Isaiah

October 12, 2014 — Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

PRELUDE:

Prelude and Fugue in d, Johann Sebastian Bach
Air, Johann Sebastian Bach

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION (Psalm 23), Sue Nicholas

Leader:  The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
People:  He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
Leader:  He restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
People:  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me.
Leader:  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
People:  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
ALL:  Amen.

* HYMN No. 22:  Come, We That Love the Lord

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)

Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose face is hidden from us by our sins, and whose mercy we forget in the blindness of our hearts: Cleanse us from all our offenses, and deliver us from proud thoughts and vain desires, that with reverent and humble hearts we may draw near to you, confessing our faults, confiding in your grace, and finding in you our refuge and strength; through Jesus Christ your Son.  Amen.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
    * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

JUNIOR SERMON

ACT OF PRAISE:  Sweet Hour of Prayer    

Elizabeth Mahowald, soprano

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer Response

* HYMN No. 310:  O Word of God Incarnate

SCRIPTURE READINGS

Isaiah 25:1-9, Pew Bible, page 568

O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure. For you have made the city a heap, the fortified city a ruin; the palace of aliens is a city no more, it will never be rebuilt. Therefore strong peoples will glorify you; cities of ruthless nations will fear you. For you have been a refuge to the poor, a refuge to the needy in their distress, a shelter from the rainstorm and a shade from the heat. When the blast of the ruthless was like a winter rainstorm, the noise of aliens like heat in a dry place, you subdued the heat with the shade of clouds; the song of the ruthless was stilled.
On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wines, of rich food filled with marrow, of well-aged wines strained clear. And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever. Then the Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces, and the disgrace of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, so that he might save us. This is the Lord for whom we have waited; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Philippians 4:1-9, Pew Bible, page 955

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 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.

The Word of God for the people of God. Let the people of God say - AMEN!

THE SERMON:  An Antidote for Anxiety, Rev. Douglas Estella

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
        Offertory:  Elizabeth Mahowald, soprano
    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH:  The Heidelberg Catechism, Q/A 1 

Pastor:  What is your only comfort in life and in death?
All: That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.  He also watches over me in such a way that not a hair can fall from my head without the will of my Father in heaven; in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.
Because I belong to him, Christ, by his Holy Spirit, assures me of eternal life and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready from now on to live for him.

* HYMN No. 568:  Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated

* BENEDICTION 
      Response

POSTLUDE:  We All Believe in One God, Johann Sebastian Bach

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME back the Rev. Douglas Estella to the pulpit.  Rev. Estella served as pastor of the Sunnyside Reformed Church from 2000 to 2006. Currently he is a teacher at the Academy of Urban Planning in Brooklyn. Doug and his wife, Janet, live in Sunnyside with their daughter, Renee.

SYNODICAL ASSESSMENT (Pink Offering Envelope)

Last installment is due.  If you have not given a special offering for your assessment ($95.00 per member), please help us by making the payment.  The Synodical and Classical Assessment is the amount we owe Reformed Church in America for your membership.

SAVE THE DATE:  ANNUAL AUCTION – Saturday, January 10, 2015

LOOKING AHEAD – Mark your calendars!

  • Sat. Oct. 18    1:00 PM    WCC Luncheon

        2:00 PM    Elder Law speaker – Gessner Hall (insert)

  • Sun. Oct. 19    12:00 PM    Coffee Hour celebrating October Birthdays
  • Sun. Oct. 26    9:30 AM    Men’s Communion Breakfast (insert)
  • Sat. Nov. 15    10:00 AM    HARVEST FESTIVAL (inserts)

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Coffee Hour Host: Rhoda Jabbour 
Greeter: Irma Schubert
Ushers: Sally Ann Castle, Marilyn Cooney, Nancy Gessner, Jayne Halley
Children and Worship: Christina Schaub and Michael Iovale

VAN SERVICE: If you need a ride to church on Sunday, speak with Gerry Mendler at (917) 362-6284 (day) or (718) 464-3464 (evening).

CHILDCARE during the worship hour

Children thru age 3 in the Educational Building, 1st floor, in Room 1A.
Children ages 3 thru 2nd grade will share in the service through the Junior Sermon, then go to Room 2E for the Children and Worship Program.

COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – To host a coffee hour after church, speak with Rhoda Jabbour.

