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1st Sunday after Christmas DayDecember 31, 2017

Westminster At WorshipPrelude: In dulci jubilo BMV 729 J.S. Bach

Time of Welcome

*Sharing of the Peace of Christ Leader: Praise the Lord and rejoice! God has become our Savior. Therefore, may the peace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ be with you all. People: And also with you.

Call to Worship Leader: Let us come before God, with praise and thanksgiving for the gift of Your Son. People: May our hearts keep the joy of Christmas always. Leader: Let our spirits rejoice in God’s presence with us and may we each be bearers of Your Good News. All: May our spirits resound with the good news of salvation and let us worship with deep gratitude that God is with us!

*Processional Hymn: #134 Joy to the World Antioch

Time of Confession Invitation to Confession Prayer of Confession

Gracious God, we confess that many times, after Christmas Day, we feel a letdown as the merriment fades and weariness sets in. Instead of being rejuvenated, we feel tired from our festivities. We admit that we easily fall back into our daily routines and old habits. Shake us up, Lord! Get us ready to be people of compassion and hope. Help us see the possibilities of peace and love around us. Help us to recognize and respond to your presence in our midst, just as Anna and Simeon sang your praise and proclaimed Jesus our Lord to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. Prepare our hearts, that we may believe the good news of Jesus, receive the light of salvation, and live according to your word so that our actions speak of your love for us. Lord, hear our confession and those we offer in the silence, ….. (a silence is kept) Amen.

Assurance of ForgivenessLeader: Friends, believe the good news of God’s grace. People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

*Response to Forgiveness: Christmas Gloria Besançon arranged by Richard ShephardGlory to God in highest Heav’n, peace to all your people given, Almighty God, your grace abounding, we give you glory,

our praise resounding; we worship you, and sing today, Christ, our Hope, is born today.

Prayer for Illumination

Reading from the Old Testament Psalm 148, p. 452

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Moment: #147 The First Nowell The First Nowell As the children come forward, the congregation shall sing verse 3. As the children return to their seats, the congregation shall sing verse 2.

Reading from the New Testament Luke 2:22-40, p. 45

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Westminster At WorshipSermon: “THE WAIT IS OVER...” Rev. Michelle Junkin

*Hymn of Discipleship: #110 Love Has Come Bring a Torch

*Affirmation of Faith: The Latin American Christmas CreedI believe in Jesus Christ and in the power of the Gospel which began in Bethlehem. I believe in the One whose spirit glorified a small village, of whose coming the shepherds saw the sign, and for whom there was no room in the inn. I believe in the One whose life changed the course of history, for whom the kings of the earth had no power, and who was not understood by the proud. I believe in the One to whom the poor, the oppressed, the discouraged, the afflicted, the sick, the blind and the leprous gave welcome and accepted as Savior. I believe in the One who, with love, changed the hearts of the proud, and with his life, showed that it is more important to serve than to be served, and that the greatest joy is in giving your life for others. I believe in peace, which means justice among all peoples and nations and love among all. I believe in reconciliation, forgiveness and the transforming power of the gospel. I believe that Christmas is strength and power, and that this world can change if, with humility and faith, we kneel before the manger.

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer (Traditional) Hymnal p. 35 Invitation to Offering Offertory: Of the Father’s Love Begotten Arr. Lynn Trapp

*Christmas Doxology: #150 As With Gladness Men of Old (Verse 3) DixAs they offered gifts most rare at Thy manger, rude and bare, so may we with holy joy,

pure and free from sin’s alloy, all our costliest treasures bring, Christ, to Thee, our heavenly King.

*Prayer of Thanksgiving

*Recessional Hymn: #132 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice In Dulci Jubilo

*Benediction

Postlude: I Saw Three Ships Arr. Richard Elliott

Hymn and scripture text printed with permission granted by CCLI License #2337964.

*This sign is an invitation, to all who are able, to stand as they offer God thanks and praise.

