*Those who are able, please stand. +Ushers will seat worshipers.

GATHERING

INTROIT Female Vocal Ensemble

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Basque Carol

The angel Gabriel from heaven came; his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; “All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden Mary, most highly favored lady!” Gloria!

“For known a blessed mother thou shalt be, all generations laud and honor thee; Thy Son shall be Emanuel by seers foretold. Most highly favored lady!” Gloria!

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE—The Candle of Joy

Duncan and Adair Shanks & Sharon Liebetreu

Leader: Surely God is our salvation. People: We will trust, and will not be afraid. Leader: For the Lord God is our strength and our might. People: With joy we will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Isaiah 12 +*HYMN 362 Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers LLANGLOFFAN *PRAYER OF THE DAY Patrick Hunnicutt

Eternal God, you taught us that the night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Keep us awake and alert, watching for your kingdom. Make us strong in faith, so that when Christ comes in glory, we may joyfully give him praise; God of promise, God of joy, into our darkness, come. Amen.

VOLUNTARY Kay Sidahmed, soprano; Ben Hutchens, baritone; Igor Leschishin, oboe; Christine Hagan, continuo

“Mein Freund ist mein” (a dialogue between the Soul and Jesus) from Cantata 140 Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Sung in German Mein Freund ist mein, -und ich bin dein,- die Liebe soll nichts scheiden. Ich will mit dir -du sollst mit mir- im Himmels Rosen weiden, da Freude die Fülle, da Wonne wird sein.

English Translation My Friend is mine, - and I am yours, - love will never part us. I will with You - you will with Me - graze among heaven’s roses, where complete pleasure and delight will be.

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Steadfast God, you call us to patience and diligence in the painstaking work of sharing your love with the world, yet we get discouraged and give up too soon. You call us to collaborate in community as we bring forth new life, new dreams, new creation, but we neither trust nor honor the gifts of others. You call us to be full of joyful confidence in your power, your presence, your vision and your mercy, yet we burden ourselves with anxiety and fear. Forgive us, Advent God, and lead us in the ways of endurance, community, and joy. Please continue to pray silently.

KYRIE ELEISON

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

+*GLORIA PATRI See insert.

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS Larry Hayward *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH—Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

*HYMN OF WELCOME

+ WELCOME AND LIFE OF THE CHURCH Whitney Fauntleroy

THE WORD ANTHEM Female Vocal Ensemble

Maria Walks Amid the Thorn Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles

Maria walks amid the thorn, Kyrie eleison. Maria walks amid the thorn, which seven years no leaf has borne. Jesu et Maria. What ’neath her heart doth Mary bear? Kyrie eleison. A little child doth Mary bear, beneath her heart He nestles there. Jesu et Maria. And as with child she passes near, Kyrie eleison. Lo! roses on the thorns appear. Jesu et Maria. What shall this infant called be? Kyrie eleison. The Christ this child shall called be, his name from all eternity, Jesu et Maria! Who hath the world from sin set free? Kyrie eleison. This child alone and only He, He hath the world from sin set free, Jesu et Maria. SCRIPTURE Luke 1:39–56 New Testament, p. 57

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

CHILDREN’S SERMON Kindergartners and 1st graders are invited to Children and Worship. RESPONSE

SERMON Leaps and Bounds Jacob Bolton

RESPONSE TO THE WORD PASTORAL PRAYER 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.

CALL FOR OFFERING OFFERTORY Anne Alexander, alto & Chris Hagan, piano

What Songs Were Sung John Jacob Niles (1892–1980)

We cannot tell, we do not know, What stars shone down so long ago, When Mary birthed her own sweet Son And peace and love became one. The Son of God, the Scripture said, Was virgin-born in a tiny shed, While lowly shepherds stood hard by, And heavenly sound filled up the sky. Now let us then, uncovered all, Before this creche and lowly stall, Where men and angels dignify God's gift, His Son, in humility.

We do not know, we cannot tell, What songs were sung or what starlight fell Or where the holy mysterys stand For so many years, and so many lands. We cannot tell, we do not know, What songs were sung, so long ago, When Mary birthed her own sweet Son, And peace and love became as one.

*DOXOLOGY

*PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

SENDING * HYMN 106 Prepare the Way, O Zion BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN *CHARGE AND BENEDICTION POSTLUDE We ask that you silence your cell phones and refrain from taking photographs during the worship service.

