Fourth Sunday of Advent Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Lizzie Meden, Liturgist

Prelude Music                                                   

“Gesu Bambino”

Pietro Yon

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Leader:      Happy are we who hear the joyful call to worship,

People:      for we walk in the light of God’s presence!

Leader:      Let us worship God together—

People:      celebrating who he is and all that he has done!

Leader:      For God is our strength and our protection,

People:      the One in whom we trust.

(based on Psalm 89)

*Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Watch and wait for Christ's coming!  Light candles of hope, peace, joy and love, remembering the promises of God with prayer.

We light this candle in hope.     We light this candle for peace.

We light this candle in joy!    We light this candle with love.

Out of love for the people of God, the Lord speaks through the prophet Isaiah, as found in the seventh chapter, verses 10-14: 

"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 not enough for you to try the patience of 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.'"

Let us pray:  God of hope, Prince of peace, Jubilee Judge, and Lord of love, your goodness is beyond our wildest imaginings.  You give us more than we can think to ask, coming to us with impossible possibility in the union of flesh and spirit.  Teach us to love this world and all people as you love us in Jesus Christ, our Lord.  God of promise, God of hope, into our darkness come.

Charlie and Melissa Yates

Hymn                                                                 

O Come, All Ye Faithful

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!

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation; sing, all ye citizens of heaven above!

Glory to God, all glory in the highest!   O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him, Christ, the Lord!

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!

ADESTE FIDELES

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

O Holy God of Promise, we so often place our trust in the things we can see, and touch, and easily believe.  

But you did not ask us to believe what is easy, you asked us to believe what is true!  

Forgive us, Holy One, when we doubt the ways you work.  

Forgive us when we find it hard to believe an ancient story.

Forgive us when we question how you chose to enter the world, born as one of us.

Forgive our lack of faith and belief  in ways which seem so impossible to believe.

Help us to look in faith, open our belief, and set aside our doubts  that you sent your Son, born of a virgin – the one who has come to set us all free.

We offer these prayers in the name of your Son, Emmanuel, God with us.  Amen.

~ written by Rev. Jan Brooks, Cottonwood Falls Presbyterian Church

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Gloria Patri



 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.

  * ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.
** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem                                   

“Angels, We Have Heard on High”

Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountains in reply echoing their joyous strains.   Gloria in excelsis Deo! 

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song?  Gloria in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing;
come, adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.  Gloria in excelsis Deo!

15th c French carol

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Luke 1:26-38

Sermon

What a Difference a Pronoun Makes

Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

Joy to the World!

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 heaven and nature sing.

(Short interlude) 

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.

(Short interlude)

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love,
and wonders of his love, and wonders, wonders of his love.

ANTIOCH

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Rejoice!
Veni Emmanuel

Postlude                                                                

“From Heaven Above”
Bach/Zachau

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – Our Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service will be online only this year, and available on December 24th.  Cress’ Christmas Day Message, in lieu of an in-person service, will be available on the on December 25th.

Fourth Sunday of Advent: What a Difference a Pronoun Makes

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 20, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

Mary was probably no more than fourteen. She is not characterized as “righteous” in her religious observances. She is not visited in holy surroundings in the metropolis of Jerusalem. We can presume the angel Gabriel finds her in humble circumstances in the insignificant northern village called Nazareth. But Gabriel tells Mary she has found favor with God, that she will conceive a son and name him Jesus, and that he will rule a dynasty, fulfilling all the ancient expectations for a Jewish Messiah.

Wow. What are we to think? Are we just to accept this narrative? Are we to be the heralds of this craziness? Well, what else could we report? Does our faith hinge on the science and possibility/probability of a human virgin birth? We are told nothing is impossible with God. How much does it matter to you? How much does it matter to Jesus?

This Sunday we won’t attempt to reduce the mystery and wonder of holy revelation. We’ll observe the courage of a young girl, the confidence of our maker, the reality of the miraculous and the promise that we are not alone. 

Ah, the wonder–

See you in worship! 

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Christmas Joy Offering: Being Together

MINUTE FOR MISSION

Being Together

“Many hands make light work.”