YEAR-ROUND COLLECTIONS – 

  • Donations for the Food for Kids Ministry should be brought to the Church office.  This food will be given to families in need in Jamaica, New York. 
  • Donations for pets brought to the church office will be given to Worthy Pause to be distributed to local animal shelters.

PRAYER REQUESTS: Grace Attanasio, Ruth Bailey, Kenneth Cornwell, Letty Delgardo, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Jenny Hampton, Robert Keller, Fritz Kunisch, Harvey Moder, John Molino, Marge Renstrom, Josephine Rivera, Janice Serra, Evelyn Stuedly.

December 29, 2013

PRELUDE:  Greensleeves, arr. Richard Purvis

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)             

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION, Dorien Day

Leader:  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
People:  On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.
Leader:  Jesus Christ is our life and light.
People:  In his name and in his power, let us worship God
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

-- based on Isaiah 9:2

* HYMN No. 146:  Joy to the World! the Lord Is Come

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)    

O God, in the beginning you spoke and creation was born, the object of your loving care. In the fullness of time you spoke, and the Word became flesh, Jesus, gift of your love. We wonder at the miracle of creation; we stand in awe before the mystery of the incarnation. Forgive us earthbound creatures, feeble in faith, empty of hope, lacking in love. This year let the miracle and mystery of Christmas happen for us again. We wait upon you with ready hearts, O God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
    * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

ANTHEM:  Love Came Down at Christmas, John Carter

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine; Love was born at Christmas, Star and angels gave the sign.  Worship we the Godhead.  Love incarnate, Love divine; Worship we our Jesus: But wherewith for sacred sign?  Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign.  Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, love divine.

JUNIOR SERMON           

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer Response, Felix Mendelssohn

As bright the star of morning gleams, So Jesus sheddeth glorious beams Of light and consolation! Thy Word, O Lord, Radiance darting, Truth imparting, Gives salvation; Thine be praise and adoration.

* HYMN No. 152:  Angels We Have Heard on High

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Isaiah 63: 7-9, Pew Bible, page 605

I will recount the gracious deeds of the Lord, the praiseworthy acts of theLord, because of all that the Lord has done for us, and the great favor to the house of Israel that he has shown them according to his mercy, according to the abundance of his steadfast love. For he said, “Surely they are my people, children who will not deal falsely”; and he became their savior in all their distress. It was no messenger or angel but his presence that saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.

Hebrews 2:10-18, Pew Bible, page 971

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Matthew 2:13-23, Pew Bible, page 784

Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother by night, and went to Egypt, and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet, “Out of Egypt I have called my son.”

When Herod saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, he was infuriated, and he sent and killed all the children in and around Bethlehem who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had learned from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what had been spoken through the prophet Jeremiah: “A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be consoled, because they are no more.”

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.”Then Joseph got up, took the child and his mother, and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”

THE SERMON:  Out of Egypt, Norman Haight                   

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
    Offertory:  Christmas Welcome, John Ness Beck

Welcome, welcome, Child of Bethlehem; Welcome, newly-born King! There's a crown of stars for your diadem, choirs of angels are singing, "Welcome, welcome, one and all, to the lowly manger stall." Welcome, neighbor, and welcome, stranger, and welcome, all we hold dear. Welcome, glad time of the year!

Welcome, children, and welcome, shepherds, and welcome, animals, too!  Whether young or old, come in from the cold; love is waiting for you.  Welcome, welcome, Holy night, stars and candles shining bright.

May this blessed birth bring us peace on earth, health and wealth and good cheer.  Welcome, all ye who hear, come and draw near for the Season of Christmas is here!

    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH         
    Apostles Creed  (pew card)

* HYMN No. 171:  Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

* BENEDICTION 
    Response:  Fanfare for Christmas, Martin Shaw

Gloria in excelsis deo. (Glory to God in the highest!)

POSTLUDE:  Carillon de Westminster, Louis Vierne

ANNOUNCEMENTS

WE WELCOME ELDER NORMAN HAIGHT BACK TO THE PULPIT.  Elder Haight, is a Candidate for Word and Sacrament in the RCA under care of the Classis of Rockland-Westchester.  He is a recent graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary this past May, having served for a year as Student Minister at historic Old First Reformed Church of Park Slope, Brooklyn.   He is a resident and native of Peekskill, NY. 

TODAY’S COFFEE HOUR is hosted by Rosa Weed and the Congregational Care Committee in honor of the December Birthdays.  All are welcome to share in this time of fellowship.

