Welcome
to Norcross Presbyterian Church
Come as you are. You won’t be a stranger long.
Celebration of Worship - December 1, 2019
Celebration of Worship—December 1, 2019
Gathering
Chiming of the Hour
Welcome and Announcements
† Passing of the Peace
Prelude
Call to Worship
One: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
All: And ransom captive Israel
One: That mourns in lonely exile here
All: Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
† Hymn #88—verses 2-7 (Glory To God Hymnal)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
A time for meditation
† Response to meditation (hymn # 581)
Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.
World without end, without end. Amen, amen.
Lighting of the Advent Candle Janel Stover & Jamey Bailey
Decorating the Tree with Crismons
liturgy of the Word
† Prayer for Illumination (unison)
Eternal God, whose Word silences the shouts of the mighty, quiet within us every voice but your own. Speak to us through every avenue possible, including ones we have not even thought of before, that by the power of your Holy Spirit we may receive grace to show Christ's love in lives given to your service. Amen.
† Hymn #92 (Glory To God Hymnal)
While We Are Waiting, Come
First Reading
Romans 13.11-14
As you do all this, you know what time it is. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep. Now our salvation is nearer than when we first had faith. 12 The night is almost over, and the day is near. So let’s get rid of the actions that belong to the darkness and put on the weapons of light. 13 Let’s behave appropriately as people who live in the day, not in partying and getting drunk, not in sleeping around and obscene behavior, not in fighting and obsession. 14 Instead, dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires.
Second Reading
Isaiah 2.1-5
This is what Isaiah, Amoz’s son, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 In the days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
will be the highest of the mountains.
It will be lifted above the hills;
peoples will stream to it.
3 Many nations will go and say,
“Come, let’s go up to the Lord’s mountain,
to the house of Jacob’s God
so that he may teach us his ways
and we may walk in God’s paths.”
Instruction will come from Zion;
the Lord’s word from Jerusalem.
4 God will judge between the nations,
and settle disputes of mighty nations.
Then they will beat their swords into iron plows
and their spears into pruning tools.
Nation will not take up sword against nation;
they will no longer learn how to make war.
5 Come, house of Jacob,
let’s walk by the Lord’s light.
Third Reading
Luke 21.25-28
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. 26 The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. 27 Then they will see the Human One[a] coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.”
Sermon Stand Up Straight and Raise Your Heads
Rev. Dr. Matthew M. Fry
† Hymn #100 (Glory To God Hymnal)
My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout
Pastoral Prayers
Silent Prayer
Corporate Prayer
The LORD’s Prayer (Pg 35 Glory to God Hymnal)
liturgy of the eucharist
Offering
Offertory
† Doxology # 605 (Glory To God Hymnal)
Praise to God the Father;
Praise to God the Son;
Praise to God the Spirit:
Praise to the Three-in-One.
Sing praise, sing praise to the Lord on high.
Praise to God Almighty; praise to the Holy One.
† Prayer of Dedication (responsively)
Leader: Fill us every morning with your faithful love.
People: So we can rejoice and celebrate our whole life long. Source of comfort and love, we come into this season yet again hoping for your love to be born anew into this world, and into our lives. Use these gifts we give so that we could be a part of that process and mission. In the name of the incarnate Jesus we pray, Amen.
Invitation to the LORD’s Table
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving (responsively)
The LORD be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the LORD.
Let us give thanks to the LORD, our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Words of Institution and Breaking of the Bread
Holy Communion of God’s People
(Please come forward to receive communion by intinction, receive a piece of bread, dip it in the cup, and eat.)
Communion Music
Prayer after Communion—from Psalm 13 (responsively)
One: LORD Jesus Christ, you have called us to share in God’s story of hope.
All: And so we offer ourselves to its telling. Breathe your life through ours that the story may continue on in us, and through us, until the world is remade. Amen.
† Affirmation of Faith-- The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one LORD, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the LORD, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Sending
† Hymn #95 (Glory To God Hymnal)
Prepare the Way of the Lord
† Charge and Blessing
Postlude
This Week at NPC
Sunday, December 1, 2019
9:30 A.M. NPC Sunday School Hour
11:00 A.M. NPC Worship Service
12:30 P.M. NPC Handbell Choir Rehearsal
12:00-1 P.M. Kwang-Ya Bible Study, Covenant Room
1-2:30 P.M. Kwang-Ya Worship, Sanctuary
Monday, December 2, 2019
6:30 P.M. Boy Scouts
7:00 P.M. Theology Tavern
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
6:30 P.M. Community YOGA Class
7:00 P.M. Kwang Ya Counseling Class
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
6:00 P.M Wednesday Night Dinner (Lankford)
and Bible Discussion
7:30 P.M. NPC Choir Rehearsal
8:00 P.M. Kwang Ya Bible Study
Thursday, December 5, 2019
7:00 P.M. Kwang Ya English Class
Friday, December 6, 2019
8:30 P.M. Kwang Ya Prayer Meeting
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Serving in the Church this Sunday, December 1st
Counters: Ushers: Lay Readers: Communion
Jonathan Bartlett Diane Lewis Jack Crymes Bob Norman
Bob Norman Bob Norman (Rom 13:11-14) Diane Lewis
Bob Norman Kate Geerlings
(Isaiah 2:1-5) Jonathan Bartlett
Refreshments: Kate and Jacob Geerlings
Ringing of Hour: Joseph Crymes & Carol MacGregor
Serving in the Church next Sunday, December 8th
Counters: Ushers: Lay Readers: Acolyte
Diane Lewis Janel Stover Jean Kuhn BJ Steele
Laura Lankford Jamey Bailey Jan Garland
Refreshments: BJ Steele
Ringing of Hour: Joseph Crymes & Carol MacGregor
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2020 Pledge Cards are available at the table by the door. Please prayerfully consider your financial gift to the church for next year. You may place your completed pledge in the offering plate during today’s worship service. Thank You!
