-
First Presbyterian Church | 1100 Carter Creek Parkway | Bryan,
Texas 77802 PH. 979.823.8073 | FAX. 979.822.7063 | Website:
www.fpcbryan.org | Email: [email protected]
Find “First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas” on FACEBOOK
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
December 20, 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, Texas 10:45
a.m. Link to worship videos available at: www.fpcbryan.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Silent Night arr. Melody Bober
WELCOME AND LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES READER ONE: We often
feel that we live rocking back-and-forth. We live and move between
the ordinary and divine, between the mundane and the mystery.
Messengers from God can appear before us, and we still can be
unaware. God is with us, right now. Mary was informed that company
is coming. We too can hear that word. READER TWO: Isaiah tells us
how God’s favor will come to an ordinary girl, possibly like you or
your daughter; or the girl down the street, or your granddaughter.
The messenger said: “The Lord is with you; and you will bear
Emmanuel – God with us. READER ONE: We light three blue candles of
hope, faith, and peace. And today we light the pink candle as a
symbol of the joy to the world we realize in the news that the
presence and company of God is coming. READER TWO: O Come, O Come,
Emmanuel. Let us pray, singing together, “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.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
HYMN NO. 113 (st. 1,2,3) Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountain in reply echoing their joyous strains. REFRAIN
Glo-ria in excelsis Deo! Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song?
REFRAIN
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; come,
adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
REFRAIN
WORSHIP NOTES
PREACHERS Rev. Emily K. Béghin; Rev. Ted Foote
LITURGIST Rev. George E. Klett
USHERS | GREETERS Ruth Ann Gholson; Roger Reese;
AJ Renold
ADVENT CANDLELIGHTERS Marcia Miculek; Ulonda Rogers
MUSICIANS Michelle Lassiter, piano and organ
David Kipp, Director of Music Ministries
AUDIO-VISUAL | SOUND Nicole McKinley; Jerry Norris;
Bill Watson
CHANCEL FLOWERS The poinsettias are sponsored
by our church family (see insert)
COVER ART a panel from Ghent Altarpiece, 1432 St Bavo's
Cathedral, Ghent, Belgium
by Jan Van Eyck
LITURGICAL BANNER Pulpit side: Advent Banner
by Becky Alter
COPYRIGHT LICENSES Hymns from Glory to God: The Presbyterian
Hymnal
CCLI 196019 CVLI 504246321
A WARM WELCOME! We are delighted that you chose to worship with
us today.
THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 20, 2020 9:00am Church School:
Loose Leaf Class-via Zoom 9:20am Church School: The Word
Class-303/via Zoom 9:20am Church School: Seekers Class-P/via Zoom
10:45am Worship (Live streamed)-S *
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 10:30am Staff Meeting-L
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
4:00pm Christmas Candlelight & Communion Worship-S
(self-guided “come-and-go” ‘til 5:00pm) 6:00pm Christmas
Candlelight & Communion Worship-S (Live streamed)
CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2020
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 27, 2020 9:00am Church
School: Loose Leaf Class-via Zoom 9:20am Church School: The Word
Class-303/via Zoom 9:20am Church School: Seekers Class-P/via Zoom
10:45am Worship (Live streamed)-S *
* During COVID-19, Rooms 103 and 108 are available for your
nursery needs.
“Near at hand”
~~~~~~ Text in bold face type is to be read by all.
-
PRAYERS OF PRAISE, INTERCESSION, AND CONFESSION Let us pray
together . . . Holy Father, there is a stillness amongst the chaos
that reaches out for us in this season, deep below the surface of
the river of our lives, but so often we live with the rush of the
winds, catching the leaves, twigs, and all that would come to find
us. We become busy, exhausted, and detached from the moments that
live in the eddies and the rock beds. Lord, this season, help us
seek to know the stillness before the joy-- the quiet before the
singing. Help us be like children, living for the surprise,
yearning to know the gift we are about to receive. Help us find a
space to enjoy what we already have in those we love and the
blessings we share and find in the coming days the great joy of
being so loved in return. (pausing in silence for prayer) Make us
whole in your love, Blessed One. In these moments and beyond, stir
us for a rebirth of the power of the Gospel again and anew. Bring
your new life among us for serving you continually in the way and
spirit of Jesus Christ . . .
