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This week's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Prelude Music Director Bob Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: Advent candle lighters; Debbie Durila and Grandsons CALL TO WORSHIP: While shepherds kept watching O’er silent flocks by night. Behold throughout the heavens There shone a holy light. Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born! The Shepherds feared and trembled When lo! Above the earth, Rang out the angel chorus That hailed our Savior’s birth. Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born! Down in a lowly manger The humble Christ was born, And God sent us salvation That blessed Christmas morn. Go, tell it on the mountain Over the hills and everywhere. Go, tell it on the mountain That Jesus Christ is born!
INVOCATION; Dr. Domske
* Hymn While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks #118 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (unison) Our Father in Heaven, as we draw closer to the holy night of Christmas, we are afraid to compare ourselves to Mary, Joseph, And the Christ Child. They are so pure, but we are so selfish. They appear to us sinless, while we are full of sin. Take our sins away, Lord. Wash us clean and pure. We are sorry we have approached life selfishly. We are sorry we have sinned. We want to be Your sons and daughters as You made us to be. Wash our sins away in the Christ Child’s Name. * Time of silent prayer *ASSURANCE OF PARDON L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you! Response – Gloria Patri (page 581) Passing the Peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Isaiah 25: 1 – 8 Luke 2: 8 – 14 Sermon: “You Wouldn’t Believe What Happened At Work” *Hymn “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” #123 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Bob Senay *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” #119 *Benediction * Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Jean Westfall, Bryan Bell, Buc Walther, John O’Hara, Cris Miller, Lyndon Herschell, Tom Miller, Jr.
ANNIVERSARIES: Mike & Debbie Durila SYMPATHY: To the Family of Larry Fox (Christine Welling’s Uncle) ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said,“You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church on Meyers Road near Washington will hold its traditional hymn sing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, December 21st . There will be scripture readings and stories as well as a time of fellowship and refreshments following the hymn singing. Don’t forget the mitten tree this year. You can also put socks, gloves, hats, or anything for the little ones to help keep them warm. Also don’t forget our Christmas Eve program is Saturday 24th at 7 p.m.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Tiffany Cipoletti, Robert Paxton, Bill Berdine, Cheryl Bell, Frank Baker, Diane Anderson, Jim Durila, James O’Hara, Barb and John O’Hara, Larry Litman, Sue Gregg, Doris Ann Rowe, Susan Strope, Tim Taylor, Helen Provenzano, Suzy Smith, Lori Doxtator Walker, Jean and Ron Westfall
We had lots of fun at yesterday's Christmas party!
This week's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Third Sunday of Advent
Prelude Music Director Bob Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS Advent candle lighters: Diana Donaldson and Jean Kuhn CALL TO WORSHIP: from Psalm 20 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the Name of the God of Jacob protect you. May God send you help from His sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May the Lord give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He answers from His holy heaven with saving power. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God. We will shout for joy when You are victorious. We will lift up our banners in the Name of our God.
