December 6, 2015

Second Sunday Of Advent

Our Mission In common with all churches we seek to:

^Worship God

^Proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ according to the scriptures

^Develop community

^Offer nurture through the pastoral care giving of our members and staff

We call people to a life of:

^Discipleship

^Stewardship

^Spiritual development

As a faith community we seek to be:

^An inviting church

^Offering hospitality and

^Encouragement to people in search of God.

Our Vision

We will organize our church as a center for:

^Spiritual development

^Music and the arts

^Urban mission

^Ecumenical cooperation

Our Objectives

We have some unique opportunities due to our Germantown location and

congregational history. These include:

^Providing special programs for children and families in the local community

^Building a healthy, diverse congregation

^Developing an urban mission

^Developing a ministry of music and the arts

^Using our building and endowment creatively and responsibly

The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown logo seen on the cover of this bulletin represents

the multifaceted life of our energized congregation. The cross on the left symbolizes our Living

Lord – the foundation upon which we build our faith. The harp in the yellow square represents our

rich musical heritage, for we enjoy celebrating the gift of music in worship, workshops, and con-

certs. It is important for us to share music with our community. The dove symbolizes serving –

offering educational and mission opportunities through our many outreach activities. People – ac-

tive and joy-filled – are represented in the red square on the right. We welcome all people to this

church. We are a diverse congregation of many racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic back-

grounds. We are, indeed, alive, spirit-filled, and caring.

The colors are reflective of the beautiful stained glass windows of the church. In fact, the colors

of the logo were taken directly from The Christmas Window– “Thy light is come” made by Nicola

D’Ascenzo and seen in the southwest corner of the nave.

The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown –

Alive, Celebrating & Serving the Living Lord!

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In preparation for worship please take the opportunity to speak silently to God. At the close of the service let us greet one an other with cheerfulness.

Please be sure that your cell phone is turned off during worship.

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December 6, 2015 Second Sunday of Advent

ORDER OF MORNING WORSHIP AT 10:00 AM

GATHERING AS GOD’S FAMILY

Prelude: Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming Michael Praetorius Variation Johannes Brahms

Arranged by Diane Bish

Welcome and Announcements

†Introit: Light One Candle to Watch for Messiah TIF IN VELDELE

Light one candle to watch for Messiah: Let the light banish darkness. He shall bring sal-

vation to Israel, God fulfills the promise. Light two candles to watch for Messiah: Let the

light banish darkness. He shall feed the flock like a shepherd, gently lead them home-

ward.

†*Call to Worship The Overton Family

Leader: Clear a path!

People: Make a way!

Leader: For the Lord is coming!

People: The Prince of Peace!

Leader: The Servant whose gift is Shalom!

People: How we need his peace!

Within ourselves and throughout our world.

Leader: Peace not as the world gives, but as Jesus gives.

People: Peace, not as armament but as Spirit song;

with justice and peace holding hands, healing wounds,

forming community, and restoring the creation

and all of its life forms to joy and flourishing.

Leader: We light the second candle of Advent, the candle of peace.

People: Let all who long for peace take heart in this light.

By its light let us recognize the things that make for peace,

and reject the things that service revenge.

By its light let us walk with each other, in all of our diversity

and difference, as we work together to prepare a path

for the coming of the Lord.

This is the light of Emmanuel, the candle of peace.

†*Hymn 8: Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates TRURO

_______________________

*congregation standing

† latecomers may be seated

CONFESSING OUR SINS TO GOD

Litany of Confession Leader: Arise, shine; for your light has come, People: O God, we live as if the light had never defeated the darkness in the world or in us. Leader: And the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. People: We confess that we ignore the Christ you sent to be among us, to be in us. Leader: For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. People: We’ve kept the birth of your Son confined to the Christmas season and do not yearn for his birth each moment in our waiting hearts. Leader: Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. People: Lord, you came to us in the fullness of time. Forgive us for not opening our eyes to your coming. It’s time that we prepare for your coming. Let the earth ring with song. Let the light break forth. Let us all rejoice in the miracle of love. Let Christ come into the fullness of our time. Amen.

Silent Meditation

Assurance of Pardon

†*Congregational Response 28: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (Verse 3) IN DULCI JUBILO

Good Christian friends rejoice With heart, and soul, and voice;

Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!

Calls you one and calls you all To gain the everlasting hall,

Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!

* Sharing the Peace of Christ Leader: The peace of Christ be with you. People: And also with you.

(As worshipers, we come from diverse experiences and points of view. We have differ-ent racial, educational, and economic backgrounds. Yet we are all one in Christ. We symbolize this as we exchange with one another, by words and gestures, signs of peace and reconciliation such as, “The peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.”)

Children in grades five and younger may now leave for their classes.

PROCLAIMING GOD’S WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leah Hood, reader

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The First Lesson Malachi 3:1-4

See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord

whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant

in whom you delight—indeed, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. But who can

endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like

a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver,

and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver,

until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offering of

Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in

former years.

xx

Leader: God’s Word is a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path.

People: Thanks be to God!