Lord, in your blessings we know we are made whole and loved
beyond measure.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN OF RESPONSE (st. 1,4) There’s a Song in the Air CHRISTMAS
SONG There’s a song in the air! There’s a star in the sky! There’s
mother’s deep prayer and a baby’s low cry! And the star rains its
fire while the beautiful sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles
a King!
We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song that comes down
through the night from the heavenly throng. Ay! we shout to the
lovely evangel they bring, and we greet in His cradle our Savior
and King!
SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 7:3-4,10-16; Luke 2:10-20 This is the
Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL PROCLAMATION God Is With Us (Near at hand): Hope and Love
in 2020
HYMN O God, We Long for Better Days GREENSLEEVES (See insert for
music and text.) PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING, INTERCESSION, adapted
from “A Christmas Prayer” by David M. Currie (1977) AND THE LORD’S
PRAYER
O God, mighty and merciful, here we are: caught up in our
checklists of pre-Christmas, and this year amid the threats and
limitations of a pandemic. Give us crucial minutes of calm with
you.
Here we are: tense in relationships with others – with parents,
spouses, daughters and sons, employees, colleagues, neighbors. Lead
us toward calm with one another.
Here we are: pained in loss, frustrated in adversity, confused
in priorities and values, and reflective over what have been
experiences of love. Give us time with Jesus Christ, who, from your
grace, helps us catch our breath, right our rudder, adjust our
sail, and journey with a clarity of faith which avoids presumption
and false certainty, and instead is empowered from the winds of
your Spirit. May we, therefore, serve you this season and always in
the way and manner of Jesus Christ.
Hear us now, praying as Jesus taught . . . 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not
into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN NO. 118 (st. 1,2,4,6) While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
CHRISTMAS While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated
on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone
around, and glory shone around.
“Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled
mind: “glad tiding of great joy I bring o you and humankind, to you
and humankind.
“The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed,
all humbly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid, and in
a manger laid.”
“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good
will to all from highest heaven begin and never cease, begin and
never cease!”
DISMISSAL AND BLESSING
POSTLUDE Joy to the World arr. Edwin McLean + + + + +
NEW MEMBERS may be received any Sunday by profession of faith,
reaffirmation of faith, or
transfer of membership. If you feel led to inquire about
becoming a church member or deepening your commitment as a disciple
of Jesus Christ, please indicate your desire on the fellowship
folder. You may also call the church (979.823.8073) or email Pastor
Ted Foote ([email protected]) or Associate Pastor Emily Béghin
([email protected]). They will be glad to arrange a mutually
convenient Sunday when you can be received by the Elders and
introduced to the congregation.
ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES are available in the narthex. Please
help yourself or ask an usher for assistance.
CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP. Worship related activity sheets
and markers are available on a table in the Narthex. Room 108 is
available for your nursery needs. If you are unfamiliar with our
building and need assistance, an usher will be pleased to help you.
Also, two rocking chairs are
located in the narthex, where the worship service can be heard
via a ceiling speaker.
Page 2 Page 3
To continue worshiping safely and COVID-19 friendly, thanks to
each of YOU for physical distancing and wearing face masks
when you are interacting with others inside the building.
-
PRAYERS OF PRAISE, INTERCESSION, AND CONFESSION Let us pray
together . . . Holy Father, there is a stillness amongst the chaos
that reaches out for us in this season, deep below the surface of
the river of our lives, but so often we live with the rush of the
winds, catching the leaves, twigs, and all that would come to find
us. We become busy, exhausted, and detached from the moments that
live in the eddies and the rock beds. Lord, this season, help us
seek to know the stillness before the joy-- the quiet before the
singing. Help us be like children, living for the surprise,
yearning to know the gift we are about to receive. Help us find a
space to enjoy what we already have in those we love and the
blessings we share and find in the coming days the great joy of
being so loved in return. (pausing in silence for prayer)
Make us whole in your love, Blessed One. In these moments and
beyond, stir us for a rebirth of the power of the Gospel again and
anew. Bring your new life among us for serving you continually in
the way and spirit of Jesus Christ . . .
Lord, in your blessings we know we are made whole and loved
beyond measure.
Thanks be to God.
HYMN OF RESPONSE (st. 1,4) There’s a Song in the Air CHRISTMAS
SONG There’s a song in the air! There’s a star in the sky! There’s
mother’s deep prayer and a baby’s low cry! And the star rains its
fire while the beautiful sing, for the manger of Bethlehem cradles
a King!
