Order of worship 12-3-23
SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
First Sunday of Advent
December, 3rd, Ten Thirty in the morning
Minister: Reverend Aaron Ochart
Liturgist: Amy Cardinale
Boldface indicates congregational participation.
Please stand, in body or spirit
THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN
PRELUDE: Gymnopede No. 1 by Satie, Garret Evans.
INTROIT: Call to Advent
PROCESSIONAL HYMN[BLUE#2] [GTG#82]: Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
- Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.
WORDS OF WELCOME
EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE adapted from Isa 59:9& Ps. 80:18-19
1st PERSON: O Lord of light, Come to save us.
2nd PERSON: We wait for your light, but all is in darkness;
We wait for brightness, but we walk in gloom.
ALL: 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.
[Light the Candle]
RESPONSIVE HYMN[BLUE#9] [GTG#88]: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
shall come to thee, O Israel.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of the promised Messiah, as we wait for the fulfillment of your promise,
we watch, we listen, and we open our hearts for your Word. Show us signs of
your presence: a light in the darkness, a voice in the silence, and a stirring deep
within us. Amen.
*HYMN OF THE MONTH [GTG#86] “The People Who Walked In Darkness”
- The people who walked in darkness awaken to see a great light.
The people who dwelt in the land of the shadow rise to a star shining bright
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace
- The yoke of despair and bondage, the chains of the slave masters’s rod
are shattered and scattered like dust in a windstorm, loosed by the justice of God.
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace
- For us now a child is given, for all the despised and forlorn.
The rule of compassion shall rest on his shoulder. God’s own Messiah is born!
His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,
Father forever, Prince of Peace
MESSAGE FOR THE CHILDREN
RESPONSE HYMN [GTG#349): Sleepers Wake, A Voice Astounds us” v. 1
1 “Sleepers, wake!” A voice astounds us; the shout of rampart guards surrounds us:
“Awake, Jerusalem, arise!” Midnight’s peace their cry has broken,
their urgent summons clearly spoken: “The time has come, O maidens wise!
Rise up, and give us light; the Bridegroom is in sight. Alleluia!
Your lamps prepare and hasten there, that you the wedding feast may share.”
REPENTANCE
CALL TO CONFESSION
SILENT CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
God with us, you are coming into the world to bring all people together in peace. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven. We live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit and abuse both neighbor and nature, and refuse your justice and peace.
In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world. Amen
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI [BLUE#579] [GTG#581]
Glory 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, Amen.
THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED
SCRIPTURE LESSON Jeremiah 33:14-25
The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.”
For thus says the Lord: David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel, and the levitical priests shall never lack a man in my presence to offer burnt offerings, to make grain offerings, and to make sacrifices for all time. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Thus says the Lord: If any of you could break my covenant with the day and my covenant with the night, so that day and night would not come at their appointed time, only then could my covenant with my servant David be broken, so that he would not have a son to reign on his throne, and my covenant with my ministers the Levites. Just as the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will increase the offspring of my servant David, and the Levites who minister to me. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: Have you not observed how these people say, “The two families that the Lord chose have been rejected by him,” and how they hold my people in such contempt that they no longer regard them as a nation? Thus says the Lord: Only if I had not established my covenant with day and night and the ordinances of heaven and earth, would I reject the offspring of Jacob and of my servant David and not choose any of his descendants as rulers over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes, and will have mercy upon them.
ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.
MANY: Thanks be to God
SERMON “Hope in the Darkness” Reverend Aaron Ochart
THE WORD MADE FLESH
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH Scots Confession
We confess and acknowledge one God alone, to whom alone we must cleave, whom alone we must serve, whom only we must worship, and in whom alone we put our trust. Who is eternal, infinite, immeasurable, incomprehensible, omnipotent, invisible; one in substance and yet distinct in three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. By whom we confess and believe all things in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, to have been created, to be retained in their being, and to be ruled and guided by [God’s] inscrutable providence for such end as [God’s] eternal wisdom, goodness, and justice have appointed, and to the manifestation of [God’s] own glory.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J.S. Bach
*DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]
Praise God from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;
Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
THE GREAT PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
ONE: The Lord be with you.
MANY: And also with you.
ONE: Lift up your hearts.
MANY: We lift them to the Lord.
ONE: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
MANY: It is right to give our thanks and praise.
ONE: …Therefore with all creation, we sing your praise:
MANY: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.
ONE: … Great is the mystery of faith:
MANY: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again…
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
ONE: … The gifts of God for the people of God.
MANY: Thanks be to God.
PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION
*HYMN [Blue #13] [GTG#106] Prepare the Way O Zion (106)
1 Prepare the way, O Zion, your Christ is drawing near!
Let every hill and valley a level way appear.
Greet One who comes in glory, foretold in sacred story.
Refrain: O blest is Christ who came in God’s most holy name.
2 He brings God’s rule, O Zion; he comes from heaven above.
His rule is peace and freedom, and justice, truth, and love.
