Order of Worship 12/15/2024

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Third Sunday of Advent
 

December 15th, 2024 Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Dr. Martha Robson      

Liturgist: Valerie Corcoran
 

Bold face indicates congregational participation.

✝ Please stand, in body or spirit
 

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

PRELUDE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel arr. Jason Krug

✝PROCESSIONAL HYMN [GTG# 107]   Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn

1 Awake! Awake,  and greet the new morn, for angels herald its dawning.

Sing out your joy,  for soon he is born, behold! the Child of our longing.

Come as a baby weak and poor, to bring all hearts together,

he opens wide the heavenly door and lives now inside us forever.

2 To us, to all in sorrow and fear, Emmanuel comes a-singing; his humble song is quiet and near, yet fills the earth with its ringing; Music to heal the broken soul

and hymns of loving-kindness. he thunder of his anthems rolls

to shatter all hatred and violence.

3 In darkest night his coming shall be, when all the world is despairing,

as morning light so quiet and free, so warm and gentle and caring.

Then shall the mute break forth  in song, he lame shall leap in wonder,

the weak be raised above the strong, and weapons be broken asunder.

4 Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in the night. Though dark the winter and cheerless, the rising sun shall crown you with light; be strong and loving and fearless.

Love be our song and love our prayer and love our endless story;

may God fill every day we share and bring us at last into glory.
 

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENTS
 

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship Philippians 4:4-7

ONE: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything;

MANY: but in everything by prayer and supplication with Thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.


LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE (Cindy and Greg Freudenthal)

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

[Light the Candle] 


PRAYER OF THE DAY 

O Lord, as Christmas draws near, there is a sense of excitement in the air. We can feel a joy in our lives and see it in those around us. Still, for some of us, this is a sad time because of unhappy things that have happened in our lives. Help us to have the joy that does not depend upon earthly happiness but upon you. Help us to be filled with your joy so that we may share it with others. Amen. 
 

✝HYMN[TGT#362]      Rejoice! Rejoice, Believers!

1 Rejoice! Rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear; the evening is advancing

and darker night is near. The Bridegroom is arising and soon he will draw nigh.

Up, watch with expectation; at midnight comes the cry.


2 See that your lamps are burning; replenish them with oil; look now for your salvation, the end of sin and toil. The marriage feast is waiting;

the gates wide open stand; arise, O heirs of glory;

the Bridegroom is at hand!


3 Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear; arise, thou Sun so longed for,

above this shadowed sphere! With hearts and hands uplifted,

we plead, O Lord, to see the day of earth’s redemption, and ever be with thee!


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. 

ASSURANCE OF PARDON   

                 

*GLORIA PATRI #579 

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


1st SCRIPTURE                                                        Zephaniah 3:14-20

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you, he has turned away your enemies. The king of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall fear disaster no more. On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, O Zion; do not let your hands grow weak. The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing as on a day of festival. I will remove disaster from you, so that you will not bear reproach for it. I will deal with all your oppressors at that time. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I will bring you home, at the time when I gather you; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes, says the Lord.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                                         Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”


As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God


SERMON             “Which Came First?”                    Rev. Dr. Martha Robson
 

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

✝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. 

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY                 The First Noel  arr. H. Geraldine Du Mars

✝DOXOLOGY

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 [GTG# 137]  He Came Down

1 He came down that we may have love; he came down that we may have love;

he came down that we may have love; hallelujah forevermore.

2 He came down that we may have light; He came down that we may have light; He came down that we may have light; hallelujah forevermore.

3 He came down that we may have peace; He came down that we may have peace; He came down that we may have peace; hallelujah forevermore.

4 He came down that we may have joy; He came down that we may have joy;

He came down that we may have joy; hallelujah forevermore.
 

✝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 in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.


CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

✝RESPONSE [GTG#654] In the Lord I’ll Be Ever Thankful

In the Lord I’ll be ever thankful; in the Lord I will rejoice!

Look to God; do not be afraid.

Lift up your voices, the Lord is near.

Lift up your voices; the Lord is near.


POSTLUDE                          Jingle Bells            

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly. 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.

STAFF

Church Office 504.888.1375

Playschool Office 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office  Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Oufnac – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram



Order of Worship Cantata Service 12/08/2024

SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY

Second Sunday of Advent

Christmas Cantata
 

December 8th, Ten Thirty in the morning

Minister: Rev. Michael Ball     

Liturgist/Narrator: Rev. Susan Lassalle

Boldface indicates congregational participation.

✝Please stand, in body or spirit
 

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN


CANTATA: Let There Be Christmas

Joseph M. Martin

Conductor: Kristin Schmitz Pianist: Kelly Cuppett

Choir: Rev. Mike Ball, Bill Bottomley, Sandy Cranfill, Lila Crotty, Sharon Fortin, Patsy Green, Briana Mayfield, Cameron Mayfield, Betsy Ann Molaison, Dale Norris, Ron Palmisano, Lindsay Shin, Betty Wan, Theo Wan, Dee Watkins
 

✝CANTATA:  Christmas Overture and Processional

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.
O come, ye O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him, born the King of angels.
O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him.
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Verse 2: Choir only

Yea, Lord we greet Thee; born this happy morning.
Jesus to Thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!
O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him.
O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
 

WORDS OF WELCOME: Rev. Michael Ball

ANNOUNCEMENTS: Briana Mayfield
 

Let There Be FAITH: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “The Advent Rose,” feat. Sandy Cranfill and Ron Palmisano
 

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship 1 John 4:9-11

ONE: God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us;

MANY: and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another.


LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE (Lindsay and Austin Shin with Lea, Penny, and Oliver)

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

[Light the Candle] 


PRAYER OF THE DAY 

Oh God, we thank you that Jesus showed your love for every person- babies and children, old people and young, sick people and those who were strong, rich people and those who were poor. Come to us in this advent season, and give us love in our hearts for all persons. Amen 
 

Let There Be HOPE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “The Divine Expectation”


Let There Be PEACE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

✝CANTATA: “O Little Town of Bethlehem”  

(Low Voices): O little town of Bethlehem how still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light.
The hopes and fears of al the years are met in thee tonight.

(High Voices): O Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars together, proclaim the holy birth;
And praises sing to God the King, and peace to all the earth!

Verse 3: Choir only

(All Voices): O holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in; be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels, the great glad tidings tell.
O come to us; abide with us, our Lord, Emmanuel.


 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    Luke 1:68-79    Rev. Michael Ball   

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. He has raised up a mighty savior for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”                    

ONE: Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of the Lord stands forever.

MANY: Thanks be to God


THE WORD MADE FLESH   

✝AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Apostle’s 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.

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
 

OFFERTORY: Let There Be LOVE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “Carols from a Quiet Manger” feat. Briana Mayfield      

     

✝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

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER


Let There Be JOY: Rev. Susan Lassalle

CANTATA: “Arise!”


✝PARTING PRAYER:  Let There Be GRACE: Rev. Michael Ball

One: Let there be Grace…

And the darkness has not overcome it.


Many: The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the World. 

He was in the world…and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God; who were born not of blood nor of the will of the flesh, but of God.
CANTATA: “Let There Be Christmas” feat. Sharon Fortin
 

✝CHARGE AND BENEDICTION: 

Let There Be LIFE: Rev. Susan Lassalle

✝A JOYFUL GATHERING OF CAROLS

Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns. Let all their songs employ;

While fields and floods, rocks hills and plains, repeat the sounding joy,

Repeat the sounding joy, repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

Infant holy, infant lowly, for His bed a cattle stall.

Oxen lowing, little knowing, Christ the Babe is Lord of all.

Swift are winging, angels singing, noels ringing, tidings bringing,

“Christ the Babe is Lord of all.”

Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright.

Round yon virgin mother and Child.

Holy infant so tender and mild.

Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight.

Glories stream from heaven afar. 

Heavenly hosts sing “Alleluia!”

Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born!

The first Noel the angel did say, 

was to certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay.

In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, noel, noel noel!

Born is the King of Israel.

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King;

Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”

Joyful, all ye nations rise, Join the triumph of the skies.

With angelic hosts proclaim: “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
 

POSTLUDE: Reprise

*Note: the hymn lyrics in the bulletin and on the projection screen are from the Glory To God Hymnal (© 2013 Westminster John Knox Press), which we are transitioning to. Words in the “Blue” Presbyterian Hymnal (© 1990) in your pew may differ slightly.

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. 

STAFF

×

Church Office: 504.888.1375 Playschool Office: 504.888.1378

Briana Mayfield – Church Office Assistant 

Kelly Cuppett – Music Director

Lauren Crisler  – Playschool Director

Stephanie Galliano – Playschool Admin. Asst.

For more information, visit our website at www.JohnCalvinChurch.org

 or find us @JohnCalvinMetairie on Facebook and Instagram.




ANNOUNCEMENTS


Announcements 12/08/2024

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

ANGEL TREE: Reminder that your angels are due today!

CHRISTMAS TOYS FOR BEREAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: Maybe you missed your chance to choose a Salvation Army Angel?  Well, we’ve got another chance to make children happy! The Berean Presbyterian Church has asked us to donate Unwrapped toys or gifts to be distributed at their Christmas party. Unwrapped toys or gifts for ages 1-14 can be brought to the narthex by Tuesday 12/10, or call Sue Crawford, and she can pick them up from you.

CANTATA LUNCHEON: Head to the fellowship hall after service to enjoy some food, fellowship, and football!

2025 OFFERING ENVELOPES: We have received our envelope box sets for 2025. Please make sure to get one at the welcoming table by the front door.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE: Mark your calendars! This year’s Christmas Eve service will be held at 6:30p and officiated by JCPC’s first pastor, Rev. Bob Malsbary. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors. There are multiple areas of participation in the service. If you would like to do a reading, please see Bob or Briana.

Christian ED: Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, the Kings, you.  What do these people have in common?  They all have a place at the Manger.  This Advent, Rev. Jan Condren will lead us in a study of the people in the manger scene, and help us to use them as a guide to find our own place at the manger. Lessons can be obtained from Briana, or at the first class.  See you there!!

December 1:        Mary, Bearer of God

December 15:      Joseph, an Unsung Hero

December 22:      The Shepherds and God of the Ordinary

January 5:            Wise Men and the Wisdom of Seeking                                                                                                    

CALENDAR:

12/8 Cantata Worship Service 10:30a

12/9 Playschool Committee Meeting 10:30a

        Outreach Committee Meeting 10a

12/13 Playschool Angel Angel Program 9a