WestminsterPresbyterian ChurchA Telling Presence in the City

We enter this church not as strangers, but as children of God.

Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017Advent Credo, by Allan Boesak, South Africa

It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss—This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life;

It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction—

This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.

It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever—

This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful counselor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.

It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers—

This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all f lesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.

So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ—the life of the world.

December 17, 2017 | westminstermpls.org

Welcome to WestminsterWe are grateful for your presence and invite you to participate in our worship, mission, and programs.Large-print bulletins, hymnals, hearing assistance devices, and Hearing Loop information available from ushers.

If you are new to WestminsterParking Free Sunday morning parking at the Orchestra Hall Ramp, 11th St. & Marquette. At Orchestra Hall, take a ticket when you enter the ramp; pick up a park-ing voucher at Westminster; use both your ticket and the voucher to exit the ramp. Free, assisted parking is available on the corner of 12th & Marquette. No tipping is required. Please take advantage of this service.Coffee Hour Join us for fair trade coffee and refreshments after worship.Education Hour for all Ages, 9:15 am, Resumes Jan 7, 2018: Church School (age 3—high school), Adult Education, Social Justice Forum, Virtues & Values. Children’s Church (age 4-1st grade) takes place during 10:30 am worship.Membership The next new member class is in February. Visit westminstermpls.org/membership or contact Rev. Meghan Gage-Finn, mgage-finn@wpc-mpls.org, or Janice Teliczan, jteliczan@wpc-mpls.org.

If you seek to deepen your involvement Faith in Action Get involved in serving and seeking justice. Contact Rev. Matthew Johnson, mjohnson@wpc-mpls.org.Families, Youth, and Children Connect with children’s/youth choirs, youth group, confirmation, parent offerings, and special events. Contact Rev. Brennan Blue, bblue@wpc-mpls.org. Fellowship Enjoy fellowship with other members of the church. Contact Rev. Sarah Brouwer, sbrouwer@wpc-mpls.org.

Other worship and prayer opportunities Centering Prayer, Wednesdays at noon. No Centering Prayer on Dec 27.Quiet Worship, Third Saturday of the month, 9 am.Prayer Companions, Sundays after 10:30 am worship.

Westminster CaresBirths, Adoptions, and Baptisms Contact Janice Teliczan, jteliczan@wpc-mpls.org.For Pastoral Care Notify Deb Wagner of hospitalization, illness, death, or prayer requests, 612.332.3421 or dwagner@wpc-mpls.org. Blood Pressure Screenings take place the third Sunday of the month.The Westminster Counseling Center offers pastoral counseling for individuals, couples, families, and children. The Counseling Center has moved off-site during construction at WPC. Visit westminstercounseling.org or call 612.332.7743.

Preparing for the WordOur service begins with the Prelude, inviting us to prepare for worship.

Welcome Brennan Blue

Prelude Noel X. Louis-Claude Daquin Greensleeves Anonymous Karen Wasiluk, flute Go, Tell It On the Mountain Aaron David Miller

Advent GreetingOne: The Lord be with you. All: And also with you.

As the morning greeting is offered, please complete the friendship folder found in your pew, and pass it to your neighbor.

Call to Worship (from Romans 13)One: Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed;All: the night is far gone, the day is near.One: Let us worship God!

Anthem Noel Todd Smith; arr. Brad Holmes Westminster Choir, Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, conductor Jeffrey Gram, Priscilla Northenscold, percussion

Noel, Noel, Jesus has come to live with usIf you want to know the child, you have to come kneel

*Processional Hymn No. 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful

Lighting the Advent Candle 8:30 Anna, Jeffrey, Harriet, Josef Gram 10:30 Jed Luhmann, Jennifer McMacken, Aidan, Isabelle, Caroline, Wyatt Luhmann

Sung Response Hymn No. 378 We Wait the Peaceful Kingdom (vs. 4)

Advent Prayer (Unison) David ShinnMerciful God, you sent your prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation. Give us grace to heed their warnings and turn from sin, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Anthem What a Wonder Lithuanian Folk Song; arr. Clarence Dickinson Sandra Schoenecker, Samuel Baker, Nathan Petersen-Kindem, soloists

December 17, 2017 8:30 & 10:30 am

* Please stand as you are able.

Listening for the WordA Time with Children Sarah Brouwer There is no Children’s Church today. All children are invited to remain in worship.

Reading from Holy Scripture Isaiah 9:2-7 (OT, p. 598) 8:30 Sam Folin 10:30 Sara Donaldson

Solo Sweet Little Jesus Boy Traditional Spiritual Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, tenor

Reading from Holy Scripture Luke 1:39-45 (NT, p. 49)

Anthem Betelehemu Via Olatunji; arr. Wendell WhalumWe are glad that we have a Father to trust. We are glad that we have a Father to rely upon. Where was Jesus born? Where was he born? Bethlehem, the city of wonder. That is where the Father was born for sure. Praise, praise, praise be to Him. We thank thee, we thank thee, we thank thee for this day, Gracious Father. Praise, praise, praise be to thee, Merciful Father.

