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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

 January 25, 2009                                                        10:45 o’clock

 

WE OFFER PRAISE TO THE GLORY OF GOD

 

THE PRELUDE                                                                                               

 

 

           

THE JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

Pastor:              The joys and concerns have been shared.

People:             Let us prepare our hearts for worship.

 

THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLE OF PEACE

 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP                                                             

                

Leader:             We are God’s representatives on our planet;

 

People:             It isn’t enough to display our piety in religious exercises.

 

Leader:             We are called to demonstrate God’s love for the unloved beings who cross our daily path.

 

People:             As we were introduced to God’s love through Jesus and those who followed Him, our fellow beings are to see something of God’s love through us.

 

All:                      Let us worship and serve the Lord.


* THE HYMN OF PRAISE 377                              PESCADOR DE HOMBRES                                                                                                                                        

Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore

 * THE CALL TO CONFESSION                                                       

 

Beloved, God does not disappoint those who come in hope, nor does God turn away those who approach in faith.  Let us make our confession to God in hope and faith.      

 

* THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison) 

 

Gracious God, we have sought you in high and holy places; we are ill-prepared to acknowledge your presence among the lowly and poor. We believe you are profound but we overlook your obvious truths. We are anxious about the unknown but we hardly consider the realities immediately in front of us. Turn us, incarnate God, by the simple wonders of your love, to a rebirth of faith and hope and joy.  Amen.            

 

* THE TIME FOR SILENT PERSONAL CONFESSION

 

* THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON

 

God sent Jesus not to judge us, but to save us.  God accepts both our courage and our fears. In the name of Christ, your sins are forgiven.  Dare to accept the gift of a new beginning. 

 

* THE SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE

 

Leader:                                         The peace of Christ be with you.

Congregation:                          And also with you.

Leader:                                         Let us share Christ’s peace.

 

THE TIME WITH THE CHILDREN                                                         

 

THE ANTHEM                                                                                      

             

THE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

 

Guide us, O God, by your Word and Spirit, that in your light we may see light, in your truth find freedom, and in your will discover your peace; through Jesus Christ out Lord. 

Amen.

 

THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                          Jonah 3: 1 – 10 [p. 753]

 

THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON                        Mark 1: 14 - 20 [p. 812]

Leader:             The Word of the Lord.

People:             Thanks be to God.

 

THE SERMON                                                                                 Rev. Virginia Birks

                 

“A Whale of a Tale”

 

THE HYMN OF MEDITATION 298 (please remain seated)    IN BABILONE                                   

 

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

 

THE PRAYERS OF PRAISE AND INTERCESSION         

 

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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

THE CHURCH IN MISSION                                      Shelley Peterson         

 

THE OFFERTORY                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                             


* The Doxology (in unison)

 

                                          Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

                                          Praise God all creatures here below;

                                          Praise God above, ye choirs in song;

                                          Rejoice, be grateful, all life long.  Amen.

 

* THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

* THE HYMN OF COMMITMENT 422                              BEACH SPRING                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

God, Whose Giving Knows No Ending

 

* THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION                                             

                                                                                 

THE POSTLUDE

                 

 

 

*Those who are able are invited to stand.

 

Leading in worship are The Rev. Virginia Birks; Lyle Whited, Liturgist; Jill Shafer, Choir Director; and Charles J. Briggs, Organist.

 

The Rev. Virginia Birks can be reached at 330-868-6329 or birks@sssnet.com.

 

The Flowers this morning are given to the Glory of God and as a happy reminder of Dr. William I. Schreiber, Gingrich Professor of German, Emeritus (1906 – 1998), and long time member of Westminster.

 

Greeters are Bill and Cheryl Weiss.

 

Child Care is provided in the Nursery Room.

 

 

Westminster Presbyterian Church

353 East Pine Street  330-263-2398

Email: sbrown@wooster.edu

Website: www3.wooster.edu/westminster


 

Church Notes

 

Sr. Highs - will meet tonight in the Church House Lounge at 7:00 p.m.

 

BorderLinks Committee will meet TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. at Elaine Smith Snyder's home. We will review our report to Session listing our goals and objectives from 2006-2009.

 

Session – Tuesday, January 27, at 7:00 p.m. in the Pastor’s Study.

 

Building Healthy Families – Wednesday, January 28, at 12:30 p.m. in The Meeting Place.

 

Dance – Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. in Mackey Hall.

