OUR RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD SHARING OUR GIFTS OFFERTORY “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” PIAE CANTIONES, 1582 Senior Choir December Hymn of the Month #141 DEDICATION HYMN #606 DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him, above ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen. PRAYER OF DEDICATION SENT OUT AS GOD’S PEOPLE HYMN #384 “Soon and Very Soon” SOON AND VERY SOON CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE “Bethlehem” DAVID N. JOHNSON Faith Church Prayer Chain Please send prayer requests to [email protected], or use the link from the Faith Church website.( www.faithchurchemmaus.org ) PASTOR: Rev. William Schram PASTOR EMERITUS: Rev. Dr. Charles E. Colson ORGANIST/DIR. SENIOR CHOIR: Brian Snyder DIR. CHILDRENS/YOUTH CHOIRS, HANDBELLS: Tammi Howorth ADMIN. ASSISTANT: Lynda Scheirer CUSTODIAN: Scott MacKenzie DEACON GREETER: Deb Ferguson FLOWER DEACON: Ann Greenwood AUDIO: Sally Heimbach WORSHIP ASSISTANT: Terry Eck VIDEO: USHER CAPTAIN: Jack Decker USHERS: Tim Melnick, Jim DePhillips, Chas Shimer, Melanie Shimer FELLOWSHIP: John Gill FLOWERS: The Waters, celebrating birthdays. Bonnie Osterwald, celebrating birthdays. ELDERS: Class of 2017 2018 2019 Jack Decker Jim DePhillips III Rob Clark Diane Millick Lisa Heineman Tim Melnick Michele Somishka Lynn Ingram Chuck Waters Erik Walker DEACONS: Class of 2017 2018 2019 Eleanor DePhillips Luana Graber Deb Ferguson Terry Eck Anne Greenwood Mark Ingram Toni Fernandez Donna Hill Melanie Shimer JoAnne Herring Jana Masenheimer Elaine Smits Hymns in the 700’s that are indicated with a are from Sing! People of Faith, the purple booklet in pews. Worship sheets and activity bags for children are available from the ushers. Assistive listening devices are available for those with hearing difficulties. Large print hymnals are available. Please ask an usher for assistance. SO THAT THOSE PRESENT MAY EXPERIENCE GOD WITHOUT DISTRACTION, WE ASK THAT CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES BE TURNED OFF PRIOR TO THE START OF WORSHIP. THANK YOU. Order of Worship December 17, 2017 N. Second and Cherokee Streets, PO Box 507 Emmaus, Pennsylvania 18049 610.967.5600 [email protected]www.faithchurchemmaus.org
Transcript
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD'S WORD
SHARING OUR GIFTS OFFERTORY “On This Day Earth Shall Ring” PIAE CANTIONES, 1582
Senior Choir December Hymn of the Month #141
DEDICATION HYMN #606 DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him, above ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
SENT OUT AS GOD’S PEOPLE HYMN #384 “Soon and Very Soon” SOON AND VERY SOON
THE ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
10:00 AM DECEMBER 17, 2017
THE FIRST NOTE OF THE PRELUDE begins our worship. Please use
the prelude time to turn your attention to God’s presence and help. Worship is a natural response to God’s goodness. Take time to consider all the reasons, big and small, for which you are thankful unto God. Nurturing our relationships and friendships in fellowship is essential to our life as a congregation, so please continue to do so following our time of worship.
Those who are able are invited to stand.
Latecomers may be seated.
APPROACHING GOD
PRELUDE “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” ARR. BARBARA KINYON
Adult Handbell Choir
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS CHORAL INTROIT HYMN #95 “Prepare the Way of the Lord”
Choir & Congregation
Prepare the way of the Lord! Prepare the way of the Lord! And all people shall see the salvation of our God.
ADVENT CANDLE LIGHTING & WOMEN OF FAITH CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
People: We have been seeing with a new light, and rejoice to find Christ working among us.
Leader: In the dawn of God’s love, we rejoice in the work God
gives us to do. People: We have been seeing with a new light, and rejoice to find
Christ working among us. Leader: As we celebrate the growing brightness, we are energized
for the tasks before us, and we remember the words of the psalmist: “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were
filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Those
THE WORD OF GOD TO THE CHURCH WORD WITH THE CHILDREN*
FIRST SCRIPTURE LESSON ISAIAH 61:1-4, 8-11
OT – Pg. 708 in the white-edged Bible, Pg. 650 in the blue-edged Bible
ANTHEM “How Shall We Know Him?” GILBERT MARTIN Senior Choir
SECOND SCRIPTURE LESSON MATTHEW 3:1-12
NT – Pg. 2 in the white-edged Bible, Pg. 2 in the blue-edged Bible
SERMON “Come Home to Joy” REV. WILLIAM SCHRAM
HYMN “John Went Out to Preach God’s Word” MENDELSSOHN
“(Hark! The Herald Angels Sing) 7.7.7.7.7.7
WITH REFRAIN
John went out to preach God's word, To prepare us for the Lord.