Meditation What Is True this Season? Unto Us a Child Is Born… Timothy Hart-Andersen

Responding to the Word *8:30 Hymn No. 116 The Snow Lay on the Ground

*10:30 Hymn No. 116 The Snow Lay on the Ground (vss. 1-2)

10:30 The Sacrament of Holy Baptism Presentation of the Baptisands Elder Suzie Crockett Questions to the Parents and Congregation *Affirmation of Faith (United Church of Canada)

We are not alone, we live in God’s world. We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit.We trust in God. We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone. Thanks be to God. Prayer over the Water Baptism *Congregational ResponseWith joy and thanksgiving we welcome you to Westminster and to the fellowship of Christ’s Church, for we are all one in Christ. We promise to love, encourage, and support you, to share the good news of the gospel with you, to serve that gospel alongside you, and to help you know and follow Christ.

*10:30 Hymn No. 116 The Snow Lay on the Ground (vss. 3-4)

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer Meghan K. Gage-FinnOur 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.

Offertory Sentences Christmas Joy Offering ReceivedHaving heard the Word, we now respond in gratitude by giving. Please place your offering in the plate, or use the “I give to Westminster” card in recognition of your contributions made online or in another way.

Offertory Anthem Jesus What a Wonderful Child arr. Mark Hayes Alyssa Schwitzer, soloist

Jesus, Jesus, oh what a wonderful child. Jesus, Jesus, so lowly meek and mild.New life, new hope, new joy he brings. Won’t you listen to the angels sing. Glory, glory, glory to the new born king.He was herald by the angels, born in a lowly manger. The virgin Mary was his mother and Joseph was his earthly father. Three wise men came from afar. They were guided by a shining star to see King Jesus where he lay in a manger filled with hay.

Prayer of Dedication for the Offerings Received Matthew Johnson

*Hymn No. 136 Go, Tell it on the Mountain

*Charge and BenedictionThe people respond with “Amen.”

*Passing of the PeaceOne: The peace of Christ be with you.All: And also with you.

Since the earliest days of the Christian Church, worshippers have greeted each other with a sign of peace. All are invited to offer a verbal greeting, such as: “Peace be with you.”

Postlude Postlude on ‘Mendelssohn’ David Willcocks

This Sunday8:15-9 & 10:15-11:30 am Childcare for infants through age 3, Nursery8:30 am Worship Service, Sanctuary9:15 am Blood pressure screening, Bushnell10:30 am Worship Service, Sanctuary11:30 am Coffee Time, Heller Commons11:30 am Prayer Companions, Chapel11:45 am Christmas Pageant costume fitting, lunch, rehearsal, RefectoryWestminster Gallery An Advent of Hope. Contact Dr. Rodney Allen Schwartz, rschwartz@wpc-mpls.org.

Coming Up Art Collecting Fabric, Scarves, and RibbonA liturgical art piece is being created for the Jan 14 ribbon cutting in the new space. If you have fabric, scarves, or rib-bon (especially if they represent a piece of history or heritage) to donate, please bring them to the reception desk today. Questions? Contact Sarah at sbrouwer@wpc-mpls.org.

College-Age MinistriesContact Meghan Gage-Finn mgage-finn@wpc-mpls.org unless noted otherwise.College students are invited to gather for lunch on Wednesday, Dec 20 at noon at the reception desk. And on Thursday, Dec 21, students will have a special tour of the new spaces, meeting at the recep-tion desk at 3 pm. There will be a college student coffee the afternoon of January 10, for those still home!

Congregational CareContact Deb Wagner, 612.332.3421 or dwagner@wpc-mpls.org unless noted otherwise.The Meal Ministry offers meals to members in need of care. If you or someone you know is in need, or if you would like to prepare a meal, contact Beth Goers, 612.875.1138 or goers.elizabeth@gmail.com.The Prayer Companion Ministry prays Sundays in the Chapel after 10:30 am worship. All are welcome to share con-cerns and joys with a prayer companion.Caregiver Support Group gathers the second Saturday of the month, 1-2:30 pm, at the home of Elsa Flores-Peet. Questions? Contact Elsa, efpeet@comcast.net or 763.588.8361. Prayer Shawl Ministry meets the second Sunday of the month, 11:45 am, Bates Rm.Prayer Ministry Requests, Fill out a Prayer Request Card and put in offering plate or in box at the reception desk.Grief Support Group, Saturdays, 9:30 am, St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral, Sat, Dec 23, Service of Remembrance. More info, 612.317.3454 or mplsgriefsup-port.org.

