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Good morning! We're so glad you decided to join us today! When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to think over your past week. What prayer requests do you have? If you feel comfortable, you can share your requests in the comments below. When you ready, you can get started with this prayer (source), which should somewhat go along with our lesson. Forgive me, God, for being so busy being busy that I don't intentionally take time to be refreshed in your rest. Teach me gently, Father, that I need this weekly rest in your presence and with my family to be all that you want me to be, and all that I can be. Restore my soul, O God, and fill me with your restful joy. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. This week's lesson is on Exodus 23:1-12. Lesson Context Today's passage is part of a larger piece (Exodus 21-23) often called the Covenant Code. It gives foundational rules for ancient Israel's corporate life. The laws explained how people were to conduct themselves in typical, everyday situations. It is the basis of longer discussions in Leviticus 17-27 and Deuteronomy 12-26. The Covenant Code comes immediately after the Ten Commandments. The longer list of the Covenant Code repeats itself and arranges topics more by association, as in today's lesson. The sequence of the laws influences meaning. Readers should not think of them as sound bites but as a web of required behaviors that collectively reflect the character of those practicing them. The reading for today concentrates on issues of justice. The two major sections seem to be about different topics. However, they use the same sort of lock-and-key organizational technique common in Israelite legal texts and in the book of Proverbs. That is, several statements on obviously related themes follow each other. Then the topic seems to change, and then it returns to the original subject. This pattern challenges the reader to see previously unconsidered dimensions of both the main idea on the ends of the list and a seemingly different idea wedged into the middle. Justice in Court and Home (verses 1-8) The first verse in our lesson seems to say the same thing twice. However, they are a little different. The first sentence offers a general command against lying because it harms another person. The second sentence specifically forbids conspiring with another person to lie in court. Our book says that cooperating with others to harm a third party undermines any justice system and leads to societal conflict and violence. When a legal system is corrupt, everyone eventually suffers. The passage continues by telling the ancient Israelites not to determine correct behavior by what everyone else was doing. It may also be read as forbidding mob action. It seems that not much has really changed with people. We still struggle with following the crowd. The law forbids bending the legal system, even when it seems to even the playing field. Favoritism should not be shown to anyone. Judges must decide cases solely on the evidence. The next section seems to completely change direction into dealings with enemies. This makes the law practical. Even when a person is hated, Israelites were not to hate and be vindictive in return. Further, the Israelites were to help their enemies, like with the fallen donkey. The passage then returns to the courts. Anyone involved in a dispute, especially a witness or a judge, must decide fairly without regard to external factors such as the socioeconomic status of the person involved. Further, there can be no lying. Think of how often we have heard (and voiced) half-truths or quotes of others out of context. But the command here broadly required an Israelite to stay far away from deception. God will not cheapen his gift of redemption by turning a blind eye on wickedness. Our book says the word translated bribe appears 26 times across 24 verses in the Old Testament that results in injustice against an innocent party. Bribery can be thought of as purchasing a certain outcome in court. It could even go as far as ensuring the slaying of an innocent person. Thus these bribery texts imply the threat that this corrupt practice posed to the entire social structure of ancient Israel. The reason for avoiding bribery is that such an action corrupts the very character of the ones involved. A system that tolerates such behavior sooner or later decays into conflict as distrust builds. The last part of our passage deals with justice in economic matters. It opens with treatment of foreigners. The migrant or foreigner is often living away from a support system of family and friends. The foreigner in Israel would not have had a support system. Therefore, laws were needed to protect that person. The Israelites had been through this when they were in Egypt. So, they needed to show empathy toward similarly vulnerable people, honoring their divinely given rights. Further, Exodus 22:21-24 links foreigners with widows and orphans as vulnerable people lacking family ties and, therefore, social protection. The end of our lesson deals with the sabbath. There was to be a sabbath year. Our book says that it is unclear whether this law required all land to lie fallow in the seventh year, or if a rotation of crops should occur. Leviticus also discusses this, and expressly forbade sowing any seed during the seventh year. In order to survive, the people had to trust in God's care for them. The sabbath day is also discussed. This version of the sabbath law names those members of the household most vulnerable to self-centered action on the part of the family head. So, the slave born in your household as well as the foreigner living with the family ad the right to rest just as much as did the citizens of Israel.  