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WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God

2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 583-1729 | http://wpcdbq.org

DECEMBER 10, 2017 9:30 A.M.

“Take a hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe.” (Hebrews 3:1 The Message)

"God isn't far away from any of us. For in God we live, move, and exist." (Acts 17:27,28)

"Jesus said, "I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me won't walk in darkness but will have the Light of Life." (John 8:12)

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TO OUR GUESTS: WELCOME! Thanks for joining us for worship. More information about Westminster Presbyterian Church is available on the Welcome Table in the back of the Sanctuary. We encourage you to fill out the Friendship Binder found in your pew and please join us for refreshments and conversation in the Narthex after the service. Periodically, Pastor Murry hosts "Welcome to Westminster" orientation meetings for anyone who would like to know more about Westminster or is considering the possibility of church membership. Watch the bulletin for announcements.

• Large print bulletins are available from the ushers. • Childcare for children 5 and under is provided in the Nursery down the hall from the Sanctuary. * All who are able may stand.

ADVENT WORSHIP THROUGH MUSIC

Prelude Westminster Band

Introit " The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns" Merrill Crawford arr. K. Lee Scott Vs. 2 Soloist

Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Hal Murry

Leader: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Welcome and Announcements

Minute for Mission "Parking" Doug Cheever

Minute for Music Tom Stovall, Jolene Kilcoyne *Greeting Our Neighbors

*Lighting of the Advent Candle Isaiah 2:4, 11:6 Jennifer & Kaitlyn Shimon

Leader: We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Advent means coming. People: We are preparing ourselves for the days when the nations will beat their swords into iron plows and their spears into pruning tools. Leader: Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war. People: The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat. Leader: The calf and the young lion will feed together, and a little child will lead them. ALL: Let us walk in the light of the Lord.

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*Processional Hymn #13 “Prepare the Way, O Zion" Congregation

PART I: The PROMISE of HOPE (Based on Isaiah 59:9 and Psalm 80: 18-19)

Narrator I: O Lord of Light, come to save us. Hal Murry Narrator II: We wait for your light, but all is in darkness Sam Wu

We wait for brightness, but we walk in gloom

Congregation: Give us life, and we will call on your name. Restore us, O Lord God of hosts.

Let your face shine that we may be saved.

Scripture: Isaiah 40: vs. 1-11 Reader: Jolene Kilcoyne (Vs. 1-3/vs. 5-10) “Every Valley Shall Be Exalted” (Is.40:4) ‘Messiah’ Steve Peake: Tenor “And He Shall Feed His Flock” (Is.40:11) ‘Messiah’ Lorrie Etheredge: Alto Anthem: “Come Abide With Us” Chancel Choir arr. Faye Lopez Luke Tyler, featured pianist

Responsive Prayer Rev. Hal Murry/Congregation

Leader: As we continue our journey toward Bethlehem, God, let your Word and Spirit be a map and sign to us, making clear a roadway through all the seasonal distractions, disturbances, and shopping malls TO the manger. God of Peace, minister not to our Christmas wants, but to our needs.

People: Above all, give us the gift of discernment that we may know and do what will bring us inner peace and peace in the world. Give to us carols of repentance, renewal and rejoicing as we rendezvous with the Christ Child, in whose name we journey, sing and pray, AMEN.

PART II: The PROMISE of PEACE (Based on Isaiah 11: 6,9)

Narrator I: One day the wolf will live with the lamb The leopard will lie down with the young goat.

Narrator II: The calf and the lion will be together And a little Child will lead them. Narrators both: Prepare the way of the Lord, for the time is near..

Congregation: We will obey God’s command that we may Live in harmony with one another.

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*Hymn - insert "O God, We Hear Your Word of Grace " Congregation

Scripture: Psalm 85: 1-2 and 8-13; Psalm 37: 7-11; Zechariah 9: 9-10 Reader: Jolene Kilcoyne

Anthem “What Child Shall Come?” Chancel Choir/Handbells arr. Patrick Liebergen Marsha Wilfong, Sally Stulken, Barb Scoggin

PART III: The GIFT of LOVE

The Annunciation: “The Angel Gabriel to Mary Came” Basque Carol (based on Luke 1: 26-55) Lizz Tyler, mezzo soprano

(Responsive Reading based on John 3:16 & Isaiah 9: 2,6) Narrator I: Proclaim now this joyful news with singing! Congregation: For God so loved the world that He gave His only son so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life.