 

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.

 

Adult Christian Education classes upcoming: Feb. 1 and Feb. 8—Religious Studies Professor Ishwar Harris will be our guest presenter. The titles of Prof. Harris’s talks for these two Sundays are: “Religious Extremism, Dogma, and Faith” on Feb. 1; and, “Religious Universalism, Diversity, and Hope” on Feb. 8.  Please join us to take advantage of this special opportunity to hear and discuss important issues related to our series “Building Community Among Strangers.”

 

On Souper Bowl Sunday, February 1, many churches will participate by asking parishioners for loose change to help hungry people in their communities. The Presbyterian-founded, youth-oriented anti-hunger campaign raises money for the poor and ill-nourished. The program has raised $33 million for charities like food banks and soup kitchens since its inception in 1990. Next Sunday we will collect loose change from the congregation to be donated to a local charity.

 

There will be a soup lunch following worship February 8, after which we will share the results of your Faithful Listening. The Fellowship Committee will provide the soup. If you would like to bring bread or simple finger food, contact a member of the committee.

 

 

 

The Mission Committee wants to revive our church’s Bed and Breakfast program that we ran for several years. If you have an extra bedroom that could occasionally be used to welcome out of town parents and guests, we would appreciate hearing from you! Volunteers should be willing to have guests stay in a room in their home and provide breakfast for them. Usually the visits are one to two nights. Guests would pay a suggested donation for the nights stayed and the money would be donated to the WPC Mission Committee Bed and Breakfast fund to be used for worthy projects. This B & B project will be posted on our church web site where parents and friends may contact our coordinator who will match availability of rooms to the requests received. If we have about ten volunteers, we should be able to make this work without it being a burden on anyone. Please let us know of your willingness to help us by contacting a Mission committee member: Krista Asher, Linda Barbu, Barbara Bell, Sue Coleman, or Shelley Peterson.

 

 

You may bring a donation of food for People to People Ministries next Sunday.  The donations may be left in the entryway. Items needed include complete pancake mixes, pork and beans, crackers and applesauce.

 

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Fourth Sunday of Advent

 

December 21, 2008                                                     10:45 o’clock

    

WE OFFER PRAISE TO THE GLORY OF GOD

 

 THE PRELUDE                                                     Peter I. Tchaikovsky                           

 

Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy

The Nutcracker Suite

 

THE JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE CHURCH     

Leader:             The joys and concerns have been shared.

People:             Let us prepare our hearts for worship.

 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP

 

Leader:

 

There once was a people who walked in despair, without grace, without goodness and without purpose.

 

People:       We have had our own times of despairing, living without grace and without purpose.

                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Leader:       But the voice of God through the prophets continues to call out to us:

 

People:       “Light the candle of love.”

 

THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES                                          

                 OF HOPE AND PEACE AND JOY AND LOVE                 

 

                         Air                                                        Henry Purcell

 

* THE ADVENT HYMN 12                                                  BESANÇON                                                                                                                                 

People, Look East

             

* THE CALL TO CONFESSION                                                       

 

Here in the presence of eternal time

     we cast off the wounds of worldliness,

           opening our hearts and minds to God’s continual renewal.

 

* THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)

 

God of grace and truth, in Jesus Christ you came among us as light shining in darkness. We confess that we have not welcomed the light or trusted good news to be good. You have promised to bring all nations under your rule, but in this Christmas season when we speak and sing of “peace on earth,” we confess how hard it is to trust that promise. In all honesty, we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, coming to worship, but often not listening expectantly for your quiet voice.                                                                                                                                                              

In your mercy, forgive us. Help us to listen in story, song, scripture and the words of our neighbor for your special message to each of us this day. Grant us the wisdom to trust in your presence, and, like Mary, to listen, hear and respond to your call in our lives.

 

* THE TIME FOR SILENT PERSONAL CONFESSION

 

* THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON

 

The reconciling act of God in Jesus Christ transforms our hearts. We are changed from brokenness to wholeness, from separation to at-one-ment, with God and with our neighbor.

         

* THE SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE                                            

              Leader:                           The peace of Christ be with you.

              Congregation:            And also with you.

              Leader:                           Let us share Christ’s peace.

 

THE TIME WITH THE CHILDREN

 

THE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

O God, by your Spirit tell us what we need to hear, and show us what we ought to do, to obey Jesus Christ our Savior.

Amen.

THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON                                 Luke 1: 28 – 38 [p. 831]

THE RESPONSE                                                Luke 1: 46 – 55 [p. 832]

 

Leader:       And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

People:       for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.  Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

Leader:       for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

People:       His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.

Leader:       He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.

People:       He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

Leader:       he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.

People:       He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

 

THE ANTHEM                                                         Mary McDonald                   

                

Let There Be Light

 

THE SERMON                                                       Rev. Virginia Birks

 

 “Saying ‘Yes’ When It Matters”

 

THE HYMN OF MEDITATION 16 [please remain seated]   GABRIEL’S MESSAGE                                                                                                     

The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came

THE PRAYERS OF PRAISE, THANKSGIVING AND INTERCESSION

 

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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

THE CHURCH IN MISSION                                       David Gillespie

 

THE OFFERTORY                                                Peter I. Tchaikovsky

Dance of the Reed-Flutes

The Nutcracker Suite

 

* THE DOXOLOGY (in unison)

     

                                          Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

                                          Praise God all creatures here below;

                                          Praise God above, ye choirs in song;

                                          Rejoice, be grateful, all life long.  Amen.

 

* THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 

* THE HYMN OF COMMITMENT 49                                           IRBY                       

 

Once in Royal David’s City

 

* THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

 

THE POSTLUDE                                                  Peter I. Tchaikovsky

March

The Nutcracker Suite

 

*Those who are able are invited to stand.

 

Leading in worship are The Rev. Virginia Birks; Rich Drushal, Liturgist; Jill Shafer, Choir Director; and Charles J. Briggs, Organist.


The Rev. Virginia Birks can be reached at 330-868-6329 or birks@sssnet.com.

 

The Flowers this morning are given to the Glory of God.

 

Child Care is provided in the Nursery Room.

 

The Fellowship Committee welcomes members, friends and families to Christmas Eve dinner in The Meeting Place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24. Those attending may bring fruit or dessert, if they wish.

 

 

Westminster’s

Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

 is at 7:00 PM in Mackey Sanctuary.

 The Joy Offering will be received.

 

 

Ruth MacKenzie will be honored with a birthday celebration on Sunday, December 28, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. in Mackey Hall. If you have a special memory of Ruth, bring it for her scrapbook, but please no gifts. Questions? Please call MacKenzie’s Silver and Gold (330-262-1330).

 

Thanks again to all who contributed gifts of time and money to another very successful Alternative Gift Market. Westminster collected over $2,200 for its various missions, including $1,395 for Alternative Gift projects.

 

Jeremy Spool will play a short piece by Tchaikovsky, Dumka, Op. 59, on Friday, December 26, at 2:00 p.m. in Mackey Hall. All are invited.

 

The Church House Office will be closed December 25th and 26th.

 

NOTE: Annual reports from all Committee chairs are due by January 1, 2009.

 

 

Westminster Presbyterian Church

353 East Pine Street  330-263-2398

Email: sbrown@wooster.edu

Website: www3.wooster.edu/westminster

 

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Third Sunday of Advent

 

December 14, 2008                                                     10:45 o’clock

 

WE OFFER PRAISE TO THE GLORY OF GOD

 

 

THE PRELUDE                                                                                          

 

 

THE JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

Pastor:                  The joys and concerns have been shared.

People:                 Let us prepare our hearts for worship.

 

 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader:

Come, O come all ye faithful, joyfully triumphant. Come ye, O come ye, to the house of God, to the place of peace, hope and love.

             

People:       We come to meet and gather with our friends, to sojourn with like-minded souls who support and encourage and love us.        

                                                                                                                                          

Leader:       Come, O come all ye faithful, filled with awe and inspiration, with words of praise on your lips, the sounds of joy in your hearts.      

 

People:       Let us light the candle of joy!        

 

 

THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES

          OF HOPE AND PEACE AND JOY            

 


* THE ADVENT HYMN 177                                arr. John Ferguson, 1973         

                                                                                                                                             

Psalm 24

 

* THE CALL TO CONFESSION

 

The cares of this life weight us down, and we seek escape more than insight, avoidance rather than confrontation with God’s truth. God comes to us even when we are hiding from the best we know. God waits to hear our story and to restore us to life as it is meant to be. Let us come to God in prayer.

 

* THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)

 

God of grace, you send signs of love in people who care. But often we shut those people out. We turn away your love when we need it the most. We deny your hope within us, and we keep ourselves isolated and afraid. Turn our misery into your joy and visit us with your salvation, for we wait you in need.