Speaking to the waiting crowd, He was faithful, stern and loud: "Brood of vipers! Would you flee? Now the ax is by the tree! Don't look at what others do; God wants change and growth in you.
Live like children who obey! Bear good fruit! Begin this day!"
People asked, "What should we do?" John said, "Share your
clothes and food. Don't take more than what you need; Live by faith and not by greed. Don't cause others grief or pain; Earn your bread through honest gain. Here's what you are called to do: God wants change and growth in you.
Live like children who obey! Bear good fruit! Begin this day!"
Then the people asked of John, "Could he be the Chosen One?" John gave them a quick reply: "He is greater still than I.
He'll bring change outside and in, He will judge and conquer sin. He will come to make you new; God wants change and growth in you. Live like children who obey! Bear good fruit! Begin this day!”
written by Rev. Carolyn Gillette.
Used with permission. SHARING JOYS AND CONCERNS
INTERCESSIONS AND PETITIONS THE LORD’S PRAYER PRESBYTERIAN HYMNAL – PG. 16
(Please use “debts & debtors”.)
who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. (PSALM 126)
People: The candle we light today glows with the joy of our partnership with God. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”
HYMN #93 “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” TRURO
CALL TO CONFESSION
UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION When we look around at ourselves and our world, God of all time,
we find little reason to rejoice. Called to lives of gentleness, too often we do not speak out against those who stir up and promote anger and hurt. Invited to be generous, we tighten our grips on
our clothes, our food, and even our love. Called to be just with everyone, it is all too easy to turn away from those who are
different from us. Because You are our salvation, You choose to forgive us, Joy of our hearts. We are renewed by Your love so we
can be more caring; we are given new life, so we can serve those around us; we are showered with Your gladness, and invited to share the joy of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, with everyone we meet. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
Leader: The messenger has been sent to you, proclaiming that there is One who is coming who will heal and lead you. The promises of hope, peace, joy, and love are for you.
Receive the joy that God offers to you today. People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Glory to God in the highest.
RESPONSE (Sung)
Gloria in excelsis. Gloria in excelsis.
Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, Gloria, In excelsis Deo.
SHARING THE PEACE Leader: The peace of the coming Messiah be with you. People: And also with you.
MINUTE FOR MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT: Christmas Joy Wendell Harford
Page 1 December 10, 2017
FAITH L IFE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2017
Welcome to worship, Christian education and fellowship! Please greet one another in the name of the coming Prince of Peace. We hope you’ll join us following worship in Fellowship Hall for beverages, snacks, and fellowship.
Adult Sunday School
Workcamp Cookie Sale (see pg. 3)
Youth Group Christmas Caroling
Christians & Racism Discussion Group
Deadline for newsletter submissions!
Sign up for Worship Assistant, Fellowship, etc.
Take note of flagged announcements.
TODAY OR TONIGHT
Faith Presbyterian Church of Emmaus 3002 N. Second Street - PO Box 507 - Emmaus, PA 18049
FROM WELCOMING TO INVITING Keep our initiative going. This week, think of what's happening
at our church. Again, do this in conversation with one person per week during the month. "My church is generous to others in the Christmas season." “My church has its children's program next Sunday morning.” “I love the Christmas Eve candlelight service.”
WELCOMING
FROM THE OFFICE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION
Today is the last chance! Please check your family’s contact information in the green notebook placed in the narthex. Please consider adding a cell phone number! If you attend regularly, but haven’t joined, please add your information! We’d love to include you and yours.
STEWARDSHIP PLEDGES UPDATE
The Stewardship Committee thanks all the members who have responded with their 2018 pledges for the support of Faith Church. We have received 73 pledges for a total of $192,376. We have not heard from everyone so please submit your pledges as soon as possible. This will allow the Finance Committee to finalize the church budget for 2018. Thank you for your faithful support of the work of Faith Church.
GIVING TO OUR CHURCH IS EASY! You can donate via credit card or a direct
transfer from your bank. Just scan this QR code, or click the DONATE button on the church website and fill out the form. For more information about this option, please read the details about electronic giving on the Donate page of the church website:
http://faithchurchemmaus.org/donate/
This morning following worship, there will be a
Congregational Meeting to hear and act upon
the report of the Nominating Committee.
BITS & PIECES
FOOD FOR THOUGHT “Wonderful, isn’t it, that we can hold in our hands the richest gifts of
this world? For joy is found in such small shapes: a baby’s shoe, a birthday cake candle, a Christmas star. A small silver ring can hold a lifetime of love, and the faith of centuries is wrapped in an infant-length of swaddling cloth.“ - Anonymous
We’d like to thank Ellen Bender for this submission to the Faith Life this week. It is indeed wonderful .