“Teamwork makes the dream work.”

“If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot.”

There are lots of ways to say it — but working together really does make bigger and better things possible.  And, lots of times, working together makes it more fun, too.  In fact, there are times made better just by our ability to be together, to be with one another.

That is something that really rings true, doesn’t it?  Being together. During these past months, many of us weren’t able to be together in person.  We have always been together in spirit, and in faith.  But we missed seeing each other.  We missed seeing faces we love — up close and personal.  But that doesn’t mean we haven’t been together.  And we definitely have not been alone.

There is a word that comes up a lot during this season we call Advent in the Church, and it points to the same sentiment, but about God: “Emmanuel.” Emmanuel means “God is with us,” and, in Jesus, we Christians claim that God took on human form to be with us. "God is with us” is more than just saying God is along for the ride. It states God values togetherness and relationship with us, leading us to value togetherness and relationship with one another.  When we are all together as we are today — and even when we are apart.

The Christmas Joy Offering is one way we join together as Presbyterians from around the country.  We do this to meet the needs of vulnerable people we might not be able to meet as individuals or as single congregations.  We might not be able to meet face to face with those who need the support that our gifts provide, but we are very much still together. 

The gifts we share connect us.  They also change lives.  Through the Christmas Joy Offering, we support church workers and their families who experience critical financial needs through help from the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions.  We connect with the young people attending Stillman College, Presbyterian Pan American School, and the Menaul School, supporting the education and leadership development for students of color, who will soon be leaders in our Church and in the world.

“God is with us.” All the time. During this season of Advent, as we approach Christmas, I can’t think of a more perfect gift than that.  Thank you for sharing those lessons and those truths, through your gift to the Christmas Joy Offering.

Please give generously, for “if we all do a little — together — it adds up to a lot.”

Let Us Pray ~

God, we are your Church, together. Because of your son Jesus, we are brought together to serve those who lead your Church but find themselves in need. And we are brought together with students at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color, who have the potential to lead your church and world in the future. In the name of the Christ, Emmanuel we pray, Amen.

God saw the great needs of the world and offered a perfect gift, Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we receive the perfect gift of God being with us, and of being with those in need—the gift of being together when we are near, and being together when we are apart.

The Christmas Joy Special Offering is an opportunity to join other Presbyterian churches throughout the country to support our PC(USA) leaders. Through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, our gifts honor the faithfulness of current and retired church workers in need. These generous actions bear witness to our response to Christ's charge to love one another.

Third Sunday of Advent Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Rebecca Darwin, Liturgist

Prelude Music                                                   

“O Christmas Tree”, arr. Kinyon

“Away in a Manger”, arr. Klein

“Bring a Torch”, arr. Hollis

Bell Choir

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Leader:       Our souls proclaim your greatness, O God.

People:        And our spirits rejoice in you.

Leader:       We will praise you as long as we live.

People:        We will sing praises to you our whole lives long.

Leader:       We will not trust in the powerful of this world,

People:        But will trust in you–Creator of heaven and earth,

Leader:       the One who gives food to the hungry,

People:        the One who enacts justice for the oppressed.

Leader:       Our souls proclaim your greatness, O God

People:        As we worship you in this place, as we light these candles in hope, peace, and joy.

–written by Joanna Harader, and posted on Spacious Faith
(inspired by Psalm 146 and Luke 1:46-56)

*Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Watch and wait for Christ's coming!  Light candles of hope, peace, joy and love, remembering the promises of God with prayer. We light this candle in hope.      We light this candle for peace.      We light this candle in joy!

Rejoice! For our Lord is coming into the darkness of oppression's exile to lead us home, as we hear in Isaiah 35:1-10:

       The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.  The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.  They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.    Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.  Say to those who are of a fearful heart, "Be strong, do not fear!  Here is your God.  He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense.  He will come and save you."

       Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.  For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

       A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.  No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there.  And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Let us pray:  (ALL)  O Lord, our redeemer, you lead us from languishing in sorrow's shadows into laughter's joy over your abundant restoration.  Thank you that you are coming for us to lead us home along your Way, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Dan and Peyton Tenpas

Hymn                                                                 

Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!