Leading in WorshipAssociate Pastor for Congregational Care: Rev. Michelle JunkinAssociate Pastor for Youth and Education: Rev. Abbey Walker

Director of Children’s Ministry: Darci McKinnonElder Liturgist: Audrey Streetman

Director of Worship and Music: Josh PhelpsOrgan: Steve Thompson, Principal Organist

Carillon: Lisa Hart

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At A Glance4400 North Shartel Avenue

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73118

Sunday Schedule 8:30 AM - Chapel Worship9:30 AM - Christian Education10:30 AM - Sanctuary Worship Office HoursMonday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PMPhone (405) 524-2224Online www.wpcokc.orgService Broadcast Sundays - • 5 AM on KOKH (check local listings)• 11 AM on KOCO (check local listings) • online via our LiveStream at:

http://www.wpcokc.com/live-streaming

I would like to speak with a pastor or ministry leader...

Rev. Dr. Paul KirbasPastor / Head of Staff(405) 524-2224 ext 275pkirbas@wpcokc.org

Rev. Michelle JunkinAssociate Pastor for Congregational Care(405) 524-2224 ext 222mjunkin@wpcokc.org

Rev. Abbey WalkerAssociate Pastor for Youth & Education(405) 524-2224 ext 233awalker@wpcokc.org

Josh PhelpsDirector of Worship & Music(405) 524-2224 ext 240jphelps@wpcokc.org

Darci McKinnonDirector of Children’s Ministry405.524.2224 ext. 244dmckinnon@wpcokc.org

Glenn DunnCommissioned Lay Pastor405.524.2224 ext. 2227 gdunn@wpcokc.org

Laurel HallPastoral Intern405.524.224 ext. 232lhall@wpcokc.org

Heather SelementNursery & KKA Director405.524.2224 ext. 248 hselement@wpcokc.org

A Note From Rev. Michelle JunkinDear Congregation,

We arrive on Sunday, December 31st, with our celebrations of Christmas now over and all our presents unwrapped. The shepherds with their flocks have returned to the fields. The angels and the heavenly hosts are nowhere to be seen. Joseph and Mary are settling into a daily routine with all that a new infant brings into one’s household. What does life look like after the birth in the manger? We get a brief glimpse in today’s text. Mary and Joseph are starting out as any ordinary devout Jewish parents, they take their newborn son for circumcision and then after the passage of the appropriate amount of time, they bring him to the temple, as a firstborn male to be consecrated to God and introduce him into the covenant community. As our lectionary texts unfold, they encounter Simeon and Anna. Fred Craddock describes these two as representing, “Israel in miniature, and Israel at its best: devout, obedient, constant in prayer, led by the Holy Spirit, at home in the temple, longing and hoping for the fulfillment of God’s promises” (Luke, New Interpreter’s Bible).

Anna and Simeon have been in a posture of waiting for a long time. In the passage, Simeon and Anna both recognize Jesus as the Messiah and that the wait is now over. Simeon proclaims that the salvation of God is not limited to just Israel but that the light of Salvation extends to include the Gentiles. This is shocking news, for in a nutshell the ones who have not been waiting are welcomed, just leave me the ones who have been waiting. Thus God’s promise extends to not just the people of Israel, but also for all people. The mercy and love of God reaches out, claiming all the children of God.

Throughout the season of Advent, we were watching and waiting for Christ’s coming. With

Advent behind us and Christmas upon us, our posture of waiting is also over. What is our response? Will we break into a song of praise like Simeon? What will we do with the new year before us, now that we are released from our posture of waiting? How will we proclaim the good news we have received, not just nestled in the birth of Christ, but also in Simeon’s pronouncement that all (both Jews and Gentiles) are included in God’s promised Salvation.

How will we each be an active part of God’s handiwork in the world? One scholar put it this way, “we’re each called to see-to behold-the promise of God’s grace and the Christ in one another, which helps us to understand better Jesus’ teachings about things like loving our enemies and having the reign of God within us.”

So with the gift of Christmas realized, with our anticipation and waiting now over, how will we each live in actions of hope and love that pursue after God’s reign in our lifetime - to make an impact with the oppressed, marginalized, and downcast of our day? How will we minister to those who are suffering and weary in Oklahoma City and the rest of the world so that the good news radiates out to every one of God’s children?

Like Simeon and Anna, may we each actively seek, see and fully become part of God’s unfolding plan of promise, grace, and hope in the world. May we each more fully become agents of God’s divine love, radiating out Christ’s light to all the world.

