8169 Perry Highway
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Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
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Third Sunday in Advent
Service of Narrations and Anthems
WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 17, 2006 8:30 & 11:00 A.M.
PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: We marvel O God, that throughout the Christmas story, you are the one who is bringing salvation to us. You are taking the initiative, you are sending your only Son to us and his name will be Jesus – meaning “the Lord is salvation.” People in the story wait, hope, trust and finally receive what you are doing. Help us to believe that in the birth of your Son a new world is opening up, a broken and lost humanity is being saved, our core problem of sin will be dealt with, and for lowly shepherds and intellectual Wise Men and for everyone in between, it will be good news. Help us to believe that you are embracing humanity as never before, not with words, but in the flesh, as one of us. With the angels and archangels of heaven, we give thanks and praise. Amen.
PRELUDE “Two Settings of Angels, We Have Heard on High” Wold, Wood
“Chorale Prelude on In Dulci Jubilo” J.S. Bach
WELCOME, CONCERNS, AND GREETINGS
MOMENT FOR MISSION Sarah Flemming
A WORD FROM THE TRANSITION TEAM Judith Shifrin
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP (Isaiah 60)
Leader: Arise, shine – for your light has come.
Community: The glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
Leader: God’s glory will appear over you.
Community: Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.
Leader: Those from Arabia shall come, and they will bring gold, and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord.
Community: The Lord will be your everlasting light.
All: We open our hearts – we are ready for your appearance – come and dwell among us!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” No. 31
*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
UNISON CONFESSION
We confess O God, that we are now feeling the pressures of the Christmas season. For some, Christmas will be a sparkling tree with presents in abundance, lots of food and family around, a glowing fireplace, all well planned. But for others, and perhaps even for us, it might be spending the holidays alone, grieving for a loved one no longer at the table, or not being able to buy the things we would like to buy. We confess that our emotions are sometimes very high and sometimes very low, and for many it is a difficult time of the year. Give to us not the kind of Christmas we want, but the kind of Christmas we need, peace at the center of our being that comes from trust in you, the ability to get along with all our in-laws, a sense of joy that circumstances cannot erase, time spent listening to the people we care about and putting things right with people we find hard to like. May the story of your son’s coming to earth come to us with fresh meaning. Renew us from within, and like Mary, may we say, “yes” to all that you are doing. Amen.
SILENT CONFESSION & DECLARATION OF PARDON
Leader: God has come to us as “Immanuel” – God with us. God did not choose to remain distant and detached, but came to us in Jesus Christ, in human flesh to rescue a lost creation and be our Savior.
Community: In Jesus Christ God was doing what only God could do, embracing us in a new way, taking us unto himself. In him we are forgiven, set free, to do those things which he appointed us to do. Thanks be to God.
RESPONSE “I Will Give You Rest”
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LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE
(8:30) John Sebastian (11:00) Emily & Jason Cooper
RESPONSE “People, Look East” (vs. 3) No. 12
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER (use debts and debtors)
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Philippians 4:4-7 (N.T. Page 198)
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
RECEIVING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS – PRAYER OF DEDICATION
(Janell Butorac will be taking the children ages 4-9 to Steps of Faith)
OFFERTORY “Variations on the Christmas Hymn: All My Heart this Night Rejoices” Post
“THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN SONG AND WORD”
The Northmont Chancel Choir, The Northmont Belles
Narrations by Rev. David B. Antonson, Rev. Alick Kennedy, Mr. Sean Kelly
And Mr. Chris Brown
(See insert for tests of the anthems)
We ask that there be no applause during this holy Christmas service.
Meditation: Dr. David B. Antonsons
Anthem: Fanfare for Christmas Day Shaw
Scott and Brinton Davis, trumpets
Meditation: Rev. Alick Kennedy
Christmas Lullaby Rutter
Meditation: Sean Kelly
Anthem: How Far is it to Bethlehem? Arr. Berg
Women’s Choir, Peggy Meister, piano
Meditation: Chris Brown
Anthem: Too Much Light for Midnight Fedak
Sarah Flemming, flute
-4-
Meditation: Dr. David B. Antonson
Anthem: Come and Hear the Joyful Singing Hopson
Leslie Scheuer, percussion, Peggy Grinager, Linda Ruth, Lisa Caswell, handbells
Meditation: Rev. Alick Kennedy
Anthem: Ukrainian Carol of the Bells Leontovich
The Northmont Belles
Meditation: Sean Kelly
Anthem: Carols to Christ be Sung Honore
Peggy Meister, piano, Jeannie Schott and Sarah Flemming, flutes
Andy Fraley and Chris Brown, guitars
Meditation: Chris Brown
Anthem: African Noel Johnson
Peggy Meister, piano, Adam Reckless, Mike Cunko, Bryan Caswell and EE Phelps, percussion
*RECESSIONAL HYMN “Angels We Have Heard on High” No. 23
(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 – Helen Haberlein and Larry Wichterman and at 11:00 A.M. service Judy Ehrhardt and Tom Snaman will be at the front of the sanctuary after the service.)