Good Christian friends, rejoice  with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say:  Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him bow, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!  Christ is born today!

Good Christian friends, rejoice  with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss:  Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heaven’s door, and we are blest forevermore.
Christ was born for this!  Christ was born for this! 

Good Christian friends, rejoice  with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave:  Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all  to gain the everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!  Christ was born to save!

IN DULCI JUBILO

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

God, you share with us words of hope, words of Good News.  But sometimes we are unable to hear them because the source is too familiar.  You call us to share the Good News with those around us.  But sometimes we are unable to share,  because the people know us too well.  You encourage us to send messengers to other places  where they will be heard better.  But we can be jealous, wanting the Good News to be for us, not them.  In the multitude of ways we can and have subverted your message of freedom and healing,  in all the ways we have kept the Jubilee year from happening, we have left the path of true wisdom  and call upon your Grace to lead us back on track. 

— posted by Rev. Gord on his blog, Worship Offerings.

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Gloria Patri



 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.

  * ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.
** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem                                   

“In the Bleak Midwinter” 

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.

Our God, 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 incarnate, Jesus Christ.

Enough for him whom cherubim worship night and day, a breastful of milk and a mangerful of hay; Enough for him, whom angels fall down before, the ox and ass and camel which adore.

 What can I give 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; yet what I can I give him: give my heart.

Kiri Taylor and Clarissa Rider, soloists
text:  Christina Rossetti (1872)
music:  Harold Darke

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

John 1:6-8, 19-28

Sermon

News of the Day

Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

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 the angelic host proclaim,  “Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

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

 Christ, by highest heaven adored,  Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,  offspring of the virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;  hail the incarnate deity,
pleased in flesh with us to dwell,  Jesus, our Emmanuel.

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

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!  Hail the sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,  risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,  born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,  born to give us second birth.

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

MENDELSSOHN

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Rejoice!
Veni Emmanuel

Postlude                                                                

“In dulci jubilo” (Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!)
J.S. Bach

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Our guest musician today, Gretchen Roper is the Second Clarinetist of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and also plays in many other Lowcountry orchestras and ensembles.  She also runs a thriving private studio, and is a clarinet repair specialist.  

Third Sunday of Advent: News of the Day

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 13, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

Beautiful Outlaw: “A dangerous book about a scandalous Savior –  He was accused of nearly everything – breaking the law, keeping bad company, heavy drinking, and being the devil himself.  He was so compelling and dangerous they had to kill him.” –John Eldredge

Simply Good News: “No matter what your world view, your beliefs, or your culture, you will find Jesus haunting, disturbing, and attractive.” –NT Wright 

John 1:26-27:  “Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal." –John, the Baptizer

All three statements are descriptive. All three statements testify to the nature of the one whom we celebrate. We’ve heard this before, but for these days this report has a special resonance, an urgency. It isn’t fake. It isn’t alternative, it’s real and it's essential.

John the Baptizer says, “It ain’t me, but… here’s what I saw.”

We say, “Come Lord Jesus, Come” 

Well, Sunday’s comin’, men and women, and we will light the candle of joy. So stop by, tune in, testify!

See you in worship!

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Christmas Joy Offering: A Love Story

God saw the great needs of the world and offered a perfect gift, Jesus Christ. In Jesus, we receive the perfect gift of God being with us, and of being with those in need—the gift of being together when we are near, and being together when we are apart.

The Christmas Joy Special Offering is an opportunity to join other Presbyterian churches throughout the country to support our PC(USA) leaders. Through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, our gifts honor the faithfulness of current and retired church workers in need. These generous actions bear witness to our response to Christ's charge to love one another.

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MINUTE FOR MISSION

A LOVE STORY

Rev. Ken Tracy has spent much of his more than 30 years with the PC(USA) helping congregations work through conflict and revitalize their membership — a mission grounded in love.