    

* THE TIME FOR SILENT CONFESSION

 

* THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON

                 

Hear the good news! God has forgiven each one of us and calls us to take our parts in the unfolding drama of salvation and new life.

 

* THE SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE

 

Leader:                                   The peace of Christ be with you.

Congregation:                    And also with you.

Leader:                                   Let us share Christ’s peace.

 

THE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

 

O Lord our God, your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Give us grace to receive your truth in faith and love, that we may be obedient to your will and live always for your glory; through Jesus Christ our Savoir.  Amen.

 


THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSONS                 Isaiah 61: 1 – 4, 8 - 11 [p. 603]         

                                                                              Psalm 126 [p. 499]         

Leader:          The Word of the Lord.                                                                     

People:             Thanks be to God.

 

THE ANTHEM                                                               Dale Wood         

                                                                                       

Carol from An Irish Cabin

 

THE SERMON                                                                                 Rev. Virginia Birks

 

THE HYMN OF MEDITATION 28 (please remain seated)   IN DULCI JUBILO                 

             

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

 

THE PRAYERS OF PRAISE AND INTERCESSION

 

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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

THE CHURCH IN MISSION                                         Lemoine Peart         

 

THE OFFERTORY                                                              Selected                                                                                                                               

 

* THE DOXOLOGY (in unison)

     

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

                                          Praise God all creatures here below;

                                          Praise God above, ye choirs in song;

                                          Rejoice, be grateful, all life long.  Amen.

 

* THE PRAYER OF DEDICATION

 


* THE HYMN OF COMMITMENT 40                                      ANTIOCH                                                                                                                                    

 

Joy to the World!

 

* THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION                                                      

 

THE POSTLUDE                                                                                   

         

 

*Those who are able are invited to stand.

 

 

Leading in worship are The Rev. Virginia Birks; Adrian Dryer, Liturgist; Jill Shafer, Choir Director; and Charles J. Briggs, Organist.

 

The Rev. Virginia Birks can be reached at 330-868-6329 or birks@sssnet.com.

 

The Flowers this morning are given to the Glory of God by the Relles and with thanks to the Westminster congregation for all their prayers and kind thoughts.

 

Greeters are Ferenc and Candy Relle.

 

Child Care is provided in the Nursery Room.

 

Building Healthy Families – Wednesday, December 17, at 12:30 p.m. in The Meeting Place.

 

Dance Group – Wednesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m. in Mackey Hall.

 

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, December 17, at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.

 

The Fellowship Committee welcomes members, friends and families to Christmas Eve dinner in The Meeting Place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24. Those attending may bring fruit or dessert, if they wish. The Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols will follow at 7:00 p.m. in Mackey Sanctuary.


Peace & Justice Library Highlights - This week’s selection is linked to the current theme of our Adult Education series that will conclude on December 21. Hopefully, that final session of 2009 will include a second video link with our St. George partner church.

              Out of War: True Stories from the Front Lines of the Children’s Movement for Peace in Colombia; by Sara Cameron. Scholastic/UNICEF, 2001. Cloth 0-439-29721-4. Grades 4-8. “Colombia has been beset with civil war and with violence associated with the production of cocaine for more than 40 years.  This book, commissioned by UNICEF, looks at Colombia’s culture of violence through the eyes of nine young people who have become involved with the Children’s Movement for Peace. This organization came into being through the auspices of UNICEF, but it is now a relatively autonomous association that is organized and run almost entirely by young people. Adults serve only in advisory capacities. The young people who are profiled here have all been touched personally by the violence in their country. All of them have chosen to stop the cycle of violence by working for peace. They recognize that the struggle for peace is not easy, but their sense of efficacy is inspiring. A list of resources for further information is included.” (From: War and Peace: A guide to Literature and New Media, Grades 4-8, Virginias A. Walter)

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Second Sunday of Advent

 

December 7, 2008                                                      10:45 o’clock

 

WE OFFER PRAISE TO THE GLORY OF GOD

 

 

THE PRELUDE                                                                  J. S. Bach           

 

Sarabande from Cello Suite in G major

 

THE JOYS AND CONCERNS OF THE CONGREGATION

Pastor:                  The joys and concerns have been shared.

People:                 Let us prepare our hearts for worship.

