John Calvin Presbyterian Church

 

 

 

 

1. Love has come: a light in the darkness!

Love shines forth in the Bethlehem skies.

See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; Hear how their song of joy arises:

Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior!

Love! Love! Glory to God on high.

2. Love is born! Come, share in the wonder.

Love is God now asleep in the hay. See the glow in the eyes 

of his mother; What is the name her heart is saying?

Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers.

Love! Love! Jesus, Emmanuel.

3. Love has come and never will leave us!

Love is life everlasting and free. Love is Jesus within and among us.

Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.

Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas.

WORDS OF WELCOME

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship Isaiah 9:6-7

ONE: For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

MANY: His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE (Jeremy, Adris, and Brock Moore)

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

[Light the Candle] 

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

HYMN  [GTG#84]      Creator of the Stars of Night

1. Creator of the stars of night, your people’s everlasting light,

O Christ, redeemer of us all, we pray you, hear us when we call. 

2. When this old world drew on toward night, you came; but not in 

splendor bright, not as a monarch, but the child

of Mary, blameless mother mild.

3. At your great name, O Jesus, now all knees must bend, 

all hearts must bow: all things on earth with one accord,

like those in heaven, shall call you Lord.

4. To God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, 

Three in One, praise, honor, might, and glory be

from age to age eternally. Amen.

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of the future,

you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, 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 [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, 

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                                        Philippians 4: 4-9

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, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                           Luke 2: 1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

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

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON        “The Lord is at Hand!”         CP Ford Dieth 

 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 

*DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [Blue ] [GTG#314] Longing for Light, We Wait in Darkness

1 Longing for light, we wait in darkness. Longing for truth, we turn to you.

Make us your own, your holy people, light for the world to see.

 

Chorus

Christ, be our light! Shine in our hearts.

Shine through the darkness. Christ, be our light!

Shine in your church gathered today.

2 Longing for peace, our world is troubled.

Longing for hope, many despair. Your word alone has power 

to save us. Make us your living voice. Chorus

3 Longing for food, many are hungry. Longing for water, many still thirst.

Make us your bread, broken for others, shared until all are fed. Chorus

4 Longing for shelter, many are homeless.

Longing for warmth, many are cold.

Make us your building, sheltering others, walls made of living stone. Chorus

5 Many the gifts, many the people, many the hearts that yearn 

to belong.

PARTING PRAYER

God of grace,

Your eternal Word took flesh among us when Mary placed her life at the service of your will. Prepare our hearts for his coming again; keep us steadfast in hope and faithful in service, that we may receive the coming of his Kingdom for the sake of Jesus Christ, the ruler of all, 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    Of the Father’s Love Begotten                  

*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.

 

 

 

 

 

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 

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, 

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

 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;

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.

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;

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

 

 

THE PEOPLE ARE GATHERED IN

CANTATA: Let There Be Christmas

Joseph M. Martin

Conductor: Kristin Schmitz Pianist: Kelly Cuppett

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

WORDS OF WELCOME: Rev. Michael Ball

Let There Be FAITH: Rev. Susan Lassalle

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 

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, 

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.

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. 

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!”

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

×

 

 

 

 

when the stars begin to fall, when the stars begin to fall.

1 You will hear the trumpet sound to wake the nations underground,

looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. [Refrain]

2 You will hear the sinner cry, to wake the nations underground,

looking to my God’s right hand, when the stars begin to fall. [Refrain]

3 You will hear the Christian shout, to wake the nations underground,

WORDS OF WELCOME

EXPECTATION FOR MESSIAH

Call to Worship Isaiah 60:2

ONE: For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness, the peoples;

MANY: but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE 

1st PERSON: Introduction of the Advent Day 

2nd PERSON: Lighting of the Candle

PRAYER OF THE DAY 

HYMN  [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.

Chorus:

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,

Father forever, Prince of Peace.

His name is Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God,

Father forever, Prince of Peace.

For God has enlarged the nation, and prospered the fruit of its land.

God’s people are blest with the harvest of victory,

gift from a bountiful hand. Chorus

The yoke of despair and bondage, the chains of the slave master’s rod

are shattered and scattered like dust in a windstorm,

loosed by the justice of God. Chorus

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! Chorus

How vast is our God’s dominion! How far truth and mercy extend.

The zeal of the Lord will accomplish its purpose:

justice shall reign without end. Chorus

 REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

God of the future,

you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, 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 [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, 

THE WORD WRITTEN AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE                                        Psalm 25:1-10

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me.

Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.

Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.

Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old.

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord!

Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way.

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

2nd SCRIPTURE                                1 Thessalonians 3: 6-13

But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you. For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith. For we now live, if you continue to stand firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and restore whatever is lacking in your faith.

Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

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

MANY: Thanks be to God

SERMON        “Thanks and Avanti”         CP Ford Dieth 

 THE WORD MADE FLESH   

AFFIRMATION OF FAITH             Apostle’s Creed

RECEIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

*DOXOLOGY[BLUE#592] [GTG# 606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow;

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly hosts;

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [Blue ] [GTG#88]  O Come, O Come Emmanuel

1 O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel

shall come to thee, O Israel.

2 O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily: to us the path of knowledge show; and teach us in her ways to go. [Refrain]

3 O come, O come, thou Lord of might, who to thy tribes on Sinai’s height in ancient times didst give the law

in cloud and majesty and awe. [Refrain]

4 O come, thou Root of Jesse, free thine own from Satan’s tyranny; from depths of hell thy people save

and give them victory o’er the grave. [Refrain]

5 O come, thou Key of David, come, and open wide our heavenly home; make safe the way that leads on high,

and close the path to misery. [Refrain]

6 O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by thine advent here; disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

and death’s dark shadows put to flight. [Refrain]

7 O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind; bid envy, strife, and discord cease;

PARTING PRAYER

Faithful God,

your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert as we watch for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our judge and Savior, 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                      

*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.

 

 

 

and hail him as thy matchless King through all eternity.

2 Crown him the Lord of love; behold his hands and side,

rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified:

no angel in the sky can fully bear that sight,

but downward bends his burning eye at mysteries so bright.

3 Crown him the Lord of peace, whose power a scepter sways

from pole to pole, that wars may cease, absorbed in prayer and praise.

His reign shall know no end; and round his pierced feet

fair flowers of paradise extend their fragrance ever sweet.

4 Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time;

creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.

All hail, Redeemer, hail! For thou hast died for me;

WORDS OF WELCOME

ANNOUNCEMENT  

         

ADORATION

CALL TO WORSHIP Revelation 1:6-7

ONE: Jesus Christ is coming to reign.

MANY: To God be glory forever and ever!

                                                   

PRAYER OF THE DAY

Eternal God,

you set Jesus Christ to rule over all things and made us servants in your kingdom. By your Spirit empower us to love the unloved

and to minister to all in need. Then at the last bring us to your eternal realm where we may worship and adore you and be welcomed into your everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

HYMN [GTG# 368] We Fall Down

We fall down; we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus:

The greatness of mercy and love, at the feet of Jesus.

 And we cry holy, holy, holy.

And we cry holy, holy, holy.

And we cry holy, holy, holy

is the Lamb.  

 

REPENTANCE

CALL TO CONFESSION                                                                  

SILENT CONFESSION

PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Righteous God, you have crowned Jesus Christ as Lord of all.

We confess that we have not bowed before him, and are slow to acknowledge his rule. We give allegiance to the powers of this world and fail to be governed by justice and love. In your mercy, forgive us. Raise us to acclaim him as ruler of all, that we may be loyal ambassadors, obeying the commands of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON                     

GLORIA PATRI [Blue#579[ [GTG581]     

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,

THE WORD READ AND PROCLAIMED

1st SCRIPTURE Psalm 138

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;

I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.

On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.

They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.

2nd SCRIPTURE John 18:28-40

Then they took Jesus from Caiaphas to Pilate’s headquarters. It was early in the morning. They themselves did not enter the headquarters, so as to avoid ritual defilement and to be able to eat the Passover. So Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” The Jews replied, “We are not permitted to put anyone to death.” (This was to fulfill what Jesus had said when he indicated the kind of death he was to die.) Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?” Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.” Pilate asked him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went out to the Jews again and told them, “I find no case against him. But you have a custom that I release someone for you at the Passover. Do you want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” They shouted in reply, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a bandit.

ONE: The Word of the Lord

MANY: Thanks be to God

 RESPONSE     

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     

DOXOLOGY [GTG#606]

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise God, all creatures here below;

Praise God above, ye heavenly host;

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER

HYMN [GTG#265] Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun

1 Jesus shall reign where’er the sun does its successive journeys run;

his kingdom stretch from shore to shore, till moons shall wax and wane no more.

2 To him shall endless prayer be made, and praises throng to crown his head; his name, like sweet perfume, shall rise

with every morning sacrifice.

3 People and realms of every tongue dwell on his love with sweetest song, and infant voices shall proclaim

their early blessings on his name.

4 Blessings abound where’er he reigns: the prisoners leap to loose their chains; the weary find eternal rest,

and all who suffer want are blest.

5 Let every creature rise and bring honors peculiar to our King;

angels descend with songs again, and earth repeat the loud Amen!

PARTING PRAYER    

Almighty and ever-living God,

ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this congregation. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

RESPONSE [GTG#36] For the Fruit of All Creation

1 For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God.

For the gifts to every nation, thanks be to God.

For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping,

POSTLUDE       Crown Him with Many Crowns       arr. Gina Sprunger 

*Today’s altar flowers are sponsored by Briana Mayfield for Cynthia Palmisano’s birthday today. Thanks Cynthia for being a crafts rockstar for our youth!             

*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.