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South Aiken Presbyterian Church

The Worship of God

First Sunday after Christmas

December 27, 2015 8:45 A.M. & 11:00 A.M.

Gathering

Prelude Camille Rosier, Guest Accompanist

Welcome & Announcements

Signing of the Friendship Register

Choral Introit Gloria Arr: Mack Wilberg

Preparation for the Word

*Call to Worship (Responsive) One: This is the temple of the Lord Almighty.

All: We have come to seek God’s blessing. One: This is the house of the Holy One.

All: We have come to praise God’s name. Let us worship God.

*Prayer of the Day (Unison)

God of truth and understanding, source of all the wisdom we seek, show us the wisdom of your Word and teach

us to abide in your way, ever growing in grace and favor; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

*Hymn #140 Once in Royal David’s City

*Prayer of Confession (Responsive)

God our Savior, we confess that we are not people of peace. You clothe us with your love, but we do not love one

another. You wrap us in your mercy, but we do not forgive one another. Forgive us, God of grace. Teach us to

follow your way, and help us to grow each day in wisdom and favor with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord we

pray….

(Time for Silent Confession)

One: Trusting in God’s grace, we know that we are forgiven,

All: “Amen.”

*Assurance of Pardon

*The Gloria Patri Hymnal Page 581 Passing of the Peace (11:00) (Responsive)

One: Since Christ has extended to us the peace of God, let us, as his disciples, spread his peace to others.

The peace of Christ be with you.

All: And also with you.

One: Let us exchange signs of Christ’s peace with one another.

Children’s Moment (11:00) Jim Bunch

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Prayers of the People and The Lord’s Prayer Hymnal Page 35

….forgive us our debts

….as we forgive our debtors

Prayer Response The First Noel Arr: Dan Forrest

The Word of God

Prayer for Illumination

Hebrew Scripture Psalm 148 Pew Bible Page 582

One: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Anthem Glory and Wonder Arr: Joseph M. Martin

Epistle Reading Colossians 3:12-17 Pew Bible Page 201

One: The Word of the Lord.

All: Thanks be to God.

Sermon “Wear that Christmas Spirit”

The Reverend Erin Morgan

Our Response to God’s Word

*Hymn #134 Joy to the World

*Affirmation of Faith, “The Apostles’ Creed” (Traditional) Hymnal Page 35

Offering of Tithes and Gifts

Offertory

*Doxology Hymnal Page 606

*Prayer of Dedication

Sending

*Hymn #754 Help Us Accept Each Other

*Benediction

*Congregational Response Angels, We Have Heard on High GLORIA

Gloria, in ex celsis Deo!

*Postlude

*Those who are able may stand

Large Print Hymnals and Sound Amplification Devices are available in the

Narthex. If needed, please ask an Usher for assistance.

Current Prayer Concerns

(After one month names will be rotated to “Continuing Prayer Concerns” list that will be in our AIMS Newsletter.)

Those serving in the military:

Daniel Bartlett - grandson of Ron & Sandy Bartlett

Kris Cloud - son of Ed & Robin Coward

Ian Fields - husband of Tracy Kelly-Fields

Charles Hogan, II - son of Judi Hogan

Robert Kocis - son of Andrew & Jodi Kocis

Tom Kocis - nephew of Andrew & Jodi Kocis

Heather M. Kostov - niece of Caroline & Greg Teese

Stephan Kraus - husband of Valorie Vance-Kraus &

father of Abigail & Hannah Kraus

Kyle Luksovsky - nephew of Caroline & Greg Teese

Ben McCullough - son of Lisa McCullough

Katie Taylor McCullough -

wife of Ben McCullough & daughter-in-law of

Lisa McCullough

Brett Noffsinger - son of Dave Noffsinger

Andrew Radford - son of Chuck & Pat Radford &

brother of Chris Radford

Chris Radford - son of Chuck & Pat Radford &

brother of Andrew Radford

Spencer Riffenburgh -

grandson of Tom & Lois Woodman

Louis Wilson - son-in-law of Brenda Martin Morgan

Do You Want To Be A Prayer Partner?

