December 10, 2017

Second Sunday in Advent *Please stand, in body or spirit. Items in BOLD are in unison

Ringing of the Bell

Prelude “Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming” Bish Welcome and Announcements Lighting Peace Candle—Karen Hoff, Kevin Klein & Patti Williamson Call To Worship (Responsive) Leader: In the presence of God,

People: We are filled with hope,

Leader: We are overwhelmed by love,

People: We sense a holy mystery!

Leader: In the presence of the holy God,

People: We know our sin,

Leader: We fall on our knees,

People: We are made new!

Leader: In the presence of the living Christ,

People: We stand in awe,

All: We sing for Love! Let us worship God!

*Hymn #2 ” Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” Opening Prayer

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession (Unison) God of angel songs and hidden miracles, wing your way into our world, for we are in need of your presence. We have been caught up in busyness, frantic with lists too long and pocketbooks too empty. We have lost patience and misplaced hope. God of heavenly cho-ruses and humble beginnings, wing your way into our hearts. Let us know a peace that calms unrealistic expectations. Let us be lifted-up to see with new perspective what is truly important. Let love grow, for after all the presents are opened, what we need is an overwhelming sense of amazing grace. God of angel songs and humble miracles, wing your way into our lives and fill us with love…

Silent Prayer of Confession Assurance of Pardon Passing of the Peace

One: The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. All: And also with you.

*Response #579 Gloria Patri

Time with Children

Prayer for Illumination

Old Testament Reading Isaiah 40:1-11 Pew Bible Page 667

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Pew Bible Page 543

New Testament Reading Mark 1:1-8 Pew Bible Page 34

Reader: This is the Word of the Lord

People: Thanks be to God!

Meditation “A Voice of One Calling”

*Hymn #10 “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry”

Invitation to the Offering

Offertory by Chancel Choir “Here Comes the Light” Graham *Doxology *Prayer of Dedication (Unison) Alleluia! Christ is with us! Emmanuel, we bring gifts to the stable as the shepherds brought their sheep. As we are dazzled by a star in the sky, we know whose we are - and for belonging to you, we are deeply grateful. Take what we offer and make this offering worthy, we pray. In Christ we pray, Amen.

Pastoral Prayer and The Lord’s Prayer

*Hymn #14 “Savior of the Nations, Come” *Charge and Benediction

Postlude “Toccata on O Come O Come Emmanuel” Long

Interim Pastor, Rev. David Widmer Music Director, Helene Cantilina

Members and Friends to hold in prayer:

Judi Schick and family on the passing of her mother in law

Marcia Pearson

Liz Hontz

Don Trauger

Cheryl and Ellen Hutchinson, sisters in law of Joan

Russell Hendricksen, Marge’s brother in law

Kevin Moodie, Timko’s friend

Frank Casola’s father

Tom Gunia

Greg Acocella’s father, Frank

Bob Seymour’s mother, Mary

Maureen, friend of the Fords

The Gefforts, friends of Hanorah Hyland

Those affected by recent natural disasters

Those affected by the tragic incident at the church in Texas

What’s Happening Today Christmas Cookie sale,

sponsored by Bethlehem Presbyterian Women

Tree Decorating Family Promise guests arrive

This Week Monday, December 11 7:30 pm Bell Choir Wednesday, December 13 Noon Study Group Thursday, December 14 2pm and 7:30pm choir

Welcome! Get Connected! The best way to get connected is to fill out a Communications Card in your pew rack. If you have an email address please include it, as the church sends out regular emails to help the congregation stay informed. You can give the card to the pastor at the end of the service, or you can place it in the offering plate. Thank you once again for joining our family for worship today.

Special Needs We have an elevator for those who need assistance- and we can also provide you with listening devices and large print hymnals. See the Deacon for help with any of these needs.

Parents are always welcome to walk children in the back of the sanctuary, in the entry area or to spend time in the parlor, down the steps, which has comfortable seats and a monitor for listening to the worship service. Please ask the Deacon for directions if you need them.

A children's table with art supplies has been provided in the back of the sanctuary as a way to welcome our children and offer them an opportunity to participate creatively.

Assisting with Worship Today: Deacon: Jill O’Neil The flowers this morning are given by the Wolfsons in memory of Ruth Wolfson

Christmas Caroling Planned for Sunday December 17th at 2pm. Destination details to follow….sign up in Fellowship Hall.

Pledge Cards Please help us to write the church’s future story by pledging for 2018. If you forgot to turn in your pledge card, there are cards available in the narthex. Thank you for your support of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church.

Contacting Pastor Dave

Call the church office 735-5733 to speak to him

and/or set up an appointment. Email contact—

revwidmer@aol.com For emergency Pastoral Care

after hours call 862-324-3247. Office closed Fri-

days..

7:00pm Family Candlelight