Conclusion One of the most powerful treatments of the nature of God appears in Exodus. It contains a richly layered set of stories exploring the question "What sort of God do we have in our midst?" This story lies behind all of Israel's laws. Rather than creating a long philosophical discussion on God, the scroll of Exodus weaves together stories about divine actions and conversations around them. As it reveals a God who practices a radical commitment to mercy, Exodus does not avoid the challenges that belief in a redeemer God poses. The 600-plus laws in the Old Testament do not address every imaginable circumstance. Even so, they lay out enough specific examples to allow thinking people to figure out how to act in situations not explicitly named. The Law of Moses invites reflection. Those following it ask questions that will shape commitments and attitudes for a lifetime. A remarkable feature of today's church in much of the Western world is its distance from the poorest among us. American Christians, in particular, often seem to live in a bubble. Wealth is taken as proof of God's blessing, which can lead us to blame others for their alleged failures if they do not obtain it. We are slow to acknowledge how decision of past generations still affect people's lives. And those most vulnerable pay the price for that self-deception. The Law of Moses, while aimed at the people of Israel, offers guiding principles for the church as well. Life together requires practical actions that show love for difficult people. In this way, we can fulfill the law: to love our God, and to love both neighbors and enemies, wherever they are found. Questions for Discussion What can you do better to resist temptation to go along with the crowd? Our lesson talks about oppression. What are some examples of cases in which doing nothing was actually a form of oppression? What steps can you take to achieve a better balance between work and rest? Prayer Father, continue to teach us to be generous to our enemies, loyal to our friends, honest in all of our dealings, and compassionate toward all in need. Make us people who always treat the poor with respect and care. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Benediction This week's benediction is from the New International Version.  Next week's lesson will be on Deuteronomy 16:18-20; 17:8-13.
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Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. PRELUDE INTROIT CHOIR ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP LEADER: Give credit to the Lord, O heavenly beings. MEN: Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. WOMEN: Give credit to the Lord the glory of His name. ALL: Let us worship the Lord in Holy splendor. LEADER: The voice of the Lord is over the waters. MEN: The God of glory thunders. WOMEN: The voice of the Lord is powerful. ALL: The voice of the Lord is full of majesty. Come, let us worship the Lord. - based on Psalm 29 INVOCATION Rev. Mason HYMN “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” Page 557 CALL OF CONFESSION: We turn to God in prayer, In that Spirit, we offer this prayer of confession. PRAYER OF CONFESSION: Searcher of hearts, You know us from the beginning. You see in us more good and beauty than we have dared to believe. You beckon us to do more than we have dared to try. Forever You call our names. But we have filled our ears with the sounds of the world; we have timidly spoken of Your great love; we have doubted the gifts hidden within each of us, and so we don’t hear Your voice. On this Sunday we remember the baptism of our Lord, help us to see how the Holy Spirit descends on us. Give us the direction we need, and forgive us our hesitancy fo follow Your way. *Time of silent prayer. Amen ASSURANCE OF PARDON - Friends believe the Good News of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God! Passing the Peace L. The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P. And also, with you. Response - Gloria Patri CHILDREN’S MOMENT ANTHEM CHOIR The Word of God PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE LESSON Acts 8: 4 - 17 Philip in Samaria L: The Word of the Lord P. Thanks be to God! SERMON: “Forcing God’s Hands” “Responding to the Word” HYMN: “Have Thine Own Way Lord” Page 400 APOSTLE’S CREED (found inside the back cover of the hymnal) Presentation of Tithes and Offering OFFERTORY CHOIR DOXOLOGY (Hymnal Page 382) PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHURCH JOYS AND CONCERNS BIRTHDAYS Christine Welling, Mary Ann Durila, Barb O’Hara ANNIVERSARIES Kevin & Cathy Moore JOYS AND CONCERNS - Added to our prayer chain this week was Andrea Gregor, she is in a diabetic coma at Ruby Memorial. SYMPATHY To the Family of Nancy Rhoades McDowell To the Family of Bob Sipes To the Family of Nancy Clutter Spenser To the Family of Elmer Doman Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, June and Keith McGill, Glenn Miles, Roger Riggs, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Nellie and Frank Baker, Michael Durila Sr., Justin Hagon, Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila, Elaine Belcastro, Lisa Marshall, Sandy Stone, Diane Bednarski, Matt Petrola, Ray Dyson, Diana Donaldson, Laura Davis, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, and Amy Wigner. PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER HYMN 564 INVITATION TO THE LORD’S TABLE “Holy, Holy, Holy” Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Hosts! Heaven and earth are full of Thee! Heaven and earth are praising Thee, O Lord Most High! THE COMMUNION THE RESPONSE - “Alleluia” *HYMN 565 BENEDICTION - God has called us by name, inviting us into new holy living in Jesus Christ. We are a people of faith and of calling. We have been baptized in Christ and now we are to share and live the Good News in all the world. Go now from here with Christ. Go into the world to live with Christ. Amen POSTLUDE CHOIR We welcome all who have come to join us in the worship of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please come again. If you are visiting with us today, please let us know that we might welcome you into our church family.