Prayer is a powerful force for those in need of healing, comfort, strength, and encouragement. It can also be a

blessing for the ones offering the prayer. The good thing about being an email Prayer Partner is that you can

pray for those in need at anytime and from any place you may be when you receive the request. This prayer

ministry is a part of our church’s Congregational Care Committee who are responsible for caring for the

needs of our Church Family and/or others as requested. At the present time there are 208 email and phone

Prayer Partners involved. If you want to become a Prayer Partner, or for more information, please call Mary

Ann Laurey (648.9574 ext 100) or email maryannlsapc@yahoo.com or Emily Lockard (649.0473) or email

emilybim@bellsouth.net.

Please contact the church office - 648.9574 ext 100 - if you wish to add a prayer concern or remove a name

from the list. Thank you.

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Members and Those with Family Concerns

& Friends in Need of Prayer

Lyn VanDervort

Margie Hamman

Calvin Crotwell -

Dr. Christopher Crotwell’s Father

Lynn Shepard

Cynthia Duggins

Phil Lockard

Ladonna Gibson - Jodi Kocis’ Mother

Mike & Linda O’Dell -

Rev. Erin Morgan’s uncle & aunt

Jim Mihalik, December 12, 2015

Linda Johnson’s Brother

Judy Temple, December 15, 2015

Pat Radford’s Sister

Paul Dinger, December 16, 2015

Shirley Shaw’s Brother

“I Am The Resurrection and The Life”

Sunday, December 27 8:45a - Worship Service (Sanctuary) 9:45a - Sunday School (Campus) 11:00a - Worship Service (Sanctuary) Monday, December 28 6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym) 6:00p - Women’s Bible Study (Library/Nursery) Tuesday, December 29 6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym) 7:00p - Boy Scouts (F205) 7:00p - M’Aiken Music Rehearsal (Choir Room) Wednesday, December 30 7:00p - Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) Thursday, December 31 6:00p - Basketball Practice (Gym) Friday, January 1 Saturday, January 2 Sunday, January 3 8:45a - Worship Service (Sanctuary) 9:45a - Sunday School (Campus) 11:00a - Worship Preparation Class (Library) 11:00a - Worship Service (Sanctuary)

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News

&

Announcements

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For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.

God’s gift to us was Jesus; our gift to the world is to be a blessing. This year the sharing of that blessing has resulted in many miracles. Many of these blessings were shared throughout this season, but in this “Thank You” from Secret Santa, Witness and Service would like to share a few of these blessings made possible because of the participation of our church and our community:

- 429 children woke up on Christmas morning with a blessing of joy that will be truly their own. - The “thank you” from the father who said that the program enabled him to get through two

Christmases so that he can be on his own next year. The “thank you” from the mother who sponsored a child this year, because the program got her through last year.

- When the call came in for us to help 40 children, another call came in within an hour, donating almost enough money to sponsor these children. The rest was received during the

first church service that Sunday. - When we shopped the second night, the manager of Target told us what a blessing we were.

He said that watching the generations shopping together, putting thought and care for the perfect gift to bring these children joy on Christmas morning, brought the Christmas Spirit to him.

- When elves were wrapping and needed an additional gift for a child, it was always there…

Thank you to the elves who mysteriously showed up with gifts in the fellowship hall. - The child who showed up on the morning of distribution and had wonder in her eyes as she

looked up at the cross in the church.

Thank you all who participated this year. Thank you for truly being a blessing. - Witness and Service Committee

Sunday School will not be held on December 27 for children and youth.

Particular Adult classes may meet as they wish. We look forward to seeing everyone back on January 3rd.

Children's church will not be held on Sunday, December. 27. Children are invited to remain in the sanctuary for worship.

Childcare is available if needed.

It’s not too late to turn in your 2016 Pledge!