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Van Drivers: Bill Proschel (AM), Simon Walsh (PM)
Greeters: Nina and Bill Proschel, Dorothea Zelnick
Ushers: Charles D’Oria, Tim Hopper, Molly Mahowald, Christina Schaub and Jerry Good
Childcare: Adriene Toy

VAN SERVICE for Sunday worship, call Gina Lombardo at (917) 767-2923.

2014 offering envelopes are at the church entrance.  If you do not see your box and would like one, sign your name on the clipboard.  A set will be prepared and available for you.

CHILDREN AND WORSHIP will resume next Sunday, January 5, 2014.

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Jenny Hampton, Robert Keller, Hope Kingman, Fritz Kunisch, Ann Martin, John Molino, Josephine Rivera, Janice Serra

December 24, 2013 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP: Music of the Season

Carol Sing  (1st stanza only)

151. Go, Tell It on the Mountain
152. Angels We Have Heard on High
155. O Little Town of Bethlehem
157. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
162. The First Noel, the Angel Did Say

ORGAN PRELUDE:  Weinachten, Max Reger

* HYMN No. 173:  O Come, All Ye Faithful

* CALL TO WORSHIP

Minister:  Let us go, in heart and mind, to see what has come to pass.  Let us go with the shepherds:
People:  Let us go to find the Savior!
Minister:  Let us go with the wise ones:
People:  Let us go to find God’s promise, born for us!
Minister:  Let us go with the poor and humble:
People:  Let us go to find our King, born in a lowly manger.
Minister:  Let us go with all the world, with all the peoples of the nations. Come, let us worship; come, let us adore him:
People:  Christ the Lord!

* HYMN No. 145: Of the Father’s Love Begotten

* INVOCATION AND SALUTATION      

FIRST LESSON:  Isaiah 9: 2-7

The people who walked in darkness
   have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
   on them light has shined. 
You have multiplied the nation,
   you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
   as with joy at the harvest,
   as people exult when dividing plunder. 
For the yoke of their burden,
   and the bar across their shoulders,
   the rod of their oppressor,
   you have broken as on the day of Midian. 
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
   and all the garments rolled in blood
   shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 
For a child has been born for us,
   a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
   and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
   Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
His authority shall grow continually,
   and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
   He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
   from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 

ANTHEM:  Candlelight Carol, John Rutter

How do you capture the wind on the water?  How do you count all the stars in the sky?  How can you measure the love of a mother, or how can you write down a baby's first cry?  Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle til breaking of dawn.  Gloria in excelsis Deo!  Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

Shepherds and wise men will kneel and adore him, seraphim round him their vigil will keep; nations proclaim him their Lord and their Savior, but Mary will hold him and sing him to sleep.  Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle til breaking of dawn.  Gloria in excelsis Deo!  Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

Find him at Bethlehem laid in a manger; Christ our Redeemer asleep in the hay.  Godhead incarnate and hope of salvation: a child with his mother that first Christmas Day.  Candlelight, angel light, firelight and starglow shine on his cradle til breaking of dawn.  Gloria in excelsis Deo!  Angels are singing; the Christ child is born.

SECOND LESSON:  Luke 2: 1-7

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.

ANTHEM:  Sing We Now of Christmas, arr. John Leavitt

Sing we now of Christmas, Noel sing we here.  Hear our grateful praises to the Babe so dear.  Sing we Noel, the King is born, Noel!  

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Angels called to shepherds, “Leave your flocks at rest, journey forth to Bethlehem, find the lambkin blest.”

From the eastern country came kings from afar, bearing gifts to Bethlehem, guided by a star.

THIRD LESSON:  Luke 2: 8-20

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

ANTHEM:  All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Z. Randall Stroope

The Chamber Choir

All my heart, all this night rejoices, as I hear far and near sweetest angel voices, "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"  All the air, and everywhere, "Gloria!"  Come let us all both great and small sing "Gloria!"  Hail the star where hope is burning, "Gloria!"  Love Who with love is yearning, ever yearning, "Gloria! 

All my heart, all this night rejoices, as I hear, far and near sweetest angel voices, "Gloria in excelsis Deo!"  All the air, and everywhere, "Gloria!"  Come and dwell in glory forever and ever.  Far on high in joy that can alter never.  Dwell in the house of Love forever, ever and ever gloria!

FOURTH LESSON:  John 1: 1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

ANTHEM:  Christmas Lullaby, John Rutter

Clear in the darkness a light shines in Bethlehem: angels are singing, their sound fills the air.  Wise men have journeyed to greet their Messiah; but only a mother and and baby lie there.  “Ave Maria”: hear the soft lullaby the angel hosts sing.  “Ave Maria, maiden, and mother of Jesus our King”.