We rejoice in the light, and we echo the song that comes down
through the night from the heavenly throng. Ay! we shout to the
lovely evangel they bring, and we greet in His cradle our Savior
and King!
SCRIPTURE READING Isaiah 7:3-4,10-16; Luke 2:10-20 This is the
Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
GOSPEL PROCLAMATION God Is With Us (Near at hand): Hope and Love
in 2020
HYMN O God, We Long for Better Days GREENSLEEVES (See insert for
music and text.) PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING, INTERCESSION, adapted
from “A Christmas Prayer” by David M. Currie (1977) AND THE LORD’S
PRAYER
O God, mighty and merciful, here we are: caught up in our
checklists of pre-Christmas, and this year amid the threats and
limitations of a pandemic. Give us crucial minutes of calm with
you.
Here we are: tense in relationships with others – with parents,
spouses, daughters and sons, employees, colleagues, neighbors. Lead
us toward calm with one another.
Here we are: pained in loss, frustrated in adversity, confused
in priorities and values, and reflective over what have been
experiences of love. Give us time with Jesus Christ, who, from your
grace, helps us catch our breath, right our rudder, adjust our
sail, and journey with a clarity of faith which avoids presumption
and false certainty, and instead is empowered from the winds of
your Spirit. May we, therefore, serve you this season and always in
the way and manner of Jesus Christ.
Hear us now, praying as Jesus taught . . . 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not
into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the
kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
HYMN NO. 118 (st. 1,2,4,6) While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
CHRISTMAS While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated
on the ground, the angel of the Lord came down, and glory shone
around, and glory shone around.
“Fear not,” said he, for mighty dread had seized their troubled
mind: “glad tiding of great joy I bring to you and humankind, to
you and humankind.
“The heavenly babe you there shall find to human view displayed,
all humbly wrapped in swathing bands, and in a manger laid, and in
a manger laid.”
“All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; good
will to all from highest heaven begin and never cease, begin and
never cease!”
DISMISSAL AND BLESSING
POSTLUDE Joy to the World arr. Edwin McLean + + + + +
NEW MEMBERS may be received any Sunday by profession of faith,
reaffirmation of faith, or
transfer of membership. If you feel led to inquire about
becoming a church member or deepening your commitment as a disciple
of Jesus Christ, please indicate your desire on the fellowship
folder. You may also call the church (979.823.8073) or email Pastor
Ted Foote ([email protected]) or Associate Pastor Emily Béghin
([email protected]). They will be glad to arrange a mutually
convenient Sunday when you can be received by the Elders and
introduced to the congregation.
ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES are available in the narthex. Please
help yourself or ask an usher for assistance.
CHILDREN ARE WELCOME IN WORSHIP. Worship related activity sheets
and markers are available on a table in the Narthex. Room 108 is
available for your nursery needs. If you are unfamiliar with our
building and need assistance, an usher will be pleased to help you.
Also, two rocking chairs are
located in the narthex, where the worship service can be heard
via a ceiling speaker.
Page 2 Page 3
To continue worshiping safely and COVID-19 friendly, thanks to
each of YOU for physical distancing and wearing face masks
when you are interacting with others inside the building.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]
-
First Presbyterian Church | 1100 Carter Creek Parkway | Bryan,
Texas 77802 PH. 979.823.8073 | FAX. 979.822.7063 | Website:
www.fpcbryan.org | Email: [email protected]
Find “First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas” on FACEBOOK
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
THE SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY
December 20, 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, Texas 10:45
a.m. Link to worship videos available at: www.fpcbryan.org
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Silent Night arr. Melody Bober
WELCOME AND LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES READER ONE: We often
feel that we live rocking back-and-forth. We live and move between
the ordinary and divine, between the mundane and the mystery.
Messengers from God can appear before us, and we still can be
unaware. God is with us, right now. Mary was informed that company
is coming. We too can hear that word. READER TWO: Isaiah tells us
how God’s favor will come to an ordinary girl, possibly like you or
your daughter; or the girl down the street, or your granddaughter.
The messenger said: “The Lord is with you; and you will bear
Emmanuel – God with us. READER ONE: We light three blue candles of
hope, faith, and peace. And today we light the pink candle as a
symbol of the joy to the world we realize in the news that the
presence and company of God is coming. READER TWO: O Come, O Come,
Emmanuel. Let us pray, singing together, “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.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
HYMN NO. 113 (st. 1,2,3) Angels We Have Heard on High GLORIA
Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plains,
and the mountain in reply echoing their joyous strains. REFRAIN
Glo-ria in excelsis Deo! Glo-ria in excelsis Deo!
Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong?
What the gladsome tidings be which inspire your heavenly song?
REFRAIN
Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing; come,
adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.
REFRAIN
WORSHIP NOTES
PREACHERS Rev. Emily K. Béghin; Rev. Ted Foote
LITURGIST Rev. George E. Klett
USHERS | GREETERS Ruth Ann Gholson; Roger Reese;
AJ Renold
ADVENT CANDLELIGHTERS Marcia Miculek; Ulonda Rogers
MUSICIANS Michelle Lassiter, piano and organ
David Kipp, Director of Music Ministries
AUDIO-VISUAL | SOUND Nicole McKinley; Jerry Norris;
Bill Watson
CHANCEL FLOWERS The poinsettias are sponsored
by our church family (see insert)
COVER ART a panel from Ghent Altarpiece, 1432 St Bavo's
Cathedral, Ghent, Belgium
by Jan Van Eyck
LITURGICAL BANNER Pulpit side: Advent Banner
by Becky Alter
COPYRIGHT LICENSES Hymns from Glory to God: The Presbyterian
Hymnal
CCLI 196019 CVLI 504246321
A WARM WELCOME! We are delighted that you chose to worship with
us today.
THIS WEEK AT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 20, 2020 9:00am Church School:
Loose Leaf Class-via Zoom 9:20am Church School: The Word
Class-303/via Zoom 9:20am Church School: Seekers Class-P/via Zoom
10:45am Worship (Live streamed)-S *
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2020
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 10:30am Staff Meeting-L
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020 CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
4:00pm Christmas Candlelight & Communion Worship-S
(self-guided “come-and-go” ‘til 5:00pm) 6:00pm Christmas
Candlelight & Communion Worship-S (Live streamed)
CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25, 2020 CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
CHILDREN'S CENTER CLOSED
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2020
FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS, DECEMBER 27, 2020 9:00am Church
School: Loose Leaf Class-via Zoom 9:20am Church School: The Word
Class-303/via Zoom 9:20am Church School: Seekers Class-P/via Zoom
10:45am Worship (Live streamed)-S *
* During COVID-19, Rooms 103 and 108 are available for your
nursery needs.
“Near at hand”
~~~~~~ Text in bold face type is to be read by all.
-
December 20, 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, Texas
END-OF-YEAR STEWARDSHIP
First Presbyterian Friends, I am pleased to report that the rate
of our pledging and identifiable giving is currently meeting our
projected year-to-date estimates. It is important that everyone
continues to make their donations in a timely manner for the
remainder of the current year. The last date the church will be
able to credit your gifts for 2020 will be Sunday, December 27. Any
gifts received in our office after then will be credited to 2021
giving totals. Some of you may prefer to pay your 2021 pledges in
advance for tax purposes. The final day to submit pre-paid pledges
for the 2021 giving year is Friday, December 18. Any gifts received
after the 18th and before the 27th will be credited to the current
2020 financial year. If you have any questions about your giving,
please be in contact with our financial office, 979.823.8073 or
[email protected]. Jim Nachlinger, Interim Church
Treasurer
What’s the buzz? First Presbyterian Youth invite you to join in
their mission project benefitting
Heifer International. Heifer International works to end hunger
and poverty by supporting and training the world's farmers,
ranchers, and female business owners.
Here’s how you can participate… Jars of honey, donated by
registered beekeeper Carolyn Lowry, are available for you to
purchase, with 100% of the proceeds being forwarded from FPC-Bryan
to Heifer International. Church members have invested time to
“dress” the jars with decorative fabric. Ms. Lowry is a Bryan ISD
faculty member at Rudder High School. She has family friendship
ties to long-time FPC member Mary Alice Hall, whose favorite
non-Presbyterian mission endeavor was Heifer International. And . .
. Ms. Lowry’s beekeeping efforts began with bees from the Hall
family ranch at Kurten. The jars of honey and prices are available
on a table in the narthex.
CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING “God is with us.” —Matthew 1:23 PC(USA)’s
Christmas Joy Offering is being received today celebrating the
birth of Jesus Christ, the truly “indescribable gift,” as well as
the gifts of church leaders—past, present, and future. Information
about this offering and giving envelopes are included with today’s
bulletin.
