Fourth Sunday of Advent DECEMBER 20, 2015

9:15 and 10:30 a.m.

PRELUDE Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella Stephen Kucera, Organist

RINGING OF THE BELL

CHORAL INTROIT Light Of the World

CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Kati Collins

Pastor: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

People: The light shines in darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.

Pastor: Come, let us celebrate the gift of Jesus.

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN: #133 O Come, All Ye Faithful

*LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE

(9:15) The Dowling Family (Brian, Christy, Brianna, Isabella, Adalynn, Taylor)

(10:30) The Higgins Family (Andrea, Avery, Kady Jo, Haddie)

*RESPONSE Savior of the Nations, Come

*UNISON PRAYER OF CONFESSION:

Pastor: I said I will confess my sins unto the Lord.

People: And thou forgave my sins.

Pastor and People: When all was lost, and no one knew where to look for help, we are thankful, Father, that

the hope of the world was sent to a manger bed at Bethlehem. Help us seek and find the secret of highest service

in a childlike heart. In our gray days of anxious cares and haunting sorrows, let us hear the song of angels and

have our hopes requickened and our lives rehallowed. Help us to make the way that lies before us clean and

straight, to keep our hearts pure and our thoughts holy in honor of Him who came as “God with us.” Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*TIME FOR GREETING

INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS (10:30)

SCRIPTURE LESSON Micah 5:2-5 Page 818

(9:15) Stephanie Petrie

(10:30) Rae Anderson

ANTHEM (9:15) Joyful, All Ye Nations Rise! arr. Mary McDonald

Chancel Choir & Congregation Reginald Pittman, Director

OFFERING O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

*OFFERING RESPONSE #647 Give Thanks

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION (children are dismissed to large group room for a special Birthday Party for Jesus and mission project)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 80:1-7 Page 522

SPECIAL MUSIC Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child

Elise Peterson, Soloist; Robba Moran, Pianist

PASTORAL PRAYER. THE LORD’S PRAYER

ANTHEM (10:30) Joyful, All Ye Nations Rise! arr. Mary McDonald

Chancel Choir & Congregation Reginald Pittman, Director

SCRIPTURE LESSON Luke 2:25-32 Pages 58, 59

(9:15) Stephanie Petrie

(10:30) Jon Anderson

CAROL SINGING #115 Away in a Manger

#134 Joy to the World

#128 Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

SERMON “Revelation Rewritten” Rev. R.C. McConnell

*RECESSIONAL HYMN #127 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

CHORAL BENEDICTION He Came Down

*THE BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE God Rest You Merry, Gentleman

*Asterisk denotes standing.

Greeting this morning at the 9:15 a.m. service are Mark & Terry Healy. The greeters at the 10:30 service are

Dick & Wann Towers.

The flowers in the sanctuary this morning are given by Larry & Carolyn Knostman-Bowers in memory of

loved ones, Amanda Bowers, “Nubby” Bowers, and Harry Knostman.

The ushers at the 9:15 a.m. service are: Al Welch, Doug Tippin, Nancy Habluetzel and David West.

Ushering at the 10:30 a.m. service for the month of December are Tamera Garibay, Mike & Carolyn Mayo,

Lawrence & Cinda Vogel, Linda Couch, John & Shirley James Shimp, Charlie & Kate Gillum.

Brass Ensemble: Dennis Brooks, Rod Manges, Perry Potter, C.L. Snodgrass. We are grateful for their

participation in today’s worship service.

CTRL ALT Worship: Christmas Edition A New Worshipping Community of First Presbyterian Church

Worship Leaders: Rev. Kati Collins and Karis Dollenz

DECEMBER 20, 2015

5:00 p.m.

GATHERING: Each person is invited to take four Post-It notes and use this time to reflect and write

completions to the two phrases “Jesus came to…” and “Jesus is coming to…”

SINGING: Mary, Did You Know? by Lowry/Greene

Mary, did you know, that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?

Mary, did you know, that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?

Did you know, that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?

This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.

Mary, did you know, that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary, did you know, that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?

Did you know that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?

When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?

Mary did you know..

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of The Lamb.

Mary, did you know, that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary, did you know, that your Baby Boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know, that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?

The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.

© 1991, 1993 Word Music, LLC

SHARING: We share our confessions of faith to complete the phrase “Jesus came to . . ."

READING AND RESPONDING TO THE WORD: Luke 1:39-56

We read the scripture three times in different translations, leaving space for listening, prayer, reflection and

discussion.

PREPARATION FOR COMMUNION: Here I am to Worship

1. Light of the World, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see

beauty that made this heart adore You, hope of a life spent with You.

