Hudson - Chandler Bike Fund for Christmas Bikes

Our congregation gifted 40 children in DFCS custody with a bicycle for

Christmas this year. By doing this we not only help those children during an

unsettling time in their lives, but we also honor Foster Hudson and Jack

Chandler who started the Bicycle Program in our church many years

ago. We are still accepting donations to pay for the bicycles, so if you can

find it in your heart to help, it would be greatly appreciated.

CHRISTMAS WISH

I used to go to see her when Christmas time was near It seems I only saw her that special time of year She was always glad to see me when I passed by that way She'd always welcome me and here's what she would say

"We used to play Ring Around Rosie and Hide And Seek and such Just those simple little games because we didn't have that much We would make snowball ice cream and eat it from the pan When summer came we played a game called Catch Me if you Can

Now ya'll come back to see me and don't forget to pray I guess that big old town, Atlanta, is pretty far away There's lots of crime in big cities- the world just seems a mess But as long as we have Jesus- we'll all get by I guess."

Yes, I've been very busy and the workload has seemed hard At Christmas time and Birthdays - I tried to send a card There was just no time for simple games that old folks used to play But thinking back- I still recall the words she used to say

"We used to play Ring Around Rosie and Hide And Seek and such Just those simple little games because we didn't have that much"

I would like to go back this Christmas- but she is not with us today And that big old town of Atlanta, was not really that far away Reed Blakeney 2015

artist unknown

The Messiah, Part I George Frideric Händel

presented by the combined choirs and soloists

The Sanctuary Choir The Chapel Choir

First Presbyterian Church Epiphany Lutheran Church

Covington, Georgia Conyers, Georgia

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Sunday, December 20, 2015

11:00 a.m.

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD PRELUDE Overture from "Messiah" G. F. Handel

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE Jack and Miriam Wheeler, Miriam Witherspoon Wheeler

Will, Jim, Luke, Sarah and David Gregory

Let us rejoice in God our Savior, who has done great things for us. Today we light the fourth Advent

candle, the candle of joy.

We gather as a people of hope, peace, love and joy.

The light of these candles reminds us that once we were a people who waited in darkness, but the light of Christ, which

illuminated the world long ago in a manger in Bethlehem, holds the darkness back.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Now we wait and prepare for the coming of Christ with singing and celebration and the spirit of rejoicing, because good

news of a great joy has come to all people.

For unto us a child is born, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Let us rejoice and be glad!

May the candle of joy give light to the world! We now light the candle of joy.

Let us pray: Almighty God, prepare our hearts so that the dear Christ may enter in and be born in us. Make us bearers

of the good news and great joy, which comes to all people; for we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

HYMN 123 stanza 1 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear CAROL

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE READING John 1:1-14

HYMN 121 stanza 1 (seated) O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONCERNS AND CELEBRATIONS

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER p. 35 in front of hymnal

THE OFFERING OF SUBSTANCE AND LIFE

OFFERTORY Pastoral Symphony from "Messiah" G. F. Handel

HYMN 145, stanzas 1 & 3 What Child Is This GREENSLEEVES

PRAYER OF DEDICATION Holy Center of this most holy season, Jesus, child and ruler, all our stars point to your birth; all our

wanderings come home to you; all our griefs and delights find a place in the stable where you chose to

transform poverty and pain and loneliness and rejection. Your light shines in our lives; your peace embraces

our anger, sorrow, and loss; your life opens us to new discovery of our most intimate selves and of our

neighbors, however we may find them - as poor shepherds, as foreign magi, as thoughtless innkeepers, as

helpless infants. In your humble birth we discover your everlasting majesty and offer you our thanks and

praise, in your glorious name. Amen.