----------------------- Visit us on the web! www.fpcbryan.org
for the newsletter, announcements, worship bulletins, updates,
etc.
Check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/FPCBryan
NEW!!! on Instagram www.instagram.com Search for and follow
fpcbryantx1867 and/or fpcbryan_youth
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW when WORSHIP and ACTIVITY videos are
uploaded to our YouTube channel! Go to www.youtube.com, search for
First Presbyterian Church of Bryan, Texas, then click
ISUBSCRIBEI
Share prayer needs and church group news with fellow FPC
participants on Church Updates! is FPC-Bryan’s online tool for YOU
to post church-related announcements, ways to serve, and your
current prayer
needs. While users receive a weekly reminder email on Thursdays
to view new posts, this online tool is “REAL TIME.” Contact Karen
in the church office, 979.823.8073 or [email protected] to set up
your account.
Then, login at https://fpcbtx.churchupdates.org/login to create
your password-protected account.
The deadline for our first newsletter of 2021 is Noon, January
3, 2021. and will be distributed on Wednesday, January 6, 2021.
This newsletter will cover news from January 14-27, 2021.
mailto:[email protected]://www.fpcbryan.org/http://www.facebook.com/FPCBryanhttp://www.instagram.coms/http://www.youtube.com/mailto:[email protected]://fpcbtx.churchupdates.org/login
-
December 20, 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, Texas
-
First Presbyterian Church Bryan, Texas (December 19, 2020) First
Presbyterian Church Bryan, Texas (December 19, 2020)
POINSETTIAS 2020
IN HONOR OF
................................................................................
BY Our parents, Ruth & Alan Alter ............... Becky, David
& Rhyne Alter Our family
.................................................. Dorothy &
Bob Anderson The staff of FPC .....................................
Janice Bradshaw & Scott Ball Rick Hickerson
................................................. Alice & Dick
Hickerson Brant Hickerson Family ..................................
Alice & Dick Hickerson Our family and friends
............................... Kathryn & Jim Nachlinger Our
children ........................................... Florence &
Bookman Peters Our grandchildren ..................................
Florence & Bookman Peters Our daughters & their families:
Lindsay, Cody, Alexis, Avery & Bailey Cravatt Leslie, Jeremy,
& Ruth Hyde .................... Ellen & Andrew Weichert
Ellen’s mom, Faye Bailey ........................... Ellen &
Andrew Weichert Church Staff
................................................... Marilyn &
Ernie Wright
IN MEMORY OF
.............................................................................
BY Our parents ................................................
Dorothy & Bob Anderson Our son
....................................................... Dorothy
& Bob Anderson Ron Douglas
................................................................
Bunny Douglas Alisa Hickerson
............................................... Alice & Dick
Hickerson Della & Stanley Harris ....................... Mary
Nan & Ervin Linnstaedter Carolyn Dudley
..................................................................
Dave Lyons My parents, Helen & Otto Krehbiel
........................ Kathrine MacNeil Aileen Smith McDonald
........................................ Ranney McDonald Parents
& family ...................................................
Ranney McDonald LeeAnn Palermo
........................................ Kathleen & Frank
Palermo Doris and Wm. (Bill) Todd .........................
Kathleen & Frank Palermo Our parents
............................................ Florence & Bookman
Peters Patricia Peters, Curtis Carter.................. Florence
& Bookman Peters Peggy Shafer
...................................................... Debe &
Scott Shafer Our parents, Thomas Bailey, Rose & Ted Weichert
.............................. Ellen & Andrew Weichert
IN APPRECIATION OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY Jim & Cheryl Moreno
IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF THIS CHURCH Glenn & Karon
Mathews
POINSETTIAS 2020
IN HONOR OF
................................................................................
BY Our parents, Ruth & Alan Alter .............. Becky, David
& Rhyne Alter Our family
................................................... Dorothy &
Bob Anderson The staff of FPC .....................................
Janice Bradshaw & Scott Ball Rick Hickerson
................................................ Alice & Dick
Hickerson Brant Hickerson Family ..................................
Alice & Dick Hickerson Our family and friends
................................Kathryn & Jim Nachlinger Our
children ........................................... Florence &
Bookman Peters Our grandchildren .................................
