8169 Perry Highway
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Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
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Second Sunday in Advent
Children’s Musical
WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 10, 2006 8:30 & 11:00 A.M.
PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: Mighty God, we give thanks for all the people who prepared the world for your Son’s birth in Bethlehem. Each had a part to play. Isaiah spoke of his coming as “a shoot coming from the stump of Jesse,” and the One to come would enable the lamb and the lion to lay down together in peace. The Psalmist said righteousness would go before him, and would make a path for his steps. John the Baptist was privileged to see your Son Jesus Christ and baptize him in the Jordan River, saying he would separate the wheat from the chaff and would take away the sins of the world. O God, help us and your people everywhere to prepare for his coming, so when he arrives we will be awake and ready. Amen.
PRELUDE Sleepers, Wake! A Voice Astounds Us” J. S. Bach “Once in Royal David’s City” Wold
WELCOME, CONCERNS, AND GREETINGS
A WORD FROM STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE John Raphael
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP (Isaiah 40)
Leader: A voice cries out, “Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord!”
Community: The glory of the Lord is to be revealed.
Leader: “Clear the way in the in the desert for our God’s coming!”
Community: The glory of the Lord is to be revealed.
Leader: “Fill in every valley, level every mountain and make the rough places smooth!
Community: The glory of the Lord is to be revealed.
Leader: “Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and everyone will see it!”
Community: The glory of the Lord is to be revealed.
Leader: “People – do not miss the time of your visitation – God is near, at the door!”
All: The glory of the Lord is to be revealed. Give us eyes and hearts and minds to see your glory!
*HYMN “Once in Royal David’s City” No. 49
*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
UNISON CONFESSION
God of mercy and forgiveness, we marvel at the words of the angel to the shepherds that night, “Do not be afraid – for I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” We confess that fear is one of the things that drives us. We are afraid of what people think of us, how our investments are doing, how we did in our job interview, if we are making the right impression, what the future holds, an upcoming appointment that is crucial to our health. So many things cause us to lie awake at night. Forgive us for worries over which we have little control, that betrays the faith we profess. Help us during this Advent season to be so joy-filled that joy itself will mark our lives. May the announced birth of your Son, who will lift the burden of sin from our shoulders, be such good news that we will never be the same people again. Amen.
SILENT CONFESSION & DECLARATION OF PARDON
Leader: Our God is a God of mercy, abounding in steadfast love, forgiving us again and again. The One “who will save his people from their sins” has come. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Community: The bonds of sin have been broken. New life is extended to all. Freedom to live a life of gratitude is everyone’s inheritance. Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE “I Will Give You Rest”
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LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
(8:30) Ray & Lori Halloway (11:00) Nury Family
-3-
RESPONSE “People, Look East” (vs. 2) No. 12
*HYMN “Away in a Manger” No. 25
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER (use debts and debtors)
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Luke 3:7-18 (N.T. Page 60)
RECEIVING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS – PRAYER OF DEDICATION
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT
“A Stable Fit for a King” Anderson
The Kids of the Kingdom and Kuyimba Choirs
(see insert for program)
*HYMN “All My Heart Today Rejoices” No. 21
(Are you in need of prayer? If you have a joy, or a concern, or a prayer request and would like to speak to a Stephen Minister, at the 8:30 A.M. service – Jean Stultz and Tom Englert and at 11:00 A.M. service Susan Holman and Ted Mills will be at the front of the sanctuary after the service.)
*POSTLUDE “Ding Dong! Merrily On High” arr. Callahan
*All Who Are Able May Stand *****Ushers May Seat Worshippers
THE LIGHTED CANDLE on the communion table reminds us to pray for peace.
GREETERS: 8:30 Dave Meister, Roy Anderson, Jerry and Catherine Peaslee
11:00 Harry Rittenour, Chuck McClure, Kip and Sylvia Campbell
LAY READERS: 8:30 Deane Frank, Carol Concelman
11:00 Nancy Garver, Laura Geason
USHERS: 8:30 Hayes Stover (head usher), Roy Anderson, Bruce Sardon, Richard
Sutter
11:00 Bill H. English (head usher), Karen or Mark Nootbaar, Lisa Behm
STEPS OF FAITH: No Steps of Faith this week. Enjoy “A Stable Fit for A King.”
NORTHMONT OFFERS a well-equipped nursery that is supervised by permanent staff. All worshippers are welcome to use the nursery for infants and preschoolers for all or a portion of each service. When exiting the front doors of the sanctuary, turn right.
*Please turn off your cell phones and pagers.
