What Child Is This?

Third Sunday of Advent December 16, 2018

God’s People Gather for Worship

“By God’s grace alone and to his glory alone, we exist to worship God in his greatness and his holiness with Gospel-driven passion and integrity…” (excerpted from FPC Rome Mission Statement)

Preparing our Hearts

Prelude

Declaring God’s Praise

Call to Worship Isaiah 60:1-3

Hymn of Advent No. 244 “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” HYFRYDOL

(As we sing this hymn, the third candle of the Advent Wreath will be lighted by Melody Boggs)

Affirming Our Faith selected verses from John 1

Leader: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

ALL: He was in the beginning with God; all things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. Leader: What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

ALL: The true light, which enlightens every one, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.

Leader: He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

ALL: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Congregational Response No. 243 “Emmanuel” EMMANUEL

Confessing Our Sin and Embracing Our Forgiveness

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession

Assurance of Pardon

Hymn No. 250 “O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS

Celebrating the Sacrament

The Infant Baptism of Maya Jade Evans

Congregational Response “Jesus Loves Me”

“Jesus loves me, this I know; For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong;

They are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me. Yes, Jesus loves me.

Yes, Jesus loves me. The Bible tells me so.” Offering Our Gifts

(At this time, children are dismissed to Children’s Worship in God’s Garden.)

Welcome

Presentation of Tithes and Offerings “Sussex Carol” arr. Elaine Hagenberg Chancel Choir Dr. Aaron Rice, director; Kyle Coleman, piano

Hearing God’s Word

Scripture Reading Matthew 2:1-12

Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. ALL: Thanks be to God!

Sermon “The Illustrious Illumination and Impulsion of the Soul-Satisfying King” Rev. Bill Pardue

Scattering as Christ’s Church

Hymn of Response No. 278 “Angels We Have Heard on High” GLORIA

Commissioning and Benediction

Postlude

God’s People Scatter to Live as Faithful, Fruitful Followers of Jesus Christ

Ministry Opportunities

What Child Is This? Advent 2018

Sunday, December 16: This Child Is “The King Who Reigns” Combined in the Sanctuary – Rev. Pardue, preaching

Sunday, December 23: This Child is “The Lamb Who Was Slain”

Combined in the Sanctuary – Rev. Chadwick, preaching

Monday, December 24, 4:30 PM (King Hall) and 6:00 PM (Sanctuary):

This Child is “The Light Who Pierces Darkness”

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services – Rev. Chadwick, preaching

There will be NO Children’s Worship on December 31 and NO Sunday School on December 23 and 31.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES – Make your plans now to include one of our two candlelight worship services on the evening of December 24th as a part of your family’s celebration of Christmas Eve.

- Our 4:30pm service will be held in King Hall this year and will include all of the traditional elements, including the reading of the Christmas story from Luke, lighting of the Christ Candle on the Advent Wreath and congregational singing of traditional Christmas carols, which will be led by our FPC Worship Team.

- The 6:00pm service will be held in the Sanctuary and will include all the same traditional elements as the earlier service, with our congregational singing led by Dr. Aaron Rice, accompanied by organ and a string ensemble.

Both services will conclude with the traditional lighting of candles, with the congregation singing, “Silent Night”, symbolically proclaiming that light has overcome darkness with the coming of Immanuel, God with us.

CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKET PACKING PARTY – Join us TONIGHT at 6:00pm for the biggest party of the year at FPC! The whole church family gathers for pizza and then to pack overflowing food boxes to be distributed to the needy in our area. It’s an event for the youngest to the oldest, folks brand new to our church family and those who have been with us all their lives. It’s a great fellowship as we demonstrate the love of Christ in action, giving our gifts in gratitude for the gift of Christ to us.

CHRISTMAS FOOD BASKET DISTRIBUTION – After packing the food baskets tonight, we need lots of folks to help us distribute the baskets tomorrow morning, December 17 at 7:00am – 12:00pm. As each basket is distributed to a family in need, we offer prayer for them, being sure they know they are loved by God and by the folks at FPC.

THE CRIPPLED LAMB – Mrs. Rebecca Stegall will be reading the Christmas book, “The Crippled Lamb”, written by Max Lucado in Children’s Worship on Sunday, December 23. Children of ALL ages are invited.

2019 STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT – Thank you to everyone who has turned in your pledge cards for 2019. We have received 134 cards with a total pledge of $1,391,500.00. If you have not turned your card in, it’s not too late to mail it in to the church office or place it in the offering plate today. Please contact Lisa at 706-291-6033 if you need a card.

2019 OFFERING ENVELOPES – THANK YOU for using your offering envelopes!! It is a huge help when we are posting your contributions! Envelopes are available for pick up in the hallway outside of the church office. If you can’t find your envelope, please contact Lisa at 706-291-6033 ext. 112.