Florence & Bookman Peters Our daughters & their families:
Lindsay, Cody, Alexis, Avery & Bailey Cravatt Leslie, Jeremy,
& Ruth Hyde ....................Ellen & Andrew Weichert
Ellen’s mom, Faye Bailey ...........................Ellen &
Andrew Weichert Church Staff
................................................... Marilyn &
Ernie Wright
IN MEMORY OF
.............................................................................
BY Our parents ................................................
Dorothy & Bob Anderson Our son
....................................................... Dorothy
& Bob Anderson Ron Douglas
................................................................
Bunny Douglas Alisa Hickerson
.............................................. Alice & Dick
Hickerson Della & Stanley Harris ........................Mary
Nan & Ervin Linnstaedter Carolyn Dudley
.................................................................
Dave Lyons My parents, Helen & Otto Krehbiel
........................ Kathrine MacNeil Aileen Smith McDonald
......................................... Ranney McDonald Parents
& family ....................................................
Ranney McDonald LeeAnn Palermo
....................................... Kathleen & Frank
Palermo Doris and Wm. (Bill) Todd ........................ Kathleen
& Frank Palermo Our parents
........................................... Florence & Bookman
Peters Patricia Peters, Curtis Carter ................. Florence
& Bookman Peters Peggy Shafer
....................................................... Debe &
Scott Shafer Our parents, Thomas Bailey, Rose & Ted Weichert
...............................Ellen & Andrew Weichert
IN APPRECIATION OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY Jim & Cheryl Moreno
IN THANKSGIVING FOR THE LIFE OF THIS CHURCH Glenn & Karon
Mathews
-
God Is With Us (Near at hand): Hope and Love for 2020 Isaiah
7:3-4,10-16; Luke 2:10-20 December 20, 2020 Ted V. Foote, Jr.;
Emily K. Béghin First Presbyterian Church, Bryan, Texas
Ted: Emily, when I hear this Scripture read, at first I think of
a children’s book and family Christmas song. Emily: Ted, you always
have some crazy connections up your sleeve, I don’t know how you do
it! This scripture is most directly about a prophet meeting a king
two thousand seven hundred years ago, when political and military
powers in the area were threatening to squash the small nation of
Judah. Ted: Exactly. So, for King Ahaz, it’s like Judith Viorst’s
1972 illustrated story book, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible,
No Good, Very Bad Day.” That’s the kind of day and season King Ahaz
was having; and he was understandably maybe even sadder and more
frustrated than Alexander in Ms. Viorst’s story. Emily: Ok. I see
that I guess… So what’s the connection to a family Christmas song?
Ted: You know the song, “You better watch out. You better not cry.
You better not pout. I’m telling you why …”? Emily: “Santa Claus is
coming to town” Wait, what?! Ted: That’s the song, yes. And in the
song, the singer is telling children that Santa Claus wants them to
have a good attitude, because – even if they are sad when something
does not go like they want – “Don’t cry or pout. In a while it will
be Christmas, and much will be better. Santa Claus is coming to
town.” Emily: But this Bible story is not about Christmas. And I’m
100% sure Santa Claus is not mentioned in the Bible. Ted: Right,
but like it is for boys and girls and men and women, when
frustrating and hard stuff happens, King Ahaz is having a terrible,
horrible, no good, very bad
day; and if he’s not crying he is thinking about it. He’s sad
and worried … Emily: And pouting apparently, like a big king baby!
Ted: He’s watching out, but what he’s seeing doesn’t seem promising
– at all! And then Isaiah says, “God will be drawing near in the
birth of a baby. But life for your kingdom will not get better
before it gets harder! God’s “got this, but it’s going to take a
long while. King Ahaz, your majesty, even if you cry and pout, take
time to ask yourself where your trust points.” Then the King stares
back at Isaiah, as if saying, “Who would send a baby? A baby is not
what I need. In fact, if the baby you’re talking about is eating
honey and cream, he must be a royal baby. The Queen is not
pregnant. So is this baby a rival to me – a prince from some other
royal family? Just what I don’t need. I need reinforcements and
allies. I need numbers of soldiers, weapons, and funding today.
What I don’t need is a baby- prince-rival! Emily: Then Isaiah
essentially says, “It’s not the baby bit that’s most important, but
God’s strength delivered in the baby. God’s strength will strangely
appear in God’s time, not with numbers of soldiers, weapons, and
funding, but with innocent vulnerability.” Ted: Yep. God’s
strength, in God’s time, in vulnerability! Emily: So when we fast
forward 750 years after Ahaz met Isaiah outside Jerusalem, there’s
a whole new group of vulnerable characters in Judah … Starting with
the shepherds!