Chorus: Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down, here I am to

say that You're my God, You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me.

2. King of all days, oh so highly exalted, glorious in heaven above.

Humbly You came to the Earth You created,

all for love's sake became poor. (Chorus)

Bridge: And I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross. (4 times)

© 2000 Thankyou Music

SHARING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER: O Little Town of Bethlehem

O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep, the silent stars go by

Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting Light

The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight

For Christ is born of Mary and gathered all above

While mortals sleep, the angels keep their watch of wondering love

O morning stars together proclaim the holy birth

And praises sing to God the King and Peace to men on earth

O holy Child of Bethlehem descend to us, we pray

Cast out our sin and enter in be born to us today

We hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell

O come to us, abide with us our Lord Emmanuel

BENEDICTION AND LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES: "Jesus is coming to …"

You are invited to come forward and share your completion of the phrase, take and light your candle.

Blue Christmas

A Service of Hope and Healing DECEMBER 21, 2015

6:30 p.m.

PRELUDE From Suite Antique by John Rutter

Rev. Kati Collins, flute; Robba Moran, piano

WELCOME AND STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Whitney Short

HYMN #88 O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

SCRIPTURE LESSONS Isaiah 9:2-6 Page 607

John 1:1-5 Page 89

Mary Mertz

MEDITATION “Remembering With Hope” Rev. Kati Collins

SOLO In the Bleak Midwinter Reginald Pittman, Soloist

LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES Sue Bath-Dunn & Judy Rayl

CLOTH FOR THE CRADLE

People are invited to write on the cloth provided in the bulletin the name of the person or situation causing loss

and sorrow in their lives, and then place the cloth in the cradle. Pastor Kati will also be available if you would

like to receive an anointing of oil for healing in this time.

SPECIAL MUSIC DURING CLOTH FOR THE CRADLE Robbie Collins & Robba Moran

PRAYER OF INTERCESSION

HYMN #122 Silent Night, Holy Night

BLESSINGS AND BENEDICTION

POSTLUDE

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service DECEMBER 24, 2015

5:00 p.m.

Carols of Christmas Brass Ensemble

PRELUDE Baby Jesus (Gesu Bambino) Stephen Kucera, Organist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Pastor: The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.

People: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us.

*CHRISTMAS CAROL #133 O Come, All Ye Faithful

*LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE The Paquette Family (Matt, Amy, Zachary, Luke & Grace)

CHILDREN’S CAROL Away in a Manger

CHILDREN’S SERMON Rev. Kati Collins

OFFERING-TRUMPET DUET Angels We Have Heard on High Maggie Moral & Zachary Paquette

THE CHRISTMAS STORY Luke 2:1-20 Rev. Kati Collins

CHRISTMAS CAROL #132 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

CHRISTMAS MEDITATION Rev. R. C. McConnell

SOLO O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Reginald Pittman, Soloist

THE MESSIANIC PROPHECY Jeremiah 31, Micah 5, Isaiah 9,

Many ancient prophets, divinely inspired and concerned with the well-being of their people, foretold the

coming of the Messiah.

THE NATIVITY – CHRISTMAS CAROL #145 What Child is This (Please remain seated)

The Service of Lights

Instructions:

The pastors will light their candles from the chancel candle. The ushers in turn will light their candles from the

minister’s and then take their positions in the aisles. The first person in each pew will light his candle from the

usher’s. It is suggested that an unlit candle be held into the lit candle.

*Christmas Carol Silent Night, Holy Night

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

*POSTLUDE Silent Night

*Asterisk denotes standing if able.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brass Members: Dennis Brooks, Trumpet

Rod Manges, Trombone

Steve Maxwell, Tuba

Perry Potter, Trombone

C.L. Snodgrass, Trumpet

Please join us for refreshments and fellowship immediately following the service.

Christmas Offering

Our Christmas Eve envelope offering supports Shepherd’s Crossing.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service DECEMBER 24, 2015

7:00 p.m.

Carols of Christmas Brass Ensemble

PRELUDE Baby Jesus (Gesu Bambino) Stephen Kucera, Organist

CHORAL INTROIT Light of the World

CALL TO WORSHIP

Pastor: For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given.

People: And the government shall rest on his shoulders.

