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South Aiken Presbyterian Church

The Worship of God

Fourth Sunday of Advent December 20, 2015 8:45 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.

Gathering

Prelude Scott Chappell, Accompanist

Welcome & Announcements The Rev. Dr. Christopher Crotwell

Signing of the Friendship Register

Choral Introit Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates Musica Sacra

Preparation for the Word

Call to Worship and Lighting of Advent Candle (Responsive)

(8:45) Rev. Erin & Jeff Morgan

(11:00) The Bob Mell Family

One: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ, joining our voices

with the joyful song of his mother Mary. My soul proclaims the greatness of the

Lord;

All: my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

One: For you, O Lord, have looked with favor on your lowly servant. From this day all

generations will call me blessed: you, the Almighty, have done great things for me

and holy is your name. You have mercy on those who fear you, from generation to

generation. You have shown strength with your arm, and scattered the proud in

their conceit, casting down the mighty from their thrones and lifting up the lowly.

You have filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. My

soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;

All: my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

*Hymn #646 “Sing Out, My Soul” (sing twice – choir first, then congregation)

Sing out, my soul. Sing out, my soul. Sing out and glorify the Lord who sets us free.

Sing out, my soul. Sing out, my soul. Sing out and glorify the Lord God!

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*Prayer of the Day (Unison)

Living God, with Elizabeth we wonder: How can this be, that the Lord has come?

Fill us with the life of your Holy Spirit so that we may greet your promise of grace

with hearts that leap for joy; through Jesus Christ, your word fulfilled. Amen.

*Hymn #121 O Little Town of Bethlehem

Children’s Moment (11:00) The Rev. Erin Morgan

Recognition and Thanksgiving for Mary Ann Laurey (11:00)

Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer Hymnal Page 35

….forgive us our debts

as we forgive our debtors….

Offering of Tithes and Gifts

Offertory

*Doxology Hymnal Page 606

*Prayer of Dedication

Season of Wonders

Carols of Gathering……………………………………………..Arranged by Joseph M. Martin

Incorporating tunes: WUNDERBARER KONIG, ADESTE FIDELIS and SCHULZ

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus…………………………….Arranged by Joseph M. Martin

Incorporating tunes: HYFRYDOL and AUSTRIAN HYMN

Bethlehem Promise, Bethlehem Joy...………………………………………...Joseph M. Martin

Rejoice, All Ye Daughters………………………………………Arranged by Joseph M. Martin

Tune: SANS DAY CAROL (Traditional English Carol)

All on a Starry Night.…………………………………Joseph Graham and Joseph M. Martin

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Glory and Wonder……………………………………………….Arranged by Joseph M. Martin

Tune: McCRAY (Traditional Polish Carol)

Saw You Never, in the Twilight………………………………………………...Joseph M. Martin

Incorporating tune: GREENSLEEVES

Tim Bennett, Soloist

The Wonder of Christmas………………………………………………………Joseph M. Martin

Incorporating tune: ADESTE FIDELES

Lyn VanDervort, Soloist

O Holy Night……………………………………………………..Arranged by Joseph M. Martin

Tune: CANTIQUE NOEL

Nancy Goslen, Soloist

*Benediction

*Congregational Response O Come, All Ye Faithful John Francis Wade

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!

*Postlude

*Those who are able may stand

Large Print Hymnals and Sound Amplification Devices are available in the

Narthex. If needed, please ask an Usher for assistance.

