December 2, 2018 8:15, 9:30 and 11 a.m..
Gathering Around The Word
“Hope confronts. It does not ignore pain, agony, or injustice. It is not a saccharine optimism that refuses to see, face, or grapple with the wretchedness of reality. You can’t have active hope without despair, because hope is a response. Hope is the act of conviction that despair will never have the last word.” – Virginia Jones
Opening Voluntary (9:30 and 11 a.m.)
Two Settings of “Sleepers, Awake, A Voice is Calling!”
J. S. Bach & Michael Burkhardt
Invitation to Discipleship Introit (9:30 and 11 a.m.) Every Valley (9:30 a.m.) Kelley Lokensgard, soloist
John Ness Beck
Prepare the Way for the Lord (11 a.m.) Pat Messick Jubilate Singers
Call to Worship and Lighting of the Advent Wreath *Hymn 82
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
HYFRYDOL
*Call to Confession and Prayer of Confession
God of dreams and visions, open our hearts to receive your bold calling. We hear you beckoning, but we struggle to step into the unknown, afraid that our actions will disturb the status quo. Like Joseph, help us to obey your Spirit and trust your summons. Forgive us for our uncertainty, and grant us the courage to take risks for the sake of love.
*Words of Forgiveness
Leader: Friends, hear and believe the good news of the Gospel: People: We are saved by grace through faith. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. Thanks be to God. Amen.
*Gloria Patri (Hymn 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.
P rayer for I llumination S cripture Matthew 1:18-25
S ermon
O Holy Night: Was There a Holy Night for Joseph?
Rev. Ted Wardlaw
*A ffirmation of F aith
One: Why should we hope? All: We hope because God’s reign is present as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in people and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgment and redemption. With an urgency born of this hope, the church applies itself to present tasks and strives for a better world. It does not identify limited progress with the kingdom of God on earth, nor does it despair in the face of disappointment and defeat. In steadfast hope, the church looks beyond all partial achievement to the final triumph of God.
O ffertory M usic
Every Valley (8:15 a.m.) John Ness Beck Kelley Lokensgard, soloist E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come (9:30 & 11 a.m.) Paul Manz The Sanctuary Choir
*D oxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise God, all people here below; Praise God above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*P rayer of D edication I nvitation to the L ord ’ s T able G reat P rayer of T hanksgiving responsively
Leader : The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Leader : Lift up your hear ts. People: We lift them to the Lord. Leader : Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People: It is right to give God thanks and praise. Leader : It is truly right, God of all nations, to give you thanks… And so with your people on ear th and all the company of heaven, we praise your name and join their unending hymn, singing:
S anctus (H ymn 562) sung at 9:30 & 11 a.m. Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might, heaven and earth are full, full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest, hosanna in the highest.
Great is the mystery of faith: sung at 9:30 & 11 a.m.
T he L ord ’ s P rayer
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.
T he C ommunion of the P eople *H ymn 516
For the Bread Which You Have Broken (Verses 1 & 4)
KINGDOM
*B enediction C losing V oluntary
Toccata on “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Andrew Carter
Worship Leaders
Our preacher today is the Rev. Dr. Theodore J. Wardlaw, President of Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Director of Music Steve Jobman is conducting our Sanctuary Choir. Artistin-Residence Bradley Hunter Welch is playing today’s service. Our acolytes are Timmy and Jack Brackett. The lay liturgist is Mike Gelhausen. Next week’s preacher is Rev. Matthew Ruffner.
Flower Dedications The flowers in the Columbarium are given to the glory of God by Linda V. Smith and also by Annie, Bill, Lacy and Todd in loving memory of Libby Jones Jacobus.