Remember our Food Collection. - And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37. Please let Betty Fisher know if you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Also remember our clothing collection for the City Mission. Envelopes for 2022 are in the vestibule. There are names with new numbers. We are using boxes from this past year, so we don’t need to buy new ones. The DATES will be WRONG. If you have any questions, please ask Garnet. Women’s Missionary Group will meet this Tuesday, January 11th at 9:30 AM. We are hoping some new faces would like to join us. Maybe there has been some changes in your life that would enable you to come enjoy the fellowship and help our little group to grow active once again. Hoping to see you there. Good morning! We're so happy you decided to join us today! When we meet in person, we share what joys and concerns we have together. As you think over your past week, consider any prayer requests you might have. If you have anything you would like to share, you can include it as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started. Loving Father, as I see Your great wisdom reflected in Your wonderful creation, I want to praise You with my whole being. Thank you for the creative Word-of-God, WHO not only spoke the worlds into being from nothing but died for me, so that I could live – so that I could have life - everlasting life and life more abundantly. Open the eyes of foolish men who arrogantly refuse to recognise the truth and acknowledge Jesus as their Creator God and gracious Saviour, and thank You for all Your never-failing goodness, long-suffering mercy, and amazing grace towards ME. This I pray in Jesus' name, AMEN. Today's lesson is on Genesis 21:8-20. Today’s lesson teaches us that only God can hear, speak and act to save. He hears the cries of his people and heeds the pleas of the oppressed. In today’s passage, he hears and offers true hope. Today we focus on his promise to Abraham. Abraham’s descendants would become a great nation. Sarah interferes, she has decided to help God and offers her personal slave to conceive a child, a common practice at the time. The logic is: “If my slave produces a chid, that child will be mine, just like his mother. Hagar, becomes the mother of Ishmael (“God hears”) Abraham’s first born son. Sarah becomes the mother of Isaac (God’s planned inheritance will be his.) The situation between Sarah and Hagar became so intense. God keeps his promise and both sons are blessed with 12 sons and both sons become heads of nations. Even though Hagar’s child was Sarah’s own idea, she demands that both of them be exiled. God hears their cries for mercy.  Conclusion Hagar had a difficult life. But as Ishmael’s name reminds us, God hears! Abraham’s God who loved both Isaac and Ishmael, is the Lord of all creation. He cares for all people, and he keeps his promises. He hears all cries of injustice, and he responds with a message of hope. That message must be preached, taught, and lived by his people before the watching world, which is desperate for a better story than the divisions that so often define our lives. When we hear, the world might begin to believe that God also hears. Prayer God who hears, we raise our voices to you. Strengthen our hope so the world may have hope in you through our faithful witness. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. Thought to Remember: Call out to the God who hears. Benediction This week's benediction is from the New International Version.  Next week's lesson is on Exodus 23:1-12.
