WEBSTER GROVESPRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
3rd Sunday of Advent
Service for the Lord’s DayDecember 15, 2019
10:30 a.m.
OUR MISSIONWe seek to live Christ’s love,
welcome all people and joyfully serve God.
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Service for the Lord’s DayWhen this symbol precedes an element of the service, please rise in body or spirit.
In the ancient world, various peoples lit fires to mark the turning of the light into winter’s season and to pray for the return of the light. The church has Christianized that practice in the lighting of the Advent wreath. To us, these candles are signs of the growing light of Christ who is coming again in all fullness into the darkness of our world. Until the dawning of that Great Day, we watch and wait in Holy Spirit for Christ’s coming into the darkness of our world, lighting candles of hope, peace, joy, and love; and remembering the promises of God with prayer.
PRELUDE “Offertoire sue Deux Noëls” Guilmant Shawn Portell, organ
WELCOME & COMMUNITY LIFEAll are encouraged to sign and pass the Friendship Pads at the ends of the pews. As the music begins, let us use this time for quiet reflection and prayer, so that we, individually and as a great crowd of witnesses, may prepare ourselves to reaffirm our faith as the people of God.
HYMN “Light One Candle to Watch for the Messiah” TIF IN VELDELE
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES
Leader: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.”People: The world says, “Worry,” and we say, “Rejoice.”Leader: The news says, “Fear,”People: and we say, “Rejoice.”Leader: The world says, “Be happy,”People: and the church says, “Be faithful.”Leader: As we light our third Advent candle,People: we pray for hope, peace, and joy.
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Leader: Come now, O child of Mary.People: Come now, O Prince of Joy.”
HYMN #106 “Prepare the Way, O Zion” BEREDEN
WHAT SWEETER MUSIC
OPENING MEDLEY “What Sweeter Music” Hayes
What Sweeter Music Can We Bring?Angels We Have Heard On High
I Saw Three ShipsTomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day
LESSON
ANTHEM “Promise of Peace” Hayes“Watchman, Tell Us of the Night”
CALL TO CONFESSION Vivian Williams
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
All: God of the future,you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule.We confess that we have not expected your kingdom,for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment.We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors,abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace.In your mercy, forgive us.Grant us wisdom to welcome your way,and to see things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
PASSING OF THE PEACE Vivian WilliamsSince God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
All: And also with you.
ANTHEM “Away in a Manger” arr. MurrayPraise Ringer Alumni and Friends
LESSON
ANTHEM “Song of Mary” Hayes
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Cherstin Byers, solo
LESSON
ANTHEM “Cradle Medley” Hayes
Still, Still, StillAway in a Manger
Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head;The stars in the sky looked down where He lay,
the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes,but little Lord Jesus , no crying He makes;
I love Thee, Lord Jesus! Look down from the skyand stay by my cradle till morning is nigh.
What Sweeter Music Can We Bring?Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
Silent Night
Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright‘round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy Infant so tender and mild, sleep in heavenly peacesleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light;with the angels let us sing
Alleluia to our King;Christ the Savior is born,Christ the Savior is born.
PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Leader: God of our salvation,All: hear our prayer.
CAROL 128 “Infant Holy, Infant Lowly” W ZLOBIE LEZY
INVITATION TO OFFERING Vivian Williams
LESSON
ANTHEM “Song of the Angels” Hayes
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Angels We Have Heard on High
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,and the mountains in reply, echoing their joyous strains.
Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsi Deo!
Hark! The Herald Angels SingThe First Nowell
The first Nowell the angel did saywas to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay;
in fields where they lay keeping their sheep,on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowellborn is the king of Israel.
ANTHEM “O Holy Night” HayesJason Erbst, Jeff Ballard – solo
LESSON
ANTHEM “We Three Kings of Orient Are” Hayes
LESSON
CLOSING MEDLEY What Sweeter Music Can We Bring?Good Christians All, Rejoice
Good Christians all, rejoice with heart and soul and voice!Give ye heed to what we say: Jesus Christ is born today.
Ox and ass before Him before Him bow, and He is in the manger now.Christ is born today, Christ is born today!
Joy To The World
Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King;let ev’ry heart prepare Him room,
and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature singand heav’n and heav’n and nature sing.
He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations provethe glories of His righteousness,
and wonders of His love, and wonders of His love,and wonders, wonders of His love.
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O Come All Ye Faithful
O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,O come, ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels!O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation,O sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!Glory to God, all glory in the highest!
O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him,O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!
