Gathering Around the Word

Before the service begins, quietly consider the printed prayers and Scriptures. During worship, let them help open you to God.

Welcome, Announcements, Joys and Concerns

Call to Worship (Westminster Shorter Catechism: Q22-23) How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? Christ, the Son of God, became man, by taking to himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, and born of her, yet without sin. What offices did Christ execute as our Redeemer? Christ, as our Redeemer, executeth the offices of a prophet, priest, and of a king; both in his estate of humiliation and exultation. Good friends, let us worship the Lord this day. Let us worship the Lord with songs of praise, hymns of thanksgiving in our hearts, for the grace, love and forgiveness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lighting the Candle of HopeSara Cartrette and Julie Stocks

Advent I – The Candle of Hope Christians around the world begin this

day to await the advent of Christ. We join with a joyous

FirstPresbyteria

nChurchWhiteville,

North Carolina“To be a Light in our

Community Reflecting Christ’s Love and Compassion…”

1st Sunday of AdventNovember 27, 2016

Rev. Drs. Beverly & George

ThompsonInterim Co-Pastors

and hopeful throng in lighting the Advent candles, symbols of our faith and signs of God’s love.

We gather as a people of Hope. As we light the first Advent candle, let it stand for hope not based on

wishful thinking, but on deep conviction. We believe, we have seen, we

have received the Promise, and therefore, in the midst of darkness and imperfection,

we hope. We gather expectantly, joyfully, and with deep commitment, for God has come and will come again. ALL: As people of hope, let us worship God.

* Hymn of Advent Preparation “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” Hymn 97

Call to ConfessionLet us confess first in self-searching silence.

Prayer of Confession

Song of Assurance 284 “Holy Spirit, Come to Us”

Holy Spirit, come to us; kindle in us the fire of your love. Holy Spirit, come to us. Holy Spirit, come to us. (sung twice)

Assurance of Pardon Friends, believe in the Good News of the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Amen!

* Gloria PatriGlory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without

end. Amen.

* Sharing the Peace of Christ The Peace of Christ be with you all. And with you.

Proclaiming the Word

Time with the Children

Prayer for Understanding

Old Testament Reading Deuteronomy 28:9

New Testament Lesson I Corinthians 3: 10-11; 16-23

Hear the Word of the Lord;Thanks be to God!

Sermon “The Importance of Leadership & Encouragement-for Church Growth & Evangelism”

Rev. Walter Dinkins

Responding to the Word

* Profession of Faith The Apostles’ Creed Page 35

Giving Our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory “Just As I Am” Hymn 442Choir and Congregation

* DoxologyPraise God from whom all blessings flow;Praise Him, all creatures here below;Praise Him, above, ye heavenly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

* Prayer of Gratitude and Intercession

* The Lord’s Prayer

* Hymn of Commitment “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” Hymn 39

* Charge and Benediction

* Benediction Response “Christmas Isn’t Christmas”

Choir and CongregationChristmas isn’t Christmas ‘til it happens in your heart,

Somewhere deep inside you is where Christmas really starts;So give your heart to Jesus, you’ll discover when you do

That it’s Christmas, really Christmas for you.

* Music in Preparation for Service

* You are invited to stand if you are able.

Poinsettias are available for dedication for $4. Please use the paperincluded in the bulletin.

WELCOME! We welcome you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! May today’s worship open you to God. Your entire family is welcome, but we do offer a nursery for children birth to 3 years of age, and a “children’s church” program for children 4 years old through 1 st grade . Both of these are located in the education building behind the sanctuary. Feel free to contact us at any time (642-2253).

Prayer Concerns: Bob High, Grace Palmer; Rhonda Scott; Nancy Thurston; Rita & R. L. Lewis; Geraldine Becker; Gene Ensley Assisted Care: Kenneth Smith; Phyllis Farley; Ellen Thurston; Charlene Hinnant; Anna Jane Collier Friends: Reta Hinson; Donna Parker; Carole Short; Mary Bair; Hollis Salyer; Joe Youngblood; Jean Turner; Ed Jackson; Shandell McPherson; Shirley Creech Royal; Christy Stuckey; James George; Mary Cherry; Billie Joe Conrad; Jim Ellison; David Gore; Daphne McLeod; Gail Moye; Melinda Powell; Jerome McPherson; Nancy Wilson; Pat Allen; Benny McBride; Shelby Hodge; Frank Youngblood; Matt Lilly. *Please notify the church office if you would like to add someone to the prayer list, and then again when the name may be removed. Rev. Walter Dinkins grew up on a farm near Charleston, SC., as a fifth-generation Presbyterian, in a family of teachers, lawyers, doctors, and military men; he was raised in a strict Calvinist family that attended Presbyterian church - three times every week. He graduated from USC and Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. Post Graduate studies were at the Defense Foreign Language School in Monterey, CA, the National Defense University in Washington, DC; the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I., and the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. He retired from the Navy Reserves after thirty years of service-

with joint forces commands in special operations, and during that time deployed to Combat Commands in the Middle East and Africa for five assignments.He has two daughters- one in high school and one in university; and one boy in the 7th grade. Married for over twenty years to Marilyn Lazara, who grew up on the Pacific island of Luzon, which is in the Philippines.

CHURCH CALENDARTuesday: NetworkX of Hope, 5:30 pmWednesday: Choir rehearsal, 6:00 pmThursday: Chicks with Sticks, 10:30 amDecember 2: Parents Night Out, 5:30-9:30pmDecember 4: Caroling and Hot Dog Supper 5:00pmDecember 7: Congregational Life Meeting, 6:00pmDecember 11: Moravian Love Feast, 7:00pmDecember 12: Oratorio Concert, 7:30pm