Today's guest speaker was Dr. Renny Domske. PRELUDE Carol Smith INTROIT ”Go and Tell Others” CHOIR ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP LEADER: Who do men say that I am? PEOPLE: Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. LEADER: The Virgin will be with child and will give birth to a Son. PEOPLE: And they will call Him Emmanuel - which means, “God with us.” LEADER: For my eyes have seen Your salvation, ALL: Which You have prepared in the sight of all people. INVOCATION DR. Domske HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” Page 193 CALL OF CONFESSION Dr. Domske PRAYER OF CONFESSION: O Lord God, we have failed You! We are selfish. We sin. Especially in this season when we compare ourselves to the innocence of the Christ-child, we fall horribly short. Yet You continue to forgive us. Your love for us is amazing. And undeserved. Help us to repent, to turn our lives around, and to follow the model of Jesus. Forgive us for our selfishness in this unselfish season. In the Name of the Christ-child we pray. *Time of silent prayer. Amen ASSURANCE OF PARDON: Dr. Domske Passing the Peace L. The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P. And also, with you. Response - Gloria Patri CHILDREN’S SERMON ANTHEM “Church in the Wildwood” CHOIR The Word of God PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE LESSON Old Testament Genesis 17: 7 - 14 New Testament Luke 2: 21 - 38 L: The Word of the Lord P. Thanks be to God! SERMON: “Ain’t Got Nothing But Love, Child, Eight Days a Week” HYMN: “Good Christian Men Rejoice” Page 177 APOSTLE’S CREED (found inside the back cover of the hymnal) Presentation of Tithes and Offering OFFERTORY “I’d Rather Have Jesus” CHOIR DOXOLOGY (Hymnal Page 382) PRAYER OF DEDICATION CHURCH JOYS AND CONCERNS BIRTHDAYS Garnet Welling, Robbie Mundell, Beverly Calhoun, Kristin Shrader, Cathy Moore ANNIVERSARIES None JOYS AND CONCERNS - Added to pray chain this past week: Sarah Wilson, Mary Hathaway’s sister and Debbie Mary have the COVID. Amy Wigner was also added, she has a lung disease and COVID. SYMPATHY To the Family of Eileen Miller To the Family of Bob Crowe To the Family Lois Cowden To the Family of Deloris Lyle To the Family of Nancy Rhoades McDowell To the Family of Bob Sipes To the Family of Nancy Clutter Spenser To the Family of Elmer Doman Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, June and Keith McGill, Glenn Miles, Roger Riggs, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Nellie and Frank Baker, Michael Durila Sr., Justin Hagon, Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila, Elaine Belcascro, Lisa Marshall, Sandy Stone, Diane Bednarski, Matt Petrola, Ray Dyson, Diana Donaldson, Rob Logsdon, Laura Davis, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne. PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER HYMN “Joy to the World” Page 171 BENEDICTION POSTLUDE “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” CHOIR ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Envelopes for 2022 are in the vestibule. There are names with new numbers. We are using boxes from this past year, so we don’t need to buy new ones. The DATES will be WRONG. If you have any questions, please ask Garnet. We will celebrate Holy Communion next Sunday, January 9, 2022 Good morning! We're so glad you decided to join us for the first Sunday of the new year! When we meet in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to consider your last week. What are you thankful for? What are you worried about? If you have anything you would like to share, you can include it in the comments so that we can all pray. When you are ready, use this prayer for the new year (source) to get started. God of all time, help us enter the New Year quietly, thoughtful of who we are to ourselves and to others, mindful that our steps make an impact and our words carry power. May we walk gently. May we speak only after we have listened well. Creator of all life, help us enter the New Year reverently, aware that you have endowed every creature and plant, every person and habitat with beauty and purpose. May we regard the world with tenderness. May we honor rather than destroy. Lover of all souls, help us enter the New Year joyfully, willing to laugh and dance and dream, remembering our many gifts with thanks and looking forward to blessings yet to come. May we welcome your lavish love. In this new year, may the grace and peace of Christ bless us now and in the days ahead. Amen. Today's lesson is on Genesis 4:1-15. For this week, please read the article "5 Life Lessons from Cain and Abel," by Moses Pierre-Paul. Clicking on the title will open the article in a new tab.  The one thing I would like to add is this was this was the first time a parent grieved a death of a child. In fact Adam and Eve lost two sons that day. One because Cain killed his brother Abel and because Cain was sent to wander the wilderness because of his murderous act. Prayer Merciful and just God, teach us to trust in your justice and in your timing. Give us faith to extend mercy, which you lavishly poured on us, to a wicked world that needs it neither more than less than we do. In Jesus name we pray. Amen Questions What can we do to stop envying people? What if we instead of envying we are glad that they are doing so well. What does it mean to you about being your brother’s keeper. What are some ways to resist Satan’s pull against the Lord’s correction? What principal from today’s text will you have the most problem integrating into your life? The hymn below is sung in Latin, but the English translation can be read onscreen. It dates from the late 1500's. Benediction Today's benediction is from the New International Version.  Next week's lesson will be on Genesis 21:8-20.
Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Gathering Around the Word Prelude Carol Smith ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: Presents unwrapped, People: Batteries are all run-down. Leader: Christmas trees are turning brown. People: Still, one present glows so bright -- Leader: The Child in a manger with heavenly light. People: Christmas continues the whole year round Leader: Whenever love and kindness abound. People: So gather your wits and sing loud and strong. Leader: Christmas continues, so raise up your song! INVOCATION Rev. Mason HYMN Away in a Manger 185 CALL TO CONFESSION Let us confess our sins before a loving and caring God: PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) Come, Holy One, who hastened us with cumbersome shepherds unto Bethlehem. Come and abide in us that we may learn the things that make for our peace. Give us that listening which hears thy compassion moving through all human loneliness, and in the midst of the high music, turn us toward the anguish of others. In the snowfall air, in the anxious dark, keep us open to neighbor and stranger, to angels and kings; and make us all ready for Christ’s victory over Herod’s earth. Amen. *Time of silent prayer. Assurance of Pardon Jesus came to forgive us through his grace and mercy. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. AMEN *Passing the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. *Response – Gloria Patri CHILDREN’S CHAT The Word of God Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading LUKE 2: 41-52 The Boy Jesus at the Temple L: The Word of the Lord P: Thanks be to God ! Sermon “GOD SPACE” Responding to the Word HYMN O Sing a Song of Bethlehem 208 *Apostles Creed (found inside the back cover of the hymnal) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Carol Smith Doxology (Hymnal page 382) Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations BIRTHDAYS Lydon Herschell, Tom Miller, Jr., Garnet Welling, Robbie Mundell ANNIVERSARIES John and Donna West JOYS AND CONCERNS - JOYS - Congratulations to Allen and Justine Keenan on the birth of a son, Nash Walker Keenan on 12/18/21. Nash is Diana Donaldson’s great grandson. Congratulations to Allana McCoy who graduated from the Washington Hospital School of Nursing, she will begin her career at the Washington Hospital on January 10th. John West is home and doing well after his surgery. SYMPATHY To the Family of Eileen Miller To the Family of Bob Crowe To the Family Lois Cowden To the Family of Deloris Lyle To the Family of Nancy Rhoades McDowell To the Family of Bob Sipes To the Family of Nancy Clutter Spenser Continued prayers for Susan Schively, Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, June and Keith McGill, Glenn Miles, Roger Riggs, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Nellie and Frank Baker, Michael Durila Sr., Justin Hagon, Tom Westfall, Mary Ann Durila, Elaine Belcascro, Lisa Marshall, Sandy Stone, Diane Bednarski, Matt Petrola, Ray Dyson, Diana Donaldson, Rob Logsdon, Laura Davis, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne. Prayers of the People Rev. Mason The Lord’s Prayer HYMN I Wonder as I Wander 183 BENEDICTION You have been promised a Savior and now he has been given to you. We go to tell of him, to tell of his star and all the wonders we know because of him. He came to bring life so that we might have it more abundantly. We go as bearers of his light, life and peace. Alleluia! Postlude Carol Smith We welcome all who have come to join us in the worship of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Please come again. If you are visiting with us today, please let us know that we might welcome you into our church family.
REMEMBER OUR FOOD COLLECTION: And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37. Please remember our food pantry is available to anyone in need. Replenish with your hands and listen for the need with your ears. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Thank you to Carol Smith for the music today! The choir will be practicing at 7:00 PM on Thursday evening if you would like to join them please come - sing praises to our Lord! Christmas Cards and envelopes are on the table in the back; they are free or if you would like to make a donation it will go to our Women’s Missionary Group. Envelopes for 2022 are in the vestibule. There are names with new numbers. We are using boxes from this past year, so we don’t need to buy new ones. The DATES will be WRONG. If you have any questions, please ask Garnet. We are planning to do shopping for shut-ins again this year. Please give donations to Garnet or online. Thank you. Good morning! We're so glad you decided to join us on this Sunday morning! When we meet together in person, we share our joys and concerns before we focus on our Sunday school lesson. Think about your needs and concerns right now, and if you like, you can share them in the comments. Today’s lesson is from the Old Testament prophecy of Nahum. It is about God’s judgment on the nation of Assryia and its capital city of Nineveh after Assyria wielded its power over God’s people and other nations. By extension, it is about how God sometimes punishes God’s people because God loves them but how that punishment does not last forever. The following prayer was written by Matt Erikson and posted on his blog, “Renovate”. It can be found at here. LORD God, King of the earth, You have created all peoples and reign over all the nations that inhabit this