Christmas Floral Decorations and Mission Donations IN MEMORY OF: GIVEN BY: Elmer Blankenship Maxine, Connie, Hoke, Tim & Trent Blankenship Newt & Edna Hinton, Henry & Mary Lott, Ken Lott The Hinton Family Our Parents Stan & Dana Hall Our Parents Billy & Stephanie Fortson Andrew C. Campbell Agnes M. Campbell & Children Helen Patrick Jim & Linda Patrick Charles E. Kelly Milton Patton Dan Gunter The Gunter Family Our Parents & Siblings Gene A. & Margaret A. Wallace Jack & Jean Rogers, Bill & Katherine Wade The Wade Family Arnold & Bonnie Tingler Roger & Tootles Tingler Sandra Elder & Our Parents Jean & Jim Elder Heidi Lyons Leonard & Ursula Kaminski J. C. & Helen Moon, Billy Knight Joe, Cindy, Lauren & Hannah Moon Frank Davis Sarah Davis & Family Mary Crudup Ed Crudup Jim Ashworth Joyce Ashworth Pete & Patricia Arnold Doug & Debra Arnold Ed Robinson Sally Pat & Blair Ray & Edy Moy, Howard & Madelle Boteler Gary & Susan Boteler Nancy Driver, Doris & Gregg Noble, Donna Blakeney Reed & Penny Blakeney Jane & Mason Wolverton, Kathryn & Gerald Wasser Cy & Jean Wolverton Jerry Barboe, Ive & Lora Mae Ridley, Ben & Eva Barboe Jackie Barboe

IN HONOR OF: GIVEN BY:

John, Susan & Hannah Curtis Jackie Barboe Margaret Hughes Maxine, Connie, Hoke, Tim & Trent Blankenship Betty Robinson Sally Pat & Blair Steve & Pat Bozarth Doug & Debra Arnold Blake & Maddie Hughes Granny & Pap Hughes Betty Knight Joe, Cindy, Lauren & Hannah Moon Lucille Brown Doug & Sherri Bolton Ursula & Leonard Kaminski, Kathryn & Roger Wallace Gene A. & Margaret A. Wallace Pack 4511 Leaders Cubmaster Rick Gunter The Lord Jesus Milton Patton In Thanksgiving Serwaa Amuzu The People of First Presbyterian Church The Wade Family Warren H. Liem Jeanie M. Liem Gary & Susan Boteler, Danny & Beth Vining, Joyce Ashworth Warren & Jeanie Liem

Sunday, December 20, Advent 4

10:00 Sunday School

11:00 Worship Service

12:00 Session meeting

5:00 Youth Connection Caroling

Tuesday, December 22

4:00 Exercise Class

Thursday, December 24

6:00 Christmas Eve Worship

Friday, December 25, Christmas Day

Merry Christmas!

Sunday, December 28, Advent 4

10:00 Sunday School

11:00 Worship Service

Monday, December 28

Church Office Closed

This Week at FPC

WELCOME TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

CHURCH OF COVINGTON

If you would like information about membership or

the programs, mission, and fellowship of the church,

speak to the pastor as you leave or call the church

office at 770-786-7321.

E-mail:

Pastor, Billy Wade: wbwade75@gmail.com

Dan Walden: djwalden@mac.com

Church Office/Peni Haug: penihaug@gmail.com

Website: www.fpccov.org

Mailing Address: 1169 Clark Street, SW

Covington, Georgia 30014

You may listen to recent sermons

by visiting our website

(www.fpccov.org) and clicking on “Media.”

In December, we would like everyone to send thank you notes in appreciation

of Dan Walden as our Director of Youth and Children’s Ministries for all the

work he does with children, youth, communications and much more. You may

send cards directly to Dan or to the church office:

First Presbyterian Church

1169 Clark Street SW

Covington, GA 30014

Be sure to mark it:

"Attn: Dan Walden Thank You!" We have been recognizing each of our staff

throughout the year. Their dedication and commitment to our congregation and

the wider community are deeply appreciated.

Christmas Eve Worship

Join your friends and neighbors for

Christmas Eve

at First Presbyterian Church

Thursday, December 24, 2015

at

6:00 p.m.

THE MESSIAH, Händel’s most successful and best-known oratorio, was composed in 1741 in twenty-four

days. It was first performed at a concert given for charitable purposes at Dublin, Ireland, on April 13th, 1742

with Händel conducting the performance in person. Thereafter Händel, beginning with March 23, 1743,

brought out The Messiah every year in London with great applause. Although numerous changes have been

made to the original score, the original conception of the work was likewise the enduring one. An oratorio dur-

ing Händel’s day was similar to an opera. Like an opera, it includes the use of soloists, recitatives, arias, an

ensemble of leads or distinguishable characters, and a chorus. There was a plot, or a story line similar to an

opera, except the subject matter was based upon a biblical text, or philosophical matter. Oratorios were per-

formed without costumes or scenery. They were not sung in the Catholic Church, because the texts were not

liturgical and had no place in the mass.