INVOCATION; Dr. Domske
* Hymn O Little Town of Bethlehem # 121 PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (unison) Heavenly Father, You have taught us that there is nothing we cannot withstand if we place our faith and trust in Your Son Jesus. Through His example and His strength, we know that the evil one has no power over us except that which we allow. Forgive us for misplacing our faith, forgive us if we have sought answers elsewhere. Reconcile us to Yourself through Jesus our Christ. * Time of silent prayer *ASSURANCE OF PARDON L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you! Response – Gloria Patri (page 581) Passing the Peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Isaiah 9: 1 – 7 Matthew 1: 15 – 16, 18 - 25 Sermon: “Just An Ordinary Joe” *Hymn “Once in Royal David’s City ” #140 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Bob Senay *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *Hymn “Good Christian Friends Rejoice” #132 *Benediction * Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Dan Hathaway, Nicole King, Sam Jackson, Sue Gregg, Addison Miklic, Susie Durila Cummings, Lynn Kalich, Buc Walther, Brian Bell, Jean Westfall
ANNIVERSARIES: Bill & Carol Stough; Mike & Debbie Durila ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. The congregation will be doing its annual Shopping for Shut-ins soon. If you would like to donate to the ministry, please contact Garnet Welling or any session member. The new offering envelopes for 2023 are now available. Grove UP Church’s Christmas Program is this evening at 6 p.m. Ringing of the bells is part of the program. Our Sunday School family Christmas party is Saturday 17th at noon here at the church. Don’t forget the mitten tree this year. You can also put socks gloves, hats or anything for the little ones to help keep them warm. Remember to pick up your poinsettia order sheets. They are located on the back table. Also don’t forget our Christmas Eve program is Saturday 24th at 7 p.m. Please take a moment to look on the back of the monthly budget sheet for the “Legend of the Candy Cane”.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Tiffany Cipoletti, Cris Miller, Diane Bednarski, Robert Paxton, Jim McCoy, Bill Berdine, Cheryl Bell, Frank Baker, Diane Anderson, Jim Durila, James O’Hara, Barb and John O’Hara, Debbie Durila, Larry Litman, Joyce Nichols, Sue Gregg, Doris Ann Rowe, Susan Strope, Tim Taylor, Richard Wagner, Helen Provenzano, Suzy Smith, Lori Doxtator Walker
Today's guest speaker is Rev. Renny Domske.
Second Sunday of Advent
Prelude Music Director Bob Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: Advent candle lighters; Bob Fisher Family CALL TO WORSHIP: from Psalm 19 The heavens declare the glory of God. The skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day the heavens pour forth speech; night after night the skies display knowledge. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. Forgive my hidden faults and errors, My Redeemer, Keep Your servant also from willful sins. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord my Rock.
INVOCATION: Dr. Domske
* Hymn “Angels From the Realms of Glory” #143 *PRAYER OF CONFESSION: (UNISON)\ O Lord, You are my rock and my Redeemer. Why do You put up with my continual sinning? Why can I not learn to be unselfish? Why did You send Your Son as a Babe to die for me? Father of All, forgive me my sins. Help me to learn to love You more. Help me to learn to love myself less. The beauty of this time of year humbles us. Thank You for sending Your Son to us in a manger. * Time of silent prayer *ASSURANCE OF PARDON L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you! Response – Gloria Patri (page 581) Passing the Peace Children’s Chat Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Isaiah 7: 9-14 Luke 1: 26-38
Sermon: “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary”
*Hymn “Lo! How a Rose E’er Blooming” # 129 *Apostles Creed (copy next to prayer list) Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Bob Senay *Doxology (page 606) *Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the People The Lord’s Prayer *HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” #113 *Benediction * Postlude
BIRTHDAYS: Marty Lippert, Janet Shively, Bonnie Reese, Dan Hathaway
SYMPATHY The Family of Alvin Danley, Jr. (Debbie Rugg’s brother) The Family of Joann Bittlebrun Sayre (companion of Fred Wilkinson, owner of Dependable Electric) ANNOUNCEMENTS: Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said,“You give them something to eat.” Please let Betty Fisher know of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. The congregation will be doing its annual Shopping for Shut-ins soon. If you would like to donate to the ministry, please contact our treasurer, Garnet Welling, or any member of the session. Bethany College Will be having a Music program December 6 at 7 o’clock in Commencement Hall. The address is 31 S Loop Campus Drive, Bethany, WV 26032. For further information contact Christine Welling. Bob and Kathy Ross invited our church to their Christmas program at Lower Ten Mile Presbyterian Church on December 10 at 6:30 pm. Their theme is “Christmas Night of Worship.” The address is 580 Amity Ridge Road, Amity, Pa. 15311. The new offering envelopes for 2023 are now available.
