THE GATHERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Rev. Charles Bowdler
We are grateful for your presence and invite you to participate in the worship, program, and service life of Briarwood Presbyterian Church.
*Worshipers are invited to stand, if able.
+Usher will seat you.
Please remember to turn off all cell phones while in the sanctuary.
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
Use this time to make the transition from getting here to being here. Relax your body, quiet the inner dialogue of your mind, open yourself to the Spirit of God moving in our midst, and prepare to worship God joyfully with the body of Christ gathered here today.
VOLUNTARY AND PROCESSION Prelude on “O Come, Emmanuel” - Corl
Choral Introit
LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Mary Ann Barron,
John Barron & Lyndsey Terrebonne
We light this candle as a sign of the coming light of Christ.
Advent means coming.
We are preparing ourselves for the day when the nations shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
(Lighting of the First Candle)
Let us walk in the light of the Lord. Let us pray. . .
Faithful God, your promises stand unshaken through all generations. Renew us in hope, that we may be awake and alert watching for the glorious return of Jesus Christ, our judge and savior, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
+* HYMN 22 Angels, from the Realms of Glory
CALL TO CONFESSION Mr. Christopher Barnhardt
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)
God of the future, you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.
Silence for personal confession
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
* RESPONSE TO THE ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Good Christian friends, rejoice with heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave: Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain the everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save! Christ was born to save!
YOUNG DISCIPLES’ TIME
ANTHEM The World’s Been a-Waitin’ So Long Shackley
There will be joy when the Messiah comes.
The world’s been a-waitin’ so long.
There will be peace when the Messiah comes.
The world’s been a-waitin’, been waitin’ so long.
Come to us, Messiah, O Lord, we’ve been a waiting’ so long.
We’ve been a waitin’ so long.
There will be love when the Messiah comes.
God’s love. The world’s been a waitin’ so long.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION Rev. Bowdler
Hymn 5 (verse 1) Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Mr. Barnhardt
Jeremiah 33:14-16 Pew Bible p. 738
PSALM LESSON
Psalm 25:1-10 Pew Bible p. 502
EPISTLE LESSON Rev. Bowdler
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Pew Bible p. 209
GOSPEL LESSON
Luke 21:25-36 Pew Bible p. 85
The Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God.
SERMON “Just the Beginning”
* AFFIRMATION OF FAITH “The Apostles’ Creed”
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth,
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
* HYMN 38 It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND LORD’S PRAYER
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS
OFFERTORY – Veni, Emmanuel - Burkhardt
* DOXOLOGY
* PRAYER OF DEDICATION Mr. Barnhardt
THE SENDING
* HYMN 40 Joy to the World!
* CHARGE Rev. Bowdler
* CHORAL BENEDICTION
* POSTLUDE - The King Shall Come - Burkhardt
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
CONTINUING IN PRAYER FOR: Nancy Bailey, Sarah Banta, John Curtis, Auidie Dodson, Wanda Helm, Shirley Hines. Jane Hogue, Kelly Sikes, J.T. Simmons, Scott Steele, Bill Smith. Joyce Stuart, and Kitten Ward.
MISSIONS: Dr. Barbara Nagy, Lisa & Werner Schobesberger, Dr. Mike Parker, and Dr. Ben Mathes.
MILITARY SERVING OVERSEAS: Sgt. Warren Bowling, Special Forces; SSgt. Justin Cox– Afghanistan.
CHURCH CALENDAR
SUNDAY, December 2, 1st Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School, Choir
10:00 a.m. – Fellowship Time
10:25 a.m. – Morning Worship
11:30 a.m. – Youth Lunch & Program
Stated Session Meeting
11:50 a.m. – PWCT
MONDAY, December 3 9:30 a.m. – Explorers’ Bible Study
6:00 p.m. – Explorers’ Bible Study WEDNESDAY, December 5
10:30 a.m. – Staff Meeting
6:00 p.m. – Wednesday Night Fellowship & Mission Fair
6:45 p.m. – Choir Rehearsal
SUNDAY, December 9, 2nd Sunday of Advent
9:00 a.m. – Sunday School, Choir
10:00 a.m. – Fellowship Time
10:25 a.m. – Morning Worship
11:30 a.m. – Mission Fair and Fellowship Lunch
6:00 p.m. – Choir Party (West)
Elders this week: Carol Busbee & Suzanne Stephens Elders next week: Anne Dreher & Walterine Odom
Extended Session Volunteers this week:
Sarah Banta Brock Henry
Extended Session Volunteers next week:
Donna Cook Sydney Cook
Flower Team this week: All Teams
Flower Team next week: Bailey, Forkin
Sanctuary preparation this week: Carol & Charlie Parrish
Sanctuary preparation next week: Joretta Meyer
Sound Technician: Kyle French
USHERS
Warren Dorsey (Capt.) Nora Brunson (Capt.)