Where are his courtiers, and who are his people?  Why does he bear neither sceptre nor crown?  Shepherds his courtiers, the poor for his people, with peace as his sceptre and love for his crown.  “Ave Maria”: hear the soft lullaby the angel hosts sing.  “Ave Maria, maiden, and mother of Jesus our King”.

What though your treasures are not gold or incense?  Lay them before him with hearts full of love.  Praise to the Christ child, and praise to his mother who bore us a Saviour by grace from above.  “Ave Maria”: hear the soft lullaby the angel hosts sing.  “Ave Maria, maiden, and mother of Jesus our King”.

* HYMN No. 146:  Joy to the World! The Lord is Come

MEDITATION:  Meeting God, Meeting Us, Rev. Thomas C.Goodhart

* HYMN No. 152:  Angels We Have Heard on High

CHRISTMAS OFFERING
    Offertory Prayer 
    Lord’s Prayer
    Offertory:  On This Day Earth Shall Ring, H. C. Stewart

On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing to the Son, Christ the King.  Born on earth to save us, Him the Father gave us, Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo.  His the doom, ours the mirth, when He came down to earth, Bethlehem saw His birth, ox and ass beside Him, from the cold would hide Him.  Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo. God’s bright star o’er His head, wise me three to Him led, kneel thy low by His bed, lay their gifts before Him, praise Him and adore Him. Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo.  On this day angels sing, with their song earth shall ring praising Christ, Heaven’s King.  Born on earth to save us, peace and love He gave us.  Ideo.  Gloria in excelsis Deo.

* HYMN No. 155:  O Little Town of Bethlehem

ANTHEM:  Still, Still, Still, arr. Norman Luboff

Still, still, still, one can hear the falling snow.  For all is hushed, the world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping.  Sleep, sleep, sleep, ‘tis the eve of our Saviour’s birth.  The night is peaceful all around you, Close your eyes, let sleep surround you.  Dream, dream, dream of the joyous day to come.  While guardian angels without number watch you as you sweetly slumber. 

SOLO:  O Holy Night, Adolphe Adam

Glenn D. Alamilla, tenor

PASSING OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHT

CAROL:  Silent Night, STILLE NACHT

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 Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.”

Silent night! holy night!  Son of God, love’s pure Light, Radiant beams from Thy holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Silent night!  holy night!  Wondrous Star, lend thy light, With the angels let us sing, Alleluia to our King; Christ the Saviour is born, Christ the Saviour is born.

BENEDICTION  (seated)

WE WELCOME to the pulpit the Rev. Thomas C. Goodhart, minister of the Trinity Reformed Church in Ridgewood, Queens.  Pastor Tom is our Classis Supervisor until we have a permanent minister in place.

A SPECIAL SOCIAL HOUR will be held downstairs in Gessner Hall following the service.  Hosting this Wassail Hour are the young people of our church.

OUR USHERS are Marion Durney, Jerry Good, Rhoda Jabbour, Buck and Judie Kellaway, Gary LiBert, Jeanne and Steve Sarran

December 22, 2013 - Fourth Sunday in Advent

PRELUDE:

Overture (Messiah), G.F. Handel
Greensleeves, arr. Richard Purvis

WELCOME
* CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSHIP
* SANCTUS (pew card)             

* CALL TO WORSHIP AND SALUTATION, Jeanne and Steve Sarran

Leader:  Show us you unfailing love, O God, our Savior,
People:  And grant us your salvation.
Leader:  Listen to what our Lord God says:
People:  He promises peace to his people, who are his beloved saints.
Leader:  The Lord will indeed give what is good.
People:  Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Leader:  May the Lord make his holy face to shine upon us in this time of Advent worship.  
People:  May we see God's face and so know peace. 
Leader:  Grace and peace to you from God our Creator, our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

--  based on Psalm 85: 7-13

* HYMN No. 161:  Once in Royal David's City

* PRAYER OF CONFESSION  (unison)

Dear Lord, we confess our willingness to be loved but also our reluctance to love. We confess our readiness to accept your forgiving love, but also our refusal to forgive. We confess our eagerness to grasp your offer of redeeming love, but also our resistance to follow you without question. In this time of Advent, forgive our failure to respond as we should. We pray that you come to us anew, and by your  grace assist us to receive with joy, as the shepherds; with gratitude as Simeon, with obedience, as Mary, with love as you have loved us. Even so, come Lord Jesus.   Amen

* KYRIE (pew card)
* ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* SUMMARY OF THE LAW
    * Gloria Patri  (pew card)

ANTHEM:  Come to My Heart, arr. Tom Fettke

Thou didst leave Thy throne and Thy kingly crown when Thou camest to earth for me; but in Bethlehem's home there was found no room for Thy holy nativity: O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.