VISITORS’ GUIDE
WE ARE GLAD you have chosen to worship with us. We invite visitors to sign the friendship register pad. Look for hospitality greeters wearing nametags. To learn more about Northmont Church:
w Take a visitor packet of information from an usher when they are offered.
w Attend Fellowship Time after the 11:00 a.m. service.
w Children are welcome in the nursery.
w We invite you to participate in worship and all other programs we offer.
w Check out our website: www.northmontchurch.org
FOLLOWING WORSHIP please join us for Fellowship Time following the 11:00 A.M. service in Polley Fellowship Hall hosted by the Beacons.
CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in loving memory of loved ones from Dave and Peggy Meister.
OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: Helen Miller – 2352 Masonic Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143 (Personal # 412-741-8180)
THE ROSE ON THE COMMUNION TABLE is in honor of the birth of Ashton Paul Sorvold, infant son of Jennifer and Paul Sorvold, who was born on Friday, December 1, 2006 in Dublin, OH. Ashton’s grandparents are Mary Lou and David Craig. Bob Taylor is Ashton’s great-grandfather.
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Dec. 3: 8:30 - 118; 11:00 - 173; SON – 48; Sunday School - 147
STEPHEN MINISTER Jan Baty will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call her at 412-367-7973
OUR STEPHEN MINISTRY program has placed blue and white cards in each pew rack entitled “A Great Way You Can Help a Hurting Friend.” Please read this card.
PRAYER REQUEST CARDS are in each pew rack as well as on the table in the back of the church. If you have a prayer request, please fill out the card and place it in the basket on the table in the back of the church and those needs and names will be given to the person giving the morning prayer and will be included that day.
PRAYER REQUESTS: Roger Clough, US Military, Krichlow baby, Nancy Johnson, Dick Fisher, Bruce Wilson Sr., Tracy Babicka – Marge Hammer’s granddaughter, Robyn McMillan’s Aunt Jackie, Esther Plant – Margot Plant’s mother
TO BE REMEMBERED WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:
Ed Halboth, Montifiore Select Specialty Unit
George Prentice, Summerville at Venice, 200 Nassau Street North, Venice, FL 34285
Helen Prentice, Inglenook Assisted Living, 280 Pine Street, Englewood, FL 34223
Ruthanne Springer, discharged
Connor Greenleaf, discharged
Dick Fisher, Passavant Hospital
Betty Hawthorne, Passavant Hospital - Cranberry
SON Worship Speaker
Dec. 10 Chris Brown
Dec. 17 Ellen Dawson
Dec. 24 No SON Service
Dec. 31 No SON Service
PIPER DEADLINE: January 10, 2007 is the deadline for the February Piper! Reminder – have your article mailed to the editor by noon! piper@northmontchurch.org Please send your articles by e-mail if possible! The church office is not responsible for submitting your article. Please find someone in your group to e-mail your article to the editor. Your article should be sent as an attachment.
OUR MEMBERS IN THE MILITARY – REMEMBER WITH CARDS AND PRAYERS:
CPL & Mrs. David Potter, 217 Speer Ct., Camp Pendelton, Stuart Mesa, Ocean Side, CA 92054
(Mary Potter’s son and Bernice Dowling’s grandson)
PFC Roach, Justin, C Co. 1st BN 17th IN Regt., Camp Taji, Unit Number 50102, APO AE 09378 –
Jason Elizeus’s cousin
SSG Jonathan Falk, A Co. 1-506 2nd Plt., Camp Corregidor, APO AE 09381 – Art & Lois Groweg’s
Grandson
Sgt. Glen P. Archey, HHT 2-17 CAV (S3), 101st ABN Div., APO AE 09335 – nephew of Ed & Pat
Scullion (prayers only until further notice)
CPL Vaile, Chris, CLB/5 MT 2nd PLT. 73002, FPO AE 09509-3002 (friend of David & Reese Potter’s)
A NEW CHANCEL FLOWER CALENDAR for 2007 has been put up on the wall across from the church office.
Tickets are now on sale for Northmont’s joint production with Paragon Studios. Children of Eden will be presented here at Northmont January 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:30 P.M. and January 14 at 2:30 P.M. All tickets are $10.00. Children of Eden, by Stephen Swartz (Wicked, Godspell) follows humankind from Creation through the flood. The cast consists of 34 actors, including several Northmont members. You can purchase tickets after Sunday services or reserve them by calling Paragon at 412-367-1121. Due to possible sell out shows, please call Paragon if you buy or reserve tickets that you will not need. With stirring music, special effects and recognizable characters, this is a great show for all ages! Children of Eden is directed by Deborah Loffredi.