All: And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

*CHRISTMAS CAROL #133 O Come, All Ye Faithful

*LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE The Manges Family (Rod, Shelley, Taylor & Tim)

RESPONSE O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Reginald Pittman

OFFERING Away in the Manger

THE CHRISTMAS STORY Luke 2:1-20 Page 58

CHRISTMAS MEDITATION Rev. R.C. McConnell

CHRISTMAS CAROL #147 The First Nowell (first four stanzas)

THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION

DISTRIBUTION OF THE BREAD+

DISTRIBUTION OF THE CUP

(Members and friends of the congregation are encouraged to partake of the elements in unison. The pastors will

indicate the time.)

“Chancel Choir Special Music”

What Songs Were Sung Erin Koolman, Soloist

Silent Night Katherine Vaughan, Soloist

O Holy Night Robbie & Rev. Kati Collins, Duet

Joyful, All Ye Nations Rise! Chancel Choir & Congregation

The Service of Lights

Instructions:

The pastors will light their candles from the chancel candle. The ushers in turn will light their candles from the

minister’s and then take their positions in the aisles. The first person in each pew will light his candle from the

usher’s. It is suggested that an unlit candle be held into the lit candle.

*Christmas Carol Silent Night, Holy Night

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

*POSTLUDE Adeste Fideles

*Asterisk denotes standing. +Communion bread is gluten-free

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brass Members: Dennis Brooks, Trumpet

Rod Manges, Trombone

Perry Potter, Trombone

C.L. Snodgrass, Trumpet

Christmas Offering

Our Christmas Eve envelope offering supports Shepherd’s Crossing.

Sunday DECEMBER 27, 2015

9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

PRELUDE Angels, We Have Heard on High Stephen Kucera, Organist

RINGING OF THE BELL

CHORAL INTROIT The Angel’s Song Is True

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN #110 Love Has Come

*CALL TO WORSHIP AND PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Pastor: Joy to the World, the Lord is Come

All: Let Earth receive her king.

Pastor: Let every heart prepare him room.

All: Lord, come and make a home in our hearts.

Pastor: Let us turn to Bethlehem, lay down our burdens, and receive Christ today.

All: God of the Ages, You have been with us in our dark times and in the light. We have come to You

looking for a new start in our lives. Wash us of our sins and renew our hearts. Be born in our lives, that

we might give birth to grace, mercy and love in our families, in our community, in our schools, in our

work and in our play. Come rule in our lives with truth and grace, that we may see the wonders of Your

love. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

*TIME FOR GREETING

SCRIPTURE LESSON Mark 1:1-11 Page 37

(9:15) Jan Gibbs

(10:30) Kim Smith

ANTHEM (9:15) Jesu, Sleep, In Heavenly Peace arr. Douglas Wagner

Robbie Collins, Director

OFFERING I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

*DOXOLOGY #647 Give Thanks

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

CHILDREN’S SERMON

SPECIAL MUSIC Welcome to Our World by Chris Rice

Jacque Salmons & Rev. Kati Collins, Vocalists

Ann Salmons, Pianist

ANNOUNCEMENTS

READING FROM THE PSALMS Psalm 91:1-12 Pages 528, 529

(9:15) Jan Gibbs

(10:30) Jeff Smith

PASTORAL PRAYER. THE LORD’S PRAYER

ANTHEM (10:30) Jesu, Sleep, In Heavenly Peace arr. Douglas Wagner

SCRIPTURE READING Mark 1:12-20 Page 37

SERMON “The Beginning of the Good News” Rev. Kati Collins

*RECESSIONAL HYMN #147 The First Nowell (verses 1,5,6)

CHORAL BENEDICTION He Came Down

*THE BENEDICTION

*POSTLUDE Adeste Fideles

*Asterisk denotes standing.

****************************************************************************************

The flowers on the communion table this morning are given by Steve & Whitney Short in celebration of their

35th wedding anniversary.

Greeting this morning at the 9:15 a.m. service is Barbara Gatewood. The greeters for the 10:30 a.m. service

are Joe & Carol Bruckerhoff.

The ushers at the 9:15 a.m. service are: Doug Tippin, Al Welch, Nancy Habluetzel and David West.

Ushering at the 10:30 service for the month of December are: Tamera Garibay, Carolyn & Mike Mayo,

Lawrence & Cinda Vogel, Linda Couch, John & Shirley James Shimp and Charlie & Kate Gillum.

To the Glory of God

The poinsettia plants are given to the glory of God as an expression of gratitude for the joys of life and the

memories of loved ones.

Judy Anderson - In memory of my parents, Melvin & Bernice Martin. In thanksgiving for my sons & daugh-

ters-in-law, Eric & Lindsay Anderson and Mark & Rachel Anderson.

Joe & Carol Bruckerhoff- In thanksgiving for our children.