In God’s Love,

Rev. Michelle JunkinAssociate Pastor for Congregational Care

A NEW PASTOR’S CLASS / STARTING SUNDAY, JANUARY 14THE SANCTIFIED BODY: HOW HOLY LIVING CAN CHANGE US FROM THE INSIDE OUTThroughout history, there has been a constant debate about the relationships of determinism and free will, of DNA and free choice, and of Nature vs. Nurture. Recent discoveries about how our genes work offer startling new insight into the real relationship between our internal DNA and our external lives and experience. In this Pastor’s Class, Dr. Kirbas will share these discoveries, and look at the implications they offer for our lives and our faith. Is it possible to sanctify our bodies as well as our spirits? Join us for The Sanctified Body, beginning Sunday, January 14, at 9:30 AM in the Social Hall.

Westminster Offerings

THE KIRBAS INSTITUTE

DINNER EVENTThursday, January 25,

6:00 Reception

7:00 Dinner and Program

At the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive, Oklahoma City

Featuring CNN Journalist John Sutter, recently nominated for the Emmy

Award for his special series “2 Degrees.” To get your tickets, visit www.kirbasinstitute.org

(Partially underwritten by the Kirkpatrick Foundation)

STEWARDSHIP 2017As we enter the last quarter of 2017, please note the remaining amount needed to make our goal for the 2017 Annual Stewardship Campaign is $120,590. We thank everyone who pledged and supported the 2020 capital campaign. In order to stay on schedule, if you are able to do so, please prayerfully consider making your commitment earlier. Our thanks to everyone who has made, and can make, this possible!

STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN 2018It is an exciting time in the life of our church. Together, let’s imagine what God could do through our giving! As of today, 257 families have turned in their pledge cards for the 2018 Stewardship Campaign totaling $1,414,453.00 . Baskets are at the church entrances and front desk, giving you the opportunity to turn in your 2018 Stewardship Pledge Card.

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NEW YEAR SCHEDULE CHANGESChurch Building and Offices will be closed Jan. 1 & 2,in observance of the New Year’s Holiday

Connecting Point At Worship

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Prelude

*Welcome and Gathering Hymn: #136 Go, Tell It on the Mountain Go Tell It

Greeting & Announcements

Call to Worship (Responsive) Leader: Praise God and rejoice for our Savior has come in the gift of Your Son. People: Let us share the joy of Christmas always and may our spirits rejoice in God’s presence. Leader: Let us worship and celebrate the good news: People: God is with us!

Prayer of the Day

*Hymn: #15 All Creatures of Our God and King

Lasst Uns Erfreuen

Call to Confession Prayer of Confession (unison) Gracious God, we confess that after Christmas Day, we too easily fall back into our old routines and habits. Forgive us when forget to continue our celebration from Christmas to Epiphany. Forgive us when we fail to seek, search, recognize and respond to your presence in our midst. Let us be more like Anna and Simeon who sang your praise and proclaimed that Jesus is Lord who brings the promised light of salvation. Inspire us and guide us to live according to your word as agents of your divine love so that our actions demonstrate your compassion and grace in our daily living. In the name of Christ, our Immanuel we pray. Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness (Responsive)Leader: Alleluia! Glory be to the Holy One who can make all things new! People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Alleluia!

*Passing the Peace of Christ

Prayer for Illumination

Scripture Readings Old Testament: Psalm 148 Gospel: Luke 2:22-40

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God.

Children’s Sermon

*Hymn: #436 God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us

O Quanta Qualia

Sermon: “Auld Lang Syne” Laurel Hall

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s PrayerLeader: Loving God, we lift our hearts to you as we share our joys and concerns with you and one another. Petitioner: (shares a joy or concern) I lift up my heart.People: Lord, hear our prayer. Leader: And now hear our voices as we join together in the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray saying, People: Our Father...

Invitation to Give as We Have Been Blessed

Offering and Musical Offering

*Doxology: #606 Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow

Old Hundredth

*Prayer of Dedication

*Closing Hymn: #157 I Danced in the Morning Lord of the Dance

*Charge & Benediction

*Postlude: #600 Amen Amen

Hymn and scripture text printed with permission granted by CCLI License #2337964.

*This sign is an invitation, to all who are able, to stand as they offer God thanks and praise.