CONTINUING PRAYER LIST
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Larry Fox, Nancy Diaz, Gianna Perry, Marlene McFeely, Susie Smith, Tiffany Cipoletti, Cris Miller, Diane Bednarski, Robert Paxton, John and Donna West, Jim McCoy, Bill Berdine, Cheryl Bell, Frank Baker, Diane Anderson, Colleen Kuhn, Jim Durila, James O’Hara, Barb and John O’Hara, Debbie Durila, Larry Litman, Joyce Nichols, Dana Wilson, Sue Gregg, Doris Ann Rowe, Susan Strope, Tim Taylor, Richard Wagner, Helen Provenzano, Suzy Smith, Lori Doxtator Walker
Our guest speaker today is Rev. Renny Domske.
Gathering Around the Word
Prelude Music Director Robert Senay ANNOUNCEMENTS: CALL TO WORSHIP from Psalm 9 I will praise You, O Lord, with all my heart: I will tell of all Your Wonders. I will be glad and rejoice in You: I will sing praise to Your Name, O Most High. My enemies turn back: they stumble and perish before You. For You have upheld my right and my cause. You have rebuked the nations and destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name for ever and ever. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble. Those who know Your Name will trust You. Sing praises to the Lord, enthroned in Zion! Proclaim among the nations all He has done for us!
INVOCATION Dr. Domske
Hymn: “How Great Thou Art “ 625 PRAYER OF CONFESSION (UNISON) O Lord my God, we approach You in awesome wonder, because of all You have done for us. We wish we could say to You that we have acted awesome toward You. Yet we have not—we have been selfish, we have ignored all but ourselves. We have sinned. Forgive us. Make us whole again. Give us the joy we only feel when we are in Your arms, doing Your will, sharing Your thoughts. We need You every hour, O God. May we know deep in our souls how great Thou art. ASSURANCE OF PARDON *Time of silent prayer * Response – Gloria Patri *Passing of the Peace L: The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. P: And also, with you. CHILDREN’S MOMENT Prayer for Illumination Scripture reading: Old Testament: Isaiah 53 New Testament: Mark 2: 18-22 53 Who has believed our message
L: The Word of the Lord
P: Thanks be to God! SERMON: “Shut the Screen Door! You’ll Let the Flies In” Hymn: “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” 197 The Apostles Creed Presentation of our tithes and offering Offertory Doxology (Hymnal page (606) Prayer of dedication Concerns and Celebrations Prayers of the people Lord’s Prayer Hymn: “Lead On, O King Eternal!” 269 Benediction
BIRTHDAYS:
Dylan Marton, Carol Horne, Dana Wilson, Nora Beth Gill ANNIVERSARIES: Tom & Linda Miller, Daniel & Lynn Kalich, John & Barb O’Hara, Dave & Susie Cummings, Doug & Nicole King JOYS AND CONCERNS Keep praying for all our soldiers here and abroad. Added to our sympathy list is Dorothy Thomas, who is a cousin of Linda Miller. Dorothy passed away this past week after a long battle with Ovarian cancer. Sympathy for the Family of Rose Churray Family of Alice Esposto Family of Dorothy Thomas ANNOUNCEMENTS Remember our Food Collection. And Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6: 37. Please let Betty Fisher know of you are aware of anyone within the community that may be in need at this time. Thanks to everyone that came to the Church picnic last Sunday. I hear that there were 83 people that attended. There was plenty of food and fellowship shared by all. We should take the time to thank Cheryl and her helpers for the decorations and time that went into the preparations of the picnic. Thank you for a successful Sunday picnic this year.
Continuing Prayer List
Melissa Pedigo, Aaron Blake, Chuck Dicks, Tim Knabenshue, June & Keith McGill, Frank Huffman, Tom Westfall, Elaine Belcascro, Sandy Stone, Matt Petrola, Nancy Hepinger, Betsy Martin, Ed Horne, Sarah Wilson, Bill Poland, Pat Haggerty, Carl Weber, Jimmy Svetz, Betty Fisher, Haley Diedier, Fred Wilkinson, Jean Westfall, Evelyn Wood, Brandon Bell, Frank Riggle, Betty Anderson, Mary Tarnic, Polly Blackhurst, Tom Novak, Chuck Warlow, Valerie Shumaker, Ricci Amos, Milton Rice, Gianna Perry (4 yrs. Old), Braxton (2 yrs. Old) with heart surgery, Greg Duntz, Nancy Diaz, Marlene McFeely, Larry Fox, Debbie Moriarty, Frank Baker
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take some time to share our joys and concerns. Consider the past week. What prayer requests do you have? If you would like, you can share them as a comment to this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below, from St. Therese of Lisieux and St. Theresa of Avila, (source) to get started.
