December 21, 2014 Worship Bulletin

Welcome to
First Presbyterian Church
Of Ocala
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21, 2014
This Morning’s Sermon
Christmas Gifts That Always Fit
511 S.E. Third Street, Ocala, FL 34471
The Reverend Dr. Raymond Guterman, Pastor
The Reverend Darren Bess, Associate Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Ray C. Ruark, Jr., Pastor Emeritus
Phone: (352) 629-7561
Fax: (352) 629-8066
www.fpcocala.org
FAITHFULLY SERVING JESUS CHRIST IN MARION COUNTY AND THE WORLD SINCE 1857 AND STILL GROWING!
TRADITIONAL WORSHIP
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
December 21, 2014
8:15a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
We Gather with Others in God’s House
The Welcome and Announcements
The Ritual of Friendship
(Thank you, if able, for standing and greeting your neighbors in worship today.)
We Prepare Our Hearts and Minds for Worship
The Chiming of the Hour
The Prelude
What Child is This?
Alex Morin, Viola
arr. A. Christopherson
To meditate upon today during the prelude……
Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send Your Holy Spirit upon our final
preparations for Christmas this year. We who have so much to do seek quiet spaces to hear
Your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to Your coming
among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of Your kingdom.
We whose hearts are heavy seek the comfort of Your presence. We are Your people, walking
in darkness, yet seeking the light. To You we say, "Come Lord Jesus!”
The Introit (11:00)
We Have Come to Worship the Lord
Charles Yannerella
The Lighting of the Advent Candles
( 8:15)
Tom Michael, Kristen Crawford and Michelle Michael
( 9:30)
Stuart McElhaney and Family
(11:00)
John Bennett and Family
Scripture:
Isaiah 11:1-6
Leader:
With the lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle, our circle of flames is now
complete – God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Let us sing
aloud in celebration that God is with us in Jesus Christ. May the light from His
coming as a holy child fill us with love today and throughout the coming year.
Congregation in Unison:
Come, Lord Jesus, we are waiting,
Be our guest this Advent day.
Our longing hearts await Your coming;
Fill us with love, O God we pray. Amen.
*If able, please stand
We Give Praise and Adoration to God
*The Hymn of Praise
O Come, All Ye Faithful
#41
*The Re-Affirmation of Faith
A Christmas Creed
We believe in Jesus Christ and His gospel, born to us all so long ago in
Bethlehem of Judea. We believe in Him whose birth glorified Bethlehem, but
for whom there was no room at the inn. We believe in Him whose guiding
star brought together to His Manger the humble shepherds and the Wise
Men. We believe in Him whose guiding Star can bring together in His Name
the humble and the wise everywhere. We believe in Him who walked among
the common people, and who was welcomed by those with open minds and
yearning hearts, whom the poor, the oppressed, the discouraged, the sick and
afflicted welcomed and accepted as their Lord and Savior.
We believe in Him whose life changed the course of history, over whom kings
had no power, whose life humbled the proud, toppled the mighty, and
elevated those of low degree. We believe in Him whose love changed human
hearts for the better and whose life and death on the Cross proved that it is
more important to serve than to be served, and that the greatest are those
who give their lives in service for justice and peace among all peoples,
everywhere. We believe that the Christmas spirit…the spirit of Christ…is the
spirit that can change us and the world for the better through the power of
love, faith and hope. We believe, Lord, and pray that You will help our
unbelief. Amen.
*The 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.
(Children sitting with their parents may now join Ms. Jacque Johnson
for children’s church.)
The Anthem (11:00)
In the Bleak Midwinter
Christina Rosetti
Arr. David L. Bedenbaugh
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago. Heaven cannot
hold Him, nor earth sustain; Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign. In the
bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Angels and
archangels may have gathered there, cherubim and seraphim thronged the air; but His mother
only, in her maiden bliss, worshipped the Beloved with a kiss. What can I bring Him, poor as I
am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; what
I can I give Him: give my heart.
We Seek and Share God’s Forgiveness
The Call to Confession
The Prayer of Confession (Unison)
Lord God, who came to us that Holy Night, long ago, when Jesus was born in
Bethlehem; and then in Him did walk among us in full humanity, yet full of
divine grace and truth, come into our hearts anew this Christmas, we pray.
Once again bring Your light to push back the darkness from us. Once again
speak to aching hearts Your word of peace. Once again touch deeply in our
souls that core of innocence, which gladly hears the angels sing; unashamedly
adores the Christ; and eagerly commits itself once again, to the search of
peace on earth, and goodwill among all peoples, through Christ we worship
and pray. Amen. (A time for silent prayer and confession.)
The Assurance of Pardon
The Response (singing)
Angels We Have Heard on High
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the Newborn King.