WORSHIP ARE YOU NEW TO FAITH CHURCH?
If this is your first time in worship with us here at Faith Church, welcome! We want to get to know you, so be sure to sign the friendship registry when it is passed to you.
CHRISTMAS EVE Faith Church invites all musicians no matter skill nor age to
participate in our Christmas Eve Prelude music. If you have music you would like to share, please contact Tammi Howorth ([email protected]) if you prefer to participate at the 10AM Christmas Eve Worship Service or Brian Snyder ([email protected]) at the 9:00 PM Christmas Eve Worship
The Discipleship Committee will keep the recent Sunday morning schedule as we continue to explore other options. NO CLASSES ON THE
1st SUNDAY OF THE MONTH. NO CLASSES ON 12/24.
9:30 am: Middle School and High School
Following Children’s Time in worship: K-Grade 5 Sunday School. Children
younger than Kindergarten may go to the nursery.
11:20 am: Adults – meeting in room 7
Youth Group
Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to participate in Middle School Youth Group (MSYG) which meets in Fellowship Hall from 5:00-7:00 PM. Youth in
grades 9-12 are invited to participate in High School Youth Group (HSYG) from 6:30-8:30 PM on scheduled nights, at Faith. Each week, we have a
meal together, which is sponsored by our awesome parents and mentors. Questions about Youth Groups and their events can be directed to Joanne Marchetto at [email protected].
Next Meeting—TODAY! We will go Christmas caroling with the Barn at the Phoebe Nursing Home in Allentown. We will carpool from Faith at 3:15 PM
(Or meet us at Phoebe at 3:45). We will walk through Phoebe singing Christmas carols for the residents from 4:00-5:00. Then, we will go out to
dinner at Nostos restaurant (Tilghman and 19th St. in Allentown).
Adult Sunday School
Dec. 17—Author Anne Lamott Releases New Book on Mercy Anne Lamott has written a book of essays titled Hallelujah
Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy. We will explore the gift of mercy God offers the world through the person and work of his Son.
Additional Discipleship Opportunities
There are small groups that meet during the week. New participants are always welcome.
Women’s Devotional Fellowship meets on Thursdays at participants’
homes from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Next Meeting: December 21
Disciples of Christ (DOC), a men’s study & discussion group, meets every
other Thursday at 7:30 AM in the parlor. The subject: Staying Positive in
a Negative World. Next meeting: TBA
Noon Bible Study meets on Wednesdays in the Parlor. Come share the
Bible with this lively group! All are welcome! Next Meeting: January 3
Faith Watercolor Painters Group will meet on Thursdays in the Fellowship
Hall from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This new group will be led by Dick Farmer
and assisted by Ed Klova. Please contact Dick Farmer (610-967-4401) for additional information, or the date of the next gathering.
“Christians & Racism” This Discussion Group meets at 6:00 PM here at
the church, on the first and third Sundays of the month. Next Meeting: Tonight
T he Discipleship Committee, through the dedication and passion of its many volunteers, is able to offer the following programs to the church. However, we are never finished, in our effort to better serve the needs of our members. We are always open to new ideas and ways to further the Discipleship of
Faith Presbyterian Church. The Discipleship Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Parlor. All are welcome to join us.
CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER In addition to phone chains and email blasts, Faith
Presbyterian Church can also communicate cancellations of committee meetings, rehearsals on 69 News! Please stay tuned to our event changes by:
1) Watching the scrolling cancellations on 69 News.
2) Going to the 69 News website (http://www.wfmz.com/weather/school-and-business-closings/149606) and searching for a post from our church.
3) Signing up for alerts by going to this website (http://www.wfmz.com/Sign-Up-for-Email-Newsletters-Alerts/29028180) and setting up an account for auto alerts to your e-mail, etc.
This is just another way we hope to keep information lines open at our church!
Committee Chairs, to have a cancellation added to the WFMZ Closings List, please contact Lynda Scheirer at 610-217-6610.
COMMUNICATIONS
PHOTOS NEEDED
Do you have a smart phone? Then, you are a designated photographer! You are encouraged to take photos of church members/
friends at our events and activities! Right after snapping pictures, you can send them right onto Lynda in the church office
([email protected]), where she will store them for use in publications or just store them for church history! We are always looking
to document our church activity. Thank you!
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP CONVERSATION
A New Member Conversation will be held in the 2018. If you are interested in joining our Faith Family, please indicate your wish on the
Friendship Pad as it is passed during worship this morning.
