lord is King, your Lord and King adore; Mortals, give thanks and sing, and triumph evermore: Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, again I say, Rejoice! *DOXOLOGY LASST UNS ERFREUEN Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 7
*PREPARATION OF THE LORD'S TABLE *INVITATION *GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING The Lord be with you. And also with you. Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. It is right to give you thanks and praise over the pride and greed of nations. Therefore, we praise you, singing with the servants around heaven s throne, and with all the faithful of every time and place, to the glory of your mighty name: (The congregation may be seated.) You are holy, O God of majesty dedicated to your service. So we proclaim the mystery of faith: 8
Gracious God, give us your Holy Spirit and we feast with him in eternity. Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor, praise and adoration are yours, now and forever. THE LORD S PRAYER (Prayed in unison; see page 35 in the hymnal for text.) BREAKING OF THE BREAD COMMUNION OF THE PEOPLE Music during Communion Nimrod from Enigma Variations Anthem (8:30 a.m.)by All Your Saints Edward Elgar Joel Martinson By all your saints still striving, for all your saints at rest, Your holy Name, O Jesus for evermore be blessed. You rose, our King victorious, that they might wear the crown and ever shine in splendor reflected from your throne. Apostles, prophets, martyrs, and all the noble throng who wear the spotless raiment and raise the ceaseless song: For them and others whose witness is only known to you by walking in their footsteps we give you praise anew. Then let us praise the Father and worship God the Son and sing to God the Spirit, eternal Three in One. Till all the ransomed number who stand before the throne Ascribe all pow r and glory and praise to God alone. 9
Anthem (11:00 a.m.) Eat This Bread Taizé Refrain: Eat this bread, drink this cup, come to me and never be hungry. Eat this bread, drink this cup, trust in me and you will not thirst. I am the bread of life, the true bread sent from the creator. Refrain. Your ancestors ate manna in the desert, but this is the bread come down from heaven. Refrain. Anyone who eats this bread will live forever. Refrain. If you believe and eat this bread, you will have eternal life. Refrain. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION SENDING *HYMN 269 Lead On, O King Eternal! LANCASHIRE *BENEDICTION POSTLUDE Nun dankett alle Gott David N. Johnson Now Thank We All Our God *(Those who are able may stand.) The flowers in the Sanctuary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Overton Thompson, Jr. by his family. SERVICE NOTES WORSHIP LEADERS: Liturgist: Donovan Drake; (8:30 a.m.) Lay liturgist: Melissa Threatt; (11:00 a.m.) Lay liturgist: X Lucas. MUSICIANS: (8:30 a.m.) Sam Levine, Clarinet; Laudate Youth Choir; (11:00 a.m.) Westminster Choir; John W. Semingson, Director of Music Ministries; Polly Brecht, Organist. USHERS: (8:30 a.m.) Tom Wilson, Clay Parsons, Ferrell Wilson, Julie Wilson; (11:00 a.m.) George Crawford, Jack Crawford, Clay Crawford, Will Jackson, Fred Jackson, Sadie Jackson. Should a congregant need assistance at any time during the service, please contact one of the ushers in the Narthex or Parlor. COMMUNION: The Presbyterian Church (USA) practices open Communion without regard to denominational affiliation. All who are truly sorry for their sins and seek to become more faithful to Christ are welcome at the Lord s Table. Westminster celebrates the Eucharist, meaning thanksgiving, on the first Sunday of each month, on the first Sunday of each liturgical season, and on every Sunday during the Season of Easter, except Baptism Sundays. 10
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ANNOUNCEMENTS WELCOME: Westminster Presbyterian Church welcomes you to share our common journey to become more faithful disciples of Christ. Any who are interested in joining us in this journey are invited to speak with one of our Greeters, who will be stationed by the Baptismal font after each worship service. The Greeters for today are (8:30 a.m.) Derek and Layne Bryant and (11:00 a.m.) Katherine Diehl. LARGE-PRINT BULLETINS AND ASSISTIVE HEARING DEVICES are available in the Narthex from the ushers. A SERVICE OF HOPE AND HEALING, DECEMBER 3 AT 7:00 PM: While the Advent and Christmas season is full of joy and anticipation for many, for others the season can bring alienation and sadness. There are many among us who are dealing with the loss of someone dear to them. A special Christmas service of hope and healing will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2017, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The service will include a time for scripture, prayer and the lighting of candles. If you have experienced a loss in your life, then you, your loved ones, and friends are invited to join us in a service that will affirm our hope, acknowledge our pain, and seek to discover the Light that shines in the darkness. 2017 ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS GIFT MARKET, DECEMBER 3: Come to Westminster s 10th annual Alternative Christmas Gift Market and Mission Fair on Sunday, December 3 from 9:30 AM 12:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. Enjoy a more meaningful shopping experience while purchasing gifts that truly spread the good news of Christmas to those who need it most. Representatives from 15 different agencies providing goods and services will be at the market so that you may learn more about what those agencies do in our community and around the world. A Christmas card is available for purchase to wrap your gift. The market will continue in the Parlor on the next two Sundays. As well, the catalog and shopping list will be posted on our website at www.nashvillewpc.org beginning November 27. 2017 POINSETTIA MEMORIALS AND HONORARIA: Poinsettias will grace our Sanctuary once again for Christmas Eve worship services. If you would like to give a poinsettia in memory or honor of a friend or family member, please place your order via email to Terri Eckert at teckert@nashvillewpc.org, go online to www.nashvillewpc.org, or complete the form in the newsletter and mail it to the church office. The deadline for submitting names to be included in the Christmas Eve bulletins is Sunday, December 10, 2017. SANCTUARY AND PARLOR FLOWERS FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2018: If you would like to provide flowers for the Chancel urns in the Sanctuary or the refectory table in the Parlor during 2018, please contact Terri Eckert by email at teckert@nashvillewpc.org to select your Sunday. Please note that reservations for flowers do not carry over from year-to-year. Arranged by members of Westminster s talented Flower Guild, this is a wonderful way to celebrate our loved ones or honor those who have died. COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: The music used in the service this morning is copyrighted under Christian Copyright Licensing International, Inc., No. 11221525. WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 3900 West End Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37205-1899 Phone: 615.292.5526; Fax: 615.292.5597 www.nashvillewpc.org 12