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you May you be confident knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.
Today's lesson is on Isaiah 51:1-8.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take time to share how our weeks have been, and any prayer requests we might have. Consider your past week, and any joys or concerns you might have. If you feel comfortable, you can share them as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started.
Almighty Lord God, give us true faith, and make that faith grow in us day by day. Also give us hope and love, so that we may serve our neighbors according to your will; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Isaiah 49:18-23.
Good morning!
We're so glad you decided to join us today!
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 on one of the so-called Servant Songs of the book of Isaiah. Christians throughout the centuries have seen these songs — and many other parts of Isaiah — as pointing to Jesus. The following prayer was posted on the Vanderbilt University lectionary website:
O God, you spoke your word and revealed your good news in Jesus, the Christ.
Fill all creation with that word again, so that by proclaiming your joyful promises to all nations
and singing of your glorious hope to all peoples, we may become one living body, your incarnate presence on the earth. Amen.
This week's lesson is on Isaiah 49:1-13.
Introduction
Often when we read scripture, we think we understand a particular passage. Then, as we experience new situations and challenges, we may read the same passage again and see another, deeper meaning. The passage for today is a great example of how a Bible passage spoke to its particular historical context and had its primary meaning for the people of that time. Then, centuries later, readers took another look at the same passage and found a secondary meaning that points to Jesus Christ. And in many Christians’ minds, this secondary meaning is so obvious that they can hardly imagine there is another other meaning to it.
Lesson context
Most scholars believe that the book of Isaiah is really the work of at least three different authors. They attribute chapters 1 through 39 to the prophet Isaiah and believe they were written before the Babylonian captivity. Chapters 40 through 55, known as Second Isaiah, were probably written near the end of the captivity and during the resettlement period. Chapters 56 through 66 were likely written to the former exiles who had begun the difficult work of rebuilding Jerusalem. The book of Isaiah includes four so-called “Servant Songs,” four prophetic poems from the second part of Isaiah about a servant that would care for justice, teach, suffer, restore Israel and be a light for the Gentiles. However, the servant theme extends beyond these four passages. In fact, it is an important theme from chapter 40 through 55, according to Old Testament professor Bo Lim. Lim believes that chapter 40 through 48 were written while the people of Judah were in captivity in Babylon but that chapters 49 through 55 were written after the first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem. This morning’s text is from the second “Servant Song.”
Identity of the Servant (verses 1-5)
One of the most debated questions surrounding Isaiah is the identity of the servant. To Christians, it seems obvious that the Servant Songs refer to Jesus and his ministry. However, when Isaiah prophesied these words, he was speaking to his historical context and not primarily looking hundreds of years into the future. That context, as pointed out above, is the end of the Babylonian exile and the restoration of the people of Judah. There are three major theories for the identity of the servant in its original context. First, the servant is identified as an individual, possibly Moses or Jonah or Jeremiah or Josiah or even the author of Second Isaiah himself. Second, many scholars identify the servant as a collective group, either the nation or a righteous remnant within the nation of Israel. In fact, Isaiah says in verse 3, “He said to me, ‘You are my servant, Israel.’” And third, some scholars see the servant as a “corporate personality,” according to Old Testament professor Dr. Claude Mariottini. By this theory, the servant is both an individual, such as the author himself, who also represents the whole nation. Probably the best known statement of this passage is, “Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.” The message here is that God’s call was part of God’s plan — whether it is God’s call to Isaiah, God’s call to Israel or God’s call to Jesus. In Jesus’s case, the gospels make clear that God was involved even before Jesus was born. Our Sunday school lesson also points out that the servant is identified as Israel, but it suggests that is because Jesus is the true Israel. On the other hand, the lesson says, if it is referring to the nation of Israel, then the prophecy is fulfilled in the church, which carries the good news of Christ to the world.