Gospel Choir: Emmanuel Norman Hutchins Come, come let us adore Him, kneel down before Him, Worship and adore Him. Emmanuel, Em-

manuel. We worship You, we worship You.

The Second Lesson Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was

governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of

the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the

high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of

Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, pro-

claiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the

book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wil-

derness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall

be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be

made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salva-

tion of God.’”

Leader: God we thank you for your Word;

People: The Story of your grace.

†*Hymn 13: Prepare the Way BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN

Sermon: CROOKED MADE STRAIGHT The Reverend Randal L. Bremer

RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD

*Affirmation of Faith: Apostles Creed

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

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dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Fa-

ther 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 ev-

erlasting. Amen.

Prayers of the People

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily

bread; and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not

into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the

power and the glory forever. Amen.

Offering of Our Gifts and Lives Offertory: Every Valley John Ness Beck

Isaiah 40:4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low; the crooked straight,

and the rough places plain. 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. Amen.

*Congregational Response 36: In the Bleak Midwinter (Verse 4) CRANHAM

What can I give Him, Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were a wise man, I would do my part;

Yet what I can I give Him: Give my heart.

*Prayer of Dedication

GOING FORTH IN GOD’S NAME

*Hymn 9: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel VENI EMMANUEL

*Benediction

Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;

in him the Gentiles shall hope.”

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may

abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Congregational Response 585: Threefold Amen McNeil Robinson II

*Postlude: Glory To God In The Highest Giovanni Battista Pergolesi Edited by Diane Bish

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WELCOME: If you are visiting with us today, please sign the Fellowship Pad at the end of your

pew. We pray the hour will be meaningful to you and you will come and worship with us again.

Everyone is cordially invited to a time of fellowship in the Jennings Room following the worship

service.

COFFEE HOUR: This week's coffee hour hosts: Congregational Development and Fellowship

Committee. Next week's Coffee Hour is in honor of Virginia Mechling. The Congregational Devel-

opment and Fellowship Committee would like to thank Women’s Association for supplying the

munchies for coffee hour last Sunday.

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS: Thank you for volunteering to provide refreshments and

helping with set-up and clean-up. In order to be able to attend the church service, please arrive at

church by 9:00 AM. A member of the Congregational Development and Fellowship Committee

will be there to make the coffee and assist you with the set-up and clean-up following coffee hour.

Please purchase enough for 70 people. Fruit, pastries, and cookies are all that is needed. The

Half and Half, coffee, tea, and the juice are supplied by the committee. For questions & concerns

please contact Mary Lundy at 215-927-4648. Thanks!

THE DECEMBER CHALLENGE OFFERING - THE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING has

been collected in Presbyterian churches for almost seventy years. Half of the monies collected in

this offering is used to support Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges. The other half is

distributed by the Presbyterian Board of Pensions in its assistance programs which help retired

church workers and their spouses through difficult times. Please give generously to this important

mission.

REV. BREMER’S ADULT EDUCATION CLASS: This class is studying the book of Mark and

is being offered Sunday mornings at 11:30 AM and Monday evenings at 6:00 PM. The class meets in

the Finney Room.

STAFF CHRISTMAS GIFT: Christmas is a time when we can show our appreciation to our staff

for all they do during the year to serve our congregation and community. Most of us have experi-

enced the “extra” each of these staff members put into their job. Staff Appreciation Christmas

Gifts will be given to Kevin, Eileen, David, Sara, Christian, Heidi, Joan, Cindy, Jesse, Terry, and

Tanieya just prior to the holiday.

You can share in these appreciation gifts today. Ruling Elder Sherry Archer will be available during

the coffee hour to receive your contribution.

CHRISTMAS DINNER: This year's Christmas dinner will be held today following the Messiah

Concert. The menu includes Sliced turkey, Stuffing, Gravy, Rice, Mac & Cheese, Meatless String

Beans, Meatless Greens, Roll, Fruit cup, and Dessert. Ticket prices remain the same as last

year. Children 5 and under - free; Youth 6 - 11 $6.00; Adults 12 and above - $12.00.

IN MEMORIAM

The flowers are given to the glory of God in loving memory of

John Chandler

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FRIDAY CHRISTMAS PLAY REHEARSALS: Children from our youth groups

and Sunday school programs, as well as their families, are invited to come every Friday to the

church to practice for the Christmas play from 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Dinner will be served eve-

ry Friday. Adults with or without children/grandchildren who would like to volunteer are welcome

and should contact Christian Heyer-Rivera to talk about what help is needed. Come and help make

this year's Christmas Festival a success. The Festival date is Saturday, December 12th.

CHRISTMAS MEMORIALS: The poinsettias in the sanctuary during the Christmas season

are in memory and honor of our loved ones. As is our custom, these flowers will be delivered after

Christmas to the sick and shut-in of our congregation. Please contact Joan Harris during office

hours: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 10:00 AM till 4:00 PM if you would like your family

members’ or friends’ names included in the worship bulletin. The cost is $15 per line. Listings will

be accepted until Wednesday, December 16, 2015.