Leading in WorshipPastoral Intern: Laurel Hall

Director of Worship and Music: Josh PhelpsWorship Music Coordinator: Tyler Eckert

Worship Music Team: Abbey Ahern, Jessie Eckert, Kyle Elliott, Opal Jane McDermitt, Angela Michael, Elisa Thompson

Melody Kruger and Children’s Sunday School

ConnectingPoint14501 N Rockwell Ave, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73142ourconnectingpoint.org / 405.509.9368

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION • A new Liturgist Sign-up Sheet is at the

back of the sanctuary! We are in need of liturgists every non-Communion Sunday. Please pray about whether you might be called to serve our community in this important way. No experience is needed and you don’t have to write your own material.

• We’re in need of volunteers to teach adult Sunday School for the fall / spring term. No experience required. Sign-up is in the back of the sanctuary.

LOOKING AHEAD EVERY SUNDAYSunday School / 9:30 - 10:30 AMCoffee & Fellowship / 10:30 - 11 AMWorship / 11 AM

DECEMBER31 No Sunday School Worship, 11 AM

JANUARY 1 NO Holiday Holy Yoga 3 Holiday Holy Yoga, Noon Bible Study Pot-luck, 6 PM 7 Baptism of the Lord Sunday Worship with Lord’s Supper, 11 AM 8 Girl Scouts, 6:30 - 7:30 PM Holy Yoga, Noon10 Holy Yoga, Noon

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTIntroducing Ivy Jane Eckert! We got to meet our sweet surprise three weeks early, and just in time for Christmas.

ECKERT MEALTRAINHere is a link to Tyler and Jessie’s meal train. Please sign up to bless the new parents with a meal!

Jessie Riess Eckert https://mealtrain.com/r310md

CAROLING & HOLIDAY PARTIES

HOLY YOGAMark your calendar and spread the word! Our eight week Winter Session of Holy Yoga starts the week of January 15 and will wrap-up the week before Spring Break on March 8. Donations are accepted but by no means required. Let’s greet the New Year by presenting our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship - Romans 12:1. Class times are as follows:

Monday & Wednesday - Noon - 1 PM at Connecting PointTuesday Morning - 10 AM - 11 AM in the Youth Room at WestminsterTuesday & Thursday Evenings - 6 PM - 7 PM at Connecting Point

Childcare is available for the evening classes at Connecting Point. See you in January!

NO HOLY YOGA JANUARY 1!

POINSETTIA DEDICATION• Marilyn Laughbaum - In memory of Kirk and Sara Laughbaum and loved ones • Tyler and Jessie Eckert - in memory of our sweet church members,

Shirley Howard and Mary Burki• Vikki Dearing - In memory of Wendell and Sally Boaz• Vikki Dearing - in honor of Michael Adee, Kevin Chase,

and Trice Gibbons • The Hensley Family - in memory of Pete “Pops” Davis• Opal Jane Mcdermitt - In memory of my boys, Charlie,

Jim, and Tom • The Elder Family - In memory of John McDonald• The Elder Family - in memory of Nola Shaffer• Marla Kirkpatrick - In memory of my loved ones who

have gone on• Laurel Hall - In honor of my awesome “pastor’s husband”

Ward Hall• The Ahern Family - in memory of Pistol Annie Ahern

Remember to silence all cell phones. No food or drinks are allowed in the Chapel or Sanctuary.

WPC CARES: Members in Need of Care. In order to care for our members who are hospitalized, home bound or simply needing prayer, please notify the church by e-mail at wpccares@wpcokc.org or by phone at 524-2224 ext. 222. Doing so helps our ministers and care team members know whom to visit. Without your help our ability to know who is in the hospital or in need is limited.

Deacon of the Week: Tammy Donnell - please contact her for congregational care needs at 923-4721.

Membership: Please send membership announcements (birth, marriage, death of relative) and changes (address, email, phone) to June White, june@wpcokc.org, 524-2224 ext 249.

Children’s Worship Bags can be found at the entrances to the Sanctuary. The bags contain activities that coordinate with the weekly worship theme. There are also some fun quiet games to enhance their worship experience.

If You Are Interested in scheduling a baptism or wedding, or need to notify the church of a death in order to coordinate a funeral or memorial service, please contact Lori Jirousek, Executive Assistant at 524-2224 ext. 228 or lori@wpcokc.org.