Narrator II: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Congregation: For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given

Narrator II: Sing praise and glory to the newborn child Congregation: Our hope of salvation, the prince of peace, Joy everlasting, and Love of God eternal.

Narrator I: Lift high your voices in Celebration! The Light of God is come!

Anthem “Celtic Lullaby” Chancel Choir by Joel Raney Soloist: Peter Woodruff, Maddie Fast, Flute

Giving of Our Offerings Please use this time to pass the Friendship Binder found at the inside end of your pew.

Offertory Luke Tyler, Pianist

*Offertory Hymn #2 "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus"

*Prayer of Thanksgiving and 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.

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PART IV: GOING FORTH in JOY!

Anthem “And the Father Will Dance Over You in JOY!” Chancel Choir by Mark Hayes (based on Zephaniah 3: 14-17 and Psalm 34: 2-4)

Scripture: Is. 9:2-3, 6; Ps. 96: 11-12; Ps. 97: 11-12 Readers: Elaine/Arden Woodrum

*Recessional Hymns #40 vs. 1 “Joy to the World" #41 vs. 1 & 2 “O Come, All Ye Faithful"

*Benediction Narrator I: Rejoice, for the Lord will come and save you!

Narrator II: Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

Narrator I: God's ransomed people will return and come to Zion with singing; they will obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing will flee away. With joy you will say:

Choir & Congregation: "Give thanks to the Lord! Praise God's holy name!"

*Choir Benediction "The Colors of Winter" by Joseph Martin

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY is the Second Sunday of Advent. For centuries, Christians have used the term "advent" to designate the coming of "the Christ." In many churches, the period of four weeks before Christmas is called the "Season of Advent." It's a time of spiritual preparation for the birth of Jesus by seeking a more intense relationship with God. John the Baptist (the "prophet of Advent") put it this way: "Now is the time! Here comes God's kingdom! Change your hearts and lives and trust this good news!" (Mark 1:15). Blessings on your Advent preparations!

RIGHT AFTER WORSHIP TODAY...

• Sunday school for children and youth meets downstairs

• Join the party! Come to a reception honoring Pam Crawford's music ministry in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of retirement gifts, Pam has requested donations to Westminster's Organ Repair Fund.

COMING SOON...

• Sunday, December 17 -- Youth Christmas Pageant during worship, followed by a Fellowship Hour in Fellowship Hall.

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• Sunday, December 24 -- Christmas Eve. Worship at 9:30 a.m. (child care provided) and 7:30 p.m. (nursery closed). The evening service is the traditional lessons and carols with Communion. (NO 11:00 p.m. service this year.)

PARKING REMINDER: The University of Dubuque parking lot across University Ave. from Westminster Church is available to churchgoers on Sunday mornings. It is an uphill walk plus a few steps to the church doors, but you will enjoy the feeling of using the crosswalk traffic light switch to stop traffic on University Ave. BE SURE that the traffic has stopped before entering the crosswalk!

PRINTED COPIES of Hal Murry's 12/3/17 sermon introduction on John the Baptist are available on the "Bible Benches" behind the last pews.

AT DECEMBER'S MONTHLY PROPERTY COMMITTEE MEETING:

• The Committee approved upgrades to Westminster's security system including installation of three new cameras and purchase of an emergency alarm with remote controls.

• Discussed plans for additional kitchen improvements in the area of the new ranges: new paint, shelving and a cabinet with a granite counter top are all in the works.

DONATE A HAM? The Dubuque Food Pantry is again requesting 3 to 5 lb Hams for their Christmas Basket Give Away. Hams should be here to WPC by Dec. 14th. Please store the hams in the refrigerator in the kitchen and mark it Food Pantry. They also are in need of canned goods especially: stuffing mix, can fruit & vegetables, soup, ramen noodles, brownie or cake mixes, canned or boxed sweet potatoes, coffee, toothpaste and canned cranberries. These items should be placed in the Shopping Cart in the Narthex. Thank you! Please have non-perishable items to the pantry by Dec. 15th too.