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby,
keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and
they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be
afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the
people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to
you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you:
You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the
angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest
heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that
has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried
off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the
manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning
what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it
were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary
treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the
things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been
told.
-
Emily: Ted, do you remember the internet back when it made that
funny sound like “deee dooo budududu-dudeeeeeeee yup!” Ted: You
mean dial up? Emily: Yeah! Do you remember that? We’d have to make
sure no one was on the phone or something… Ted: Yeah, seems like
along time ago, but actually just during the second term of Bill
Clinton and first term of George W. Bush! Emily: Dude! That was
almost before Google! Well, anyway, I remember this trend where
someone would send you a link to a video like on aol instant
messenger and you’d think it was a picture because nothing was
moving and it always had a hide and seek challenge. Like… Can you
find the cute puppy in this image? Do you remember? Ted: Can I just
take your word for it? Emily: Okay, well, a person would stare and
stare trying to find the hidden object in the video or whatever and
suddenly a clown pops up out of nowhere and screams! These were the
first internet jump scares! Ted: I bet you flipped backward out of
your seat! Emily: You’d bet right! I’ve never trusted an “I Spy”
book even after that! Ted: Wait, are you comparing the host of
angels to a clown? Emily: Well, kinda. Ted: Oh. But do you imagine
the angels were like that web video’s clown? Emily: No no! The
story says the shepherds were scared! I mean, picture it, you’re a
shepherd out there with your flock in the big wide open and
suddenly a soloist with a backup Mormon Tabernacle Choir pops up
making all sorts of noise! That is the definition of a jump scare
right there! Ted: Ah, seems on target. Thank you for not calling
the angels clowns. Emily: Well, it just always bothered me as a
child that the angel needed to tell them not to be afraid, but I
can see now why they would freak out. I mean I jump at computer
screen while comfy in my own house, and those shepherds had the
real deal right out there where they were without warning! But
thank goodness these were good angels. Ted: And quality singers,
don’t we hope? Emily: I wonder if they started with humming or
faintly singing and built to a crescendo? Or if their singing at
the very start BLASTED the shepherds’ ear drums? Ted: I like the
gradual build-up myself.
Emily: Now – remember when you were pre-school or elementary
aged, and it was Christmas morning, and you knew there was
something good under the tree? It was so exciting! Ted: That was
not yesterday, but go on… Emily: I remember my little sister waking
me up when I was a teenager. She would knock on the door, “Emily,
Emily come and see, come and see!” Ted: Ah yes, our two boys used
to get so excited, little feet pattering from the bedroom to the
tree eager to find what was under the wrappings… Emily: Well, Ted,
these angels were telling the shepherds, come and see, come and
see! They were so excited to be messengers of this great news!
Finally, after all these years, it was time to unwrap the greatest
gift God could ever give. Come and see! I always liked knowing that
this great news, as great and important as it was, was being given
to those considered so lowly. The news of God was not just for
royalty or for the wealthy. The gift of God was for everyone,
especially for these shepherds, especially for you and me, and for
each of God’s children as they are. We are all loved so much. “For
God so loved the earth that God sent his only Son…” God’s love for
all was wrapped up in a swaddling cloth in a manger and these were
the first to know. “Come and see, come and see, there the greatest
gift of all awaits you in a tiny package!” The angels came with
chorus and trumpet sound, filling up the whole sky to deliver this
most awesome news. If they were walking, I bet maybe their feet
would pitter patter with excitement too! Ted: I’m not going to
pitter patter my feet, but I am pretty excited to know that this
story is true and that God really does love us with all that God
is. And now we too must go and see: with eyes of faith, hope, love,
and joy! We are to look to the Christ Child and know that God loves
us beyond anything standing in the way! Emily: And like you said,
Ted … King Ahaz told Isaiah that he did not need a rival royal
baby! But we all need the savior that is that baby. Ted: Yep. The
world was a dark place back then, much as it still is now; and we
each hold a part of that darkness within ourselves, not that
different from King Ahaz. That’s why we need this Savior. Those
were some lucky shepherds to be among the first to greet him!
Emily: 2020 has been a trying year, but it is nice to end it with a
note of hope and a reminder of God’s love in this surprising and
life-changing – and world changing way!
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