#23
[Refrain] Gloria in excelsis Deo;
Gloria in excelsis Deo;
We Give God His Tithes and our Offerings
The Call to Offering
The Offertory
Hymn to the Holy Child
*The Doxology
Franz Liszt
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
#592
*The Prayer of Consecration and the Lord’s Prayer (all singing)
We Hear God’s Word Proclaimed
The New Testament Scripture
Matthew 2: 7-12 (N. T. Page 2)
This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God
The Sermon
Christmas Gifts That Always Fit
We Depart to Live and Love as Christian Disciples
*The Hymn of Dedication
We Three Kings of Orient Are
*The Charge and Benediction
*The Choral Response (11:00)
Three-Fold Amen
*The Postlude
Fantasia on O Come, Emmanuel
Pastor Raymond Guterman
#66
Danish
Heathcote Statham
Serving Our Lord Today at First Presbyterian Church of Ocala
Greeters/Ushers 8:15 a.m. Ella Charnley, Mary Lou Ellis and Garris and Nancy Graham
Greeters
11:00 a.m. Tom and Evelyn Weaver
Ushers
11:00 a.m. John Reiss, Captain; Savannah Bennett, Pat Bishop, Bill Bowen,
Hank Fleming, Mikey Kelly, Bob Timmer, Roxanne Schwaller
and Ted Waln

TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Welcome to all who worship with us on this fourth Sunday of Advent! We are
delighted that you are here with us and especially welcome all newcomers. Thank you for
signing and passing the Friendship Pad on the pews. If you’re new today, please give us your
address and phone number. If you are looking for a new church home, we trust that the
service today will be a blessing to you and that you will continue to worship and serve the
Lord with us! New members are received into our church by either transfer from a
previous church or by profession or reaffirmation of faith. Inquirers’ Luncheons are held
every other month on Sundays from noon to 2:00 p.m. in which newcomers can learn more
about Christianity, the Presbyterian Church and membership at First Presbyterian Church of
Ocala. Please speak with one of our pastors after the service if you have questions or
pastoral concerns, and again, welcome to our First family of faith!
Large print hymnals and hearing aids are available for your convenience from the
ushers. If any hearing aid does not work, please see an usher for a replacement.
Parents, please be sure to get today’s worship bulletin for your children with activities for
them on the ushers’ table in the narthex. Ask an usher for information.
Our 2015 Contribution Envelopes are in the Narthex today. If you have chosen to have
envelopes this year, they are in alphabetical order. If you don’t see your name and would
like to have envelopes, please call Pam Steiner in the church office (629-7561) or email
[email protected].
Welcome to our Christmas Eve Services at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.! At 5, there will be
a Contemporary Worship Service of Music, Carols and Communion, featuring Cross &
Crowns and our children and youth choirs in Fellowship Hall. At 7 we’ll have a traditional
Christmas Eve worship service with Carols, Communion and Candlelight in the
Sanctuary. Invite and bring family, neighbors and friends!
Our Out-to-Dinner Fellowship will meet next on Thursday, January 15 at 5:30 p.m.
at Blanca’s Café (Ocala Palms - 5160 NW 26th St.). Call Cathy Taylor (671-3730) by
Monday, January 12 if you’re planning to attend. Newcomers are always welcome!
We Remember This Week in Prayer
Janice Schafer and Doris Steinhardt (Emeritus East), David Owen (Gene and Dee Owen’s son),
J. R. Blackwell (Mary Kauffman’s nephew), Carl Jackson (Veta Jackson’s son), Tineke (Grietje Lewis’ sister),
Lucille Griggs (Genesis), Helen Hayes Marion Thomas’ sister), Noel Trentham Hutcheson (Brooke Cole's sister)
Sue Murphy, Maria Myers (Hampton Manor), Karen Reiss (the Reiss’ daughter-in-law)
and our men and women serving in the armed forces and their families.
January Inquirers’ Luncheon – Welcome Newcomers!
Our next Inquirers’ Luncheon will be on Sunday, January 25. Join us from noon to 2:00 p.m. in
the Fellowship Hall if you have been worshipping regularly with us and want to learn more about FPC.
Please complete the form below and place it in the offering plate today, send it to the church office, or call
629-7561 to make a reservation.
---------------------------------------------------- (Tear Off) --------------------------------------------------------------I’m/we’re interested in the Inquirers’ Luncheon on Sunday, January 25, 2014
Name(s): ____________________________________________________ Need Childcare: _______
Address:_____________________________________________________ Phone: ________________
Are you looking for a last minute stocking stuffer or something for someone
who has “everything”? Give them a copy of In-Spired Delights, our church’s first
cookbook. Purchase copies in the church office during the week—Monday through
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and until 12:30 p.m. on Friday. The cost is $8 … Or give
copies of some of Pastor Raymond’s books at a cost of only $5 each – A Quote a Day to
Keep the Devil Away, Road to Healing, The ABC’s of Christianity and The Choice or
Pastor Darren’s book Exponential Grace. Contact the church office to have the books
personalized for someone special.