Theology Tavern is Monday (Dec 2) at 7:00pm. It’s a great opportunity to share honest talk about anything and everything. See you tomorrow at the Peachtree Growler Company!
Wednesday Night Activities resume this week. Join us for
cuisine, community and conversation! Dinner at 6pm
A special Lessons and Carols worship service is scheduled for Sunday, December 15. Lots of Christmas music and special performances by NPC Bell Choir. See you there!
Santa Claus Express is HERE! Residents of Presbyterian Homes of Georgia health centers will receive the gifts we donate at Christmastime. Today is the day to drop off gifts here at NPC or donors can send a financial gift by using one of the “angel ornaments” in the basket. Thank you!
Come to NPC during the Sunday School hour (9:30-10:30 am) We are starting a new Bible Study of the four Gospels using the Parallel Lives of Jesus: A Guide to the Four Gospels, by Edward Adams, as well as studying the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. All are invited and encouraged to join us for what should be a very interesting study. Please prayerfully consider joining us.
Norcross Co-op Merry Market is a great way to make Christmas happen for struggling families in our community. You can donate or volunteer. The event is December 11, 12 & 14 at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Visit www.merrymarket.org for more information.
December Birthdays
Kathy Fluehr—12/1, Alison Buis – 12/2, Reanna Bailey – 12/6,
Nancy Caldwell—12/24
Gathering
Chiming of the Hour
Welcome and Announcements
† Passing of the Peace
Prelude
Call to Worship
One: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
All: And ransom captive Israel
One: That mourns in lonely exile here
All: Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
† Hymn #88—verses 2-7 (Glory To God Hymnal)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
A time for meditation
† Response to meditation (hymn # 581)
Glory be to the Father,
And to the Son,
And to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be.
World without end, without end. Amen, amen.
Lighting of the Advent Candle Janel Stover & Jamey Bailey
Decorating the Tree with Crismons
liturgy of the Word
† Prayer for Illumination (unison)
Eternal God, whose Word silences the shouts of the mighty, quiet within us every voice but your own. Speak to us through every avenue possible, including ones we have not even thought of before, that by the power of your Holy Spirit we may receive grace to show Christ's love in lives given to your service. Amen.
† Hymn #92 (Glory To God Hymnal)
While We Are Waiting, Come
First Reading
Romans 13.11-14
As you do all this, you know what time it is. The hour has already come for you to wake up from your sleep. Now our salvation is nearer than when we first had faith. 12 The night is almost over, and the day is near. So let’s get rid of the actions that belong to the darkness and put on the weapons of light. 13 Let’s behave appropriately as people who live in the day, not in partying and getting drunk, not in sleeping around and obscene behavior, not in fighting and obsession. 14 Instead, dress yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, and don’t plan to indulge your selfish desires.
Second Reading
Isaiah 2.1-5
This is what Isaiah, Amoz’s son, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2 In the days to come
the mountain of the Lord’s house
will be the highest of the mountains.
It will be lifted above the hills;
peoples will stream to it.
3 Many nations will go and say,
“Come, let’s go up to the Lord’s mountain,
to the house of Jacob’s God
so that he may teach us his ways
and we may walk in God’s paths.”
Instruction will come from Zion;
the Lord’s word from Jerusalem.
4 God will judge between the nations,
and settle disputes of mighty nations.
Then they will beat their swords into iron plows
and their spears into pruning tools.
Nation will not take up sword against nation;
they will no longer learn how to make war.
5 Come, house of Jacob,
let’s walk by the Lord’s light.
Third Reading
Luke 21.25-28
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. 26 The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. 27 Then they will see the Human One[a] coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. 28 Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.”