DEACON’S FUND

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Order before Dec. 15th

see order forms on tables in church

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WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: DECEMBER 10, 2017

Church Office Number: 583-1729 | Rev. Hal Murry: 580-4196

Rev. Hal Murry, Teaching Elder Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Becky Jenkins Custodian: Tim Till Faith Formation Leader for Youth: Lisa Fast Nursery: Amy, Emily, Megan, & Scarlett Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Organist/Pianist: Dr. Luke Tyler Adult Choir/Adult Handbells: Pam Crawford Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: Bill & Janet Porter Head Usher: Glinda Manternach Greeters: Dennis & Susie Williams Ushers: Adam Etheredge, Gidget Maas Jim & Sue Huff Laura Ting, Rich Henderson

PRAYER REQUESTS:

• For Jerry Chase, Emery Conzett, Mildred Conzett and Brian Woodyard, Friends & Family of Julie Woodyard

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

TODAY! Sun., Dec. 10th - The Emmaus Bible College Music Department presents

Starlight Carols at 7:30 p.m. in the Marble Chapel

The Westminster Giving Tree

is here! Each year, Westminster supports local families in need by helping

with Christmas. Gift requests are hung on a Giving Tree in the Narthex

during Advent. The gifts are due back December 18th!

LIVE NATIVITY! Sat., Dec. 16th, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Peter's Lutheran Church 3200 Asbury, Dubuque

George Maruyama Service & Celebration Plans

• Service at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, St Paul, MN, at 10:30 am on Dec 23 in the Elizabeth Chapel

• Celebration at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dubuque, Iowa from 11 am -2 pm on Saturday, June 16 for his 100th birthday

Watch for an obituary to be in the Telegraph Herald that will reference both services.

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Sunday, December 10 8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehsl, LOFT 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship thru Music by Choir 9:30 a.m. Mandarin Worship, BR 10:30 a.m. Reception - Pam Crawford, FH 10:40 a.m. Pageant Dress Rehearsal, Media 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 2:45 p.m. Youth Angel Tree Shopping

Monday, December 11 10:30 a.m. Elder Orientation, WR 6:00 p.m. Pack 20, FH 7:00 p.m. Scouts, Brd of Rev, CR 7:00 p.m. Troop 11 Boy Scouts, FH

Tuesday, December 12 11:45 a.m. Dubuque Ministerium, FH, K 1:00 p.m. OFFICE CLOSED

for STAFF CHRISTMAS PARTY 5:15 p.m. PIN Board Mtg., WR 5:45 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA 7:00 p.m. Grief Support Group, MS

Wednesday, December 13 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, LOFT 5:40 p.m. Christmas Pageant Dress Rhsl,

Media Rm. and SANCTUARY 6:00 p.m. Mom's Connect, 3-5 Rm. 6:45 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehsl, LOFT

Thursday, December 14 9:30 a.m. Personnel Mtg., WR 6:00 p.m. Girl Scouts, 3-5 Rm. 6:00 p.m. Session Meeting, BR 7:00 p.m. Table Tennis, FH

Friday, December 15 2:00 p.m. Mandarin Bible Study, CR

Saturday, December 16 7:00 a.m. Share Food Distribution, FH 9:00 a.m. English Tutoring, CR 3:00 p.m. FREE the Parent Day, FH, K

Sunday, December 17 8:00 a.m. Youth Handbells Rehearsal, SA 8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehsl, LOFT 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. Youth Choir Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship, Christmas Pageant 10:40 a.m. Christmas Celebration, FH 10:40 a.m. Mandarin Sunday School, CR 11:30 a.m. Eickelkamp Family Christmas, FH 1:00 p.m. Youth Singing @Bethany Worship 1:30 Worship at Bethany Home 6:00 p.m. Youth/Reflections in the Park

THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: DECEMBER 10TH THRU DECEMBER 17TH

INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

To learn of any cancellations of worship services or events you can check the following:

1. The church website www.wpcdbq.org

2. You can listen to any one of these radio stations below:

• KDTH 1370 AM

• KATF 92.9 FM

• "The Rock" 97.3 FM

• "The River" 101.1 3. Watch KCRG -TV, channel 9,

or KWWL-TV, channel 7

Note: This will be followed through ALL winter months and inclement

FROM YOUR WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION:

Who needs a will? Everyone who cares what happens to what they

leave behind...and anyone who wants to leave a bequest to

Westminster.