CHANCEL TABLE FLOWERS The 2018 flower chart is in place on the bulletin board outside of
Fellowship Hall. Select that special Sunday that will honor/remember a birthday, anniversary, or something very special to you. By doing so, you will beautify our Sunday morning worship service. Sign up now, and get the date you wish to honor or remember that special event in your life, or the life of you family.
DEACONS
WESTMINSTER VILLAGE The Mission Committee and the Activities Staff at Westminster would
like to thank you for your very generous response to Westminster Wishes. This project provided Christmas gifts to some of the health care residents as Westminster Village, our nearest Presbyterian Senior Living Home. We greatly appreciate your thoughtfulness and support. Thank you!
CLOSET OF HOPE Dear Faith Family,
Thank you for your generous support of Close of Hope! It’s always amazing how much clothing comes through our doors. Larry Hemberger will continue to take your donations during the winter.
Love & Peace! Barbara Newman
WORKCAMP COOKIE SALE The Workcampers annual Cookie Sale
follows worship this morning, in Fellowship Hall! Stop by and stock up on cookies for the Christmas Season. At the same time, you’ll be helping raise money for the upcoming 2018 Workcamp.
Mar. 18 ............ April Flyer Deadline Mar. 25 ............ Palm Sunday
Mar. 29 ............ Maundy Thursday Mar. 30 ............ Good Friday
Apr. 1 ............... Easter Apr. 15 ............ May Flyer Deadline
May 4-6 ........... Youth Group Retreat May 13............. Mother’s Day
TWO WEEKS OF FAITH This calendar is prepared a few days prior to distribution. Please see the church website for the most up-to-date information. Room Numbers, indicating where meetings will be held (when known), are shown in parentheses following the listing.
Key BR Brick Room FH Fellowship Hall
MR Music Room
O Office
P Parlor
S Sanctuary
NEXT WEEK CHRISTMAS EVE
Sunday, December 24 4th Sunday of Advent 8:30 AM— Youth Handbell/Voice Choirs No Sunday School 9:30 AM— Children’s Handbell Choir Christmas Joy Offering 10:00 AM— Morning Worship Service Following Children’s Time—K thru Grade 5 Sunday School 11:00 AM— Children’s Vocal Choir Noon— Newsletter Deadline 9:00 PM— Candlelight Worship Service 11:15 PM— Worship Service @ the Emmaus Triangle
Monday, December 25 Church Office Closed CHRISTMAS Tuesday, December 26 Wednesday, December 27 Noon— Bible Study Youth Groups’ afternoon at the movies Thursday, December 28 7:00 PM— Narcotics Anon. (FH) Friday, December 29 Church Office Closed Saturday, December 30 9:00 AM— Zumba (FH)
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6-17
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LEADERSHIP: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Advent is a time of anticipation and promise, of thanksgiving and celebration. Every year, we pour out our gratitude by giving to the Christmas Joy Offering which supports church workers and their families in need and nurtures the promise of our future racial ethnic leaders.
50% provides critical financial assistance to church leaders in need
• Support grants that help retired church workers and their families with financial and housing needs
• Provide aid to church workers with urgent financial and medical needs
50% supports opportunities for future leaders at Presbyterian racial ethnic schools
• Give scholarships for racial ethnic students and future church leaders
• Equip racial ethnic leaders for ministry
Through your church
presbyterianmission.org/give/christmasjoy
Text JOY to 20222 to give $10
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY
Finding Family in Times of Tragedy
Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift. —2 Corinthians 9:15
In 2014, tragedy struck Rev. John Scotland’s family when his daughter, Elisabeth, suffered a severe brain injury. John was granted leave from his church in New Jersey so he and his wife could be by their daughter’s side in Boston during her recovery. This meant finding someone to cover pastoral duties during his absence as well as additional living expenses.
With a shared grant from the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and West Jersey Presbytery, the Scotlands were able to remain with their daughter while she underwent surgery and an intense two-month rehabilitation.
“Having a Presbyterian family was a big blessing to us and helped us come through tragedy.”
—Rev. John Scotland
Present Day: This year, Elisabeth passed her CPA exam and lives in Philadelphia where she works as an accountant. Rev. Scotland and his wife are back in New Jersey continuing to serve the church family that cared for them in their time of need.
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT AND GRATITUDE FOR THOSE WHO FAITHFULLY SERVE
By giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, you help provide critical financial assistance for Presbyterian church workers in their time of need.
Nearly 291 households received Income Supplements, which help provide for retired church workers and surviving spouses in need.
Over 211 households received Housing Supplements, which help retired church workers maintain their current home or afford assisted living and long-term care.
More than 110 households received assistance through Shared and Emergency Grants, which provide relief to church workers facing times of great financial need or uncertainty due to unforeseen circumstances.
Please give generously to the Christmas Joy Offering.