South Aiken Presbyterian Church Choirs

Soprano

Sandy Bartlett

Jean Gallman

Nancy Golsen

Mildred Jolley

Abby Kraus

Emily Lockard

Kathleen Pearson

Caroline Pethick

Pam Pethick

Shirley Shaw

Cheryl Watkins

Lynn Woodard

Alto

Jayne Becker

Lynn Burkes

Patti Elmore

Becky Hare

Marlee Hare

Marilyn Hofstetter

Hannah Kraus

Darleen Ricard

Marge Talbot

Lynn Shepard

Valorie Vance-Kraus

Lyn VanDervort

Crissy Waller

Tenor

Chuck Abele

Tim Bennett

Andrew Goslen

Don Haberkost

Steve Kraus

Paul Jolley

John Pearson

Bass

George Adams

Bob Bryant

Ken Hofstetter

Thomas Hollowell

Steve Kuhl

Jim Shaw

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Orchestra

Violin 1

Dan Fetterolf

Kendall Driscoll

Violin 2

Regan Gregory

Liam Culp

Viola/Violin 3

Sharde Hawkins

Holly Revell

Cello

David Culp

Bass

Bishop Hare

Oboe

Sarah Schutzenhofer

Percussion and Tympani

Jeremy Woodruff

Phillip Hare, Director

Scott Chappell, Accompanist

Greg Burkes, Narrator

Alan Riechman, Sound

Dr. Christopher Crotwell, Pastor

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Current Prayer Concerns

(After one month names will be rotated to “Continuing Prayer Concerns” list that will be in our AIMS Newsletter.)

Those serving in the military:

Daniel Bartlett - grandson of Ron & Sandy Bartlett

Kris Cloud - son of Ed & Robin Coward

Ian Fields - husband of Tracy Kelly-Fields

Charles Hogan, II - son of Judi Hogan

Robert Kocis - son of Andrew & Jodi Kocis

Tom Kocis - nephew of Andrew & Jodi Kocis

Heather M. Kostov - niece of Caroline & Greg Teese

Stephan Kraus - husband of Valorie Vance-Kraus &

father of Abigail & Hannah Kraus

Kyle Luksovsky - nephew of Caroline & Greg Teese

Ben McCullough - son of Lisa McCullough

Katie Taylor McCullough -

wife of Ben McCullough & daughter-in-law

of Lisa McCullough

Brett Noffsinger - son of Dave Noffsinger

Andrew Radford - son of Chuck & Pat Radford &

brother of Chris Radford

Chris Radford - son of Chuck & Pat Radford &

brother of Andrew Radford

Spencer Riffenburgh -

grandson of Tom & Lois Woodman

Louis Wilson - son-in-law of Brenda Martin Morgan

Do You Want To Be A Prayer Partner?

Prayer is a powerful force for those in need of healing, comfort, strength, and encouragement. It can also

be a blessing for the ones offering the prayer. The good thing about being an email Prayer Partner is that

you can pray for those in need at anytime and from any place you may be when you receive the request.

This prayer ministry is a part of our church’s Congregational Care Committee who are responsible for

caring for the needs of our Church Family and/or others as requested. At the present time there are 208

email and phone Prayer Partners involved. If you want to become a Prayer Partner, or for more

information, please call Mary Ann Laurey (648.9574 ext 100) or email maryannlsapc@yahoo.com or

Emily Lockard (649.0473) or email emilybim@bellsouth.net.

Please contact the church office - 648.9574 ext 100 - if you wish to add a prayer concern or remove a

name from the list. Thank you.

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Members and Those with Family Concerns

& Friends in Need of Prayer

Lyn VanDervort

Margie Hamman

Calvin Crotwell -

Dr. Christopher Crotwell’s Father

Lynn Shepard

Cynthia Duggins

Phil Lockard

Ladonna Gibson - Jodi Kocis’ Mother

Jim Mihalik, December 12, 2015

Linda Johnson’s Brother

Judy Temple, December 15, 2015

Pat Radford’s Sister

Paul Dinger, December 16, 2015

Shirley Shaw’s Brother

“I Am The Resurrection and The Life”

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Thursday, December 24

5:30 PM Family Worship Service

8:00 PM Candlelight and Communion Service

Nursery available at both services

Advent Devotional materials are available in the narthex for families, children,

youth, and adults. Please stop by and take some resources to help you celebrate

advent in your home.

Advent Devotionals are available in the Narthex and

back hallways including adults, youth, children, and

families. We hope you will take one home and

celebrate the season with scripture and reflection.

Reflections During Advent - Fourth Sunday

During this Advent season of coming, a few questions will be placed in the bulletin each week that emerge from the sermon passages for you to take home and discover with the friends or family. We invite you to take out this page of your bulletin each week and leave it around it might find you wondering. You could leave it your car as you are waiting in line, or drop it on your supper table. You could put it by your bed or leave it by your favorite chair. Let’s discover Christ’s coming in new ways together during this Advent season.

Luke 1:39-56 When was the last time you had a special and unexpected visitor like Mary’s visit with

Elizabeth? What was the experience like? How do we share space with those around us in a way that lets us be near and bump lives

together more often?

