First Presbyterian Church

December 16, 2018THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

WE ASSEMBLE TO WORSHIP GOD*All who are able are invited to stand.

ORGAN VOLUNTARIES The First Nowell J. CarterGo Tell It On the Mountain W. Held

CHIMING OF THE HOUR The Chimes

(Welcome to First Presbyterian! Please take a moment to fill out and pass the Friendship Pad. If you are a visitor and would

like to leave contact information, feel free to do so.)

THE ADVENT WREATH – Margaret Ann Tice and Linder Tucker light the candle of Peace. Karen and Ken Holt light the candle of Joy.One: The Advent wreath is a circle with no beginning and

no end. It is a symbol of God’s unending love and faithfulness.

All: Its light reminds us of Christ, the light of the world. In him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it.

One: We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior.

“The Lord says to his servant, ‘it is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’” Isaiah 49: 6

OPENING PRAYER WITH THE LORD’S PRAYEROur 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.

*HYMN OF PRAISE 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES

*UNISON PRAYER of CONFESSIONMerciful God, we confess that we do not know how to prepare for your Advent. We have ignored the promise of your kingdom; we have become distracted by all the busyness of this season. Forgive us, God. Grant us the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph, that we may journey with them to Bethlehem and find the good news of a child born for us. In the quiet and stillness of our hearts, help us to make ready for his coming again to be with us. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen.

A Moment for Silent Confession

*KYRIE ELEISON Merbecke Lord, have mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. Lord, have mercy upon us.

*DECLARATION of PARDON*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymnal 83 v.2)

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus STUTTGARTIsrael’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

WE HEAR GOD’S WORDCHILDREN’S SERMON

(All children through 3rd grade are welcome in Children’s Church on the lower level of Hopkins Hall following the children’s sermon.)

PRESENTATION of TITHES and OFFERINGSOFFERTORY ANTHEM Angels’ Carol

Rutter/Tucker The Roy S. Hutchinson Joyful Ringers

*RESPONSE: The 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. Amen.

*PRAYER of DEDICATIONA SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS

THE BIDDING PRAYER

One: Beloved in Christ, as we await the great festival of Christmas let us prepare ourselves so that we may be shown its true meaning. Let us hear, in lessons from Holy Scripture, how the prophets of Israel foretold that God would visit and redeem his waiting people. Let us rejoice, in our carols and hymns, that the good purpose of God is being mightily fulfilled.

All: Therefore let us mark in Holy Scripture the story of the loving purposes of God and the glorious redemption brought us by this Holy Child. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all of God’s people; for unity and friendship within the Church he came to build, especially in this our congregation.

One: Let us remember, in God’s name, the poor, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and those who mourn, especially the families of those countless victims of terrorism.

All: Lastly, let us remember all those who rejoice

with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light; that multitude which no one can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with our Lord Jesus we are forever one.

One: These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to

the throne of heaven; and let the all the people say: All: Amen.

THE FIRST LESSON –Isaiah 9:2-7 Grace Gresham“Christ’s birth and kingdom are foretold by Isaiah.” ANTHEM Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

arr. HolstLet all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; Ponder nothing earthly minded for with blessing in his hand, Christ our Lord to earth descendeth our full homage to demand. King of Kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth He stood, Lord of Lords in human vesture in the body and the Blood. He will give to all the faithful His own self for heav’nly food. Rank on rank the host of heaven spreads its vanguard on the way, As the light of light descendeth from the realms of endless day; That the pow’rs of hell may vanish as the darkness clears away. At his feet the sixwing’d seraph; cherubim with sleepless eye, Veil their faces to the Presence, as with ceaseless voice they cry, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Lord most High! Amen! Amen!

THE SECOND LESSON – Isaiah 11:1-9 Kate Roberson“The peace that Christ will bring is foreshown.”SOLO O Thou That Tellest Good Tidings to Zion (from Messiah) Handel Colleen Guseman, altoO thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain. O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength, lift up, be not afraid, say unto the cities of Judah, ‘Behold, your God.’ O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee!

THE THIRD LESSON – Luke 1:26-38 Martha Bryan Carr“The angel Gabriel salutes the Blessed Virgin Mary.”ANTHEM The White Dove German Folk Song/arr. BrahmsA dove as white as winter from heav’n came to earth, And, as an angel, greeted a maid of humble birth. She bowed her head and listened to his words, That she, above all others, was favored by the Lord. Kyrie eleison. The heavn’ly gates will open, Thou shalt have a Son. Emmanuel, the most high, the King, the Chosen One. For know, a blessed Mother shalt thou be, All coming generations will laud and honor thee. Kyrie eleison. Our hope and expectation, O Jesus appear; Arise, thou Son so longed for, above this darkened sphere. With hearts and hands uplifted, Lord to see the day of earth’s redemption and ever be with thee. Kyrie eleison.

THE FOURTH LESSON – Luke 2:8-14 “The shepherds go to the manger.”ANTHEM Nativity Carol John RutterBorn in a stable so bare, Born so long ago; Born ‘neath light of star He who loved us so. (Refrain) Far away silent lay, Born today, your homage pay, for Christ is born for aye, born on Christmas Day. Cradled by mother so fair, Tender her lullaby; Over her son so dear Angel hosts fill the sky (Refrain).Wise men from distant far land, Shepherds from starry hills Worship this babe so rare, Hearts with his warmth he fills (Refrain). Love in that stable was born Into our hearts to flow; Innocent dreaming babe, Make me thy love to know (Refrain).