Doug Chapman -In memory of my mother Bonnie Sparger, grandparents Earl & Connie Chapman and Fred &

Grace Windhorst.

Guy & Janice Coffee –In memory of our family and loved ones.

Ray & Maxine Coffey-In memory of our son, Kevin Coffey.

Jerry & Garalyn Connery-In thanksgiving and joy.

Bob & Missy Cox –In memory of Jerry Banks; in thanksgiving for our Community Meal volunteers; in appre-

ciation of friends, family and our church family.

Gary & Janet Creason– With love and gratitude for the Ron Habluetzel family.

Danielson-Phillips Family– In memory of Durward, Virginia and Jeffrey; in thanksgiving for our family; in

appreciation of the season.

Dee Dockins– In memory of my twin sister, Dorothy Puett.

Michael & Barbara Finnegan-In appreciation of law enforcement and our military.

Steven & Cheri Graham-In memory of our siblings, parents and grandparents.

Nancy Habluetzel - In loving memory of Ron Habluetzel; in thanksgiving for our church family.

Mark & Peg Janssen-In thanksgiving for all the 2015 blessings that have been gifted to our collective families,

Janssen, Janssen and Reader.

The Klingler children-In thanksgiving for our parents Gene & Sue Klingler.

Gene and Sue Klingler - In memory of our son Bert and our parents; in thanksgiving for our children and

grandchildren; in appreciation of Cam and the church staff.

Dick and Beverly LaGree - In thanksgiving for a wonderful Christmas memory.

Judy Lundberg - In loving memory of Bill Lundberg.

Valerie & Mike McGhee– In memory of David McGhee; in thanksgiving for healthy grandsons, Ethan Kellan

and Henry Ian.

Cam & Jennifer McConnell-In thanksgiving for the enthusiasm and spirit of the First Presbyterian family.

Bruce McMillan– In memory of Megan McMillan and Florence Wesneski.

Bob & Mary Mertz– In memory of Harold D. Mertz.

Jeanne Mertz– In memory of Harold A. Mertz, Cynthia Anne Mertz and Agnes Bullock.

Gene & Shirley Moherman-In memory of our parents, sister and brother-in-law, Betty & Kent Vinton and

brother Ronald Thompson; in thanksgiving for son-in-law, John Harnmang; in appreciation of Pastors Cam &

Kati and the church staff.

Jim & Evelyn Neill– in memory of loving brother, John Neill.

Joan Nelson-In memory of my father, Dr. Richard H. Perry and his big brother, my uncle Paul Perry.

Katie Philp-In memory of Jerry & Marie Pettle; in thanksgiving for Leo & Charlie.

Melba & Reg Pittman-In memory of J.W. Pittman, Jr. and Sherry Mitchell.

Cleo Richards & Teresa Lang– In memory of Dale Richards.

Jim & Linda Schottler-In thanksgiving for our family and church family.

Patty Schrader - In loving memory of Luke George and Lou & Ilene Keck.

John K. & Shirley James Shimp-In memory of Daniel Charles Shimp; in thanksgiving for parents, John R. &

Pauline James and John A. & Edna Shimp.

OK Sparks-Merry Christmas.

Nancy Taylor– In memory of Elsie & Jack Thompson.

Jill, Wouter & Oliver van Tiel– In loving memory of Ann McDonald, a wonderful mother, grandmother and

mother-in-law.

Shiloh Vick– In thanksgiving for my family. In thanksgiving and appreciation for the Children’s Ministries

Renovation Team for their dedication, time and efforts towards the growth of our children’s programs.

Terry & Claudia Voos-In thanksgiving for God’s continued love and grace to our family.

Mylo & Pricilla Wattenford– In memory of Jim Kunkel & Mary Wattenford.

Larry & Kay Weigel– In memory of our niece, Betsy Geist.

The poinsettias are purchased from Kansas State University Gardens

and grown by Kansas State University students.

Sunday Morning Schedule at First Presbyterian Church

9:15 Worship Service

9:15 a.m. Adult Sunday school

10:10 Fellowship Time in Fisher Hall

10:30 Worship Service

10:50 a.m. Children’s Sunday school

11:30 Fellowship Time in narthex

Rev. R.C. McConnell, Pastor Rev. Kati Collins, Interim Associate Pastor

801 Leavenworth Street Manhattan, KS 66502

785-537-0518 Email: staff@firstpresmanhattan.com Website: www.firstpresmanhattan.com

A special thank you to Dr. and Mrs. Gene Klingler

for sponsoring the printing of this Christmas program.

CCLI License #1595604