Educational MinistriesContact Carmel Tinnes, ctinnes@wpc-mpls. org unless noted otherwise.Adult Education resumes Jan 7 with the All-Church Book Read. This year we are inviting the congregation to participate

December 17, 2017 | westminstermpls.org

THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM

The Baptism of Children implies a partnership between parents and the congregation in nurturing the

faith of a child.Aiden Paul Haberger

Son of Ryan & Kathryn HabergerNora Rose Huntington

Daughter of Erik & Kelly Huntington

December 17, 2017 | westminstermpls.org

in an ALL-Church Book Read. In addi-tion to the adult book, titles forupper elementary and early read-ers/pre-readers have been selected. Questions will be available in January for family conversations.Books on sale in the Heller Commons.Living the Faith in the 21st Century, Wed, 5:30-6:25 pm, Bushnell Rm. An Adult Christ at Christmas is the book for Advent. Questions? Contact Chad Quaintance, 612.374.9410.Confirmation Through an Adult Lens, Weds through Dec 20, 6:30 pm, Knox.

Faith in ActionContact Matthew Johnson, mjohnson@wpc-mpls.org unless noted otherwise.Social Justice Forum resumes Jan 7.Nicollet Square Holiday Party, Collecting new items such as gift cards, blenders, coffee makers, shower curtains, toasters, etc. for the residents. Contact Doris Wong for a link to the gift registry. Write “N2/Holiday” on your gift, and bring to the reception desk today. Another way to help is to bake cookies for the party. If you would like to contribute 2 dozen homemade cookies, or have questions about the gift registry, contact Doris Wong, 612.920.6886 or wongwinter@mac.com.FEAST, Dec 24, 4-7 pm, Help serve a meal to the hungry in the church neighborhood. Sign up at the reception desk to help.

Families, Youth & ChildrenContact Brennan Blue, bblue@wpc-mpls.org unless noted otherwise.Christmas Pageant Costume Fitting: Today, 9:30 am-10:15 am.Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (lunch provided), today, 11:40 am-2:00 pm.Christmas Pageant Call Times, Sun, Dec 24, Speakers in costume for mic and sound check by 2:30 pm. Everyone present and in costume by 3 pm.

Christmas Eve WorshipChristmas Eve

10:30 am 4th Sunday of Advent 4 pm Family Service & Pageant 8 & 10 pm Candlelight Services

Theological Education Sunday Dec 31, 10:30 am

Kelley Jepsen preaching

FellowshipContact Sarah Brouwer, sbrouwer@wpc-mpls.org unless noted otherwise.WestConnect Young Adults Christmas Party, Today, 6 pm. We will meet at the home of Taylor and Kelsey Crouch-Dodson.

Meisel ScholarsMeisel Sunday, January 7, recent Meisel Scholar, Michaela Tucker, will join us (live from Spain!) at both services. Over lunch, we will be in conversation with those who served as Scholars this past summer, and recent Meisel alums. Questions? Contact Meghan Gage-Finn, mgage-finn@wpc-mpls.org. On June 10, there will be a presentation after wor-ship marking the 30th anniversary of the Meisel Scholarship Program.

Promise of Joy, Promise to Give“Generosity changes every-thing; it’s THE fundamental Christian virtue…and the pathway to deep and abiding

spiritual joy.” (Tim Hart-Andersen sermon, 11-19-17). Have you made your pledge to joyfully support Westminster’s 2018 ministries? Your good stewardship is important. Thank you!

Westminster Presbyterian Church 1200 Marquette Avenue

Minneapolis 55403

westminstermpls.org (612) 332-3421

facebook.com/westminstermpls twitter.com/westminstermpls

Today’s Worship LeadershipRev. Dr. Timothy Hart-Andersen, Senior PastorRev. Meghan K. Gage-Finn, Executive Associate PastorRev. Brennan Blue, Associate Pastor, Families, Youth, and ChildrenRev. Sarah Brouwer, Associate Pastor, Congregational LifeRev. Matthew Johnson, Interim Associate Pastor, Faith in ActionRev. David Shinn, Associate Pastor, Congregational CareSam Folin, Sara Donaldson, Lay ReadersDr. Melanie Ohnstad, Minister of Music and the Arts/Organist Tesfa Wondemagegnehu, Director of Choral Ministries, soloistWestminster Choir Jeffrey Gram, Priscilla Northenscold, percussionSandra Schoenecker, Samuel Baker, Nathan Petersen-Kindem, soloists Alyssa Schwitzer, soloist

For full Westminster staff listing and contact information, please visit westminstermpls.org or see the Westminster News.

Westminster Affiliated MinistriesWestminster Camp Ajawah, ajawah.orgWestminster Counseling Center, westminstercounseling.orgWestminster Town Hall Forum, westminsterforum.org

Daily Phone Devotions612.332.7087

December 17 ......... John 1:6-8, 19-2818....................................... Psalm 12519...................................Acts 3:17-4:420.................................... Mark 9:9-1321........................2 Samuel 7:1-11, 1622.................................Luke 1:46b-5523........................... Romans 16:25-2724...................................Luke 1:26-38