earth. When the nations rage and put themselves forward as mighty, You still have the final word, promising to put all the prideful in their place. Although tempted to trust in our own strength, we turn to You, even as the psalmist says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God’ (Psalm 20:7). Teach us to live with trust in light of the prophet Nahum’s words, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him” (Nahum 1:7). All this we pray, through Jesus Christ, to whom, with You and the Holy Spirit be all honor and glory, now and forever. Amen. This week's lesson is on Nahum 1:1-3, 6-8, 12-13, 15. Lesson context The historical meeting of the book of Nahum is of utmost importance to understanding its message of hope for Judah. Even so, only one historical event is cited in the book’s three chapters — the destruction of Thebes (Nahum 3:8-10) Ashurbanipal of Assyria (reigned 669 to 633 BC) sacked that Egyptian city in 663. This indicates that the book of Nahum was written sometime after the fall of Thebes but before the predicted fall of Nineveh, a major city of the Assyrian Empire. That fall became reality in 612 BC. Therefore, a date during the reign of King Josiah of Judah, who ruled from 641 to 609, makes the most sense. A date between 625 and 612 is most likely since judgment is predicted for Judah’s enemies, not for Judah itself. The Assyrians certainly played a role in God’s disciplining of Judah. The Lord allowed its evil King Manasseh, who reigned from 697 to 643 BC, to be exiled by the Assyrians. The Assyrians were renowned for their cruelty. They had a practice of torturing the leaders of captive cities or nations as a warning not to rebel. In Manasseh’s case, the Assyrians put a hook in his nose, bound him with chains, and led him away. While in prison Manasseh turned to God. When he returned to Jerusalem, he led a spiritual revival. Such a revival did not occur in the northern kingdom of Israel. Neither kings nor people there repented of their evil, so the Lord used the Assyrians’ violence as a tool of punishment. Whereas Judah suffered threats of violence and periodic incursions, Samaria, northern Israel’s capital city, was captured after a three-year siege, in 722 BC. Sargon II’s boast that he led captive over 27,000 people was preserved in Assyrian cuneiform test. This is when Israel as a nation disappeared from he world stage. Nineveh hit its peak in power as Ashurbanipal’s capital in the mid-seventh century BC, just before its destruction. Following Ashurbanipal’s death, kingdoms that had come under Assyrian control rebelled. Among these were the Babylonians and the Medes. Their armies came together to sack Nineveh in 612 BC. Following this, Babylon displaced Assyria as the major power in the region. I. Prophecy (1:1) The scripture begins with a Hebrew word that can be translated as “burden” or as “inspired utterance.” The word is not uncommon in biblical prophecy and often signals a prophecy of impending judgment. That is the case here, and the prophecy does, indeed, refer to a weighty matter concerning Nineveh. Nahum means “repentings” or “compassion.” This prophet is the only person in the Old Testament with the name Nahum, and he is not the same Nahum that is listed in the genealogy of Jesus in the New Testament. The only thing we know about this prophet is that he was from the town of Elkosh, whose location is debated, although most scholars think it was near Jerusalem in Judah. Jonah and Nahum are the two prophets who focused on the coming judgment of Nineveh. Unlike Jonah, Nahum was not told to go to Nineveh but to preach in Judah about Nineveh. Also unlike Jonah, Nahum’s prophecy was fulfilled. In Jonah’s case, God chose mercy over judgment when the people repented. Zephaniah, who was a contemporary of Nahum, also named Nineveh in the context of judgment coming to all of Assyria. II. Portrayals (1:2-3, 6-8, 12a) Unlike human jealousy, God’s jealousy indicates a profound sense of caring and commitment. Sometimes, in fact, the Hebrew word that is translated “jealousy” is translated as “zeal” in other passages. In verse 2, God’s jealousy is more closely linked to God’s protection of God’s people from violence and oppression that often results when hostile nations worship violent and oppressive false gods. Sennacherib, an Assyrian king who reigned during the time of Hezekiah, king of Judah, learned this the hard way in 701 BC. Sennecharib had captured many cities in Judah, so the Lord struck the Assyrian army, and 185,000 soldiers died in one night (2 Kings 18:13-37; 19:34-36; and Isaiah 36-37). Have you ever wondered why the Bible describes the Lord as a jealous God? He is protective and passionate. God doesn’t sit passively by. Sin rouses God’s righteous indignation, but not because God hates us. It is because God loves us too much to sit idly by when wickedness threatens our relationship with God. God is slow to anger, which is why God did not do something earlier to the Assyrians. God waits patiently because God wants everyone to repent; God does not wish for any to perish. But even God’s patience has its limits. Verse 3 describes God more as a righteous warrior than as a judge. God has all of nature as weapons. God has the whirlwind, the storm, the clouds and plagues to do God’s bidding. No one can withstand God’s indication and God’s fierce anger — no person, no nation, no power. Not even the strongest or the strongest-willed can resist God. God’s wrath, in Nahum’s description, is