If you have the opportunity to talk with Rev. Tracy for even a few minutes, it’s easy to understand why he would be really good at tackling difficult conversations and helping others heal — he laughs easily and has an infectious personality that quickly draws you in.

Along the way, he’s built a legacy of love and faith with a focus on ministry and service within the church. His wife Carol has been by his side throughout all these years.

His first call was at the Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, Presbyterian Church. He then went on to work within Boulder Presbytery, now known the Presbytery of Plains
and Peaks, and serve for seven years as the executive of Utah Presbytery and then as the pastor at St. James Presbyterian Church in Tarzana, California, following the Northridge earthquake in 1994 that damaged the St. James sanctuary. He went on to lead a congregation in the Alaskan village of Hydaburg, taking him and Carol to the smaller churches he loved to serve. It was in Alaska that Carol got very sick.

“We made three trips to Seattle to see doctors, and the shared grants handled by the Board of Pensions picked up 100 percent of our expenses,” he says. “They paid for our flights, hotel, meals, rental car, whatever we needed.”

The doctors discovered that Carol had significant damage to her lungs due to an exposure to black mold; so they turned again for help to the Board of Pensions, which is funded in part by the Christmas Joy Offering. Now they live in Monte Vista Grove Homes in Pasadena, a retirement community for retired pastors, church workers and missionaries. “Carol now lives in skilled nursing, and I live in independent living. Her room is about 30 feet from me,” Rev. Tracy explains. “I’d never heard of a shared

grant until I was the executive at the Utah Presbytery and a member needed some support. I didn’t realize then that years later it would also help my family.”

This is a love story. Not just about Ken and Carol’s love for each other and love for the mission they have served side by side for so many years, but also about God’s love and the love we show with our gifts. Half of the Christmas Joy Offering goes to the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions to help current and past church workers and their families in their time of need critical financial need. The other half supports education and leadership development at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color.

Please give generously, for when we all do a little — it adds up to a lot.

Let Us Pray ~

In our passionate leaders,
we see the echo of your passionate love for us, O God.

Thank you for the gift they are, and receive our gifts
to support church leaders, past, present and future.

Amen

Second Sunday of Advent Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Diana and Kayo Anderson, Liturgists

Prelude Music                                                   

  Guest musicians: Emma Joyce, violin; Gretchen Roper, clarinet

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Leader:    A voice cries out:  "In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

People:     Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

Leader:    Speak to us Lord.  As you promised through your prophets Isaiah and John the Baptist, come to us now.

People:     May all the barriers be removed so that we can receive your Word and worship you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

–written by David Beswick

*Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Watch and wait for Christ's coming!  Light candles of hope, peace, joy and love, remembering the promises of God with prayer.       We light this candle in hope.    We light this candle for peace.

Hear God's promise of peace from Isaiah 11:1-10:

      A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.  The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.  His delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.  He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.  Righteousness shall be the belt around his waist, and faithfulness the belt around his loins.

       The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.  The cow and the bear shall graze, their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.  The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder's den.  They will not hurt or destroy on all my holy mountain;  for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.  On that day the root of Jesse shall stand as a signal to the peoples; the nations shall inquire of him, and his dwelling shall be glorious.

Let us pray:  Faithful God, you are at work to restore all of creation in its intended harmony.  Give us your shalom that we may be reconciled to all enemies in the peace that passes all understanding through Christ Jesus our Lord.  God of promise, God of hope, into our darkness come.

Killen family

Hymn                                                                 

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry

On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry  announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings  glad tidings of the King of kings!

Then cleansed be every life from sin; make straight the way for God within,
and let us all our hearts prepare  for Christ to come and enter there.

We hail you as our Savior, Lord, our refuge and our great reward;
without your grace we waste away  like flowers that wither and decay.

Stretch forth your hand; our health restore, and make us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine  and fill the world with love divine.

WINCHESTER NEW

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

Merciful God, how many John the Baptists, how many prophets of your light, have we ignored because they were not what we were looking for?   How many times have we ignored voices crying in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord."  How many times have we breathed a sigh of relief, and turned our backs on your messengers, because they did not speak the message we expected to hear? Help us hear anew,  the cry of those who would lead us to Christ.  Tune our ears to your heralds, that we might also testify to your light. Amen.