Lift high your praise resounding, for grace and joy abounding. [Refrain]
3 Fling wide your gates, O Zion; your Savior’s rule embrace,
and tidings of salvation proclaim in every place.
All lands will bow rejoicing, their adoration voicing. [Refrain]
*PARTING PRAYER
Almighty God, you have made us and all things to serve you. Now prepare the world for your rule. Come quickly to save us, so that wars and violence shall end, and your children may live in peace, honoring one another with justice and love; through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.
CHARGE AND BENEDICTION
*RESPONSE [GTG 90] “Wait for the Lord”
Wait for the Lord, whose day is near.
Wait for the Lord; be strong; take heart!
POSTLUDE Verso in E Minor by Domenico Zipoli
Participating in today’s service are Rev. Aaron Ochart, Pastor; Louise Ochart CE Leader; and Kelly Cuppett, Music Director. Appreciation to Dennis Lauland. Mike Fortin, and David Garland for the video production of today’s service.
The Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by Permission. All Rights Reserved.
Announcements 12-3-23
John Calvin Presbyterian Church
-Prayer List-
December 3
- Family and friends of Rose Klimick, friend of the Ocharts
- Mark and Nadica Hillman, a former supervisor of Bill B, who were in a serious auto accident. Mark’s father is doing poorly.
- Elizabeth Campbell, daughter of Bill B’s friend, recently lost her husband and is taking care of her four children and estate processes.
- Anita and family, part of Ashley Marler’s extended family, who was in a car accident and is in ICU. Also for her daughter, son in law, and their children.
- For Tristen and her family, friends of Ashley Marler still trying to restore home after Ida.
November 26th
- An unspoken request.
- Provision and guidance as the Mayfields fix up their new home, (also prayers for a lawn mower)
- The nephew of Mr. Ed, having health issues
November 19th
- Juanita Dugas, recovering from eye surgery
- Loretta and Bob Roth, friends of Emily Garland. Loretta is battling brain cancer and Bob was rushed to the hospital yesterday morning and is in CCU diagnosed with stage 2 Sepsis.
- Gale Sparazza and her family, friends of the Ocharts.
November 12th
- Matt and Jenny, friends of the Ocharts
- Ann O’Hara, grandmother of Kelly Cuppett, has just been diagnosed with leukemia.
- Roger Harper, a Friend of Linda Lowry, who is struggling with pneumonia.
- Family and friends of Linda Nakamoto, a friend of Palermos, who passed away. Their sons have been friends since elementary school.
November 5th
- The 2024 Pledge Campaign “Saved to Serve”
- Ryland Smith (20-month-old) recovering from RSV, and family.
- Curtis, son of Ernie and Dennis, is having shoulder surgery on November 7th.
CONTINUING PRAYERS FOR THOSE STRUGGLING WITH HEALTH ISSUES: Zoe Gurdy, Teddy Brock, Ernest and Patricia Ellis, Neil Freudenthal, Buddy Haw, Tony Hill, Tom Moore, Wayne Tracy, Bob Wooderson, David Russo, and others struggling with health issues.
Announcements:
CHURCH AUCTION!! Our Church Auction is live. Here is the link: https://www.32auctions.com/JCPChurch You all have donated so many wonderful items. Now we need people to buy them. Don’t forget to share the link or use the flyers we have provided to invite your friends and family. On Facebook go to John Calvin Presbyterian Church’s Facebook page and share the Auction post to your feed. Also don’t forget we also need volunteers to staff our drop-off days and times and pick-up days and times. So if you have available on the 15th or 16th of Dec. please talk with Sue.
ALL CHURCH GATHERING OPPORTUNITY: Do you want to see a full solar eclipse and fellowship with your church members and other Presbyterians at the same time? We have a great opportunity to join Presbyterians from all over the country in Little Rock AR for an Intergenerational Creation Care Event culminating with the total solar eclipse at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center. Please see the insert for more information. You can register with this link https://bit.ly/creationcareevent2024. We are asking everyone to register on their own, so you can select the accommodations that best suit your family. Then let us know that you will be attending. We hope that families and individuals of all ages will join together for this wonderful all-church event.
DEVOTIONALS FOR THE NEW YEAR: Start the new year off right, now is a great time to order your devotional for 2024. Here is this week’s suggestion: The Upper Room Disciplines 2024: A Book of Daily Devotions. Based on the Revised Common Lectionary, a three-year cycle of Sunday scripture readings, Disciplines features: a focal scripture passage for each day, short daily meditations from 53 thought leaders from diverse Christian traditions, a reflection or prayer to carry with you each day, weekly scripture overviews, an index of scripture readings, and a guide to daily prayer.
POINSETTIAS: Please fill out the form in the bulletin and place it in the offering plate by December 10th.
CHRISTMAS CANTATA: Mark your calendar for Dec. 10th to join us for the Annual Christmas Cantata and the Luncheon to follow.
