Worship Bulletin – 12/15/19

Worship Bulletin – 12/15/19

McPherson First Church of the Brethren
We invite your active participation in the life of this congregation, as together we continue to grow in grace and seek justice for God’s creation.

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Third Sunday of Advent
Joy the Song | Origami Bell
“Song brings of itself a cheerfulness that wakes the heart of joy.” – Euripides

FESTIVAL OF MUSIC
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” | arr. Sprunger
Organ: Ellen Gilbert
Piano: Dan Masterson

Sharing Time
…a time of greeting and sharing those things which inform who we are as a community of faith and how God is moving among us. You are invited to welcome visitors, share joys, prayer requests and announcements.

LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE | “People Look East”
People look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able, trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today; God, the Child, is on the way.

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare, one more seed is planted there.
Give up your strength the seed to nourish, that in course the flower may flourish.
People look east and sing today; Hope, the Rose, is on the way.

Tranquil and calm, each will be bless’d. Wakeful souls can soon find rest.
Lives free from angst, discord will cease. In harmony we will live in peace.
People, look east and sing today; Peace, the Guest, is on the Way.

Angels announce with shouts of mirth him who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming with the word, our God is coming.
People, look east and sing today; Joy, the Song is on the way.

Vocalists: Janelle Flory Schrock, Kendra Flory & Becky Snell
Violin: Brian Hess & Cello: Bruce Wagoner*

Opening Prayer
“We Rejoice” | Reverend Terri

“O Come, All Ye Faithful” | #212 vs 1 & 4 | Congregation, Organ, Piano

Change Ring Prelude on ‘Divinum Mysterium’ | arr. Gramann
Angelus Ringers: Kendra Flory, Director

Scripture | Isaiah 35: 1-4, New Revised Standard Version & Isaiah 35: 1-4, the Message

“Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” | arr. Daniel Gawthrop
“God Rest Ye” | arr. Molley Ijames
Worship Choir: Becky Snell, Director | Piano: Jean Hedricks | Organ: Ellen Gilbert

INVITATION TO SHARE OUR GIFTS

“Cantique de Noel” | Davis/arr. Masterson
Resonance Trio: Bryan Hess, Dan Masterson & Bruce Wagoner

Prayer for the Gifts

“While By the Sheep” | screens
Congregation, Organ

“Make Room” | arr. Matt Maher & Mark Hall
Worship Band: Frances Hendricks, Dan Hoffman, Dawn Hoffman, Jim Hoffman, Dan Lichty, Deb C. Wagoner & Carol Ward

Scripture | Isaiah 35: 5-10
“Mary Did You Know?”
Saxophone: Caleb Samland

“I Saw Three Ships” | arr. P. Cota
Bell Ensemble: Janelle Flory Schrock, Kendra Flory, Dawn Hoffman, Julia Largent, Deb van Asselt & Kaitlyn van Asselt

CHILDREN’S TIME | Barbara Wagoner

“Canon” | Pachelbel
Kristal Bells | Carolyn Schrock, Director

“Go Tell It!” | arr. Jack Schrader
Worship Choir | Becky Snell, Director | Piano: Ellen Gilbert

“Angel Carols” | arr. Ruth Elaine Schram
“Adeste Fidelis” | arr. Dana F. Everson
Brass Ensemble:  Doris Coppock, Winona Godfrey, Eric Goering, Kirk McGregor,
Matthew Powers, Lindy Reynolds, LaMonte Rothrock, Seth Schoming & Allan van Asselt
Piano: Ellen Gilbert

“Joy to the World” | #318
Congregation, Brass & Organ

Sending Words

Overture to the “Nutcracker Suite” | arr. Beatrice Miller
Piano: Ellen Gilbert, Jean Hendricks, Dorothy Janzen & Dan Masterson

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Bulletin Cover – Christopher Kirchner
Pastoral Staff – Jerry Bowen, Chris Whitacre & Kathryn Whitacre
Chancel Décor – Advent/Christmas Team
Acolytes – Jerry & Kendra Bowen Family
Sharing Time – Deb C. Wagoner
Worship Leader – Kathryn Whitacre
Screens – Ira Whitacre
Director/Camera – To Be Determined
Sound – Shane Kirchner
Greeters – Andrew & Colleen Gustafson
Ushers – Bruce & Janell Clary; Doug & Tandy Wine
Head Usher – Glenn Gayer
Balcony Usher – Mike Goering
Childcare Attendant – To Be Determined

Reminder: The bulletin announcements/weekly newsletter are sent to your email address every Friday with “COB Communications” caption in the address line. You may pick up a paper copy from the stand on the sanctuary level or from the literature rack immediately inside the Education Building front door.