Heaven's arches rang when the angels sang, proclaiming Thy royal decree; but in lowly birth Thou didst come to earth, and in great humility: O come to my heart, Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee.

When the heavens shall ring and the angels sing at Thy coming to victory, let Thy voice call me home, saying, "Yet there is room, there is room at My side for thee."  My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus, when Thou comest and callest for me.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH, Jeanne and Steve Sarran

JUNIOR SERMON                   

ANTHEM:  The Yearning, Craig Courtney

The Chamber Choir

There is a yearning in hearts weighed down by ancient grief and centuries of sorrow.  There is a yearning in hearts that in the darkness hide and in the shades of death abide, a yearning for tomorrow.  There is a yearning, a yearning for the promised One, the Firstborn of creation.  There is a yearning for the Lord who visited His own, and by His death for sin atoned, to bring to us salvation. Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning.  There is a yearning that fills the hearts of those who wait the day of His appearing.  There is a yearning when all our sorrows are erased and we shall see the One who placed within our hearts the yearning. Emmanuel, Emmanuel, within our hearts, the yearning.

MORNING PRAYER AND LORD’S PRAYER
    Lord’s Prayer (pew card)
    Prayer response, Johann Wolfgang Franck 

O Jesus, with Thy advent quiet my restless soul and anxious mind. In true humility I welcome Thee, Jesus Christ, my Joy divine. My thought, desires, and all my longings I dedicate, O Christ, to Thee. O come,Thou precious Sun most radiant, Thy beams illumine my heart and soul.

* HYMN No. 145:  Of the Father's Love Begotten

SCRIPTURE LESSONS

Isaiah 7: 10-16, Pew Bible, page 554

Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.

Romans 1:1-7, Pew Bible, page 913

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 1:18-25, Pew Bible, page 783

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

The Word of God for the people of God. Let the people of God say - AMEN!

THE SERMON:  Even So, Come Lord Jesus, Norman Haight

WORSHIP OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
    Offering
    Offertory:  Dearest Lord Jesus, Dietrich Buxtehude

The Chancel Choir; Dorien Day, soprano

Dearest Lord Jesus, How long Thou abidest so far from me?  Come Thou to me, for my soul is weary.  Come Thou, and take me into Thy keeping; far from the burden of the world.  It is enough, Lord, come now to deliver; come to deliver my soul from affliction.  Weak are my senses and foolish my fears, faint is my spirit and spent are my tears.  Come now, Lord Jesus, how long Thou abidest.  Come to deliver my soul from affliction.

    * The Doxology  (pew card)      
    * Prayer of Dedication

* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH, Apostles’ Creed (pew card)        

* HYMN No. 151:  Go, Tell It on the Mountain

* BENEDICTION 
    Response:  Alleluia, Amen!, Charles Villers Stanford     

POSTLUDE:  Carillon de Westminster, Louis Vierne

ANNOUNCEMENTS

COOKIES NEEDED FOR WASSAIL HOUR - Will you give the church a box of home-baked cookies for the Wassail Hour after the Candlelight Service on Christmas Eve? Mark the box Christmas Eve Cookies and bring it to the kitchen on Christmas Eve before the service or to the Church Office during the week.

OUR APPRECIATION FOR TODAY’S VOLUNTEERS:

Van Drivers: Gary LiBert (AM), Simon Walsh (PM)
Coffee Hour Hosts: Rhoda Jabbour
Greeters: Joan Pearson and Joan Werbel
Ushers: Krystal and Debra Rossi, Adriene and Bill Toy
Children and Worship: Sharon Rivilli and Nancy Gessner
Childcare: Marie Mark

PRAYER REQUESTS:  Ruth Bailey, Letty Delgado, Ed Diercks, Dombrowski Family, Edythe Durney, Alfred Gessner, Lisa Gessner, Jenny Hampton, Robert Keller, Hope Kingman, Fritz Kunisch, Ann Martin, John Molino, Josephine Rivera, Janice Serra