like a volcano, spewing fire and breaking apart rocks. However, all of that is tempered by the fact that God is good. Those who trust God experience God’s goodness in protection from harm. The Sunday school author points out that Nahum, like other prophets, often uses poetic imagery to describe God’s judgment, but in this case Nahum’s words were literally fulfilled. During the Babylonian siege on Nineveh, an overwhelming flood occurred that damaged the walls of the city and helped to bring about the end of Nineveh. After that, a figurative flood of Babylonians and Medes took the city. Many ancient cites were captured and destroyed, with new cities being built on top of the ruins. Hoever, Nineveh was never rebuilt. The people of Nineveh foolishly believed that they were secure because of their military strength and political alliances, but that proved to be no match for God’s anger and strength. III. Promises (1:12b-13, 15) In the second part of verse 12, God switches from addressing Niveveh and Assyria to addressing Judah. God had used the Assryians to punish Judah for its sin, but God promises an end to that punishment. God would break the yoke of oppression that the Assyrians had placed on Judah. God’s words of deliverance in verse 15 are similar to those of Isaiah 52:7. For Nahum and for Judah, however, the good news here is that Assyria would fall. That would bring peace to the people. Nahum commands the people to celebrate their festivals, the ones that had been prescribed in the Law. The implication is that some type of restriction had been placed on them that had hindered the free exercise of worship or, perhaps, that the people had become lax and had abandoned their celebrations on their own. With the destruction of the wicked, however, the people would be free once again to choose devotion to God and the blessings that come with it.  Conclusion The destruction of Nineveh fulfilled Nahum’s prophecy. The city’s destruction was complete, and so too was the end of Assyria’s dominance. The pending doom of Nineveh was the greatest part of Nahum’s prophecy, but closely related was the word of deliverance for Judah. This comforted a people who had been oppressed by Assyria for decades. Injustice still exists, and God still intends to act to bring justice and deliver his people. But God sees the global picture, so God’s timetable differs from what we might desire. In his treatment of Assyria, God did not act in haste. At the right time, the nation of Assyria came to an end. It had fulfilled its purpose. God’s justice prevailed. God’s timing is always perfect. For this reason, we share the love of Jesus, not only at Christmastime but also year-round. The gospel truth about Jesus is the reason we have hope of eternal life. What better news could there be than a future with the Lord in heaven? Prayer God in heaven, help us to shape our lives to show that we truly believe that you are holy, just and loving. Today we especially thank you for giving us your Son. In his name we pray. Amen. Benediction Our benediction this week is from the New Century Version.  Next week's lesson is on Genesis 4:1-15.
JOINT WORSHIP SERVICE NORTH BUFFALO UPPER BUFFALO PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES WELCOME YOU December 24, 2021 7:00 P.M. Enter in silence Wait in Prayer Worship in Reverence Go in Peace Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Welcome and Merry Christmas! We extend our greeting for a very blessed Christmas and happy holiday season. May each of you experience the true meaning of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ! PRELUDE A Medley of Carols 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Matthias Hirst, musician Rev. Mason, recorder THE RINGING OF THE CHIMES 7:00 PM PLEASE STAND THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE The Herschell Family Leader: The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. People: And also with you. Leader: Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, the son of God is born this night. People: God's word has been made flesh among us. Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. People: Those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness - on them a light has shined. Leader: You, O Lord, have multiplied the nation. You have increased its joy. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. People: His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Leader: He is also called Emmanuel, for in him God is with us. UNISON: We honor Messiah with Christ candle's flame Our Christmas Eve candles glad tidings proclaim. O Come all you faithful, rejoice in this night, As God comes among us, the Christian's true light. Lessons and Carols *CAROL O Come, All Ye Faithful all verses 193 Leader: Let us Pray. People: Eternal God, this holy night is radiant with the brilliance of your one true light. May the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love represented by the birth in Bethlehem this night fill our lives and become part of all that we say and do. PLEASE BE SEATED FIRST LESSON LUKE 1:26-38: The Angel Visits Mary Cheryl Bell 26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”[a] 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I have no husband?”35 And the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born[b] will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. CAROL What Child is This? All verses 180 SECOND LESSON LUKE 1:39-45 Mary and Elizabeth Don Herschell 