SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT ~ PEACE
ORDER of WORSHIP
December 7, 2014 – 9:30 A.M.
Prelude: Linda Algera, accompanist
*God’s Greeting / Mutual Greeting
Call to Worship: Psalm 24
*Song: “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” ~ Celebration Hymnal #292:1,2,5
Lighting of the Advent Candle: Peace
*Songs:
“Jesus, Name Above All Names” ~ Celebration Hymnal #86
“Fairest Lord Jesus” ~ Celebration Hymnal #87:1,3,4
*Prayer of Confession (in unison):
Living God, You have spoken to us in many and varied ways, through prophets and apostles. Forgive us for translating their words to fit our times. They called themselves servants—we prefer our independent agents. They lived in community—we prefer autonomy. They walked in humble obedience—we’re more comfortable pursuing our own lifestyles. They relished grace and received apostleship—we relish material things and receive nothing on our investment. Open wide our hearts, O God, and fill us with Your grace and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
*Song: “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” ~ Psalter Hymnal #328:1&4
Congregational Prayer
Children’s Message
(Children are dismissed to Junior Church)
Isaiah’s Prophecy: Isaiah 11:1~12 (pp. 1076) ~ Korky and Sue Vander Ploeg
Ministry of Music: “Lo, How A Rose E’er Blooming” ~ Lauren Byma
Sermon: “Hope for the Homesick” ~ Pastor Chris
Prayer
Offerings: 1st: Cedar Hill Ministries; 2nd: Faith Promise
Offertory Prayer
*Blessing
* Prayer for Peace ~ Dona Nobis Pacem / Give Us Peace (in unison)
Prince of Peace, we wait for Your coming.
We pray fervently, Dona Nobis Pacem.
For all who live with violence and war,
We pray, Dona Nobis Pacem. For all who live with
Worry and fear, we pray Dona Nobis Pacem.
For all who live in loneliness and despair,
We pray Dona Nobis Pacem.
For all of us, your children, who long for peace,
We pray Dona Nobis Pacem.
Maranatha: Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.
*Song:
O come, Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind
Bid envy, strife and quarrels cease;
Fill the whole world with heaven’s peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!
Shall come to Thee, O Israel!
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel!
Shall come to Thee, O Israel!
*Postlude
*You are invited to stand, if you are able.
~With reverence and respect to God, please turn off all electronic devices prior to entering the sanctuary~
Outline:
Home For Christmas: Isaiah 11—Hope for the Homesick
+Israel (in their original historical setting) they did not yet have cause to be home sick. Soon enemy Assyrians will haul them off and they will sing homesick songs.
“Ransom captive Israel that mourns in lonely exile here.”
“O Come, O Come Immanuel”
Our Hopeful Homesickness
“When I hope that God will come and fix this world, my guts ache like the guts of an old man with gallstones.” +Lewis Smedes, My God & I
Does your gut ache? Do you pray “Come quickly Lord Jesus!” and mean it?
When the prayer “your kingdom come” is answered in full, will it feel like an intruder?
Catching Samples of Home (the Kingdom is here & the Kingdom is near)
Preacher Fredrick Buechner’s glimpse of “home” at Sea World:
“We shed our tears because we had caught a glimpse of the peaceable kingdom that Isaiah talks about…We shed tears because we were given a glimpse of the way life was created to be [and the way that life will one day be] and the way that it is not… and it had had almost broken our hearts”
Isaiah 11—The New Creation: A Home Coming!
In that day, says the prophet Isaiah, when Jesus comes again, when he puts things right, sets his house in order, they will neither harm nor destroy…and the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters that cover the sea.
Are you homesick? Even while we are homesick, we can have hope.
WELCOME
We welcome you to Sunday Worship at Cedar Hill CRC. If you are a visitor, please see the back of the bulletin for information about our church and fill out a Visitor Card found in the pew and place it in the offering plate or leave it at the Welcome Center.
WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
December 7 ~ 9:30 AM: Pastor Chris will give a message on Isaiah 11:1~12, “Hope for the Homesick.” Today is the second Sunday of Advent.
6 PM ~ Join together for a Christmas Song Fest. Living Word Reformed Church in North Haledon will be having an evening of praise and celebration for the beginning of Advent Season. The offering will be for New Hope Community Ministries. Light refreshments will be served following the service.
December 14~ 9:30 AM: Pastor Chris will give a message on Hebrews 12:1~3, “Running Home.”
