PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH Associate Member: United Church of Christ

DECEMBER 27, 2020

833 Gravel Pike P.O. Box 66 Palm PA 18070 215-679-5321

www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com

ORDER OF WORSHIP Please join in unison where the print is bolded.

Pre-Service Announcements

Chimes

Welcome and Announcements

Prayer

Prelude “Cradle Song” David Williams

Call to Worship

Listen! Do you hear the sounds of joy? Have you heard the messenger’s good news? The Word was with God from the beginning. In Jesus, the Word has come to dwell among us. Break forth into singing, people of God! Your comfort and your salvation are at hand. In Christ, we are empowered as God’s children. We are gifted with grace and truth. Sing a new song and marvel at God’s ways. Make a joyful noise through all the earth. We celebrate the true light that enlightens us. We rejoice in the gift of new life.

Hymn #151 “Go, Tell It on the Mountain” (see insert) Prayer of Confession

God of all worlds, we confess that we seek to create our own limited reality in which you have no part. We do not sense your glory or sing your praise. By our words and deeds, we deny Jesus as our brother, and reject Christ as Savior. We deal falsely with one another, caring more for our own reputation and comfort than for the common good. O God, we plead for forgiveness. By your holy arm, lead us to victory over our selfish impulses, and uphold us in your steadfast love.

Time of Personal Confession

Assurance of Pardon

Scripture Psalm 98 (NRSV)

1O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory. 2 The LORD has made known his victory; he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. 5 Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. 6 With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD. 7 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. 8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy 9 at the presence of the LORD, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

John 1:1-14 (NRSV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life,

and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Hymn #11 “Listen! Good News!”

To the tune “Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming”

Listen, good news is coming From messengers of peace.

God’s light and love, returning, Proclaim that gloom shall cease.

Will we believe good news? Will we receive a Savior?

Will we God’s ways now choose?

Long, Long ago the prophets Spoke judgment on the earth.

Now Christ has come to claim us, Proclaiming human worth. Sing to our God a song;

Make joyful noise together! Night cannot last for long.

Comfort and hope surround us, Word taking flesh and space.

Christ who, from the beginning, Reigned, full of truth and grace,

Now seeks to meet us here To claim us as God’s people:

Loved, rescued, saved, brought near. Sermon “Grace Upon Grace”

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 to Offering

Offertory “Tender Shepherd” Gilbert M. Martin *Doxology

Praise 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 Dedication

Thank you, God, for the Word that came to live among us, bringing life and vision of glory. Thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness even when we have not listened or responded to your will. May this offering represent our growing awareness of the larger vision to which you call us. We dedicate these tokens toward sharing the light of this season among the principalities and powers that seek to wrest the world from your hands. Draw our hearts to follow our treasure into the work you want us to do. Amen.

Hymn #146 “Joy to the World! the Lord Is Come” (see insert)

Benediction

Postlude “Regents Square” Edwin C. Johnson

This week, please keep in your daily prayers:

Jeff Treichler, Arlene Krause, Ken Jacob, Scott Deischer, Megan

Johnson, Leon Wohlbach, Thomas Leister, Dennis Murray, Mary

Engler, Mary Jane Burianek, Bryan Schwoyer, Robin Hepler, Darlene

Jones, Tom Dunn, Evelyn Bold, Olivia Herman, Arlene Savidge, and

Gladys Frantz.

Please also keep in your prayers the men and women serving in the

United States Military. This month from our Schwenkfelder Prayer List

we uplift the staff at Palm Schwenkfelder.

THE DEACONS ASK THAT YOU PLEASE CHECK THE PRAYER LIST

AND LET US KNOW IF THERE ARE ANY PERSONS WHO NO

LONGER NEED TO BE ON IT. Also, if you know of someone who

needs our prayers, you may submit their name to Leslie in the church

office by phone (215-679-5321) or by e-mail

(palmadministrator@comcast.net). Remember, in order to respect

people's privacy, please be sure you have their permission before

submitting their names for the prayer list.

FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27th:

The bulletins are sponsored in honor or our children & grandchildren by Francis & Ethel Soffa.

The flowers are presented in honor of Faithann’s 6th birthday.

THINGS OF INTEREST TO OUR PALM FAMILY

ON-LINE WORSHIP CONTINUES

In the best interest of communal safety, the health of our worship leaders,

members and visitors alike, we will continue to worship exclusively on-line

through January 3rd.

ANNUAL REPORTS It’s that time of year again! ANNUAL REPORT TIME! Church leaders, Committee Chairs, and Heads of Departments, please submit your report to Leslie at palmadministrator@comcast.net by January 10th. If email isn’t possible, please drop off a paper copy to the church office. If you have any questions, please direct those to Lawrence Croll. Thank you.

JAMS & JELLIES FOR SALE

A variety of homemade jams and jellies are for sale in the

Adult Bible Classroom. Just $6.00 a jar! Leave your money

in the box available and enjoy.

OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER – PALM LEAVES

We both mail, via snail mail, and email the monthly newsletter. If you’d

prefer to receive it via email instead of the postal service, please let Leslie

know. Be sure she has your current email on file! You can email her at

palmadministrator@comcast.net or call her at the church office. Thanks!

STEWARDSHIP REPORT – Giving Through NOVEMBER 2020

Actual Budget Difference

Offering Envelopes $207,207.61 $229,166.66 ($ 21,959.05)

Faith Budget $ 2,650.00 $ 40,755.91 ($ 38,105.91)

Totals $209,857.61 $269,922.57 ($ 60,064.96) * Raise the Roof: $25,660.00

RAISE THE ROOF CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The roof on the Christian Education building is in need of replacement

within the next 2 to 3 years. To raise the funds needed for this project,

the Board of Trustees has decided to run a capital campaign entitled

“Raise the Roof.” The campaign will run through December 31, 2021 or

until the determined amount of $100,000 is reached. Please prayerfully

consider helping protect and maintain our facility by donating to this

very important campaign.

Thank you for your support, The Board of Trustees

mailto:palmadministrator@comcast.net

Did You Know…?

This is where we list items of interest to members and visitors. If you

have any items to add, please call or email Leslie in the church office.

Thank you.

If you are unable to worship with us on Facebook, you can go

to our YouTube page, Palm Schwenkfelder Church –

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwkTg3zcUXCFJct5IIOGOA

LARGE PRINT bulletins are available.

Considerations for our current in-person worship service:

o Please stay at home if you don’t feel well.

o Everyone age 2 and older should wear your mask

throughout the service and in the church building.

o Social distancing continues to be practiced. Members

of the same household may sit together.

o Please do not congregate together before/after

services.

o Hand sanitizer, wipes and masks are available.

o Only 1st floor restrooms of the educational wing are

available. There is a handicapped accessible restroom

that includes a baby changing table, if needed.

CCTV – We broadcast the Sunday worship service on closed

circuit televisions in both the Nursery and the Adult Sunday

School Room.

There are two, large yellow and green dumpsters in the back

corner of the parking lot for recycling your office paper and

newspaper. The church benefits from these collections, along

with helping the environment.

In case of a medical emergency, there is an AED (Automated

External Defibrillator) located in the rear of the Sanctuary, in

the alcove where the sound system and mailboxes are

located.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNwkTg3zcUXCFJct5IIOGOA

PALM’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sunday, December 27 – ON-LINE WORSHIP ONLY! 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Service (Facebook or YouTube) 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are

Zechariah 1-4; Revelation 18

Monday, December 28 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are

Zechariah 5-8; Revelation 19

Tuesday, December 29 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are

Zechariah 9-12; Revelation 20 6:30 p.m. Cub Scout Pack 79 Meeting 7:30 p.m. Scouts BSA - Troop Meeting

Wednesday, December 30 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are

Zechariah 13-14; Revelation 21 7:00 p.m. Senior Bell Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, December 31 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are

Malachi 1-4: Revelation 22

Friday, JANUARY 1 – HAPPY NEW YEAR 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are

Genesis 1-3; Matthew 1

Saturday, January 2 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are

Genesis 4-6; Matthew 2

NEXT Sunday, January 3 ---- NO Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Service (Facebook or YouTube) 12:00 p.m. Daily Time of Prayer – from wherever you are 2:00 p.m. Confirmation Class (ZOOM)

Genesis 7-9; Matthew 3

Serving you at here at PALM

Ministers: All Church Members Pastor: Rev. Nicholas L. Pence, Jr. Director of Music: Edward K. Bieler

Organist: Eric J. K. Muhlenberg Office Administrator: Leslie J. Reyburn-Shisler

Sexton: Kevin S. Master Prayer Chain: Nancy Hoffman

Pastor Nick’s Email & Cell Phone: palmpastor@comcast.net

Cell: (267) 374 – 5691

Office Administrator Email: palmadministrator@comcast.net

PALM SCHWENKFELDER CHURCH 833 Gravel Pike

P.O. Box 66 Palm PA 18070

Phone: 215 – 679 – 5321 Fax: 215 – 679 – 2650

OFFICE HOURS: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday www.palmschwenkfelderchurch.com

Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:15 a.m.

The Call to Worship, Hymn #11, The Prayer of Confession and The Prayer of Dedication

has been reprinted by permission of United Church Press from Led by Love by Lavon Bayler. Copyright 1996 by United Church Press.

Copyright License Number: 1433223

PALM SCHWENKFELDER’S

Mission Statement:

Our task is to proclaim

the Living Word of God,

which empowers us

to care for and share with

our community and the world.

Vision Statement:

Serving the glorious God,

claimed by Jesus,

and inspired by scripture,

honoring our history,

with renewed commitment

we will reach out to our community

and the world through worship,

spirit enriching programs,

and outreaching mission.