a service for the worship of god to experience god's...
TRANSCRIPT
A SERVICE FOR THE WORSHIP OF GOD
First Sunday of Advent
December 2, 2012 - 11:00 AM
�All who are able are invited to stand Chiming of the Trinity The three bells rung at the beginning of the service represent the Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As the bells ring, let us gather quietly, prayerfully reflecting on the majesty of God in our lives.
Prelude Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Richard Warner Welcome and Announcements Paul Lloret, Liturgist
To Praise the Living God Introit Of the Father's Love Begotten Traditional Plainsong Lighting of the First Advent Candle Robert & Betsy Folks An Advent Lighting Carol (tune of Away In A Manger)
A candle is burning, a flame warm and bright, a candle of hope in December's dark night;
while angels sing blessing from heaven's starry sky, Our hearts we prepare now for Jesus is nigh.
�Call to Worship from Jeremiah 33:14-16 The days are surely coming, says the Lord, When I will fulfill my promise to my people. Justice and righteousness will fill the land, And all will live in peace and safety. �Hymn 8 Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates TRURO
To Confess Our Sins and Receive Forgiveness Call to Confession Prayer of Confession Lord have mercy on us. We are not ready for your coming. We live in sin, as though
there were no justice. We live in fear, as though there was no grace. Forgive us, Lord.
Show us your mercy and steadfast love. Lead us in your truth, and teach us your paths,
for you are the God of our salvation. Amen. Silent Reflection and Personal Confession Response Hymn 44, Stanza 4 O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS Assurance of Pardon Friends, believe the Good News. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Alleluia. Amen.
To Experience God's Word Message for Children Anthem Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence David Johnson Scripture Reading (Page 699) Jeremiah 33:14-16 (Page 81) Luke 21:25-36
The Word of Our Lord, Thanks be to God!
Sermon "Remembering the Future" Dr. William F. (Chip) Summers
To Commune at the Lord's Table �Hymn 513 Let Us Break Bread Together LET US BREAK BREAD Invitation and Words of Institution The Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer (The Presbyterian Hymnal, Page 16) Intercessory Prayers
To Respond in Faith �Affirmation of Faith The Apostles' Creed (Traditional) I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, And in Jesus Christ
his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell;
the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the
right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick
and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of
saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting.
Amen. �Response, Hymn 22, Stanza 4 Angels from the Realms of Glory
Presentation of Tithes and Offerings Offertory Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Leo Sowerby �Response, Hymn 53, Stanza 3 What Child Is This GREENSLEEVES
�Prayer of Dedication �Hymn 63 As With Gladness Men of Old DIX
To Go Forth to Serve as God's People in the World �Charge and Benediction �Closing Response Hymn 23. Stanza 3 Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA Postlude Improvisation on DIX
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STAFF
Jim Glass - Director of Music and Organist Philip W. Neely - Treasurer Sara B. Hancock, CAP - Administrative Assistant Marlene Sperry - CDP Director
SESSION MEMBERS Robert K. Folks, Clerk
Class of 2012 Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Donna C. Connors Holly C. Furr Robert K. Folks Vickie L. Jewell Carolyn C. Hardin Elizabeth W. Gregory Robert F. Stephenson Paul E Smith Jr. William K. Williams
MINISTRY BOARDS
Caregivers Christian Formation Congregational Care Carolyn C. Hardin Vickie L. Jewell Robert F. Stephenson Paul E. Smith Jr. Donna C. Connors Holly C. Furr Columbarium & Fellowship Hospitality & Memorial Garden Donna C. Connors Outreach Kim M. Moredock Carolyn C. Hardin Vickie L. Jewell Paul E. Smith Jr. Nominating Committee Worship Child Dev. Program Donna C. Connors Holly C. Furr Vickie L. Jewell Holly C. Furr Elizabeth W. Gregory Paul E. Smith Jr.
SUPPORT COMMITTEES
Pastoral and Property Management Stewardship and Staff Relations Robert F. Stephenson Operational Support
William K. Williams William K. Williams Elizabeth W. Gregory Robert K. Folks Front Cover Drawing by Nicole Anderson.