MISSION STUDY: A Mission Study Report is the first of several important steps toward choos-

ing the next pastor for our church. The Elders of Session were charged with selecting those to

make up the Mission Study Team. The Mission Study Team (MST) members are: Daniel Conner,

Arlene Grace, Drew Hood, Dick Liberty, Rosy Walkenhorst, and Sam Whyte. Additionally, Kristi-

na Ohemeng was selected by Session to be a representative of the future voice of our church.

The Team will be using various resources such as: The Strategic Planning Report of 2012, The

Rhebergen Report from 2013, findings of the Reconciliation Team, The Statistical Report of 2014,

results of the seven Congregational Conversations, Our Covenant, and The Book of Order. The

Presbytery's Committee for Congregations and Leadership (CCL) has provided guidelines for the

study. Once the completed report is approved by Session it will go to the Committee for Congre-

gations and Leadership for their approval. This is the first phase of several. A bulletin board dis-

playing our progress through the process is planned.

Tickets available at www.KeystoneStateBoychoir.org

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Living With Life’s Losses:

Recognizing and Receiving God’s Gift

A Discussion Series for the Seasons of Thanksgiving and Advent

Friday, December 11

1:00 to 2:15 PM and 7:00 to 8:15 PM (identical sessions)

In the Finney Room

Led by Don Carlin, M. Div., FPCG deacon with hospice experience.

(Questions: Call Don Carlin at 215-247-4196 or 215-847-7895)

“Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing” are four words the Apostle Paul used to summa-

rize his life. In the midst of his significant losses, he was also able to live with joy,

recognizing God’s amazing daily gifts.

We all experience losses of various kinds that can really pile up – losses that may

touch us deeply, especially during holiday seasons. But when we keep our eyes and

hearts open, we can also experience the vast array of God’s gifts that keep coming

our way, helping us in our grief and times of transition.

Don Carlin will use insights and stories from Scripture and contemporary life, sup-

plemented by insights and stories from those participants who are comfortable shar-

ing from their own experiences. All are welcome to come, learn something new,

and bring a friend.

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Second Sunday of Advent Chancel Choir Worship Service Coffee Hour—Jennings Room Sunday School Adult Education—Reverend Bremer: The Gospel According to Mark Christmas Concert—Messiah Christmas Dinner Adult Education—Reverend Bremer: The Gospel According to Mark CY Choirs Staff Meeting FPCG Staff Meeting Sanctuary Piano Tuned Keystone State Boychoir—Holiday Concert Rehearsal GACM Board Meeting Christian Education Committee Voices-in-Bronze (Handbell Choir) Green Street Friends Holiday Assembly Keystone State Boychoir Gospel Choir Early Morning Group —Christmas Breakfast Living With Life’s Losses: Don Carlin Organ Practice—David Daugherty Drop-in-Center Keystone State Boychoir—Holiday Concert Rehearsal All Youth Christmas Festival Rehearsal Living With Life’s Losses: Don Carlin Christmas Festival Keystone State Boychoir Holiday Concert Rehearsal Keystone State Boychoir Holiday Concert Third Sunday of Advent Chancel Choir Worship Service Coffee Hour—Jennings Room Sunday School Adult Education—Reverend Bremer: The Gospel According to Mark Chancel Choir Rehearsal Keystone State Boychoir—Holiday Concert Keystone State Boychoir—Holiday Concert

Sunday, December 6 8:45 AM

10:00 AM 11:10 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM

3:00 PM 4:45 PM

Monday, December 7

6:00 PM

Tuesday, December 8 1:00 PM

Wednesday, December 9

3:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 5:30 PM 6:30 PM 6:30 PM

Thursday, December 10

8:30 AM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM

Friday, December 11

9:00 AM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 3:30 PM 5:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM

Saturday, December 12

10:00 AM 12:00 PM 6:00 PM

Sunday, December 13

8:45 AM 10:00 AM 11:10 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM 11:30 AM

3:00 PM 6:00 PM

WINDOW ON THE WEEK

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The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown 35 West Chelten Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19144

Phone 215-843-8811 FAX 888-333-5032 www.fpcgermantown.org

First Church Staff

Elders 2016 Denise Cowie Contina Lundy Lois Nafziger-Bethea Faith Wolford Madeline Valentine Clerk of Session

2017 Andrew Hood Christopher Scott

2018 Sherry Archer Carolyn Ballard-Freeman Robert Seed

Church Officers

Deacons 2016 Diane Filter Delores Solomon David Wolford

2017 Randy Clever Linda Farlow Susan Mills Farrington

2018 Don Carlin Vera Harrison Dani Howard

Randal L. Bremer Kevin L. Porter Eileen Jones David C. Daugherty Sara Carter-Blanford Christian Heyer-Rivera Heidi Mercado-Littles Jesse Jacobs Joan Harris Cindy Osborne Terry Boyer, Tanieya Matthews, Illya (Jay. R.) Pasture

Interim Pastor Director of Adult Education and Community Life

Director of Urban Ministry Director of Music and Communication

Director of the Gospel Choir Director of Christian Education

Parish Visitor Facilities Superintendent Administrative Assistant

Bookkeeper Sextons