— adapted from The Abingdon Worship Annual 2008, © 2007 Abingdon Press by B.J. Beu. Posted on the Ministry Matters website. 

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Gloria Patri



 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.

  * ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.
** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

BAPTISM of Leighton and Ella Anderson

Children of Diana and Kayo Anderson

Leader:      Leighton / Ella  is now received into the holy catholic church.  Through baptism, God has made him / her a member of the household of God, to share with us in the priesthood of Christ.  I change you, the people of this congregation, to nurture and love him / her and to assist him / her to be a faithful disciple.             

People:      With joy and thanksgiving we welcome you into Christ’s church; for we are all one in Christ. We promise to love, encourage and support you, to share the good news of the gospel with you and to help you know and follow Christ.

Anthem                                   

“The Lord Will Soon Appear”  

The Lord will soon appear;  cast off all fear and sadness.  O hear the ancient seer:  The night will ring with gladness.

All earth prepare the way;  all hills and valleys ring. Soon dawns the glorious day, God’s glory now we sing.

J.S. Bach
BWV 24, arr. Hopson

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Isaiah 40:1-11

Sermon

Penalty Paid - Next?

Rev. Cress Darwin

SACRAMENT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Communion Anthem                                   

“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence”  

Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand;  ponder nothing earthly minded, for with blessing in his hand  Christ our God to earth descendeth,  our full homage to demand.

King of kings, yet born of Mary, as of old on earth he stood, Lord of lords, in human vesture, in the body and the blood,  he will give to all the faithful his own self for heavenly food.

text: 4th c. liturgy
music: PICARDY, French melody

 The Great Prayer of Thanksgiving        

Leader:     The Lord be with you.

People:     And also with you.

Leader:     Lift up your hearts.

People:     We lift them to the Lord.

Leader:     Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People:     It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Closing Hymn                                  

O Lord How Shall I Meet You

O Lord, how shall I meet you, how welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you, my hope, my heart’s delight!
O kindle, Lord most holy, a lamp within my breast,
to do in spirit lowly all that may please you best.

Love caused your incarnation; love brought you down to me;
your thirst for my salvation procured my liberty.
O love beyond all telling, that led you to embrace
in love, all loves excelling, our lost and fallen race.

You come, O Lord, with gladness, in mercy and goodwill,
to bring an end to sadness and bid our fears be still.
In patient expectation we live for that great day
when your renewed creation your glory shall display.

ST. THEODULPH

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Rejoice!
Veni Emmanuel

Postlude                                                                

“Good Christian Friends, Rejoice / Gentle Mary Laid Her Child”

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.

Our guest musician today, Gretchen Roper is the Second Clarinetist of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra and also plays in many other Lowcountry orchestras and ensembles.  She also runs a thriving private studio, and is a clarinet repair specialist.  

Second Sunday of Advent: Penalty Paid - Next?

Online Church is posted on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Watch here.

Find upcoming events and announcements here.

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SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, December 6, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

It’s been hard for me to settle into a groove, a theme for this season. Advent is a time of active waiting, anticipating, perhaps even yearning for what only a miracle can provide.  

Can’t be jolly when the wild fire’s bearing down on your friend’s home or there’s another provocation from the east or the west to deprive displaced people dignity, or another charge of sexual misconduct appropriately redrawing the lines of what is cute, funny or demeaning, another storm lurking post-season in the Caribbean, another genocide, another record set for Covid deaths as the United States, as the most advanced(?) country in the world leads, not in diplomacy, nor humanitarian efforts, but in hubris and partisan stalemate as people are evicted from their homes, hungry, frightened and forgotten.

So we need a miracle. We need to be reminded of the God of creation that draws near. Last week we experienced hope as we remembered that Jesus loves us as we are.

This week we look to the prophet Isaiah through whom God promises peace and restoration to an exiled and chastened people. We know what it's like to be living in a ton of hurt. So we will gather and we will pray and we will repent and we will look to the Lord. 