Leading worship today are Rev. Dr. Larry Hayward, Pastor; Rev. Patrick A. Hunnicutt, Associate Pastor; Rev. Whitney K. Fauntleroy, Associate Pastor; Rev. Jacob Bolton, Associate Pastor; Dr. Benjamin Hutchens, Director of Music Ministries; Duncan and Adair Shanks & Sharon Liebetreu, Advent Candle Liturgists; Page Pusey, Adult Formation Team; Chris Hagan, piano; Igor Leschishin, oboe; Female Vocal Ensemble. The Congregation is invited to Fellowship & the Alternative Christmas Giving Bazaar in Fellowship Hall after worship. Fellowship is hosted by the Administration & Finance Committee and the Roadsters. Today we welcome Janice Carter, Molly Radigan, Josh Radigan, Beth Lloyd, and David Lloyd into membership at Westminster. Today’s Flowers are given by Karin and Scott Edgell in memory of Paul and loved ones; and by Evangeline & Jeff Taylor in honor of their daughter Adrienne’s birthday. The purple paraments today mark the season of Advent. Advent is a time of preparation, as we celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and watch with expectant hope for his coming again. Childcare for infants and preschoolers is provided during the service. Classes for preschool children are held in the preschool wing and childcare is provided for the infants in the nursery. If you need to leave the Sanctuary during worship, our service can be heard in the Narthex, Library, Library Lobby and the Bride’s Room off Fellowship Hall. Text and audio from past sermons can be found at wpc-alex.org/sermon-podcasts.

Large print bulletins and hearing aid devices are available from an usher.

VOLUNTEERS ASSISTING WITH WORSHIP TODAY

Greeter: Anne Pickett Ushers: (8:30) Woody Davis, Debra Hinkle, Jeff Kotsch

(11:00) Curt Powell (captain), Mark Ahart, Bob Blanchard, Michelle Clover, Linc Cummings, Gale Grindstaff, Terry Grindstaff, Marti Klein

Bus Driver: Charles Winburn Bus Assistant: Becky Cool, Jim Helm Counters: Bill Kemp, Marydel Kemp, Judy Mahanes Flower Delivery: Gale Grindstaff, Eric Weiss

VISITOR INFORMATION wpc-alex.org/im-new

Thank you for joining us today! Whether you are exploring faith for the first time, seeking to reconnect with your faith, or searching for a church home, we welcome to Westminster all who seek to discover the significance and meaning of Jesus Christ in their lives. If you would like to learn more about Westminster, the Presbyterian faith, and membership, we invite you to our next Inquirer’s Class on Sunday, January 5 at 9:45 AM in the Johnson Parlor. To sign up for the class or for more information about joining Westminster, contact Melissa LoPresti and Jenny Graves at newmember@wpc-alex.org; or Pastor Larry Hayward at lhayward@wpc-alex.org or 703-549-4766.

Next Sunday December 22, 2019

Fourth Sunday of Advent & Festival Sunday

8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Worship in the Sanctuary Special Music with the Old Town Brass Quintet

Lectionary Passages

Isaiah 7:10–16 Romans 1:1–7 Psalm 80:1–7, 1719 Matthew 1:18–25

Sermon

Larry Hayward

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria, VA 22302

wpc-alex.org | 703-549-4766

WESTMINSTER UPDATE SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2019 Alternative Giving Bazaar Today in Fellowship Hall following the 11 AM Service Honor friends and family by giving gifts in their names to organizations supported by the Local, National and International Mission Committees at Westminster. These gifts will reach deserving people in our community, nation and around the world.

Christmas Pageant & All-Church Dinner Tonight at 5 PM in the Sanctuary Come see our children tell the Christmas story! The Westminster Youth will be cooking and serving this year’s dinner–funds from the dinner will help to offset the cost of their 2020 mission trips in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. Dinner is $5/person, $20/family max. Centering Prayer Monday, December 16, 4-5PM in Westminster Room Using this ancient form of being together in prayer, take time during the busy season of Christmas to be in prayer reflecting on scripture, readings and being together in silence. Led by Amey Upton and the Rev. Jean Coyle, WPC Parish Associate. Service of Installation for Jacob Bolton Wednesday, December 18 at 6PM in the Sanctuary The National Capital Presbytery and the Session of Westminster Presbyterian Church invite you to the Service of Installation for the Rev. Jacob Bolton as Associate Pastor. Reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. Longest Night Service Saturday, December 21, 7:30 PM Worship in the Chapel For many, the Christmas season is a particularly difficult one. On this shortest of days, we will worship and reflect on what it means to dwell in the darkness of night. Together we will lift up our whole selves to the Lord, asking that God’s light would shine in our darkest places. Festival Sunday Next Sunday, December 22, 8:30 AM & 11 AM Worship in the Sanctuary The Old Town Brass Quintet joins us for this annual Advent celebration featuring traditional Christmas Carols sung by the congregation and choir.

Holiday Wrapping Youth Fundraiser – Are You Interested? Sunday, December 22, 4–7PM Last minute shoppers need help with wrapping? Our youth are willing to help if there is interest! You bring your unwrapped gifts, our youth will wrap them. $5 suggested donation per gift. All proceeds would support summer youth mission trips. Gifts dropped off before the 11AM worship service can be picked up at 7PM; as well. If interested, please contact Whitney Fauntleroy. Mitten Tree! Place new mittens, hats, gloves for children on the tree in the upper lobby. They will be donated to the Child & Family Network Centers.