Today’s presentation comprises the choruses and most of the solos from Part I, coupled with traditional Christ-

mas carols. The “Hallelujah” Chorus is often included at the end of Part I because of its popularity, although it

was composed as a finale in Part II. Part II portrays Christ’s life and resurrection. Out of 252 pages of vocal

score, only 103 pages comprise Part I. --From various sources, including Max Spicker (1912) whose INTRO-

DUCTORY NOTE is found in the score.

2. RECITATIVE Accompanied. (Tenor) Comfort ye,

comfort ye my people, saith your God; speak ye com-

fortably to Jerusalem; and cry unto her, that her war-

fare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare

ye the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a

highway for our God.

3. AIR (Tenor)

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and

hill made low; the crooked straight, and the rough

places plain.

4. CHORUS

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all

flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord

hath spoken it.

5. RECITATIVE Accompanied. (Alto)

Thus saith the Lord of Hosts: -- Yet once a little while

and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, the sea,

and the dry land; and I will shake all nations, and the

desire of all nations shall come. The Lord, whom ye

seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the

messenger of the covenant whom ye delight in;

Behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of Hosts.

6. AIR (Baritone)

But who may abide the day of His coming, and who

shall stand when He appeareth? For He is like a

refiner’s fire.

7. CHORUS

And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may

offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.

8. RECITATIVE (Alto)

Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and

shall call his name Emmanuel, God with us.

9. CHORUS

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up

into the high mountain; O thou that tellest good

tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift

it up and be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah,

Behold your God! Arise, shine, for thy light is come,

and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

10. RECITATIVE Accompanied (Baritone)

For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross

darkness the people; but the Lord shall arise upon

thee, and His glory arise upon thee, and the Gentiles

shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of

thy rising.

11. AIR (Bass)

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great

light: and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of

death, upon them hath the light shined.

12. CHORUS

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given,

and the government shall be upon His shoulder; and

His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the

Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of

Peace.

CAROL Hymn 113 stanza 1 GLORIA

Angels We Have Heard on High

The Messiah, Part I George Frideric Händel

14.-16. RECITATIVE (Soprano)

There were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping

watch over their flocks by night. And lo! The angel of

the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord

shone round about them, and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for behold, I

bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all

people. For unto you is born this day in the city of

David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And

suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the

heavenly host praising God, and saying:

17. CHORUS

Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good

will toward men.

18. AIR (Soprano)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; Shout, O daughter

of Jerusalem: behold, thy king cometh unto thee.

He is the righteous Saviour, and He shall speak peace

unto the heathen.

19. RECITATIVE (Alto)

Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened, and the

ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man

leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing.

20. AIR (Alto)

He shall feed His flock like a shepherd; and He shall

gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His

bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.

AIR (Soprano)

Come unto Him, all ye that labour and are heavy

laden, and He shall give you rest. Take His yoke upon

you and learn of Him; for He is meek and lowly of

heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

44. CHORUS (congregation stands and joins in

singing the last line.)

Hallelujah! For the Lord God omnipotent

reigneth. The kingdom of our Lord, and of His

Christ; and He shall reign for ever and ever.

KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS,

HALLELUJAH!