5 PM ~ Join together here at Cedar Hill for a Christmas Carol Sing and Supper. Sign up at the welcome center!
WORSHIP SERVICE INFORMATION
This Week – December 7, 2014
OFFERINGS:1st: Cedar Hill Ministries; 2nd: Faith Promise
GREETERS:Welcome Team #1
USHERS:Sally Haven, Jared Post, Harold Post
NURSERY:Infant: Sandy Ruit; Toddler: Marge Faber
CH/JR CHURCH:Sara Heerema/Raegan Heerema and Samantha Cubias
Next Week – December 14,2014
OFFERINGS:1st: Cedar Hill Ministries;2nd: Building Fund
GREETERS:Welcome Team #2
USHERS:Ted Faber, Bill Heerema, Roy Heerema
NURSERY:Infant: Ginny Steensma; Toddler: Jeanne Veenstra
CH/JR CHURCH:Caitlin Shurminsky/Allie Steiginga and Greta Botbyl
CEDAR HILL CHURCH
OFFICE NOTES
The office will be closed tomorrow. Regular office hours for the remainder of the week.
COUNCIL NOTES
Household Groups: Council has consolidated the HH Groups to more clearly reflect the congregation and realigned the mailboxes. Lists are posted in the narthex. Any questions or concerns, contact Rick Botbyl.
DEACON NOTES
Homeless Program: The sign-up sheet for the Homeless Program, which runs through March 27 is posted. We need drivers, prepared meals, and men to stay overnight. Prayerfully consider your part in this important ministry. You will be blessed!
Poinsettias: The Deacons are distributing poinsettia plants on Saturday, December 13, and if needed, Monday evening, December 15.
CAROL SING
Join us Sunday evening, December 14th, at 5 PM for our Annual Carol Sing and Supper. Sign up at the welcome center.
LADIES COFFEE BREAK
Coffee Break will be held this Tuesday, December 9, beginning with coffee at 9:30 AM. We will studyLesson 11, Exodus 13:17-14:31, "Lord over Land and Sea". All ladies are invited!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS
Beautiful poinsettias will once again grace our sanctuary in tender memory of loved ones. The price is $13/each or 2/$25, order forms are at the welcome center or see Jan DeSee.
HOLIDAY SERVICES SCHEDULE
Christmas Carol Sing/Supper
December 14, 5 PM
Family Candlelight Festival and Children’s Sunday School Program
December 21, 4:30 PM
Christmas Day Service
December 25, 10:30 AM
New Year’s Eve Service
December 31, 7:30 PM
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COOKIE & CRAFT WALK
It’s hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner! Our Cookie and Craft Walk will be held thisSaturday, December 13, from 9:30 AM ~ 12 PM. We will be selling our delicious treats for $7.75/lb., along with Chris Borduin’s yummy butter letter—TODAY is the last day to be able to pre-order butter letter made by Chris Borduin. Any extras that are made will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. We are asking that all bakers that are willing to make at least 3 dozen cookies or bars will sign up at the welcome center. The butter letter pre-order sheet is also at the welcome center. Much thanks to all of you who help support our scholarship fund from year to year!
FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY
Today is Food Pantry Sunday,and you can drop off your food donations anytime. New Hope needs grocery bags; paper in plastic is preferred. Food staples such as jelly, tuna fish, paper products, cereal, and diapers also. Thank you!
CADETS
Cadets will meet thisTuesday, at 6:45 PM. Questions? Call Chris at 201-263-9098 or .
NEW HOPE’S CHRISTMAS ANGELS Jingle Jingle Jingle! Registration for New Hope’s Christmas Angel Program has begun! If you would like be an angel to a child and purchase a gift (up to $25.00) for them this Christmas, check the welcome center or see Marilyn Chickey.
WEDNESDAY AM PRAYER TIME
Join us Wednesday morning at 6:15 AM in the youth room for a time of prayer for our church, its leaders, members, and our community. “My eyes will be open and my ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:15.
CALVIN JANUARY SERIES
The January Series of Calvin College is coming on Wednesday,January 7 through Tuesday, January 27, beginning at 12:30 PM here at Cedar Hill Church.
FAITH PROMISE PLEDGES
In your mailbox is your faith promise pledge card. Prayerfully consider your monthly support of our missionaries.
CEDAR HILL STITCHERS
Opportunity for Outreach: Handmade baby bonnets are available at the welcome center for you to gift someone in your community who is expecting a baby. Take a bonnet with you and present it to someone you encounter—at the grocery store, library, pharmacy, school event—who is expecting a bundle of joy. What a special way to show others kindness and demonstrate God’s love, and to let them know that they are always welcome to worship with us at Cedar Hill Church. Any questions? See Laura Dykstra.