Suzan Dorsey Debra Kinser
Scott Steele Press York
Janice Jackson
RECEIVING NEW MEMBERS: Following the worship service each week, Elders meet to receive new members in the church office located on the southwest side, behind the sanctuary. We welcome everyone who trusts in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and who desires to be an active part of our family of faith.
SPECIAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT FELLOWSHIP: Join us at 6:00 for supper and then shop at our 6th World Gift Market. Find unique and meaningful Christmas gifts and learn about various mission organizations; shop for alternative gifts as well as handcrafted, fair trade items from around the world. This year, give gifts that not only honor special people on your Christmas list but also bring a little more hope, dignity and peace to people who may not be on anyone’s list.
CAPITAL BRASS: Next Sunday morning the Chancel Choir will join with Capital Brass for our traditional Christmas music. The Brass will provide the service music, as well as accompany the choir. Invite friends and family to share in this festive worship service.
ANGEL TREE: Beginning Wednesday, the Angel Tree will be up in Fellowship Hall helping support Lizzie Cooper’s Kids. Although toys are welcome, Lizzie's greatest needs are hats, scarves, gloves, coats, socks, and underwear. You may donate toys or clothes in any category on the tree. Please DO NOT wrap as Lizzie will be able to distribute as needed. Last year Briarwood was very generous. Hopefully you will be able to share with others who are having an especially difficult timethis Christmas. Thanks.
FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE: Large-print bulletins, Bibles and hymnals and individual listening devices for improved sound are available in the back of the sanctuary. Also, knitted shawls are on the front row of each section. Please use them for your personal comfort during the service.
CHILDREN’S OPPORTUNITIES: A nursery is provided in the Education Building for babies and young children. Pagers are available; ask your nursery caregiver. Worship childcare is for children up through the first grade. Following the Young Disciples’ Time they will be escorted from the sanctuary. Second graders and older shall remain in the sanctuary.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS: If you would like to remember someone in a special way this Christmas, make a donation to the Poinsettia Fund. While your contribution will not purchase a poinsettia to take home, it will bring joy and pleasure to all who see the sanctuary decorated during Advent. Memorials or honoraria will be acknowledged in the December 23 and Christmas Eve bulletins. Fill out the form below and return it to the church office or place it in the offering plate along with your donation (remember to mark your check Flower Fund). Please submit your form and contribution by Wednesday, December 19.
In Memory of: ______
In Honor of:______
Given by:______
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS are here. They are on the table next to the piano in the sanctuary.
RADIO BROADCAST: Each Sunday morning at 10:00 on WYAB, 103.9 FM radio you can hear Briarwood’s worship service from the week before. The broadcast is only 30 minutes and features the sermon and other parts of the morning worship as time permits.
THE SESSION
Class of 2013 Class of 2014 Class of 2015
Carol Busbee Mark Bailey Anne Dreher
Baxter Hogue Sandy French Danny Griffith
Suzanne Stephens Jane Gerber Marcia Magee
Tom Wagner Walterine Odom Billy Miller
Susan Sumrall
Administration Committee Moderator Carol Busbee (‘13)
Commitment Committee Moderator Jane Gerber (‘14)
Education Committee Moderator Susan Sumrall (‘15)
Mission Committee Moderator Baxter Hogue ('13)
Worship Committee Moderator Marcia Magee ('15)
Clerk of Session Mark Bailey (‘14)
Church Treasurer Art Magee
CHURCH STAFF
Senior Minister Charles Bowdler 601.956.4553
Parish Associate Bill Smith 601.366.5994
Parish Associate Heather Williamsen 769.610.6660
Youth Director Christopher Barnhardt 601.966-2548
Children’s Activities Director Dawn Barnhardt 601.692.7366
Choir Director Barney McCann 601.857.6090
Organist Judy Foster 601.856.4062
Office Manager Audie Dodson 601.992.6791
Sexton Larry Coleman 601.559.5345
Financial Assistant Brenda Hyde 601.212.7421
Childcare Josie Moore 601.955.9503
PASTOR EMERITUS MISSIONARIES
John Kirstein Dr. Barbara Nagy
Lisa & Werner Schobesberger
The Little Light House Christian Development Center
601-956-6131
Putting God First
Obedience to Christ’s Commands
Caring for Peoples’ Needs within the Church
and the Community
Briarwood Presbyterian Church
Morning Worship 10:25 a.m.
Liturgical Color: Purple
December 2, 2012
620 Briarwood Drive
Jackson, Mississippi 39211
601.956.4553
www.briarwoodpres.org