2018 CONTRIBUTIONS – The final day for 2018 contributions is Monday, December 31. Mailed contributions must be postmarked by December 31 in order to be included in your 2018 statement. If you have any questions regarding your 2018 contributions, please call Lisa at 706-291-6033 ext. 112.

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY ADVENT RESOURCE – WHY? It is the time to prepare for the coming of Jesus. WHERE? It starts in your heart, and then the love and joy of preparing for Jesus Christ will reach homes, Churches and the whole town! Look for the Children's Ministry Advent table on the 2nd floor of the Education Building! We will have one of the following available per family. • Advent A to Z - Spend time each day of December praying through the alphabetical Advent poems

contained in this thoughtful booklet that helps children connect the sights and sounds of the season to the coming of the Christ Child in a fun and familiar way. From Angels and Eggnog to Stars and Wreaths, these prayers by Arden Mead provide a daily guide for children of all ages as they prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birthday

• It All Points To Heaven - This colorful, tree-shaped magnet is a great hand out for each child in church. The magnet easily separates into 6 magnets: an Angel, a Donkey, 2 Sheep, the Star and Baby Jesus. Children can play with the magnet manger scene and arrange it any way they wish on their refrigerator at home.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS – To order, please fill out one of the red poinsettia cards in the pew rack. Make your check to FPC and note “Poinsettia” in the lower left hand corner. The bulletin will list who the poinsettia is in memory or honor of and name the person(s) giving the poinsettia. The cost is $10.00 per poinsettia.

CLASSIC SERVICE GREETERS – Extending warm handshakes and pleasant smiles at the main sanctuary doors this morning are Greg and Bobbie Garrett. You, too, can be a blessing while you bless others who come to worship. Call Betty Carver at 706-512-4455 and tell her which Sunday you would like to serve. Start the new year off correctly by volunteering just 15 minutes of your time to greet old friends and meet some new friends.

CARRY ON THE CONVERSATION (Each week we use this space to provide a glimpse into what our children are learning in Children’s Worship,

and what you might ask to “carry on the conversation” with them at home.)

We prepare for the birth of Jesus by lighting the SHEPHERD’S CANDLE. On that Holy night, the Shepherds experienced the terror, the glory and the wonder of Christ’s birth. As a result they spread the

amazing story about the Christ child. May we all follow the example of the Shepherds.

Key Theme: No one is like God. 1 Samuel 7:22 “Therefore you are great, O Lord God. For there is none like you, and there is no god

besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.”

Ask: In what other ways is God greater than we are? In what ways are we limited?

Will we ever be as great as God? Why?

THE TIJUANA MISSION TEAM FOR 2019 will be forming soon! The first meeting for anyone who wants to hear more about this opportunity will be on Sunday, January 13 at 4:00pm in the Room 203 of the CLC Building. The trip dates are July 6-14. We are praying that at least one new family and/or three new individuals will join us this summer. We are also praying that someone from the medical community and/or that can speak Spanish will join the team this summer. Please contact Kirsten McClain at 706-676-1249 or burchamk@bellsouth.net for further information. We welcome all ages and stages of life and will have a way for everyone to serve on the trip using their unique gifts and talents.

BETHEL DISCIPLESHIP STUDIES RESUME ON JANUARY 9 – The Bethel Discipleship community meets on Wednesday mornings from 10:00am till 12:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Our spring semester begins January 9 and will run weekly through mid April. Our focus will be on the New Testament Scriptures—specifically Acts through Revelation. As we study these books, we will ask the question, ‘as Christians, how do we live a life pleasing to God?' The Old Testament is full of God’s mighty acts and incredible promises; the Gospel accounts describe the fulfillment of those promises in Christ Jesus. The remainder of the NT unfolds the mission of the church, the message of the Gospel, and the manner in which Christians should live in a world that is still broken. Please consider joining us as we grow together in our knowledge and understanding of God and His powerful Word. To register, please contact Phyllis Pemerton ppemerton@bellsouth.net or the church office.

FPC IS HOSTING A “PERSPECTIVES” CLASS – Over the course of 15 life-changing weeks, studying 15 challenging topics, taught by 15 world-class speakers, you will gain a fresh and deeper understanding of God’s redemptive plan for all humankind, and how you can participate in it.

WHEN: January 13 – May 5, 2009 (except Easter Sunday) WHERE: FPC Fellowship Hall

CHURCH CONTACT: Ashley Evans Cell: 678.478.3110 Email: aevans@darlingtonschool.org COST: $295 (for Key Reader and Certificate levels) (Scholarships are readily available to ensure that cost is no barrier to anyone. Contact Ashley Evans

for more details about how to request a scholarship.) REGISTER: Online: www.perspectives.org (choose the classes tab and search for the Rome, GA class) or

In Person: Contact Ashley Evans (see contact info above) See flyers around the church for greater detail about the course or go to www.perspectives.org.