 

THE CALL TO WORSHIP                                                                                           

                 

Leader:

 

 

The year closes and the new year begins. The adventure of life with Jesus Christ in the world appears. Let us rejoice in the hope of God’s covenant of love and forgiveness with us.

 

People:             May we bring all of our world into the presence of God? Must some things be left behind? Does the mercy seat of God invite all of our living? May we worship God with our whole heart and our whole mind?

 

Leader:             Friends, this is Advent! God embraces the totality of our life.  God is the accompanist to all our life.                                                                                                      

 

People:             Let us worship this God who embraces such souls as ours. We light the candles of Hope and Peace to remind us of this joyous season.


 

THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES OF HOPE AND PEACE                

* THE ADVENT HYMN 1                                                    STUTTGART         

                                                                                                                                     

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

 

* THE CALL TO CONFESSION                                                       

 

Here in the presence of eternal time

     we cast off the wounds of worldliness,

                   opening our hearts and minds to God’s continual renewal.

 

* THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison)

 

Holy God, Creator of all worlds great and small, your spirit has brought forth through earthquake, wind, water and fire, the shape and dynamics of our world. Majestic and wonderful are your works, O God, they are too much for us. You have created us to be in relationship with you, with one another and with all your creation. Now in this quiet, safe and holy space, in this dedicated time, hear our prayers of forgiveness for all we might have done to harm you, your creation or your creatures upon this earth.

 

* THE TIME FOR SILENT PERSONAL CONFESSION

 

* THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON

 

God casts a blanket of grace upon us.  God surrounds us with a forgiving peace that astounds our belief. God grants unto us a wholeness and oneness, with God, with ourselves and with our neighbor.  We are a people of God’s making.  Friends, accept this good news and believe. Amen.

               

* THE SHARING OF CHRIST’S PEACE

Leader:                                The peace of Christ be with you.

Congregation:                 And also with you.

Leader:                                Let us share Christ’s peace.

 

THE TIME WITH THE CHILDREN                                                                             

 

THE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

Prepare our hearts, O God, to accept your Word. Silence in us any voice but your own, that, hearing, we may also obey your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

THE OLD TESTAMENT LESSON                         Isaiah 40: 1 – 11 [p. 581]         

 

THE NEW TESTAMENT LESSON                            Mark 1: 1 – 8 [p. 812]         

Leader:          The Word of the Lord.                                                                     

People:             Thanks be to God.

 

THE ANTHEM                                                     American Folk Song         

                                                                      Shenandoah

 

THE SERMON                                                                                 Rev. Virginia Birks

 

“Goatwalking to Bethlehem”

 

THE CHURCH IN MISSION                                              Linda Rea         

 

THE OFFERTORY                                                 Camille Saint-Saëns

Le Cygne (The Swan)

 

THE COMMUNION HYMN 13 (please remain seated)   BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN      

                 

Prepare the Way

 

THE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

 

The Invitation to The Lord’s Table

 

                                      This is the table, not of the Church, but of the Lord. It is to be made ready for those who love him and who want to love him more. So come, you who have much faith and you who have little, you who have been here often and you who have not been for a long time, you who have tried to follow and you who have failed.

 

Come, not because it is I who invites you: it is our Lord. It is his will that those who want him should meet him here.

                                         

The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving

 

Leader:              The Lord be with you.

People:             And also with you.

 

Leader:              Lift up your hearts.

People:             We lift them up to the Lord.


Leader:              Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People:             It is right to give our thanks and praise.

 

Leader:              It is truly right and our greatest joy

to give you thanks and praise,

O Lord our God, creator and ruler of the universe. 

In your wisdom, you made all things

and sustain them by your power. 

You formed us in your image,

setting us in this world to love and to serve you,

and to live in peace with your whole creation.

People:             When we rebelled against you

                            refusing to trust and obey you,

                            you did not reject us,

                            but still claimed us as your own.

                            You sent prophets to call us back to your way.

 

Leader:              Then in the fullness of time,

out of your great love for the world,

you sent your only Son to be one of us,

to redeem us and heal our brokenness.

People:             Therefore we praise you,

joining our voices with choirs of angels,

with prophets, apostles, and martyrs,

and with all the faithful of every time and place,

who forever sing to the glory of your name.  Amen.

 

THE ACT OF PRAISE 580 (in unison)                                         SANCTUS

 

Holy, Holy, Holy,

Lord God of Hosts,

Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory:

Glory be to Thee,

O Lord Most High.  Amen.