Christmas Eve Services At each of our services, hear the story of Christmas and sing familiar Christmas hymns, accompanied by organ, including “Silent Night.” Children are welcome at all our services; the 4 PM service is our “family-friendliest” service. 11 AM Worship in the Sanctuary Congregational carols with organ Childcare available Starting at 10:30, we’ll sing some of our favorite carols as everyone arrives. 4 PM Worship in the Sanctuary Candlelight Service with the Children’s Choirs Note new time this year! Starting at 3:30, we’ll sing some of our favorite carols as everyone arrives. 8 PM Worship in the Sanctuary Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols With the Westminster Choir, Choristers, harp and oboe 7:45PM Prelude 11 PM Worship in the Chapel Candlelight Service with congregational carols led by harp 10:45PM Prelude Boar's Head Feast Saturday, January 11, 6 PM in Fellowship Hall We’ve all sung “The Twelve Days of Christmas”–mark the end of those twelve days with a Boar’s Head Feast! We return for a second year with this fun-filled meal with entertainment for all ages, provided by the Westminster Choir. More information and RSVP at wpc-alex.org/boars-head-feast.

Thank you to all who have submitted a pledge for 2020! As of Wednesday, December 11, we have received 292 pledges totaling $1,657,659. If you haven’t already done so, please submit your pledge using a pledge card found in the pews, online at wpc-alex.org/stewardship, or to Lavinia Davis-Laux. 2020 Worship Flowers | Sign up during Fellowship Hour after both services to purchase flowers to beautify the sanctuary in 2020. Flowers may be donated in honor or memory of loved ones, and your name will appear in the bulletin. New lower price this year - $50/arrangement. You may also contact Jessica Thurnes to participate.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION Interfaith Trip to Israel: A few spaces still available! | Join us on a ten-day guided tour from February 16–26, 2020. For complete travel itinerary, package information, and registration, visit wpc-alex.org/israel. ADULTS wpc-alex.org/adult Contact Amey Upton, Director. Mental Health Small Group | Today at 12:15 PM in Haverkamp Room | Whether you or a family member, friend or neighbor are experiencing mental health challenges, come to share your stories, your resources, and your faith when handling the myriad of existing brain diseases. Newcomers and oldcomers welcomed. We gather to support one another, to identify further programming that might be offered here at the church, and to provide fellowship and prayer. Congregational Book Read 2020 & Fifth Annual Dessert & Dialogue How the Bible Actually Works by Dr. Peter Enns A humorous, energetic speaker and writer, Dr. Enns prompts us to see the Bible as an exercise in wisdom. He’s sarcastic, thoughtful, well-educated, and intentional about pursuing tough questions regarding faith with a little snark. Dr. Enns has a PhD in biblical studies and a long career of research, teaching, speaking and writing to back up his ideas. All are invited to read his book (makes a good item for the Christmas list!) in January, join a (one-time) discussion group in February, and come hear him speak at the Dessert & Dialogue on Sunday, March 15 (non-book readers welcome, of course!). Sign up to participate (and give your preferences for a discussion group) at wpc-alex.org/book-read. CHILDREN & FAMILIES (Nursery–5th Grade) wpc-alex.org/families Contact Patty Chamberlain, Director. Playgroup (All Ages) | Join other Westminster families at the playground near the Fairlington Community Center (3308 S Stafford St. in Arlington) on Friday, January 3 at 11AM, while the kids are still off of school. There are areas for all ages (elementary and younger) to play. Bring lunch if you want to stay for a picnic. We're hoping for a sunny January day, but our backup plan is Chuck E Cheese! Playgroup (Nursery-Preschool) | Fridays, January 17 and February 14 in room 302 from 10AM-12PM. M&M MiniCamp (K–5th Graders) | Friday, January 31, 2020 | 8:30AM–1PM. Patterned after our summer Music & More camp! Music, activities, and crafts with a focus on Candlemas, the celebration of the return of light in the middle of winter. Includes pizza lunch. Fee $25. Register your child at wpc-alex.org/families.

Westminster Weekday Preschool | In-House Registration for the fall of 2020 begins in January. This includes Westminster church members and former/current preschool families. For more information, visit wpc-alex.org/preschool or contact Carolyn Burke.