Booklets are available in the Church Office and in the Narthex.

If you have not picked up your assigned

Offering Envelopes for 2016, please do so as

soon as possible. They are located in the

Narthex. New numbers have been assigned,

please DO NOT USE these envelopes until 2016!

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Questions for Reflection: Colossians 3:12-17

The innkeeper showed kindness and paid attention to two needy people on a very busy day. Who has recently showed you kindness when your spirits were at an all week low?

Mary and Joseph were tired and hungry, but kept doing what God asked even when it was hard was a sign of meekness. When is it especially difficult for you to follow Christ.

“Let THE WORD dwell in you” is what Mary did when she “kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” How would it be possible this week to read and ponder Christ in our heart?

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Attention, Attention!

Heard about Honduras Agape Foundation (HAF) trips before and wanted to go but couldn’t? Never heard of HAF and want to know what it is? Come one, come all to an information session tentatively scheduled for January 21 @ 6 pm. SAPC will be going on a Honduras Agape Foundation Inter-generational Mission Trip June 5-12, 2016. This is a mission trip for adults, college students, and rising 11th-12th grade students. The group will be teaching Bible lessons, doing small construction projects, and building relationships with people in Honduras. Estimated cost (depending on airfare) is $1000 which includes all travel, food, and lodging. $500 deposit (non-refundable) to secure your spot due by April 15, 2016. Scholarships available for those in need.

Don’t speak Spanish? That’s okay! Translators are provided. See Rev. Erin Morgan for more details (648-9574 ext. 106 or revesouthaiken@gmail.com)

Shhh…….

SAPC SILENT AUCTION FOR HONDURAS MISSION TRIP

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2016 SOUTH AIKEN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FAMILY LIFE CENTER

FOLLOWING THE 11:00 worship SERVICE LUNCH $5.00 (soup & salad)

BIDDING WILL BEGIN AT 12:30 p.m. ROBERT GLANCE - AUCTIONEER

FUNDS RAISED WILL BE USED FOR

THE INTERGENERATIONAL HONDURAS AGAPE FOUNDATION MISSION TRIP (June 5-12, 2016)

JOIN US FOR FUN AND FELLOWSHIP

Auction Items include Robert Glance Catering for 30, 2 nights at Fripp Island, 3 hours of Greek/Hebrew Lessons, Car detailing, Oil Changes @ Aiken Honda,

Various Restaurant Meals, Mani/Pedi, and more!

**IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DONATE YOUR TIME, TALENT, OR ITEMS FOR AUCTION, PLEASE SEE ERIN MORGAN, LESLIE COAKLEY, OR KELLY FRONTROTH.

Monthly Items Needed

December - Mac & Cheese

You may drop the items in the ACTS basket by the front door in the Narthex or in the basket by the church office. Monetary donations may be made by placing a check to SAPC in the

offering plate and Noting 'for ACTS' on the check. Thanks for sharing with others!

No youth evening program Dec. 27 or Jan. 3, 2016. We will resume Youth Jan. 10, 2016 with a Game

Night from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.

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**Trinity Presbytery's 2016 Middle School Retreat is scheduled for February 19-21, 2016 at YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly, Black Mountain, NC. The theme for the retreat is Finding Jesus. To see a flier, go to the Trinity Presbytery website @ www.trinity-presbytery.org.

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Want to receive the monthly SAPC Youth newsletter & hear about all of the wonderful ways in which God is working in our lives ? Let Erin know by emailing her at revesouthaiken@gmail.com

Please Sign Up for the following activity on the bulletin board just past the water fountain in the hall. Looking ahead to 2016 - January 26 - Leave at 10:30 AM for St. Paul’s to hear the Athens Guitar Duo followed by lunch. $12.00 for the meal. Deadline is January 17. February 9 - Leave at 10:30 AM for St. Paul’s to hear the Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School Chorale followed by lunch. $12.00 for the meal. Deadline is January 31. February 28 - We will travel to the Imperial Theater in Augusta to see a performance of A Chorus Line. Cost will be around $48 per ticket plus $2.00 to ride the bus. Deadline is February 7.