BLESSING AND CHARGE
POSTLUDE Fantasia on “In Dulci Jubilo” BachShawn Portell, organ
THOSE WHO SERVE TODAYUshers: Glenn Seitz, Renee Bennett, Dan Egley, Karen Imse, Art Kramer, Janice & Steve Seele,
Denise Thomas, Mike Kearney (Group Leader)
Greeters: Leah Ann & Dave Fleisher, Marilee & Craig Campbell, Anne & Dan Carpenter
Office Volunteer: Jim Gloeckner, Mary Gloeckner
Liturgist: Pete Putnam, David Knight, Addison Demko
Sunday Snack: Advent Cafe
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“What Sweeter Music”Festival of Lessons & Carols
This morning we welcome all to our annual Festival of Lessons & Carols with music from our Chancel Choir, a guest orchestra, and the Praise Ringer Alumni and friends.
As Music Director/Organist at WGPC, one of the annual highlights to which I look forward is the church’s Festival of Lessons and Carols. It remains a special privilege each year to assemble the readings, prayers, and music to help retell the story of Jesus’ birth. The voices of Old Testament prophets, the Angel Gabriel, Mary, and Gospel authors join together to unfold an elegant narrative pointing to the great mystery of the Incarnation. The interspersed music helps reflect, emphasize, and in some cases foreshadow the various readings.
“What Sweeter Music” is a sumptuous feast of fifteen English, German and French carols plus several new songs from the pen of one of this generation’s master composers, Mark Hayes. The joyous Opening Medley sets the stage for the many exceptional moments to come, from the powerful new setting of the Magnificent for soprano solo to the charming Cradle Medley. An accomplished musical dramatist, Mark provides sensitive underscoring to continue the musical flow between movements with meaningful biblical and poetic narrative. —Shawn Portell, Director of Music Ministries/Organist
Festival of Lessons and Carols Participants
Vivian Williams Deb Miali Betsy Wacker Dennis Wacker
Laura Putnam Pete Putnam Matt Putnam Clair Bellows
Sherry Moschner Dave Morris Lynn Morris Denise Thomas
Nancy Wagner Nancy Holmes Carrie Rao Sandy Buschmann
Brandon Thurmon Saneta Thurmon Valetta Thurmon Westen Thurmon
Bryce Thurmon
Orchestra Personnel:Violin I – Lorraine Glass- Harris Violin II – Tova BraitbergViola - Joshua Rockers Cello – Alvin McCall Flute – Catherine Edwards Oboe / English Horn – Jan ParkesPercussion – David Michelson Piano – JeeHye Lee
Thank you to friends of the choir for joining us today: John Kavanaugh, Marissa Siemer, Mary K.w.d Turner, Mike Bohannon.
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WORD OF WELCOMECHANCEL FLOWERS The large red Chancel poinsettias are given to the Glory of God, in loving memory of her husband, her parents and her son-in-law, the gift of Edie Curtis; and in loving memory of Kathy Gerber Porter, Ally Porter and Andrew Romer, the gift of Don and Gretchen Gerber.
CHILDREN ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN WORSHIP AT WGPC! Worship Activity Bags are located at each entrance to the Sanctuary.
NURSERY CARE While some children prefer to stay with their parents in worship, others enjoy the opportunity to meet new friends, play and learn stories from the Bible. Mrs. Robin is ready to greet your child with a happy smile and a generous spirit. The nursery is open from 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If there are no children in the nursery by 11:30 a.m., the nursery room will remain open for parents and children to enjoy together. There will be no nursery attendants on duty.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES Children and youth are not forgotten at WGPC! Classes, activities and fellowship opportunities designed with them in mind happen most Sunday evenings. Please refer to the calendar for ages and times, or contact Cherstin Byers at [email protected] for more information.
LARGE-PRINT BULLETINS AND HYMNALS, hearing devices, and cushions are also available. One of our ushers would be happy to assist you.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN THE FRIENDSHIP PADS located at the end of each pew.
WATER AND LOZENGES Got a tickle in your throat? Relax. Just head to the Narthex (back of the sanctuary) where the ushers have water and lozenges for your comfort.