LIVE NATIVITY
Covenant CRC presents “The Gift for Today”—a dramatic retelling of the Christmas story connecting the Nativity to contemporary life. Admission is free to this indoor live nativity production on Saturday, December 20, at 4 PM and 7 PM. Following the performances, children will have an opportunity to visit with the live animals! Bring your family and friends! For more info, check out
YOUTHQUEST NEWS
Heirborne (7th & 8th Grades):
Regular Meeting: Join us at Cedar Hill onWednesday, December 10 from 7 ~ 9 PM—for snacks, games, worship, and conversation about God.LinC (9th through 12th Grades):
Regular Meeting: Sunday, December 14, from 6 ~ 8:30 PM at Faith Community’s Barn. We will have dinner, play games, worship, and conversation. Bring your friends!
Winter Retreat: The flyer is posted on the LinC page, or contact Denise at 862-221-2014 or email at .
New York City Trip: On December 13, from 2~9 PM (ish)--RSVP to Denise TODAY. If you do not have the information flyer, check the website.
Leaders Needed: YouthQuest needs leaders. We are looking for people to fill lots of different roles. Whether you like to work in the kitchen, if you like to talk and listen, if you enjoy playing games—our youth need you. Our Heirborne group, 7th and 8th graders, is especially in need of leaders. These are wonderful kids who have a lot to offer—we just need people to come alongside of them, guide them, and love them. Come and check it out—you don’t have to commit right away—just come and hang out and see what we do. If you have any interest, contact Denise Banaag at 862-221-2014.
A CULTURE OF PRAYER
‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
And pray for us, too . . .” Colossians 4:2
DECEMBER 7, 2014
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING~
Congratulations toElsie Vander Weitwho is celebrating her 65thbirthday today!
PRAY FOR ONGOING CONCERNS ~
Kassie BorduinBen KuipersGert Troast
John WintersElsie Vander Weit
OUR HOMEBOUND & THEIR CAREGIVERS ~
Jean StonehouseLois MinckHen & Dot Hagedorn
Kathleen VenemaHuberta SmithJim Van Wieren
PRAYER LINES ~
Call 201-652-4277, ext. 2, to hear the prayer line, which is updated as needed on Friday afternoons. You can also check our denominational prayer requests at 888-CRC-PRAY or
Pray for Mission Outreach
ACROSS THE SEA – ACROSS THE STREET
Local Church Plants – Home Missions – World Missions
Classis Hudson & Hackensack Church Plants: This week, we pray for Grace Community Chapel in South Brunswick and Pastor Jae Park. Also, pray for Global Vision Church in Edison and Rev. Eunboem Kim.
Starting November 30, World Renew and the CRC Office of Social Justice will share a devotional series called Reconciliation: Breaking Through, and an Advent calendar with daily ideas for prayer, meditation, and giving for the whole family. Slow down and orient your spirit to the season—discover God’s reconciling work in us, through us, and around us. Singing up is easy! Go to crcna.org/adventdevos to receive these daily emails in your inbox for Advent.
Pray for our missionaries . . . . Lee & Emma
This week at Cedar Hill Church
December 7 ~ December 13, 2014
SUNDAY
9:30 AM ~ Worship Service (Sanctuary)
11:00 AM ~ Sunday School, Catechism, Adult Sunday School
12:30 PM ~ NJ Faith Church (Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall)
4:30 PM ~ Kingdom Kids Choir Rehearsal (Basement)
6:00 PM ~ Living Word Reformed Church in North Haledon
MONDAY
7:00 PM ~ Deacon Meeting (Deacon Room)
7:00 PM ~ Cedar Hill Stitchers (Library)
7:30 PM ~ Elder Meeting (Council Meeting)
8:00 PM ~ Barbershop Chorus (Fellowship Hall)
TUESDAY
9:00 AM ~ BSF Leader’s Meeting (Council Room)
9:30 AM ~ Coffee Break Bible Study (Deacon Room)
6:45 PM ~ Cadets (Cadet Room)
8:45 PM ~ NJ Faith Church (Sanctuary)
WEDNESDAY
6:15 AM ~ Wednesday Morning Prayer Time (Youth Room)
9:00 AM ~ Bible Study Fellowship (Entire Church)
7:00 PM ~ Heirborne Youth Group
THURSDAY
7:00 PM ~ Bergen Career Networking Group (Fellowship Hall)
7:30 PM ~ Worship Team (Sanctuary)
FRIDAY
6:00 PM ~ Men’s Homeless Program (Fellowship Hall)
8:00 PM ~ NJ Faith Church (Sanctuary)
SATURDAY
6:30 AM ~ NJ Faith Church (Sanctuary)
9:00 AM ~ Cookie Walk