YOUNG AT SENIORS

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If you need to contact us: Dr. Christopher Crotwell, Pastor and Head of Staff: Office 648.9574 Ext. 104

Rev. Erin Morgan, Associate Pastor for Youth and Outreach: Office 648.9574 Ext. 106

Rev. Judy Bowling, Parish Associate: Office 648.9574 Ext. 102 Cell 803.354.2447

Allison Kelly, Dir of Young Children and Family Min: Office 648.9574 Ext. 105 Cell 803.336.9540

Phillip Hare, Director of Music: 648.9574

Scott Chappell, Organist: 648.9574

Tracie Bryant, Financial Manager: 648.9574 Ext. 103

Mary Ann Laurey, Office Manager: 648.9574 Ext. 100

Michelle Lorio, Kindergarten Director: 648.9895 Ext. 107

Cissy Kelley, Assistant Kindergarten Dir/ Childcare Coordinator: 648.9895 Ext. 110 Cell 270.5808

Church Fax: 803.648.7972 Web Site: www.southaiken.org

Contributions for 2015

If you are mailing in your end of the year contribution, please make sure it is

postmarked before December 31, 2015. All contributions postmarked after

December 31, 2015 will be applied to your 2016 Contribution Statement.

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The Church Staff would like to wish you

and yours a very happy and safe

holiday season! May the season bring

God’s blessings and joy to all of you!

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Our Purpose…”Opening Doors to Serve Christ”

WELCOME to worship on this last Sunday of the year 2015. St. Paul wrote wise words to the Colossians that seem quite appropriate for all Christians to consider as we enter the New Year: “Bear with each other and forgive...as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:13-15). WELCOME GUEST ACCOMPANIST: Camille Rosier, an accomplished piano teacher in her 12th year of instructing with 21 years performing experience, is a graduate of the Petrie School of Music at Converse College where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree with summa cum laude honors. Her majors are in both Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy. She is an active member of the Aiken Music Teachers Association (MTA), the South Carolina MTA, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the South Carolina Piano Festival Association. She is serving the SCMTA through 2013 on the Executive Committee as State Secretary and the AMTA for 2011-2012 on the Executive Board as a Vice President. She is a lifelong member of Delta Omicron, an international music honor fraternity, and Pi Kappa Lambda, a prestigious national music honor society. She has received professional certification from the MTNA as a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music in the field of Piano. She is a frequent substitute on both piano and organ, which she has played for 15 years, for local area church services and rehearsals.

NURSERY AND CHILDREN’S CHURCH: We invite all children to remain in the sanctuary to during worship

service. Childcare is available in the nursery and toddler room if needed.

STEWARDSHIP REPORT: YTD operating contributions & collections as of 11/30/2015 $557,173.64 YTD operating expenses as of 11/30/2015 609,952.04 Approved budgeted expenses for 2015 as of 11/30/2015 627,964.37 ATTENDANCE LAST SUNDAY: Worship Service (8:45) - 148 (11:00) - 200 VOLUNTEERS FOR TODAY: Flowers To the Glory of God Sound System (8:45) Larry Hinson (11:00) Darrell Pluff Ushers (8:45) Jim Stutts, Carol Stutts, Scott Reboul, Debbi Reboul (11:00) Kevin Pethick, David Pethick, Felder McLaurin, Dot McLaurin VOLUNTEERS FOR NEXT WEEK: Flowers Thanks be to God for SAPC Deacons and Elders for their call to service, given by Lynn Woodard Pulpit Assistant Paul Ebel Sound System (8:45) Billy Ward (11:00) John Kelly Ushers (8:45) Tim Bennett, Pam Pethick, David Pethick, Connie Mock (11:00) Kelly Frontroth, Lynn Woodard, Linda Blake, Dorothy Shubert