WPC FOUNDATION: Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation has several designated funds that support different ministries and programs of our church. Is the Foundation already in your estate plan? If you have already included the WPC Foundation in your estate plans, but have not previously notified us, please let us know. We would like to properly thank you for your support. Please contact the Business Office or any of the Foundation Trustees: Paige Bass, Sally Bentley, Michael Brown, Hal Brown, Richard Darnell, Glenn Dunn, Sarah Frank, Susie Graves, Cliff Hudson, Ellen Morgan, Jim Richard, Chris Stephens, Alison Taylor

Happy Birthday! The following Westminster members are celebrating their birthdays this week. Please remember them in your prayers, that they may experience God’s grace in the coming year. December 31: Richard Bridges; Peter Cappadona; William Cromwell; MJ VanDeventer-Shelton January 1: Nathan Huffman; Steve Shelley; Nancy Warren January 2: Brian Affolder; Carrie Askins; Todd Brand; Elizabeth Coe; Barbara Little; Rebecca Portman; Jamie Shouse; Steven Snyder; Mary Karen Walker January 3: Sally Black; Christie Capps; Gloria Easton; Nelda Mertens; Jeanne Skeith; Shirlee Sullins January 4: Jenny Beasley; Polly Black; Patricia Byrd; Pat Cashman; Karen Gregory; Doug Powell; Bonnie Robinson; Maya Shiff; Allegra Smith; Claire Tibbs January 5: Fred Buxton; Catherine Cunningham; Amy Hornbeek; Emily Mills; Debra Spindle; Kate Vesper; Brian Wood; Barbara Young January 6: Cassandra Bass; Dru Bullard; Robert McCutcheon

COMMUNION* DATES*served every Sunday in the Chapel service

BAPTISM DATES(2nd Sunday of each month)

MINUTE FOR MISSION(3rd Sunday of each month)

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION / SUNDAYS 9:30 AMAdult Bible Study: The Bible study this winter explores the twofold nature of faith as belief and action. During December, the five sessions reveal what the early church leaders proclaimed about living our faith in Christ and how in living the faith, people are restored to wholeness.

Adventurers Class: Comprised of adults ages 40 and over, the Adventurers meet downstairs in room LL30. December 31 - No Class Genesis Class: This 50 and up singles class meets downstairs in LL28. Cornerstone Class: For adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s, LL29, studying the Animate Series on the Bible, led by Richard Zahn.

STEPHEN MINISTRYPressure: A burdensome, distressing, or weighty condition

Are you feeling pressure right now? Is it affecting your health, your attitude, or your relationships with your family and friends? Would you like to have someone to talk to, just to help you get through the next month or two?

Stephen Ministers are trained to assist and support those who are going through transitional life situations.

If you are feeling pressure pertaining to a situation in your life - or know someone who is - and would like to learn more about how Stephen Ministry can support you or a friend, please contact Rev. Michelle Junkin, our Associate Pastor for Congregational Care, or Glenn Dunn, our Commissioned Lay Pastor.

S.P.A.R.K. NEEDS YOUR HELP!S.P.A.R.K. serves 22 students, first- through third-graders, from Horace Mann Elementary School. The program meets at the SPARK house on NW 43rd Street, south of the church, on Monday through Wednesday from 4 until 5:30 PM. SPARK kids get a snack and a meal, participate in art and recreation, and work with an individual tutor. Each tutor works for a half hour with each of three students, assisting with homework, and with reading books and playing educational games that S.P.A.R.K. provides.

The S.P.A.R.K. program needs volunteers who can fill in when a tutor cannot attend on his or her scheduled day. The time commitment is minimal, and the benefits are tremendous. Contact Marilyn Edens at mmedens@cox.net.

Westminster Announcements

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WORSHIP FLOWERSFlowers in the Chapel and Sanctuary may be purchased to honor a loved one or special occasion. The dedications will be mentioned in the bulletin. Please sign up in the book at the reception desk or online at: www.wpcokc.org. Cost is $60 per vase and there are 2 vases each week.

In the case of inclement weather, please check local television weather

cancellation listings before you travel to Westminster.

We will notify local stations of any cancellations by 7:00 AM.

A notification will also be posted to the WPC website and Facebook page.

Inclement Weather Notice