Sermon Stand Up Straight and Raise Your Heads
Rev. Dr. Matthew M. Fry
† Hymn #100 (Glory To God Hymnal)
My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout
Pastoral Prayers
Silent Prayer
Corporate Prayer
The LORD’s Prayer (Pg 35 Glory to God Hymnal)
liturgy of the eucharist
Offering
Offertory
† Doxology # 605 (Glory To God Hymnal)
Praise to God the Father;
Praise to God the Son;
Praise to God the Spirit:
Praise to the Three-in-One.
Sing praise, sing praise to the Lord on high.
Praise to God Almighty; praise to the Holy One.
† Prayer of Dedication (responsively)
Leader: Fill us every morning with your faithful love.
People: So we can rejoice and celebrate our whole life long. Source of comfort and love, we come into this season yet again hoping for your love to be born anew into this world, and into our lives. Use these gifts we give so that we could be a part of that process and mission. In the name of the incarnate Jesus we pray, Amen.
Invitation to the LORD’s Table
Great Prayer of Thanksgiving (responsively)
The LORD be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the LORD.
Let us give thanks to the LORD, our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise.
Words of Institution and Breaking of the Bread
Holy Communion of God’s People
(Please come forward to receive communion by intinction, receive a piece of bread, dip it in the cup, and eat.)
Communion Music
Prayer after Communion—from Psalm 13 (responsively)
One: LORD Jesus Christ, you have called us to share in God’s story of hope.
All: And so we offer ourselves to its telling. Breathe your life through ours that the story may continue on in us, and through us, until the world is remade. Amen.
† Affirmation of Faith-- The Nicene Creed
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, creator of heaven and earth, and of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one LORD, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the LORD, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshipped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Sending
† Hymn #95 (Glory To God Hymnal)
Prepare the Way of the Lord
† Charge and Blessing
Postlude
This Week at NPC
Sunday, December 1, 2019
9:30 A.M. NPC Sunday School Hour
11:00 A.M. NPC Worship Service
12:30 P.M. NPC Handbell Choir Rehearsal
12:00-1 P.M. Kwang-Ya Bible Study, Covenant Room
1-2:30 P.M. Kwang-Ya Worship, Sanctuary
Monday, December 2, 2019
6:30 P.M. Boy Scouts
7:00 P.M. Theology Tavern
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
6:30 P.M. Community YOGA Class
7:00 P.M. Kwang Ya Counseling Class
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
6:00 P.M Wednesday Night Dinner (Lankford)
and Bible Discussion
7:30 P.M. NPC Choir Rehearsal
8:00 P.M. Kwang Ya Bible Study
Thursday, December 5, 2019
7:00 P.M. Kwang Ya English Class
Friday, December 6, 2019
8:30 P.M. Kwang Ya Prayer Meeting
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Serving in the Church this Sunday, December 1st
Counters: Ushers: Lay Readers: Communion
Jonathan Bartlett Diane Lewis Jack Crymes Bob Norman
Bob Norman Bob Norman (Rom 13:11-14) Diane Lewis
Bob Norman Kate Geerlings
(Isaiah 2:1-5) Jonathan Bartlett
Refreshments: Kate and Jacob Geerlings
Ringing of Hour: Joseph Crymes & Carol MacGregor
Serving in the Church next Sunday, December 8th
Counters: Ushers: Lay Readers: Acolyte
Diane Lewis Janel Stover Jean Kuhn BJ Steele
Laura Lankford Jamey Bailey Jan Garland
Refreshments: BJ Steele
Ringing of Hour: Joseph Crymes & Carol MacGregor
ANNOUNCEMENTS
2020 Pledge Cards are available at the table by the door. Please prayerfully consider your financial gift to the church for next year. You may place your completed pledge in the offering plate during today’s worship service. Thank You!
Theology Tavern is Monday (Dec 2) at 7:00pm. It’s a great opportunity to share honest talk about anything and everything. See you tomorrow at the Peachtree Growler Company!
Wednesday Night Activities resume this week. Join us for
cuisine, community and conversation! Dinner at 6pm
A special Lessons and Carols worship service is scheduled for Sunday, December 15. Lots of Christmas music and special performances by NPC Bell Choir. See you there!
Santa Claus Express is HERE! Residents of Presbyterian Homes of Georgia health centers will receive the gifts we donate at Christmastime. Today is the day to drop off gifts here at NPC or donors can send a financial gift by using one of the “angel ornaments” in the basket. Thank you!
Come to NPC during the Sunday School hour (9:30-10:30 am) We are starting a new Bible Study of the four Gospels using the Parallel Lives of Jesus: A Guide to the Four Gospels, by Edward Adams, as well as studying the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. All are invited and encouraged to join us for what should be a very interesting study. Please prayerfully consider joining us.
Norcross Co-op Merry Market is a great way to make Christmas happen for struggling families in our community. You can donate or volunteer. The event is December 11, 12 & 14 at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church. Visit www.merrymarket.org for more information.
December Birthdays
Kathy Fluehr—12/1, Alison Buis – 12/2, Reanna Bailey – 12/6,
Nancy Caldwell—12/24