ATTENTION MEN! Come to the NBC (Northmont Brotherhood Club) meeting each Tuesday morning starting at 8:30 A.M. – donuts, coffee, and fellowship in the kitchen. We meet at 9:00 A.M. in Polley Fellowship Hall. This week Dave Hawbaker will speak about the Industrial Revolution.
SARAH AND RUTH CIRCLES will meet at their usual times on December 12th!
LUNCH BUNCH will meet in December—yea! Since we can’t have the Christmas Luncheon this month, we have a very special day planned on Wednesday, December 13th. Meet in Northmont’s parking lot at 11:30 am to enjoy lunch at Pines Tavern in Gibsonia at noon. Pines Tavern is known for its lovely holiday decorations. We’ll return about 2:30 pm. It’s sure to be a festive day with delicious food. Please RSVP to Betty Harris by December 11th at (412) 367-3586 or (412) 576-0669.
TRIANGLES: The December 15th meeting will be a Christmas party at 6:00 P.M.with a covered dish dinner. There will also be a gift auction for the benefit of North Hills Community Outreach.
THE TRANSITION TEAM has received names of prospective Interim Pastors and expects to be interviewing in the next few weeks. Please feel free to contact a team member with any questions or concerns.
THE JOY OFFERING, which will be collected next week on December 17th, continues an almost seventy year old Presbyterian tradition of Advent giving. One of four special offerings designated by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly, the Joy Offering provides support that is divided equally between the Board of Pensions for assistance programs and minority education, through the National Ministries Division of the General Assembly Council in support of the eight Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges. In the spirit of the holidays, we hope you will keep these needs in mind when the Joy Offering is collected next weekend.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The celebration to say good-bye to Dave will be held at The Chadwick in Wexford on Saturday, January 27, 2007. A reservation form will be mailed to you shortly after Christmas.
THE NURSERY NEEDS YOUR HELP! The nursery needs one adult and two teens to help in the nursery at the 4:30 Christmas Eve service. This is a wonderful way for you to give some time to the church. Your help is greatly appreciated!
Name ___________________________________ Phone: _____________________
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MEALS ON WHEELS: It’s time again to provide dessert – brownies, cake, cupcakes or cookies – for Meals On Wheels clients for the month of January. If you would be willing to bake a dessert one Sunday during the month of January, please fill out this tear-off and place it in the offering plate or church office. Gwen Spahr will contact you as to what Sunday would be convenient for you to make your contribution. Your continued support for this very important program is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Name: ______________________________ Phone: ________________________
LOOKING AHEAD
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17TH: A Service of Narrations and Christmas Music. Rev. David Antonson, Chris Brown, Rev. Alick Kennedy, Sean Kelly and the Northmont Chancel Choir, Northmont Belles, and Andy Fraley, Chris Brown, Jeannie Schott, Sarah Flemming, Peggy Meister, Mike Cunko, EE Phelps, Bryan Caswell, Adam Reckless, and Brinton and Scott Davis, instrumentalists (8:30 and 11:00 A.M.)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24TH: One service at 10:00 A.M. Northmont Chancel Choir, Christine Cherup, soloist.
4:30 P.M. A SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS. Soloists and instrumentalists. The story of the birth of Christ in Holy Scripture, hymns, carols with Northmont soloists and instrumentalists, (Jeannie Schott, Anne Linaberger, Dave Sartori, Andy Fraley, Haley and Heather Raphael and Leah Ehrhardt.) Candlelight.
10:00 P.M. Christmas message by Dr. Antonson, Northmont Chancel Choir, Northmont Belles, Dorothea Fisher, soloist. Candlelight.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: One service at 10:00 A.M. Message by Dr. Antonson, Northmont Chancel Choir, Holy Communion.
“IS THAT ALL THERE IS?” For everyone there comes a time when we look back and wonder if we should have done things differently, if perhaps we should make a change somehow…If the words of the old song seem more and more appropriate to your life, you can benefit from the caring, listening presence of a Stephen Minister.
DR. & MRS. ANTONSON are leading a tour to Italy called “Highlights Of Italy.” The dates are March 19-29, 2007. Brochures are in the office.
REMINDER TO ALL GROUPS SENDING OUT BULK MAILINGS: Your group is responsible to stuff and label the envelopes, and box and deliver your mailing to the post office.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH FOR NORTH HILLS FOOD BANK: Month of December – Baking Products. All items are very much appreciated, especially monetary donations. Checks should be made out to Northmont U. P. Church – memo-North Hills Food Bank.