Soli Deo Gloria

SANCTUARY CHOIR

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

COVINGTON

Lori Ardis

Laurie Bunn

Janet Carmichael, *Soprano

Julie Epps

Day Kennon

Victoria Leggett

Scarlett McCurry

Joe Moon

Teresa McCurry

Jon Paschal

Jim Patrick, *Tenor

Bob Tabb

Darcel Tabb

Caryn Thompson

Michael K. Thompson

Danny Vining

Perri Walden, *Alto

Cy Wolverton

Alan Bunn, Music Director

Alice Walker, Organist and Accompanist

CHAPEL CHOIR

EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH

CONYERS

Gene Bahls

Kathleen Carlisle, *Alto

Riki Delemar

Cheryl DiBiase, *Soprano

Kerry Gibson

Janette Hinckson-Fraser

Bruce Hefner

Cathy Hubbard

Robert Lange, *Baritone

James Livermont, *Baritone

Kathy Norton

Greg Potratz, *Tenor

Susan Sack, *Alto

Karen Schroeder

Sheila Sipe

Michael Thompson, *Bass

*Soloists

Donald Harris, Music Director and Organist

Pastors:

David Armstrong-Reiner, Epiphany Lutheran Church

William B. Wade, Jr., First Presbyterian Church

Please enter the sanctuary in a spirit of reverence as we prepare to

worship God. Remember to turn on your cell phones when you leave.

Worship Notes

Dana Hall-broken wrist

Wally Bold - pneumonia (great-

uncle of Lori Ardis)

Tommy Lee McCurdy-hospice care

(cousin of Guy McGiboney)

Lecia Landolt-chemo for pancreatic

cancer (friend of Patti Lanford)

James Knight-congestive heart

failure and complications-Eastside

Hospital (Darcel Tabb's father)

Vickie Sewell-breathing difficulties

Gina Marasco-pregnancy complica-

tions (cousin of Danielle Schubert)

Deborah Jones-surgery (Reed

Blakeney’s daughter)

Ursula Kaminski-home

Lucille Brown-in home hospice

care (mother of Sherri Bolton)

Kim Bailey-Bicycle accident

(Bernice Bailey’s daughter-in-law)

Ann Hill-ovarian cancer (Theodosia

Wade’s cousin)

Mickey Humphries-nursing care in

Virginia (Tootles Tingler’s sister)

Mitchell Jessup -cancer (father of

Nick Jessup)

Phyllis Pruner-severe neck pain

Sharon Walton-chemotherapy for

kidney cancer (friend of Patti

Lanford)

Sophia Hawley-Cystic Fibrosis

John Fish-cancer (Bryson Wade’s

uncle

Amanda Teixeira-heart surgery

(Lynn Miller’s daughter)

Roger Gossage-awaiting transplant

Catherine Horton-hospice care

(sister of Maxine Blankenship)

Edie Chandler Lowe-radiation

Jan Coulon-home

Jim Stalvey, Jr.-melanoma

Penny Hill-cancer (Executive

Presbyter for the Greater Atlanta

Presbytery

Lisa Baker-cancer treatment

Anderson Krieger-continuing

treatment for leukemia

Assisted Living/Nursing Homes: †Russ Cole -The Magnolias, Conyers †Jeanne Cannon-Darien, GA Riverside †Joy Knight -hospice care

†Martha Borders

†Rita Harrell

Benton House †Doris Mote

†George Stamps (temporarily at

Riverside)

Merryvale

†Guy McGiboney

†Bill Taylor

†Elizabeth Gadilhe

†Betty Robinson

†J. L. Johnson

Hospital Visitor: Stephanie Fortson

In Our Thoughts and Prayers

Staff of First Presbyterian Church

William B. Wade, Jr. Pastor Dan Walden Director of Youth and Children’s Ministry Peni Haug Secretary-Treasurer Alan Bunn Music Director

Alice Walker CAGO, AAGO

Organist/Ambassador Choir Maria Serrato, Aubrey Evans Nursery Kara Sugg Interim Director of the

Early Learning Center

Nursery Volunteers today:

Shaun and Aubrey Evans

Next Week:

Trista Hooten-Wilson

December Usher Chair:

Adriane Ivey

Sound Engineer:

Ken Walker

Thanks to Those

Serving Us Today

Class of 2015

Gary Boteler

Billy Fortson

Jan Giles

Jim Stillerman

Bob Tabb

Fletcher Stamps

Jack Weesner

Class of 2016

Charles Ardis

Joyce Ashworth

Betty Bailey

Patrick Carmichael

Perri Walden

Class of 2017

Baxter Bouchillon

Adriane Ivey

Michael Thompson

Danny Vining

Jean Wolverton

MEMBERS OF SESSION