A very sincere thank you for the cards, food, visits, phone calls, Barnabas, and especially your

prayers during my recovery from ankle replacement surgery. Through the care and concern from

my wonderful church family, I feel God’s love surrounding me. You are a blessing to me and my

family at this trying time. I’ll be back son.

With gratitude and love,

Marilyn Hofstetter

Sunday, December 20 8:45a - Worship Service (Sanctuary) 9:45a - Sunday School (Campus) 11:00a - Worship Service (Sanctuary) 12:00p - Reception for Mary Ann Laurey (Gym) 6:00p - Youth (Maria’s Restaurant) Monday, December 21 6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym) 6:00p - Women’s Bible Study (Library/Nursery) 6:30p - Book Club (Joyce Stanley’s home - 102 Recreation Drive, Aiken) Tuesday, December 22 6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym) 6;00p - Girl Scouts (F207/F209/F212) 7:00p - Boy Scouts (F205) 7:00p - M’Aiken Music Rehearsal (Choir Room) Wednesday, December 23 Thursday, December 24 5:30p - Family Service (Sanctuary) 8:00p - Lessons & Carols Candlelight Communion Service (Sanctuary) Friday, December 25 Christmas Day Saturday, December 26 Sunday, December 27 8:45a - Worship Service (Sanctuary) 9:45a - Sunday School (Campus) 11:00a - Worship Service (Sanctuary)

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The Church Staff would like to

wish you and yours a very

happy and safe holiday season!

May the season bring God’s

blessings and joy to all of you!

Contributions for 2015

If you are mailing in your end of the year

contribution, please make sure it is

postmarked before December 31, 2015.

All contributions postmarked after

December 31, 2015 will be applied to

your 2016 Contribution Statement.

It’s not too late to turn in your 2016

Pledge! Booklets are available in the

Church Office and in the Narthex.

The Book Club will meet at the home of Joyce Stanley, 102 Recreation Drive (649-3836) Monday, December 21 at 6:30 PM. The book for the month is Snow Angel by Glenn Beck. Bring a finger food to share. All are welcome!

Monthly Items Needed

December - Mac & Cheese

You may drop the items in the ACTS basket by the front door in the Narthex or in the basket by the church office. Monetary donations may be made by placing a check to SAPC in the

offering plate and Noting 'for ACTS' on the check. Thanks for sharing with others!

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A huge thanks to all who supported the Christmas Spaghetti & Singing Event! We raised $579 for the Youth Camp/Conference Budget!!!

Youth Christmas Party

Sunday, Dec. 20 (6-7:30 pm) Meet at Maria's Restaurant (716 E. Pine Log Rd.) for our annual Christmas Party. Bring $5

for dinner and a wrapped gift ($5 or less) for the gift exchange.

No youth evening program Dec. 27 or Jan. 3, 2016. We will resume Youth Jan. 10, 2016 with a

Game Night from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

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**Trinity Presbytery's 2016 Middle School Retreat is scheduled for February 19-21, 2016 at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC. The theme for the retreat is Finding Jesus. To see a flier, go to the Trinity Presbytery website @ www.trinity-presbytery.org.

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Want to receive the monthly SAPC Youth newsletter & hear about all of the wonderful ways in which God is working in our lives ? Let Erin know by emailing her at revesouthaiken@gmail.com

Sunday School will not be held on December 27 for children and youth.

Particular Adult classes may meet as they wish. We look forward to seeing everyone back on January 3rd.

Children's church will not be held on Sunday, December. 27. Children are invited to remain in the sanctuary for worship. Childcare is available if needed.

Please Sign Up for the following activity on the bulletin board just past the water fountain in the hall.

Looking ahead to 2016 - January 26 - Leave at 10:30 AM for St. Paul’s to hear the Athens Guitar Duo followed by lunch. $12.00 for the meal. Deadline is January 17.

February 9 - Leave at 10:30 AM for St. Paul’s to hear the Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Chorale followed by lunch. $12.00 for the meal. Deadline is January 31.

February 28 - We will travel to the Imperial Theater in Augusta to see a performance of A Chorus Line. Cost will be around $48 per ticket plus $2.00 to ride the bus. Deadline is February 7.