The miracle occurs as we gather as God’s people –

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Interested in becoming a member of Second Presbyterian? Email Cress for more information.

Listen to sermon podcasts here. Click here to view all Second Presbyterian Church videos. Find upcoming events and announcements here.

Window Restoration Service Opportunity

Stuart Cochrane helped to restore a window on the education building in November. Other windows in need of restoration have since been claimed by individuals from the men's bible study. If you would be willing to help with the scraping, reglazing, and painting of a window or tackling another project at the church, please get in touch with Rob McCready, (203) 921-7804.

Season of Giving

Yesterday David reminded us of something different that we could do on Cyber Monday rather than shop — to go make your pledge for 2021 if you haven’t already! Hope some of you took advantage of that easy way to make your commitment.

Well, today, I’m sure that your email inbox is already filling up with appeals for GIVING TUESDAY. While all non-profits are especially in need this year due to the pandemic, so is the church. Sure, support your favorite charities, but remember what hopefully is at the center of your life, God and your faith. So today, why not give to Second Presbyterian Church first with an extra gift for this year or to get current with your 2020 pledge.

Step up to the plate today. Be generous. Make a difference for our church and its vital work in the community and the world.

Stay warm and stay safe!

Thanks,
Stewardship Team

Volunteer Opportunities - December 2020

CLICK ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES BELOW TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

Giving Tuesday

Today is a chance to join with people all over the world to support your favorite charities, but remember what hopefully is at the center of your life, God and your faith. So today, why not give to Second Presbyterian Church first with an extra gift for this year or to get current with your 2020 pledge.

And help support some of our partners:

1. Give to the Tywanza Sanders Legacy Foundation to fund scholarship and camp opportunities in honor of Tywanza. Your contribution will make a local impact, whether you donate $5 or $500.

2. Give safe water. Donate to Water Mission on this global day of generosity! This #GivingTuesday, you can help provide families with access to safe water and sanitation solutions. Every dollar you give will be matched up to $37,000.

3. Out of chaos, hope. Give to support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. This year there have been a record number of tropical systems and a record number of acres burned by wildfires— all while we are living through a worldwide pandemic. Help PDA respond.

4. Give of your time. Sign up to volunteer at the City of Charleston's Warming Center this winter. Sign up here if you can help or let Sarah Mitchell know.

Season of Giving: Cyber Monday

Advent is a season of giving. We're enticed by clever marketing to shop Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. The commercial celebration continues with Cyber Monday– today, November 30.

While you're online taking advantage of those great offers, remember to give here too. If you haven't done so already, make your pledge for 2021. Don't forget to get current on your 2020 pledge, too, if you can.

The church needs your support now more than ever. Step up to the plate, and make Second first in your giving plan.

Thanks,
Stewardship Team

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AND! If you shop Amazon this holiday season (and throughout the year) make sure your purchases go to support the mission and ministry of Second.
Link your account at smile.amazon.com to "Second Presbyterian Church" and Amazon will automatically donate a percentage of eligible purchases to the church when you checkout through smile.amazon.com.
Or connect from your phone! Open your Amazon App > go to Settings > click AmazonSmile > Turn On.

Watch David's stewardship reminder for us all from the Sunday church service.

First Sunday of Advent Bulletin

THIS IS GOD'S HOUSE - ALL ARE WELCOME

 “Meeting people at their point of need, Inviting all into a dynamic relationship with Christ”

LET US KNOW YOU WORSHIPED WITH US TODAY - Please fill out a contact card to assist with COVID-19 contact tracing and to let us know you worshiped with us today even if you are a member.

“I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord.”   Psalm 122, vs 1

Brad Milner, Liturgist

Prelude Music                                                   

  Sonata in A major
G.P. Telemann
Largo – Allegro – Sarabande - Allegro
Micah Gangwer, violinist

 Processional Hymn    

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!  Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee.
Holy, Holy, Holy!  Merciful and mighty!  God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

GATHERING AROUND THE WORD

Call to Worship

Leader:    Lord Jesus Christ, we await your coming.

