Pastor’s Note Dear Ones, Scandal followed Jesus from his conception until his death. Think about that. So, what kind of scandal should his followers seek and embrace? Warmly, Steve
Sunday Worship Services: 9 AM and 10:30 AM Children’s Sunday School: 9 AM 9008 Quioccasin Road, Richmond, VA 23229 (804) 741.6562 |
[email protected] website: wepc.org PCA | pcanet.org 2
December 17, 2017
G O D T H E FAT H E R C A L L S U S T O W O R S H I P H I M
Preparation for Worship & Communion JESUS, OUR SCANDAL “It deeply concerned us that He, who was to be our Mediator, should be very God and very man... For who could reach to Him? Could any of the sons of Adam? All of them, with their parents, shuddered at the sight of God. Could any of the angels? No! What then? The case was certainly desperate, if the Godhead itself did not descend to us, since it was impossible for us to ascend to God. So, the Son of God became our Emmanuel, the God with us.” –John Calvin, 16th century
The Third Sunday of Advent In the Christian year, Advent is a time that helps us to remember Christ’s first coming and reflect on the mystery of the Incarnation. It also teaches us to look eagerly for His second coming when He will return to redeem His creation and exercise His rule with all power and authority.
Call to Worship The hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11 The First Word Because we believe God initiates with sinners, we begin worship with His Word: His invitation to us to gather in His name.
Invocation Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
from the Book of Common Prayer
Declaration of Faith How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you? He is our Mediator, and with His innocence and perfect holiness He removes from God’s sight my sin—mine since I was conceived.
Heidelberg Catechism, 36 (1563)
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Song of Adoration O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL Text: 18th c. Latin hymn, translated by J.M. Neale Tune: VENI EMMANUEL “The virgin will... give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear. O come, Thou Dayspring from on high, And cheer our spirits by thy drawing nigh; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery. We worship a welcoming God Visitors, we are glad you are here. Following the service, please join Pastor Steve Shelby for coffee in the Gallery.
Welcome
Covenant Baptism (9 AM) This morning’s baptism and membership vows were administered by Pastor Kevin Greene.
Madelyn Grace Chang
Presentation of New Members Hayden Jarvis (9 AM) Sandra Gutu (10:30 AM)
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December 17, 2017
Old Testament Reading “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace.
Micah 5:2-5
Ministry of Prayer Offering Musical Offering HE IS BORN, THE CHILD DIVINE Hannah Weippert, piano
Tune: IL EST NÉ, (17th c. French carol)
Song of Praise CREATOR OF THE STARS OF NIGHT Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting Light; O Christ, Redeemer of us all, We pray you hear us when we call.
Come, O come Come, O come Come, O come to us.
When this old world drew on toward night You came, but not in splendor bright, Not as a monarch, but the Child Of Mary, blameless mother mild.
Text: from Conditor alme siderum (circa 6th c.), translated by John M. Neale, additional text by Alex Mejias Music: Alex Mejias © 2009 5PM Records Used by permission. CCLI # 708363 “Salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.” – Romans 13:11
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G O D T H E S O N R E N E W S U S T H RO U G H H I S WO R D & S AC R A M E N T
Scripture Reading Matthew 11:2-11
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 2
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses.9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written, 7
“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 11
Sermon Children’s Worship (10:30 AM) See page 14 for more information.
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December 17, 2017
A Worship Guide with sermon notes and recordings is posted each Sunday at www.wepc.org/sermons.
Preparation for the Lord’s Supper
Words of Institution The disciples prepared the Passover. And when it was evening, Jesus came with the twelve. And they were reclining at the table and as they were eating, He took bread. And after blessing it, He broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
Mark 14:16-25
Prayer of Confession Lord, You alone are full of grace and truth, but we have not kept watch for You. We have occupied ourselves with our own concerns. We have sought our own glory above Yours. We have not waited to find Your will for us. We have not noticed the needs of others around us. We have not acknowledged Your favor and the love that You have shown us. Forgive us for our sins against You. Heavenly Father, help us to yield to the wisdom of Your ways; Lord Jesus, lead us to live in light of Your coming; Holy Spirit, give us faith to see that You are truly among us; Amen.