YOUNG AT SENIORS

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Attention, Attention! Heard about Honduras Agape Foundation (HAF) trips before and wanted to go but couldn’t? Never heard of HAF and want to know what it is? Come one, come all to an information session tentatively scheduled for January 21 @ 6 pm. SAPC will be going on a Honduras Agape Foundation Inter-generational Mission Trip June 5-12, 2016. This is a mission trip for adults, college students, and rising 11th-12th grade students. The group will be teaching Bible lessons, doing small construction projects, and building relationships with people in Honduras. Estimated cost (depending on airfare) is $1000 which includes all travel, food, and lodging. $500 deposit (non-refundable) to secure your spot due by April 15, 2016. Scholarships available for those in need. Don’t speak Spanish? That’s okay! Translators are provided. See Rev. Erin Morgan for more details (648-9574 ext. 106 or revesouthaiken@gmail.com)

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You’re invited to a Silent Auction Luncheon on January 10, 2016 at 12 p.m. in the church gym. Cost is $5/person (pay at the door). Lunch will include soup, cornbread, and salad. Proceeds benefit SAPC’s Honduras Agape Foundation Inter-generational Mission Trip (June 5-12, 2016). Auction items include Glance Catering BBQ dinner for 30 people, 1 hr. of financial advisement, 2 nights at Fripp Island for 4 people, oil changes, 1 hr. Greek and/or Hebrew lesson, magic show for a child’s bday party, and more! Come see what all the fuss is about. Be sure to bring your best bidding hat and wallet! Also, we are looking for items to ‘sell’ at the auction. If you have a Christmas gift that you don’t know what to do with or a service to share (such as music lessons, home repair, etc), please let Leslie Coakley know. It takes a village to support each other in mission. We thank you for prayerfully considering how you can support the Honduras Agape Foundation mission trip efforts.

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Our Purpose…”Opening Doors to Serve Christ”

WELCOME On this last Sunday of Advent we happily reach out to all who have come to approach the throne of Grace. Christmas will be truly Christmas when we center our minds on the Christ child who came to offer the world salvation and hope.

NURSERY AND CHILDREN’S CHURCH We invite all children to remain in the sanctuary to hear the

Cantata. Childcare is available in the nursery and toddler room if needed.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT YTD operating contributions & collections as of 11/30/2015 $557,173.64 YTD operating expenses as of 11/30/2015 609,952.04 Approved budgeted expenses for 2015 as of 11/30/2015 627,964.37

ATTENDANCE LAST SUNDAY Worship Service (8:45) - 85 (11:00) - 179

VOLUNTEERS FOR TODAY Flowers In honor of the “Wonderful Music Ministry at SAPC, given by Jenny & Ken Chase Pulpit Assistant Dr. Christopher Crotwell Sound System (8:45) Alan Riechman (11:00) Alan Riechman Ushers (8:45) John Meadows, Lisa Lader, Kathy Dolin, Kathy Adams (11:00) Dwight Bradham, Shirley Colburn, Myra Toomajian, Leo Toomajian

VOLUNTEERS FOR NEXT WEEK Flowers To the Glory of God Pulpit Assistant Reverend Erin Morgan Sound System (8:45) Larry Hinson (11:00) Darrell Pluff Ushers (8:45) Jim Stutts, Carol Stutts, Scott Reboul, Debbi Reboul (11:00) Kevin Pethick, David Pethick, Felder McLaurin, Dot McLaurin

Dr. Christopher Crotwell, Pastor and Head of Staff: Office 648.9574 Ext. 104 Rev. Erin Morgan, Associate Pastor for Youth and Outreach: Office 648.9574 Ext. 106 Rev. Judy Bowling, Parish Associate: Office 648.9574 Ext. 102 Cell 803.354.2447 Allison Kelly, Dir of Young Children and Family Min: Office 648.9574 Ext. 105 Cell 803.336.9540 Phillip Hare, Director of Music: 648.9574 Scott Chappell, Organist: 648.9574 Tracie Bryant, Financial Manager: 648.9574 Ext. 103 Mary Ann Laurey, Office Manager: 648.9574 Ext. 100 Michelle Lorio, Kindergarten Director: 648.9895 Ext. 107 Cissy Kelley, Assistant Kindergarten Dir/ Childcare Coordinator: 648.9895 Ext. 110 Cell 270.5808 Church Fax: 803.648.7972 Web Site: www.southaiken.org