Small Group/Spiritual Growth Opportunities
JOIN IN THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON! Become part of a small group or start your own. We have a nice resource for this Advent study that will enhance your Christmas Spirit. We are looking at “The Miracle of Christmas” by James Moore. Sign up today at the table in the rear of the Sanctuary.
EVERY SUNDAY
After SON Group: 7:00 P.M. in Northmont Library. Contact Bart Roberts (724-933-6065)
EVERY WEDNESDAY
6:00 -7:00 PM A women’s study: “I’m Too Young to be this Old?” led by Kathy Spitz and Liz Hamilton
6:00 – 7:00 PM Dr. Antonson is leading a small group Bible study in the Library. The four-week book is “The Magic of Christmas” by James W. Moore, Abindon Press.
EVERY THURSDAY
Spirituality and Prayer Group continues its study of Eugene Peterson’s Christ Plays in 10,000 Places. Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Berean Room. Led by Alick Kennedy.
EVERY FRIDAY @ 6:30 PM: Family Friendly – Bring the kids! Bill Baierl 412-367-4693
ADULT BIBLE STUDY – 9:30 A.M.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY: Malawi Room
NEXT WEEK: Zeph. 3:14-20; Isa. 12:2-6; Phil. 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
ADULT TOPICS CLASS: Fellowship Hall
TODAY: Dec 10, 17 – This week is the 2nd Sunday in our 3 week series with Bill Markus. Bill spoke last weekend on India and we hope you will be with us today as he moves on to Darfur. Please also plan to join us next week when he will finish the series with his analysis of the recent elections. Come early. The seats go quickly.
FOUNDATIONS: Led by Rev. Doyle Snyder Berean Room
Are you interested in the scientific/scholarly research which shows the amazing reliability of our Bible and how its many passages have immediate application to successful living in today’s world? Then you will want to attend the Foundations class which meets at 9:45 each Sunday in the Berean Room, led by Rev. Doyle Snyder. A new approach begins this Sunday. Welcome.
* * * * *
Pastor: Rev. Dr. David B. Antonson
Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Dr. Stephen L. Polley
Parish Associate Pastors: Rev. Alick Kennedy and Rev. Dr. Robert Forsythe
Organist and Director of Music: C. William Goff
Youth Director: Sean Kelly
Seminary Intern: Chris Brown
Office Manager: Linda Allerton
Church Secretary: Rose Dragan
Church Treasurer: Lynn Merriman
Custodians: Colin Baldwin, Jr. and Patty Sopouchak
Northmont Child Development and Preschool Center:
Director: Margot Plant and Assistant Director: Jan Moreland
Global Mission Partnerships with:
Our Mission Family currently serving in the Middle East
Michael & Rachel Weller Family serving in Ethiopia
* * * * * *
Calendar for the Week:
December 10 – December 16, 2006
Sunday, December 10: 2 Peter 3:11-18
8:30 & 11:00 AM Worship
9:30 AM Sunday School
2:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
4:00 PM Jr. High Youth Group Fellowship Hall
6:00 PM Son Service Sanctuary
6:30 PM AA Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Sr. High Youth Group Youth Lounge
7:00 PM SON Committee Meeting Sanctuary
Monday, December 11: Isa. 5:8-17
1:30 PM Staff Meeting Library
6:30 PM Youth Committee Youth Lounge
7:00 PM Boy Scouts Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, December 12: Luke 21:29-38
8:30 AM NBC Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM Sarah Circle Malawi Room
6:30 PM Staff Relations Berean Room
7:30 PM Boy Scout Committee Meeting Fellowship Hall
Wednesday, December 13: Isa. 6:1-13
9:30 AM Knitters Malawi Room
4:30 PM Roots Youth Lounge
5:30 PM Oasis Fellowship Hall
7:15 PM Leadership Committee Library
7:30 PM Choir Westminster Room
7:30 PM Transition Team Malawi Room
7:30 PM SON/Search Committee Library
Pleasant Valley Shelter – Mary Lou & Bill English
Thursday, December 14: Psalm 126
11:00 AM Spirituality & Prayer Berean Room
7:00 PM Pack Meeting Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Stewardship Committee Library
7:15 PM Stephen Ministry Berean Room
3:45 PM Belles Westminster Room
6:00 PM Triangles Fellowship Hall
Saturday, December 16: Isa. 8:1-15
9:30 AM Choir Rehearsal Sanctuary
6:00 PM Beacons at the Harris Home