MINISTRY STAFF
Pastor: Rev. Edwin Zumwinkel IIIAssociate Pastor: Rev. Hannah ZylaPastoral Assistant for Congregational Care: John RawlingsDirector of Music Ministries/Organist: Shawn PortellMusic/Organist Assistant: Ted CronbaughDirector of Youth and Family Ministries: Brian KuhnInterim Director of Youth and Family Ministries: Summer KohringDirector of Early childhood Center/ Nursery Coordinator: Robin CannonMission Outreach Coordinator: Beth KazlauskasConnections Coordinator: Tracey RapisardoBusiness Administrator: Jan ScheurerSenior Staff Assistant: Valerie HamptonAssistant for Children, Youth, and Family Ministries: Cherstin ByersCustodial Supervisor: Pete Brennan
[email protected] [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected](314)-962-9210 ext 3212
45 West Lockwood AvenueWebster Groves, MO 63119
www.wgpc.org(314)-962-9210
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OUR COMMUNITY LIFE TOGETHER
What is the Christmas Joy Offering? By supporting the Board of Pensions (BOP), the Christmas Joy Offering honors the faithfulness of current and retired church workers and their families
in need. Thanks in part to support from this annual Offering, church workers can receive critical financial assistance to support them through life’s challenging circumstances. These generous actions bear witness to our faithful response to God’s charge to love one another as Christ commanded.
Christmas Deacon ReceptionCome join us for the Christmas Deacon Reception on Sunday, December 15th after the Traditional
Service of Lessons and Carols.
The reception starts at 11:30, and everyone is welcome!
Cookies and punch will be served.
Christmas Eve Worship ServicesCandlelight services will be held on December 24
at 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
WGPC offices will be closed for the holidays on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
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If you purchased an item for the Giving Tree and it says Beyond Housing, International Institute or Presbyterian Children’s Homes, but you forgot to bring it to church, please drop it off in the front office tomorrow morning and include your wish card. Other items are welcome until Sunday, December 22nd. Donations of cash or check will be accepted until December 30 th and can be made by stopping by our table in Fellowship Hall, or including your contribution with today’s offering with “Giving Tree” in the memo line. Thank you! International Institute’s Holiday Bazaar continues today from 10-5 at the International Institute Gym (3401 Arsenal St. 63118). Come do some holiday shopping at this unique boutique featuring globally-inspired arts and crafts, as well as food trucks. There is a $5 entrance fee which supports IISTL’s programs. December Give-A-Meal-A-Month menus include a donation to help agencies purchase turkeys for their clients. Contributions can be included in the offering by writing a check to WGPC with “GAMAM-turkey” in the memo, or by placing cash in an offering envelope and writing “GAMAM-turkey” on the outside.
Happy Holidays from The Early Childhood Center! As Christmas approaches, we get a lot of requests for teacher gifts from our very generous families. This year, we have compiled lists from each teacher here at ECC and have put their items requested in the front hall entrance. You will see an adorable snowman on the front bulletin board. Each snowball around the snowman is an item on a teacher’s wish list. Please feel free to take a snowball if you’d like to give a gift to a teacher. The gifts purchased can be placed in the box under the snowman. The snowman will be up thru January. You may have noticed another fundraiser in the hallway - the extremely cute Manta Animal Pillows and Coin Purses. The ECC is partnering with the Partners for Just Trade, located on the 3 rd floor of WGPC, for this school fundraiser. 50% of the proceeds from the pillow and coin purse sales (and 25% of proceeds from all other PJT items) go to the ECC. Please visit their website partnersforjusttrade.org and use the coupon code eccfundraiser to order. Items can be picked up in the PJT office. This fundraiser runs Dec 3 – Dec 17 so order soon! Thank you for all your wonderful support for our school! Happy Shopping!
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A Message From Environmental Stewardship…
Evolution of the Modern Christmas TreeThe Victorian era saw the popularization of the Christmas tree. In 1846, Queen Victoria and her German-born husband Prince Albert, were sketched in the Illustrated London News standing with their children around a Christmas tree. The custom of the tree became fashionable. The Victorian tree became more elaborately decorated, with toys, candies, popcorn strings and paper chains. Blown glass ornaments were offered for sale in the United States and Britain as early as the 1870s. F.W. Woolworth was selling $25 million in ornaments annually by 1890.
Sources: Encyclopedia Britannica, “Christmas tree, Holiday decoration,” www.Britannica.com; History of Christmas Trees, Original October 27, 2009, updated September 12, 2018, History Channel, www.history.com.
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FAITH FORMATION INFORMATION
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES meeting today
Infant – PreK:
Nursery 8:15 a.m. - noon 1st floor nursery
PreK – 5th Grade:
Children’s Evening Ministries will resume in January
6th – 8th Grade:
Celtics Christmas Party 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. The Nennert’s Home
9th – 12th Grade:
Agape Christmas Party 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The Kuhn’s Home
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Visit wgpc.org or contact Cherstin Byers ([email protected]) for more information and to receive newsletter emails about children’s and youth activities.