CHRIST & CULTURE DISCIPLESHIP FORUM 2019 – “Fighting For Joy in Christ in a World of Depression and Anxiety” Please remember to mark your calendars for this great opportunity which begins on January 9, 2019. During the Wednesday Night Family Gatherings in the month of January, the Adult Discipleship Ministry Team is hosting the Christ & Culture Discipleship Forum. You will not want to miss this! We have been blessed with three national speakers who will join us and equip us as a body of believers. Our programs on each of these Wednesday nights, (January 9, 16, 23, and 30), will be held from 6 pm till 7:30 pm. (Thank you to Mrs. Nell and Mrs. Andrea and staff/volunteers!!)

DID YOU KNOW that First Presbyterian has two rooms of prayer? The PRAYER ROOM (#206) is located upstairs in the Christian Life Center and just down the hall, the beautiful PRAYER CHAPEL (#208) can be found. What a blessing to be able to pray with others, or privately in these special places.

VISITORS – As a way to welcome you to First Presbyterian Church, we would like to gift you with a cross by local artist, Cabell Sweeney. You’ll find your cross at the Welcome Areas (near the Welcome banners), at both Convergent and Classic Services. Connect Forms are available to let us know you have visited, request information, and to register your children in Nursery, Children, and Student Ministries.

Our worship service is broadcast weekly at 11 am on WLAQ AM 1410. (There is a 30-minute time delay from the actual time of our service.) Sermons may also be accessed on our web site at www.fpcrome.org.

are given to the Glory of God and in Honor

The Christmas Poinsettias are given to the Glory of God and in Loving Memory

Mr. and Mrs. Edward W. Brewster given by The Brewster Family Mr. and Mrs. F.A. (Jack) Brown given by Frank and Carol Brown

Charles, Margaret and Lester Carer given by Tom and Betty Carver Mr. Jeff Cavaness given by Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Hunt Mr. Jeff Cavaness given by Greg and Bobbie Garrett

Mr. Jeff Cavaness given by his Family Mr. and Mrs. Henry Chaneyberry given by

Mr. and Mrs. Mark Averyt and Family Bernice & Charles Cowan given by John and Peggy Cowan

Robert Cooper given by his Sons Robert Cooper given by his Wife

Kaitlyn Cowan given by John and Peggy Cowan B.J. Cox given by The Czentnar Family

Robert Easley given by John and Peggy Cowan Mrs. Betty Finley given by Greg and Bobbie Garrett

Mrs. Betty Finley given by her Daughters Mrs. Betty Finley given by Mr. Keith Finley

Mrs. Betty Finley given by Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Hunt Evelyn T. Gibbons given by Lynn Riedell Robert M. Gibbons given by Lynn Riedell

Mr. and Mrs. John Lawrence Gray given by Frank and Carol Brown Audrey Hall given by Kimberly Hall

James H. Harrington given by Jackie Harrington Mr. Jim Harrington given by Thursday Night Bethel Class

Mr. Bill Johns given by Thursday Night Bethel Class Mr. Bill Johns given by The Presbytery of the Southeast and The General Assembly in recognition of his faithful service

Mr. Bill Johns given by Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Hunt William Johns given by Mary Johns

William E. Johns given by Judy Powell Bill and Flo-Flo given by The Finley Family

Anna Elizabeth Kipp given by Craig, April and Carolyn Kipp Jackie Landrum given by Steve Landrum and Family

Mrs. Jackie Landrum given by Thursday Night Bethel Class Mr. and Mrs. Nolan C. Lowden given by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Averyt

and Family George and Bertha Martin given by Tom and Betty Carver

Anne Milner given by Jim Milner George L. and Catherine Peulausk and George L. Peulausk III

given by T.C. Peulausk Mr. and Mrs. Jack Robbins given by Jackie Harrington Dan and Diana Shadday given by The Shadday Family

Anne Brewster Somerville given by The Brewster Family Patrick “Ricky” Somerville given by The Brewster Family

Jo Stegall given by The Shadday Family Beth Swann given by Jackie Harrington

Susan Skinner Thomas given by Lanny Thomas Susan Thomas given by The Edwards Family

Dr. James Van Dyke given by Mr. & Mrs. Elwood Hunt Dr. Jim Van Dyke given by Thursday Night Bethel Class

Dr. James F. Van Dyke given by Judy Powell Dr. Jim Van Dyke given by The Presbytery of the Southeast and

The General Assembly in recognition of his faithful service Paula G. Williams given by Lynn Riedell

Dr. Tom, Mommy Ann, Dick and Bill Young given by Rebecca Stegall

The Judge and Mrs. Alice given by The Finley Family

Libby Battles given by Betty Carver Clare Harvey given by Steve, Jackie and Lanie Landrum

Nancy Johnson given by Nancy Creel William (Bill) Johnson, my Extraordinary Husband given by Nancy Johnson

Mary Johns given by Betty Carver Mr. and Mrs. Howard James Lowden given by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Averyt and Family

Judy Powell given by Mary Johns