First Presbyterian Church 700 North Main Street/PO Box 990
Lancaster, South Carolina 29721
www.fpc-lancaster.org
803-283-3329
A Place to Belong, A Place to Serve
"Now you are the Body of Christ , and Individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:27
OUR VISION AND MISSION
We, the members
of First Presbyterian Church, are disciples of the risen Christ
and members of his universal Body, who are empowered by God’s Spirit to
WORSHIP God with joy and thanksgiving; PROCLAIM the Gospel through word and deed;
TEACH the message of God’s love in Christ; SHARE God’s love for all people by reaching out
in hospitality, ministry and mission; WORK together in harmonious unity
as a loving and caring people; and to SERVE one another and others beyond our fellowship in the name of Jesus Christ
OUR VALUES
The values we cherish to enable us to accomplish our vision and mission are the fruit of God’s Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
FAMILIES TO REMEMBER
IN PRAYER THIS WEEK
Sal & Lois Rao
Cameron Ratkovic
Lucinda Ruh
Jeff, Nikki, Hailey & Ashtyn Sanders
PASTORAL NEEDS: The Session desires to be informed when members and friends of the church are in
need of pastoral care. During office hours, please call the church office (803-283-3329), in order that the elder
under whose care the person or family is assigned may be notified.
FIRST PREBYTERIAN'S PRAYER MINISTRY
Please come by the Prayer Ministry Table before or after our services and give the name of your prayer request
to our prayer ministry representatives. Their name will be given to our pastor before the pastoral prayer to be
raised to God in corporate prayer. At the Prayer Table cards are available to express our corporate love and
concern to those remembered in prayer. Please stop by each Sunday on your way into church to
sign these cards. Help us in this way to further our church's ministry of sympathy, witness, and
service to others in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please pray for our members: Wilma Williamson; Darrell and Peggy Bell; Tom and Betty
Syfan; Barbara Paul; Ned and Bobbi Funderburk; Nell Perry; Nell Carter; Locketta Stephenson;
Teny Kerr; Marie Dixon; Ann Powers; Cameron Ratkovic; Margaret Marshall; Amy Saylors;
Shane Owens and family; Bill Williams
Friends of the church (recently brought forward for prayer: Dean Williamson; Judy Craig; Randy Craig;
Brenda Robinson; Sean Squires; Tiffany Boatwright; Megan Haupt; Crystal Baker; Peggy Stansell; Kathy
Hayes; Debbie Todd; Bobby Parker; Abby Bunkley; Kathy Harrington; Beth Mobley; Eric Holloway; Annette
Spencer; Jenna Horne; Grant Bosburgh; Chick Harrell; Velta Morris; Allen Steene; Charles Knight; Linda
DeBruycker; Lisa Moore; Catherine Sherpy; Tina Sweatt; Barbara Rutledge; Sylvia Dunphy; David Ogburn
Please pray for those serving in our military: Angela Armour, Heath Foster, Ramon McCullough, Gary
Hogan, Vicky Taylor, Cameron Ratkovic Jr., Mitch Maybray; Daniel Byrd
PRAYER MINISTRY TABLE
Today: Teresa Anderson/Joy Williams
Next Week: Amy Saylors
WE INVITE EVERYONE TO ATTEND one of our Sunday School classes: Nursery/Preschool Class; K-5th
grade; 6th-7th grade; 8th-12th grade. Adult Classes: Men's Bible Class; Elizabeth Tennant Bible Class;
Friendship Class; Spirit/Passage Class. Come join us as we explore God's Word together as a church family!
A SPECIAL INVITATION! You are invited to become a member of our church by making your profession
of faith in Jesus Christ, by making your reaffirmation of faith in Jesus Christ, or by transferring your
membership from the church where you have been active. If you are interested in becoming a member of First
Presbyterian, please speak to the pastor, indicate this on the Friendship Register, or call the church office at
283-3329.