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Year to Date Finances, as of October 2023 Revenues: $320,684.89 Expenses: $382,453.86 ($61,768.97) |
BIRTHDAYS: Maggie Walker 12/9,
ANNOUNCEMENTS
announcements 11/19/23
Announcements:
MAMMA MIA SING-ALONG: Chinese Presbyterian is hosting a sing-along to Mamma Mia on Friday, Nov. 24th afternoon at 4:30pm. All are welcome.
ANGEL TREE: Every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year. So grab a tag off the tree, shop for your child, and return gifts to the church by Dec. 3rd. You can do this on your own or team up with a friend. We even have elves willing to do the shopping for you if you prefer to make a monetary contribution instead of shopping. More information can be found on the tag and the attached information sheet, when you take one off the tree.
CHURCH AUCTION!! Our Church Auction is going live on Monday Nov. 20th at noon. Here is the link: https://www.32auctions.com/JCPChurch You all have donated so many wonderful items. Now we need people to buy them. We will be sending out an email next week with all the details for the Auction, including this link. We need you to share the link with your friends and family. We will make a post on Facebook that you will be able to share on your social media and we have small business card size flyers you can share in person. We also need volunteers to staff our drop off days and times and pick-up days and times. So if you have available on the 15th or 16th of Dec. please talk with Sue. Also if you have an item you intended to donate but have not had a chance to it get to Louise there is still time. We can add items after the Auction goes live but in order to get as many views as possible for your item the sooner we get it in the Auction the better. So please email Louise as soon as possible.
OFFICE CLOSURE FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS: The office will be closed from noon on Tuesday Nov. 21st and will reopen on Monday Nov. 27th. We will not have youth Fellowship time on the 26th, however we will have a children’s church.
ALL CHURCH GATHERING OPPORTUNITY: Do you want to see a full solar eclipse and fellowship with your church members and other Presbyterians at the same time? We have a great opportunity to join Presbyterians from all over the country in Little Rock AK for an Intergenerational Creation Care Event culminating with the total solar eclipse at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center. Please see the insert for more information. You can register with this link https://bit.ly/creationcareevent2024. We are asking everyone to register on their own, so you can select the accommodations that best suit your family. Then let us know you will be attending. We hope that families and individuals of all ages will join together for this wonderful all church event.
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS: Even though it’s not even thanksgiving yet now is a great time to get your advent devotional ordered. Here is this week’s suggestion: Advent in Plain Sight A Devotion Through Ten Objects By Jill J. Duffield. At Christmas, God came into our ordinary world in the form of a child, and still today, God is at work through the ordinary stuff of life, if we train our eyes to see.
In this daily devotional for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, Jill J. Duffield draws readers’ attention to ten ordinary objects that appear in the biblical narratives of messianic prophesy and incarnation–objects we encounter in our own lives. Through objects such as gates, trees, cloth, light, and water, readers will find new meaning in the biblical account of Jesus’ coming. By connecting everyday objects with biblical texts, Advent in Plain Sight prompts readers to see the near kingdom of heaven on earth and ponder what that divine proximity enables and asks them to do and be. Each daily devotional features a Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection, reminding Christians that God still dwells among us, even in the most ordinary places.
BONUS FAMILY RECOMMENDATION:Advent in Narnia Reflections for the Season By Heidi Haverkamp Walking into Advent can be like walking through the wardrobe. With its enchanting themes of snow and cold, light and darkness, meals and gifts, temptation and sin, forgiveness and hope “and even an appearance by Father Christmas “C. S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe fits naturally into the Advent season. As the reader seeks a storied king and anticipates the glorious coming of Christmas, these twenty-eight devotions alternate between Scripture and passages from the novel to prompt meditation on Advent themes. Each devotion also includes questions for reflection. The book also provides several resources for churches, including four sessions for small group discussion and ideas for creating a Narnia Night for families. Readers will ultimately come to know God better while journeying through Narnia.
ZOOM ADVENT BIBLE STUDY: Join us each Thursday evening in December at 6:00 PM for a special Zoom Bible Study for Advent. We will be studying the book: Holy Disruption. Holy Disruption presents a fresh understanding of the holiness of Christmas grounded, not in a conventional cozy Christmas message, but through Mark’s disquieting gospel which invites its readers to experience God’s disruptive but transformative love for us and our world.Each week a different teacher will walk us through one of the four advent lessons. Please let Louise know if you would like us to order you a book. Right now they can be purchased on the PCUSA website for $10 but the price is subject to change. If you need a quick zoom tutorial or refresher prior to the start of the Bible study let Louise or Pastor Aaron know and we will get you set-up.
PLAYSCHOOL HAPPENING AND FUNDRAISERS: Join us on Nov. 29th for a fundraiser. Eat at Reginelli’s between 11:00 am – 9:00 PM and they will donate 10% of your order when you mention the playschool.