Webster Groves Presbyterian Church2019 Christmas Wish List
Boy Scout Storage Roof Repair-Our Boy Scout Troop 310 stores equipment in the small building at the end of the Moody parking lot. Last spring’s significant rain caused a leak and some of its equipment was destroyed. Plans are being made to repair the roof so this does not happen again. Gift $500 – Gift A
Early Childhood Center-Our ECC is making changes to better serve children and would like to update some of its classrooms. Your gift will help the ECC make those updates fresh and welcoming to new families and children choosing to spend time at our church. Gift $1200 – Gift B
WGPC Christmas Decorations-As we pulled out our Christmas decorations we noted this would need to be the last year for some of them as they have worn out. Obviously celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is “our thing”! Replacement of some of the decorations is needed. Gift $475 – Gift C
WGPC Connector-The new format of the WGPC connector has proven to be very popular! We think it is a great way to tell our mission story. Let’s keep it going in 2020! Gift $5000 – Gift D
Web Site -In the 21st century our website is the front door of our church. It does not require paint and polished brass kickboards but it still requires maintenance. Your special gift will help us continue to look our best for visitors who come to our door. Gift $6000 – Gift E
To make a gift in any amount:
1. Go on line to WGPC.org and click the blue “give” button.2. Select special fund and choose “Special Gift”.3. Type the corresponding letter (A, B, C, D, E) in the optional memo field.
or If you write a check, write special gift and the corresponding letter in the memo. Give Jan Scheurer a call in the office at (314) 962-9210 ext. 3206, if you have any questions. Thank you!
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Update in Stewardship
As of 12/12/2019, we are $185,257.00 short of our goal of $1,078,706.00. The Budget Committee meets the first Sunday in January, and as per past practice, their preliminary budget for next year will be based on pledges received. For those who have pledged, thank you. For those who still have not son so but desire to do so, please call or email Jan Scheurer at 314-962-9210, ext 3206 or [email protected] this coming week.We are doing great work at our Church. Let’s keep our resources sufficient to meet our mission. Thank you!
Your Stewardship Committee
WGPC Audit PerformedOn October 14, 2019 the board of trustees received the following financial opinion from the firm of Anders CPAs and Advisors: "In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Webster Groves Presbyterian Church as of December 31, 2018 and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America." In other words, the results are "clean" which is what you want! Special thanks to Business Administrator Jan Scheurer and financial assistant Joyce Kimmons for the many hours coordinating with the audit firm.
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Sunday, December 15
8:30 am – Informal Worship / Prayer Service9:30 am – Advent Café9:30 am – Environmental Stewardship10:30 am – Traditional Worship: Lesson and Carols11:30 am – Deacon’s Tea12:00 pm – Eagle Scout Ceremony4:30 pm – Celtics7:00 pm – Agape
Monday, December 16
10:30 am – Ely Ringers
Tuesday, December 17
6:30 am – Tuesday Prayer Meeting7:00 am – Bible Study9:30 am – Staff Meeting10:00 am – ECC Christmas Program10:30 am – PW Bible Study7:00 pm - Session
Wednesday, December 18
9:00 am – Kids Day Out7:00 pm – 3rd Wednesday Book Study7:00 pm – Scout TCM
Thursday, December 19
8:30 am – Men’s Bridge Group10:00 am – Disciples Bible Study12:00 pm – Noon Choir Practice7:00 pm – Chancel Choir
Friday, December 20
12:00 pm – Rotary
Saturday, December 21
9:00 am – Al Anon
Sunday, December 22
9:30 am – Advent Café10:30 am – Worship Hymn Sing/Ely Ringers
Give-A-Meal-A-Month December Menu
Donation towards a holiday turkey($2.50 or any amount to WGPC memo Turkey)Canned Sweet PotatoesCanned Peas – no or low saltCanned Mixed Fruit – lite or in fruit juiceBox of au gratin potatoes
Additional NeedsBaby foods
(fruits, vegetables, cereals, meats)
“I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
CHILDREN'S OFFERING:.
This winter, the children's offering will be collected to purchase two trees through Forest ReLeaf of Missouri. Our goal is to gather $50 - enough for two 3 gallon 4-6' tall trees to be planted in Missouri to make a community healthier, safer, and greener. Total collected for Piglets was $210.00.
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Recycle your Holiday Lights!Environmental Stewardship is collecting holiday lights for recycling again this year. There’s a bin inside the Hale entrance to place strands of lights and will remain there until Jan. 6. Please help keep plastic and copper wire out of our landfills. Thank you!
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