CHURCH ACITIVITES: December 2, 2012 - December 8, 2012
Sunday 9:45 AM Sunday School for All Ages
11:00 AM Worship
5:00 PM PWCT
Monday 7:00 AM Men's Prayer Breakfast
Tuesday 9:00 AM St. Fiacre
Wednesday 12:00 PM Fellowship Lunch
12:00 PM Bulletin Deadline
6:00 PM Bells
7:15 PM Adult Choir
Thursday 8:00 PM Al-Anon
BULLETIN DEADLINE: Please submit all announcements to the church office by 12:00 noon on Wednesday
of each week unless noted otherwise in the bulletin. You may also send them via email to
WELCOME TO FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
May you feel God's presence, may the message be a blessing in your life and may the grace of God go with you and strengthen you for the
week ahead. Please come again soon!
OPPORTUNITIES FOR MINISTRY
WEE WORSHIP BAGS are available in the narthex. Please return the bags to the basket
after service.
Our worship leader this morning is the Rev. Dr. William F. (Chip) Summers who recently
retired after serving the Bethesda Presbyterian Church of Camden, South Carolina, for the
past fifteen years. He and his wife, Lynne, continue to live in Camden.
Today is the last day to contribute to the THORNWELL CHILDREN'S HOME
OFFERING. We've collected $80.00 thus far. Envelopes are available in the narthex and
outside the church office. Be sure to designate "Thornwell Children's Home" on your check.
FROM THE CHANCEL COMMITTEE: Christmas traditions are a special part of our
worship at First Presbyterian. While keeping these traditions, the Chancel Committee is
offering members the opportunity to participate in the funding of the greens. You may
designate these donations in memory or honor of someone. You may make a donation for a
poinsettia ($12/each). These memorial and honorariums will be listed in the bulletin insert
on Christmas Eve. Forms are available in the narthex and outside the church office.
Deadline: December 2.
This month's FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON will be December 5 at noon. The cost is
$4/person. Sign up outside the church office.
The Administrative Assistant will be OUT OF THE OFFICE on Friday, December 7, 2012.
For those of you who want to contribute locally to provide Christmas gifts to those less
fortunate, we have an opportunity to participate in the CHRISTMAS ANGELS sponsored
by Christian Services located on White Street. We have received 10 names with suggestions
for gifts. These names will be posted on a tree in the narthex. Please sign your name beside
the number on the sheet of paper as you make your selection. Collection date is December
10, 2012. Bring them to the church and they will be taken to Christian Services for you.
Contact Presbyterian Women for more information.
CIRCLE #3 will meet Tuesday, December 11 at 11:30 a.m. at the home of Peggy Furr. Lunch will
be served.
The annual JOY GIFT offering will be received on Sunday, December 23. Checks may be made
payable to First Presbyterian Church. Be sure to mark your check as "Joy Gift."
With the end of the year approaching, please try to stay current with or catch up on your contributions
to the church. We want to be able to fulfill our pledge to Presbytery regarding General Benevolences
while continuing to fund our current operating expenses which still includes our former pastor's
salary. If you have any questions about the status of your contributions to the church, please let me
know and I will provide you with that information. Thank you for your continuing support of God's
work through First Presbyterian. - Phil Neely, Treasurer
The NEW ADDRESS for Fran Thomas has been posted on the bulletin board outside the church
office.
____________________________________________
ATTENDANCE for November 25, 2012 SS - 21 MW - 42
ATTENDANCE for November 26, 2012 Men's Prayer Breakfast - 33
GIVING UPDATE
11/25/12 Year to Date
Amount Needed $3,621.14 $173,814.72
Amount Received 2,398.00 156,735.12
Over/(Under) ($1,223.14) ($17,079.60)
Count Team: Doc Moredock; Bill Mahaffey; Holly Furr
Ushers: Andy Harper; John R. Steele; Mark Johnson; Tom Syfan
Church Opening: Andy Harper
Front Door Greeter: Andy & Suzanne Harper
Back Door Greeter: Adele Williams/Peggy Furr
Alternate Greeter: Andy & Diane Harrell
Chancel: Betsy Gregory