THE FIFTH LESSON – Matthew 2:1-11 Dixon Murdoch“The wise men are led by the star to Jesus.” HYMN 151 (vs. 1,2,5) We Three Kings of Orient Are KINGS OF ORIENT

THE SIXTH LESSON – John 1:1-14 Rev. Richard Carr “John unfolds the great mystery of the Incarnation.”ANTHEM I Saw Three Ships English Folk Song/arr. LloydI saw three ships, I saw three ships come sailing in. I saw three ships come sailing in on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning. Ah. And what was in those ships all three on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning? Our Saviour Christ and his lady, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning. Pray, whither sail’d those ships all three, On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning? O, they sailed into Bethlehem on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning. And all the bells on earth shall ring on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning. And all the angels in heav’n shall sing on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning. And all the souls on earth shall sing on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning. Then let us all rejoice amain on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day in the morning!

WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD*RESPONSORIAL READING

One: Judah and Jerusalem, fear not, nor be dismayed;All: Tomorrow you will go forth, and the LORD will be

with you.One: Stand still and you shall see the salvation of the LORD.All: Tomorrow you will go forth, and the LORD will be

with you.

One: Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

All: Tomorrow you will go forth, and the Lord will be with you. We wait for Thy loving kindness, Lord, in the midst of thy temple and in all corners of the world.

(All shall keep silence for a time, then continue reading)All: O God, who makes us glad with the yearly

remembrance of the advent of thy only Son, Jesus Christ: grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him, when he shall come to be our judge; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

*HYMN 119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN

*THE BENEDICTIONOne: May he who by his Incarnation gathered into one thing

earthly and heavenly, fill you with the sweetness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.

All: Amen.

*CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE (Hymnal 132, v. 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!

*ORGAN VOLUNTARY O Come, All Ye Faithful J. A. Behnke

There will be a reception in the narthex and a short service in the chapel immediately following worship today, in honor of the dedication of the T. Mark Verdery Chapel. All are welcome!

THE ADULT CHOIR and INSTRUMENTALISTSSopranos: Sara Curry, Linda Hutchison, Cynthia Johnson, Pat

Johnson, Nancy Jones, Lynn Moran, Iris Rose

Altos: Colleen Guseman, Kathy Pender, Ashley Platts, Betty White

Tenors: John Demchak, Neifert Cornejo-Ordonez, Bobby SmithBasses: Eddie Gainey, Mickey Johnson, Nick Miller, George

WhiteDancer: Shannon BradleyTrumpets: Katherine Shindledecker, Sky Powell

Trombones: Ryan Hobbs, Jack JohnsonOrgan: Janet MillerDirector: Don RogersAnnual Christmas Dinner: Join our church family on Sunday, December 23 at 5:00 pm for our annual Christmas Dinner. The Fellowship Committee will provide turkey, ham, dressing, gravy and rolls. Bring your favorite side dishes and desserts to share. The children will kick off the evening with their pageant before dinner. A special visitor will cap off the evening! Christmas Joy Offering will be accepted on Sunday, December 23rd. Envelopes will be in the bulletin next Sunday.The Christmas Jar: Be on the lookout for the Jar in the narthex. You may also use the envelope in the bulletin to contribute. We will be collecting through Sunday, December 23rd and the jar will also be at the Christmas Dinner.Ladies Night Out will dine at the Red Bowl on Thursday, December 20 at 6:00 pm. Contact Linder Tucker to make reservations (803-366-5878).Childcare today: Tara Park, Traci JacksonChildren’s Church: Rebecca Bridges, Christy Goodner Children’s Sermon: Susan Roberson December 23: Richard Carr Counters for December 23: Heather Deese, Dave KeelyAcolyte: Elizabeth Briggs December 23:

THIS WEEK’S CALENDAR Sunday, December 16

9:15 am Chancel Choir 10:00 am Sunday School

11:00 am Worship 12:15 pm Youth Bake Sale

12:15 pm Ladies Out to Lunch-Front Porch

2:30 pm Biddy Comb. Under 7 BB 4:00 pm Biddy Comb. 8-9 BB 5:30 pm Junior Boys BB

Monday, December 17 6:30 pm Cub Scouts 7:00 pm Boy Scouts

Tuesday, December 18 10:00 am HOP 5:15 pm Ladies Exercise Class

Wednesday, December 19 6:00 pm Handbells 6:00 pm Cherub and Covenant Choirs

7:00 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal Thursday, December 20

3:00 pm Yarns of Love 5:15 pm Ladies Exercise Class

5:30 pm Girls Mite BB Sunday, December 23 10:00 am Sunday School

10:15 am Chancel Choir 11:00 am Worship

12:15 pm Ladies Out to Lunch-Legal Remedy

2:30 pm Biddy Comb. Under 7 BB 4:00 pm Biddy Comb. 8-9 BB

5:00 pm Annual Christmas Dinner 5:30 pm Junior Boys BB

Monday, December 24 5:30 pm Christmas Eve Service

First Presbyterian Church234 East Main Street

Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730Organized 1869

We are a diverse family of believers in Jesus Christ, who seek to glorify God by celebrating and sharing God’s renewing and

transforming love as we: Worship the living God with joy and thanksgiving

Teach the Word of God to deepen our faith and grow in our love of Christ

Serve others through sharing our unique gifts of the Holy Spirit

Fellowship with one another to energize our life together as a congregation

Nurture and Embrace all of God’s children.

Rev. Richard W. Carr, III – MinisterRev. Dr. Craig Butler – Marriage and Family Minister

Dr. Donald M. Rogers – Director of MusicJanet Miller – Organist

Mickey Johnson - Handbell Director