January Training for Youth volunteers! Anyone interested in becoming a part of our
KidsKram Youth Volunteer Team, we’ll be holding another training session on Thursday,
January 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Also, any middle or high school youth who
wish to serve as leaders in our KidsKram Children’s Church, you are invited to attend the
required training. Please contact Mrs. Jacque at the church (629-7561) or
[email protected].
Our Church mission is to worship God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We are called to serve and to demonstrate God’s message of love to all.
Calling All FPC Men!
Presbyterian Men will meet next on Thursday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.
Great meal - Great price ($6.00) - Our speaker will be Pat Mcginnis, missionary in Africa and
former FPC member! Plan to be here and bring friends. For reservations, please designate on the
Friendship Pad or put this form in the offering plate today or call the Church Office (629-7561) by
Tuesday, January 26 or email at fpcocala.org. Call Ron McMillin (629-2119) for information.
(Tear Off Below)
Presbyterian Men – Reservation Form
Thursday, January 29
Name(s):__________________________________ Phone #:_______________# Attending:____
This Week’s Calendar
December 21 – December 27
SUN
December 21
8:15 a.m. – Noon
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
11:15 a.m. - Noon
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
MON
TUES
WED
5:30 p.m.
December 22
8:30 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
December 23
5:30 p.m.
December 24
Nursery: newborns – 3 year olds - Nursery
Children’s Church: KidsKram (3 years – 5th Grade) – Room 26
Children’s Church: KidsKram (3 years – 5th Grade) – Room 26
Adult Christian Education:
Science and Religion - Nita Williams - Parlor
Christians Through the Ages - The Crusades – Beth Whelan – Room 1,
Education Building
The Blakely Class – Sustaining Hope – David Arango-Palencia / Jean Morse –
Room 2, Education Building.
Kaleo Youth Christmas Party – Thomas Drake’s Home
Steeple Committee Meeting – Room 1, Education Building
String Ensemble Rehearsal - 3224 SE 13th Street (Helen Lawton, 694-2280)
Cross & Crowns Rehearsal – Fellowship Hall
Christmas Eve Services
5:00 p.m.
A Contemporary Worship Service of Music, Carols and Communion,
featuring Cross & Crowns and our Children and Youth Choirs – Fellowship Hall
7:00 p.m.
A Traditional Service of Carols, Communion and Candlelight - Sanctuary
This Week’s Daily Bible Readings
God’s Word: Offering Us True Joy
Wednesday
December24
Thursday
December 25
Friday
December 26
Saturday
December 27
The Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday
December 21
Luke 1:1-25
Monday December 22
Luke 1:26-56
Tuesday December 23
Luke 1:57-80
Luke 2:1-20
John 1:1-18
John 1:19-34
Luke 2:21-40
GIVE THANKS AND PRAY FOR OUR CHURCH’S 2014 BENEVOLENCES
Presbytery, Synod, General Assembly, PC(USA)
General Assembly Per Capita
Jamaica Medical Mission
Florida Presbyterian Pilgrimage, Inc. (FLPP)
Ocala Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center
Marion Senior Services (Meals on Wheels)
Skilled Day Center, Inc.
Thornwell Home and School for Children
Duvall Presbyterian Home, DeLand
Marion County Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Evangelism/Outreach/Advertising
Miscellaneous Mission Projects
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, Inc.
Marion County Project HOPE
Grace Place, Ocala, FL
PC(USA) Missionary Support (four families)
Staff & Commissioners' Expenses and Transportation
Women's Pregnancy Center
Interfaith Emergency Services
Our Boy Scout Troop
Marion County Florida Center for the Blind
Set Free Prison Ministry
Marion County PACE Center for Girls
Marion County Christian 12-Step Ministry
Helping Hands
Take Stock in Children
PC(USA) Theological Education Fund
Seminary Student Allowance (Madison Munoz)
Campus Crusade for Christ (Straub's daughter)
International Mission Trip
First Presbyterian Church of Ocala
Connection Card
NAME:___________________________________ EMAIL:_____________________________________
 Newcomer
nd
 2 time Newcomer
 Regular Attender
 Member
If 1st or 2nd time newcomer, how did you hear about
First Presbyterian Church of Ocala?
_________________________________________________________________________
(Name of person who invited you, web, Facebook, etc.)
Address ______________________________________________________________________________________
Best Contact Phone Number______________________________________________________________________
I/We’d like to receive more information about:
 Bible Study
 Sunday School
 Presbyterian Women Small Groups
 Children’s Ministry
 Youth Ministry
 Music Ministries
 Serving on a Committee
 Mission Projects
 Joining our telephone or e-mail Prayer Chain
 How to join the church
 Other __________________________________________________________________________
Comments / Prayer Requests ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Thank you for placing this form in the offering plate when it is passed today.
We’re glad you’re here and God is too!