39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechari′ah and greeted Elizabeth.41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43 And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” CAROL Away In A Manger All verses 185 THIRD LESSON LUKE 2:1-7: The Birth in Bethlehem Bob Fisher In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirin′i-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. CAROL O Little Town of Bethlehem v. 1, 2 178 FOURTH LESSON Luke2: 8-14 The Angels & The Shepherds Dana Wilson 8 And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” PLEASE STAND CAROL Angels We Have Heard On High All verses 192 PLEASE BE SEATED FIFTH LESSON LUKE 2:15-20 The Shepherds Worship Don Hanes 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. CAROL: Go, Tell It On the Mountain v. 1, 2 205 SIXTH LESSON John 1: 1-5, 10-12, 14 St. John unfolds the mystery of Christ’s birth Rev. Mason In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God; 3 all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world knew him not. 11 He came to his own home, and his own people received him not. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father. PLEASE STAND CAROL: Hark the Herald Angels Sing v. 1,2 184 PLEASE BE SEATED THE OFFERTORY PRAYER THE OFFERTORY “The Birthday of a King” by W.H. Neidlinger Rev. Mason, tenor THE DOXOLOGY 809 PLEASE STAND THE DEDICATORY PRAYER Thank you, Lord, for the gifts of giving and service in your name. AMEN THE LIGHTING OF THE CANDLES On that cold night 200 years ago, Franz Gruber had to play his guitar because the church organ was not functioning. Tonight, in respect for tradition, I will sing a verse of “Stille Nacht” in German. During this, the Pastor will light his candle from the Christ candle, the ushers will light their candles from the Pastor’s candle, then the ushers will light the candle of the worshiper in each pew nearest to the aisle. Please hold all lighted candles upright (dripping?) Our singing of “Silent Night” will commence once all the candles have been lit. Bless you! THE HYMN “Silent Night, Holy Night “ Franz Gruber “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht” Rev. Mason INTRODUCTION Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, ‘round you 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 Al-le-lu-ia; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior 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, Al-le-lu-ia to our King; Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born. (Please extinguish all candles and deposit them in the vestibule as you leave the service.) THE BLESSING Leader: May He who by His incarnation gathered into one thing all earthly and heavenly, grant you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill, and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always. PEOPLE: AMEN! PASSING OF THE PEACE THE POSTLUDE Joy to the World 171 Watts/Handel THE RINGING OF THE CHIMES * Late Arrivals may be seated by the ushers.  Today’s guest speaker is Rev. Dave Mason. All of the information normally found in our bulletin is below the video. Simply click on "Read More" to load the rest of the bulletin. You can use this to follow the service, as well as to pray our unison prayers. All joys and concerns that we know, as well as our continuing prayer list is within the Joys and Concerns. Announcements can be found at the bottom of this service. Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Introit **Mary Had A Baby** Choir ANNOUNCEMENTS CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: A voice in the dark, an image in a dream, a bright light in a clear sky -- People: Wonders and signs that turn our hearts toward God, Leader: Holy mysteries that cause our hearts to sing, People: Soul-felt grace that radiates through our lives. Leader: Young and old alike feel the awesome presence of God and join with Mary in proclaiming the greatness of God. People: Our hearts rejoice and our souls magnify the One who visits us again and again. Good morning! We're glad you've decided to read our Sunday School lesson for the fourth Sunday of Advent. We are not meeting in person for a Sunday School lesson this morning. Instead, we're having a special Christmas program. “Special Sunday School Hour for Christmas!" On the Sunday before Christmas (December 19) we’ll have a special time together! We’ll gather at 10:00 in the sanctuary and we will have a Christmas Carol Hymn Sing with a reading of the Christmas Story from the Bible! A relaxed fun time for all as we prepare for morning worship and the final week of Advent. Everyone is welcome! When meeting in person, we share our joys and concerns together. Take some time to consider your last week, and any prayer requests you have. If you would like, you can share with a comment on this post. When you are ready, you can use the prayer below (source) to get started. Prince of Peace, we seek you. In far off lands, your children flee their homes pursued by violence. In our community, we know not all our neighbors are safe from brutality. Prince of Peace, we seek you. You sent your son, Jesus, to bring your peace and comfort to the world. In this season of Advent, renew and strengthen us in a commitment to your peace that surpasses all understanding. Prince of Peace, we seek you. May your peace fill our hearts and grace our lips so that we might be agents of your peace in the world. Amen. Today's lesson is on Isaiah 9:2-7.
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