The Lord’s Plan (verses 6-13)
Verse 6 calls for the restoration of the tribes of Jacob and those of Israel. By this time, it had been generations since the northern tribe of Israel had been conquered by the Assyrians assimilated with other groups. To bring those tribes back together would be a huge undertaking, one only the Lord could accomplish. The servant, Isaiah says, is not only to bring back the lost tribes, but he is to be a light for the Gentiles as well. Whether the servant refers to Israel, to Christ, or to both, God’s plan has always been to bring all people to God. Salvation is to reach throughout the earth. Even kings and princes will respond to him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, Isaiah says. Just as Israel as a nation was thought to be small and insignificant throughout most of its history, Jesus was also despised and rejected. So these words could refer to both. Many of the promises that Isaiah prophesies concerning the role of the servant for the captives who were returning from Babylon can also be seen in the life of Christ and in Christ’s work for people today. Here are a couple of examples from our passage: “I will keep you and make you … to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’” God is our redeemer, and those who are oppressed can shed their fears because God has chosen to rescue them. “They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them.” Isaiah’s original audience was concerned that God would protect them from literal hunger, thirst and other difficulties of the desert they had to cross, but Jesus also fed people literally and spiritually and talked about the living water that would quench their spiritual longing. Finally, Isaiah calls all of creation to shout for joy, to rejoice and to sing. This is the correct response when the Lord announces his intention to comfort his people and have compassion on the afflicted.
Conclusion
At the right time, God sent Jesus to earth to offer salvation to all who accept him as Lord and Savior (Romans 5:6-8; Galatians 4:4-5). The call is to those who are in our families and communities and also in far distant villages we will never visit or even know exist. Our responsibility in the time of salvation is twofold: to proclaim the good news to all (Matthew 28:18-20) and to worship God with all creation. We are comforted, and we experience mercy. Therefore sing to God! And spread the good news throughout the earth.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for Isaiah’s prophecies and the ways that your Son, Jesus, fulfilled them. Make us people who call captives to freedom in Christ and whose faith in his care is unwavering. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Benediction
This week's benediction is from the God's Word translation.
Next week's lesson will be on Isaiah 49:18-23.
Good morning!
Happy Pentecost! We're so glad you decided to join us today!
When we meet in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Take some time to think about the past week, and if you have any prayer requests. As you feel comfortable, you can share these as a comment to this post.
Today is Pentecost, which we think of as the birthday of the church. The Holy Spirit descended on the apostles, and they were able to speak to everyone present. When you are ready, use the prayer below, from the Presbyterian Mission Agency for Pentecost, to get started.
Living God, you sent the Holy Spirit to breathe life into your church. Let us no longer be captives to fear, but messengers of your saving love, so that all may be reconciled in you. Through Jesus Christ you have given us peace that the world cannot give. Let your Spirit of truth abide with us so that we may live in hope, grow in faith, and keep your commandments of love; in the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Today's lesson is on Isaiah 47:10-15. Before reading, keep in mind that in this passage, Isaiah is speaking to Babylon.
Tenebrae, from the Latin word for "shadows," has been observed in the church of Jesus Christ since the fourth century on Maundy Thursday or Good Friday. During the service, different readers will recall the events that led Jesus to the cross, and we will extinguish fourteen candles, one by one, dramatizing the suffering and death of Jesus. The diminishing light symbolizes the fading devotion of the disciples and the sin of the world. At the end of the service the sanctuary will be dark. During the service, the chimes will toll thirty-three times to signal Jesus' thirty-three years. The Christ candle will then return, symbolizing the hope of his promised resurrection. At the conclusion of the service, please leave silently, contemplating Christ's crucifixion. Jesus, the Son of God, was dead.
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