 

The Prayers for Sanctification and Intercession

 

Leader:              Gracious God,

pour out your Holy Spirit upon us

and upon these your gifts of bread and wine,

that the bread we break

and the cup we bless

may be the communion of the body and blood of Christ.


By your Spirit make us one with Christ,

that we may be one with all who share this feast,

united in ministry in every place.

As this bread is Christ’s body for us,

send us out to be the body of Christ in the world.

 

Leader:              Remember your church . . .

People:             Unite it in the truth of your Word

                                          and empower it in ministry to the world.

 

Leader:              Remember the world of nations . . .

People:             By your Spirit renew the face of the earth;

let peace and justice prevail.

 

Leader:              Remember our family and friends . . .

People:             Bless them and watch over them;

be gracious to them and give them peace.

Leader:              Remember the sick and the suffering,

                            the aged and the dying . . .

People:             Encourage them and give them hope.

 

Leader:              Rejoicing in the communion of saints,

we remember with thanksgiving

all your faithful servants, and those dear to us,

whom you have called from this life. . .

People:             We are grateful that for them death is no more,

nor is there sorrow, crying, or pain,

for the former things have passed away.

 

Leader:              In union with your church in heaven and on earth,

we pray, O God, that you will fulfill your eternal purpose

in us and in all the world.

 

Keep us faithful in your service

until Christ comes in final victory,

and we shall feast with all your saints

in the joy of your eternal realm.

 

All:                      Through Christ, with Christ, in Christ,

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

all glory and honor are yours,

now and forever.  Amen.

 


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 sins, as we forgive those who sin against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

 

The Sharing of the Eucharist

 

The Lord Jesus, on the night of his arrest, took bread,

and after giving thanks to God,

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying:

Take, eat.  This is my body, given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.

 

In the same way he took the cup, saying:

This cup is the new covenant sealed in my blood,

shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.

Whenever you drink it,

do this in remembrance of me.

                 

Every time you eat this bread and drink this cup,

you proclaim the saving death of the risen Lord,

until he comes.

THE COMMUNION MELODY                                                      J. S. Bach

                                                                                                 arr. Myra Hess

Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring

 

The Prayer After Communion (in unison)

 

Lord Jesus Christ, you have put your life into our hands; now we put our lives into yours. Take us, renew and remake us. What we have been is past; what we shall be, through you, still awaits us. Lead us on. Take us with you. Amen.

 

* THE HYMN OF COMMITMENT 8                                          TRURO                                                                                                                                                 

 

Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

 

* THE CHARGE AND BENEDICTION                                                      

 

THE POSTLUDE                             Un Sospiro                                            Franz Liszt                           

 

*Those who are able are invited to stand.

 

Leading in worship are The Rev. Virginia Birks; Mary Kilpatrick, Liturgist; Christine Evans, cellist; Kenneth Peterson, cellist; R. Michael Winters, IV, pianist; Jill Shafer, Choir Director; and Charles J. Briggs, Organist.

 

The Flowers this morning are given to the Glory of God and

 

Greeter is Ann Ely.

 

Child Care is provided in the Nursery Room.

 

The Alternative Gift Market will be held TODAY from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 521 College. Lunch will be available. Westminster is one of several churches participating in this fair which is an opportunity to support worthy causes and have your honorary donation noted in a Christmas card sent to friends and relatives.

 

Dance Group – Wednesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. in Mackey Hall.

 

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, December 10, at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Room.

 

The Fellowship Committee welcomes members, friends and families to Christmas Eve dinner in The Meeting Place at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24. Those attending may bring fruit or dessert, if they wish. The Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols will follow at 7:00 p.m. in Mackey Sanctuary.

 

WPC Web Updates: Mission Committee Objectives; “Calendar” page; "People" page, "Christian Education," et al.

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CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM        Deadline is Monday, DECEMBER 15

 

I would like to order          poinsettia(s) (at $5.65) to decorate Mackey Sanctuary.

 

         I will pick up after the Christmas Eve Service.                   Please deliver to a shut-in.

 

In memory of: _________________________________________________________________

 

Your name ___________________________________ Amount enclosed: $ ______________

(Please return this form to the Church office with payment.)

 

Westminster Presbyterian Church

353 East Pine Street  330-263-2398

Email: sbrown@wooster.edu  Website: www3.wooster.edu/westminster