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

FLYING SOLO SINGLES (50’s and above) wpc-alex.org/flying-solo Contact Nancy Hall Berens, Director. Christmas Day Dinner | Wednesday, December 25 | 2PM at the home of Nancy Harper. RSVP to Nancy Harper to coordinate (appetizers, sides, salads). Note: No 4th Tuesday potluck in December. Undecorate and Brunch | Sunday, January 5 | Join us after the 11:00 worship service to take down the Christmas tree in Johnson Parlor then go out for brunch together. Flying Solo Book Group | Monday, January 20 at 7PM at the home of Cindy Smith. Discuss the rest of “Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who’s Who” by Frederick Buechner. OUTSIDERS wpc-alex.org/congregational-life RSVP to Kera Winburn at outsiders@wpc-alex.org First Day Hike at Mason Neck State Park | January 1, 2020, 10AM-1PM Join us for an annual Virginia Park system tradition. This 3.5-mile hike is moderate difficulty with an easy pace and includes their Kane's Creek and Eagle Spur trials. Meet at the park's visitor center to begin the hike at 10. Dogs are welcome. RSVP. ROADSTERS (Boomers and Beyond) wpc-alex.org/roadsters RSVP with Nancy Hall Berens, Director or with the church office. Let’s Do Lunch! | Monday, January 27 | Join us to go down to the new waterfront area in southwest DC for lunch. Stay tuned for which restaurant! Meet at church at 12:30PM. Return by 2:30PM. Cost: $2 plus lunch. Little Theatre | Thursday, January 16 | “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” A distant heir to a family fortune sets out to speed up the line of succession by using a great deal of charm…and a dash of murder. This Tony Award winning musical comedy is a murderous romp filled with unforgettable music, non-stop laughs and show-stopping performances. Not to be missed! Show begins at 8; arrive at 7:45 for ticket. WOMEN wpc-alex.org/presbyterian-women Contact Nancy Hall Berens, Director or pw@wpc-alex.org Angel Tree | Many thanks to all the women’s circles for providing gifts for disadvantaged children, to ensure that they have warm clothes for the winter as well as a fun and very Merry Christmas! This is simply the most recent example of the generosity and compassion our women extend to those in need throughout the year. Hannah Circle December Meeting | Meet for dinner at Ghin Na Ree Thai Restaurant, 2509 N. Harrison Street in Arlington on Tuesday, December 17 at 7:30PM. Please let Elizabeth Martineau know if you plan to attend. Rachel Circle January Meeting | Tuesday, January 7 at Clyde’s, 1700 North Beauregard St. in Alexandria at 5PM. Women’s Book Groups | Monday, January 27 | 11AM or 7:30PM in the Johnson Parlor | Read Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for discussion led by Rev. Whitney Fauntleroy.

MEN OF WESTMINSTER www.wpc-alex.org/men-of-westminster Contact Dudley Schadeberg at mow@wpc-alex.org

Men’s Retreat | January 24-26, 2020 | Registration has now begun! Our leader will be our own Rev. Larry Hayward, speaking on Living and Working in a Place if Politics: The Case of Joab. Forms are available at the MOW table in Fellowship Hall after the 11:00 AM worship service, the church office, and online.

CONTACT

Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM 703-549-4766 | wpc-alex.org | office@wpc-alex.org

See the calendar at wpc-alex.org/calendar

@westminsteralex @wpcalex @wpcalex

Larry Hayward, Pastor ext. 100; lhayward@wpc-alex.org

Lavinia Davis-Laux, Director of Finance & Administration ext. 110; ldavislaux@wpc-alex.org

Jacob Bolton, Associate Pastor for Christian Formation ext. 101; jbolton@wpc-alex.org

Nancy Hall Berens, Congregational Life (Singles, Women, Roadsters) ext. 121; nhallberens@wpc-alex.org

Whitney Fauntleroy, Associate Pastor for Youth & Young Adults ext. 103; wfauntleroy@wpc-alex.org

Cindy McCeney, Financial Assistant ext. 115; cmcceney@wpc-alex.org

Patrick Hunnicutt, Associate Pastor for Mission & Pastoral Care ext. 102; phunnicutt@wpc-alex.org

Molly Roden, Children’s Music ext. 114; mroden@wpc-alex.org

Yeri So, Assistant Director of Music

Ben Hutchens, Director of Music ext. 127; bhutchens@wpc-alex.org

yso@wpc-alex.org

Evangeline Taylor, Director of Seniors

Jim Buchanan, Facilities Manager ext. 116; jbuchanan@wpc-alex.org

Pastoral Care ext. 122; etaylor@wpc-alex.org

Carolyn Burke, Preschool | ext. 160; preschooldirector@wpc-alex.org

Jessica Thurnes, Program Assistant ext. 112; jthurnes@wpc-alex.org

Tara Cain, Executive Assistant ext. 111; tcain@wpc-alex.org

Art Sauer, Member Involvement ext. 126; asauer@wpc-alex.org

Patty Chamberlain, Children’s Min. ext. 124; pchamberlain@wpc-alex.org

Amey Upton, Adult Education ext. 120; aupton@wpc-alex.org