Rev. Matthew Ruffner Senior Pastor
Rev. Sarah Johnson Associate Pastor for Discipleship
Rev. Kathy Lee-Cornell Associate Pastor for Mission and Outreach
Rev. Sarah Are Associate Pastor for Youth and Young Adults
Connect
The lovely Chrismons adorning the trees in the chancel are a gift from Presbyterian Women. This project was headed by Jennie Crays and the late Edna Clemens. Chrismon is a contraction of Christ and monogram and are traditionally white, symbolizing that Jesus was pure and perfect, and gold, symbolizing His majesty and glory. Choir Gala 2019: Tickets are now on sale for the Choir Gala! On Saturday, February 9, in the Malachite Ballroom at Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, we’ll celebrate and raise funds for the choir tour to northern England and Scotland in July 2019.Tickets are $50 each and include dinner, silent and live auctions and live music.You can also reserve a table of 10! Go to www.phpc.org/gala to reserve yours today. Women’s Conference: Registration is underway for the 2019 Women’s Conference at Mo-Ranch from May 31-June 2. Dr. Christine Yoder of Princeton Seminary is the keynoter and Glennon Doyle will make a special presentation. Space is limited; get your deposit of $75 in ASAP to Laurie Jennings in the church Finance Office and register with Rebecca Gafford (
[email protected], 214-763-3376) to claim one of the PHPC reserved spots (total cost $375).
Grow
Austin Seminary Lectures - Dr. Suzie Park: Join us for a special Advent class on Sunday, December 9 at 9:30 a.m. in Jubilee Hall B. Dr. Suzie Park, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, will teach on “Shepherds and Leadership in Israel” as it connects to the significance of shepherds in the Christmas story. Presbyterian Women: All PHPC women are invited to a December circle meeting Monday, December 10, or Tuesday, December 11. Monday: 9:30 a.m. for refreshments and Bible study in Jubilee Hall, lunch by reservation. 5:30 for BYO supper and Bible study in the Youth House Tuesday: 10 a.m. for Bible study and lunch at a member’s home. Contact DeLane Zipper at
[email protected] or 214.352.4775. The Bible study is “God With Us When We Seek God” taught by Rev. Jessie Light-Wells. For more information, contact Pat Coggan
[email protected] or 214.369.3068.
Upcoming
December 9: Second Sunday Lunch,
Rev. Mark Brainerd Associate Pastor for Congregational Care
Rev. Jessie LightWells Monie Pastoral Resident
Rev. Dr. Bob Poteet Parish Associate
Serve
Vickery Meadow Festival of Lights: This annual event brings together the community for a night filled with fun, games, food, musical performances, and a tree-lighting ceremony. Come celebrate the season and the groundbreaking of the new public library! If you would like to volunteer at the PHPC table, contact Dalene Buhl:
[email protected]. Event is on Tuesday, December 4, from 4-7 p.m. 8255 Park Lane. PCHAS Christmas Party: PHPC is hosting the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services Christmas Party for their foster families on Saturday, December 8 at 10 a.m. We will be turning the Youth House into Santa’s Workshop with pancake bar breakfast, crafts, games, Santa pictures and more! We need help with set-up, clean-up and during the party. Contact Ann Nielsen:
[email protected]
Give
Alternative Christmas Gifts: Visit our Malawi Mission Team in the Atrium for handcrafted goods and check out the brand new PHPC Giving Catalog, where gifts of hope purchased through our ministry partners can make a perfect gift and a difference in our world!
Commit 2019
Your Commit dollars go to our Children’s Ministry, which allows our PHPC Kids to grow in faith and fellowship throught the year through Sunday school, service opportunities, movie nights, lock-ins and more!
Joys/Concerns
Prayers for: the family and friends of Mark and Linda Shirley. His mother, Jan died November17. Grandchildren are Karen and David Shirley. Prayers for: the family and friends of Karen Wiese. Her mother in law Barbara “ Barb” Wiese, died November 22. There will be a memorial for Irene Carmichael on Friday, December 7 at 1 pm in the PHPC Chapel. There will be a memorial for Bobbye Montgomery on Saturday, December 8 at 10:30 a.m. in the PHPC Chapel.