Confession & Encouragement Often we find that our hearts are worshipping something other than God. In confessing our sins, the Holy Spirit probes our hearts and minds and graciously shows us what we mistakenly believe will give us life. Jesus is good to lead us from sorrow over our sin to the sweetness of His grace.
Silent Confession
Words of Encouragement She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
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The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper First Communion (9 AM) Hayden Jarvis Hayden recently met with the Elders, who heard her testimony of faith in Jesus Christ. We invite the Jarvis family to receive communion first. West End Presbyterian Church welcomes all baptized Christians who actively trust in Jesus Christ for salvation, who are willing to forsake their sin and heart-idols, and who are members of congregations that proclaim the Gospel to participate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper with us. Wine is in the outer ring of the communion tray, grape juice is in the inner rings. The bread offered in the far right and far left stations is gluten free. Please come forward as you are ready to participate the Lord's Supper individually, with a friend, or as a family. If you need special assistance and are not able to come forward for Communion, raise your hand and we will come to you at the conclusion of the Lord's Supper. Elders & Deacons are glad to pray for your children who have not yet become communing members. If your child is ready to make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ, please mark today’s tearoff or contact the WEPC office.
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December 17, 2017
G O D T H E H O LY S P I R I T T R A N S F O R M S U S B Y H I S G R A C E
Songs of Response to God’s Grace WHO IS THIS, SO WEAK AND HELPLESS 1. Who is this, so weak and helpless, Child of lowly Hebrew maid, Rudely in a stable sheltered, Coldly in a manger laid? ‘Tis the Lord of all creation, Who this wondrous path has trod; He is Lord from everlasting, And to everlasting God.
Words: William How (1867) Music: Christopher Miner © 2009 Christopher Miner Music Used by permission. CCLI #708363 “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” – Phillipians 2:8
2. Who is this, a Man of Sorrows, Walking sadly life’s hard way, Homeless, weary, sighing, weeping Over sin and Satan’s sway? ‘Tis our God, our glorious Savior, Who above the starry sky Is for us a place preparing, Where no tear can dim the eye. 3. Who is this? Behold him shedding Drops of blood upon the ground! Who is this, despised, rejected, Mocked, insulted, beaten, bound? ‘Tis our God, Who gifts and graces On His church is pouring down; Who shall smite in holy vengeance All His foes beneath His throne. 4. Who is this that hangs there dying While the rude world scoffs and scorns, Numbered with the malefactors, Torn with nails, and crowned with thorns? ‘Tis our God Who lives forever ‘Mid the shining ones on high, In the glorious golden city, Reigning everlastingly.
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WHAT CHILD IS THIS?
What Child Is This
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December 17, 2017
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Doxology
Doxology Text: Thomas Ken (1709) Tune: OLD HUNDREDTH (Bourgeois, 1551) “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6 What does “doxology” mean? It’s a word derived from two Greek words meaning ”glory” and “word.” A doxology, then, is a spoken word or song that ascribes glory to God. Today’s doxology calls all of creation to praise God as the source of all blessing and acknowledges His Trinitarian (three-in-one) nature.
The Last Word God always has the last word in our worship. For those who are in Christ Jesus, these are always words of blessing.
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Benediction
After the service, the Elders are available at the front of the sanctuary for prayer or to answer questions about the sermon or West End Presbyterian Church. Pastor Steve Shelby preached today’s sermon. Pastor Kevin Greene led worship. Kevin Shaffer led congregational singing along with Audrey Snyder, Chris Newlin, Tyler Pease, Donald Smith, and Troy Arnold. 12
December 17, 2017