People:    We wait filled with hope,

Leader:    Knowing your light will shine in the darkness.

People:   We wait anticipating your peace,

Leader:    May we reach out to share it with our neighbors.

People:    We wait with joy,

Leader:    Believing that one day it will fill our world.

People:   We wait embracing your love,

Leader:    In expectation of your birth.

People:     Lord we wait,  Come soon and fill us with your life.

–written by Christine Sine (2012), and posted on GodSpace

*Lighting of the Advent Wreath

Watch and wait for Christ's coming!  Light candles of hope, peace, joy and love, remembering the promises of God with prayer.    We light this candle in hope......

Hear God's promise of hope from Isaiah 2:2-4:

"In days to come the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it.  Many peoples shall come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain to the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths."  For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the world of the LORD from Jerusalem.  He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;  nation shall not lift up sword against any nation, neither shall they learn war anymore."

Let us pray:  Faithful God, out of war's chaos, you bring the order of peace.  Renew us in hope, that we may work toward Christ's advent of peace among all nations.

ALL:  God of promise, God of hope, into our darkness come.

Jean Meden, Ellen Moryl

Hymn                                                                 

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

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.

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

O come, Desire of nations, bind all peoples in one heart and mind;
bid envy, strife, and discord cease; fill the whole world with heaven’s peace. Refrain

Veni Emmanuel

Invocation and Lord's Prayer (Unison)

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 trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.  Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen. 

CONFESSION OF SIN & ASSURANCE OF PARDON

Call to Confession (Unison)

Leader:      In a few days’ time we will be celebrating the birth of Christ, so let us restore our souls, and refresh our spirits.

People:      Restore us, O God, let your face shine that we may be saved. Amen.

Leader:      Though we are complicit in the frenzy of consumerism, the unreality of expectations, the tension of gift giving, and the pressure to attend gatherings:

People:      Restore us, O God, let your face shine that we may be saved. Amen.

Leader:      Though we would like to be more Christ-centered in our daily lives, we know we can turn to God, and be restored. So, we ask:

People:      Restore us, O God, let your face shine that we may be saved. Amen.

— written by Ann Siddall, Stillpoint Spirituality Centre and Faith Community

Silent Confession and Assurance of Pardon     

Response:   Thanks be to God!

 Gloria Patri



 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.

  * ”hell” refers to the Hebrew word “Sheol,” a place of the dead, rather than the Hell of the final judgment.
** “catholic” is Latin for “universal,” implying the Christian unity that exists beyond all denominations.

Anthem

“The Advent of Our God”

The advent of our God with eager prayers we greet,
and singing haste upon the road, his coming reign to meet.

The everlasting Son came down to make us free:
and he a servant’s form put on to gain our liberty.

As judge on clouds of light, he soon will come again,
 his scattered people to unite, with them in heaven to reign.

O come O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.
Rejoice!  Rejoice!  Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind, All peoples in one heart and mind.
Praise to the incarnate Son who comes to set us free, with Father, Spirit, ever One, to all eternity.

                                                   text: Charles Coffin, 1736
music: CONSOLATION,
The Kentucky Harmony1 816, arr. Douglas Wagner

Pastoral Prayer of the People

Scripture Reading

Mark 13: 24-37

Sermon

A Quiet Thing

Rev. Cress Darwin

Closing Hymn                                  

Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free;
from our fears and sins release us;  let us find our rest in thee.

Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art;
dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

Born thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a king,
born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
by thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.

Stuttgart

Benediction and Choral Response                      

Rejoice!
Veni Emmanuel

Postlude                                                                

 “Stuttgart”
Archer

2nd Presbyterian CCLI Lic. #2046860

INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Second Presbyterian is a church community where you will be known and nurtured. Have a prayer request? Please let us know here. Interested in joining Second? Find more about becoming a member here.

And get connected! Join a small group here. While we may be practicing social distancing these days, there are still ways to be involved and to offer your time, talents, and resources in service to others. Please reach out to our Director of Community and Communications Jordyn Pritchard to get connected.