*POSTLUDE “Go, Tell It On The Mountain” 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 John & Jeanne Russell, Ron Witthohn, Wayde Zeitler
11:00 Ray & Lori Holloway, Jerry Fisher, Harry Rittenour
LAY READERS: 8:30 Howard Brokenbek
11:00 Emily Cooper
ELDERS: 11:00 Larry Wichterman
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: Janell Butorac
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.
WE GREET each of you this 3rd Sunday in Advent. Our prayer is that the story of our Lord’s birth in Bethlehem will come to you with fresh meaning.
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 Spectrums.
CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Donald Eckert from Jean, children and grandchildren.
OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: *Suzanne Miller – 4849 Wexford Run Road,
Bradfordwoods, PA 15015 (Daughter of Paul & Virginia Miller) (personal # 724-935-6953)
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Dec. 10: 8:30 - 119; 11:00 - 184; SON – 44; Sunday School - 137
STEPHEN MINISTER Kathy Zink will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call her at 724-538-5077.
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.
SON Worship Speaker
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.
PRAYER REQUESTS Tracy Babicka – Marge Hammer’s granddaughter, Joan Morena, Carl Eidenmuller, Dave Hartman – Crissy Zmuda’s uncle, Crystal, Huck Reel – Ginny Reel’s husband, Ginny Reel
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
Dick Fisher, discharged
Betty Hawthorne, Passavant Hospital
Stephen Polley, discharged
Ruthanne Springer, discharged
Mary Wiggins, discharged
Carl Eidenmuller, Passavant Hospital
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.
WE WISH TO THANK all those taking part in today’s service to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Especially, we want to thank the Northmont Chancel Choir, the Northmont Belles, and all the instrumentalists who added so much to our music today. In addition, we are grateful to the inspired narrations given today by Dr. Antonson, Rev. Kennedy, Sean Kelly and Chris Brown. May all of our efforts be offered in praise to God for this most amazing, miraculous happening.
SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINDER – On December 24th, children’s Sunday School classes will meet from 9:00 – 9:45 in their regular classrooms. The teachers are looking forward to spending some time together on Christmas Eve. Classes will not be held on December 31st, but will return to the regular schedule on January 7th.
ELDERS are reminded to pick up their papers and agendas for this Tuesday’s meeting at 7:30 P.M. in the Berean Room.
BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR DEC. 24TH A.M. SERVICE AND DEC 31ST need to be in the church office by 4:30 P.M. on Monday, December 18th!
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 the DinG-a-lings will play handbells and the Child Development and Preschool Center will perform their Christmas Show.
THE JOY OFFERING, which is being collected today, 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. Please keep the worthy support provided by Joy Offering contributions in mind as this offering is being collected today. Thank you.
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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: ________________________
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.
LOOKING AHEAD
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24TH: One service at 10:00 A.M. Northmont Chancel Choir, Christine Cherup, soloist.
CHRISTMAS EVE: 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.
CHRISTMAS EVE: 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.
DECISIONS. What should I do with my life? What does God want me to do? How can I know? A Stephen Minister can serve as a listening ear while you explore these questions.
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: _____________________
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.
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. This group will not meet again until January 3, 2007.
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, AbinGdon Press. This group will meet December 20th,
EVERY THURSDAY
Spirituality and Prayer: Exploring the Way: An Introduction to Spirituality (Exercise in Spirituality) 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: Mic. 5:2-5a; Luke 1:47-55; Ps. 80:1-7; Heb. 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45; Isa. 9:2-7; Ps. 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14
ADULT TOPICS CLASS: Fellowship Hall
TODAY: – This week is the final week with Bill Markus. Today 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 17 – December 23, 2006
Sunday, December 17: John 3:22-30
8:30 & 11:00 Worship
9:30 AM Sunday School
2:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
4:00 PM Jr. & Sr. High Christmas Party Youth Lounge
6:00 PM Son Service Sanctuary
6:30 PM AA Fellowship Hall
Monday, December 18: Eph. 6:10-20
1:30 PM Staff Meeting Library
7:00 PM Boy Scouts Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, December 19: Rev. 20:1-10
8:30 AM NBC Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Deacons Library
7:30 PM Session Berean Room
7:30 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 20: Isa. 28:9-22
9:00 AM CDPC Christmas Show Fellowship Hall
9:30 AM Knitters Malawi Room
6:30 PM Transition Team Malawi Room
7:30 PM Choir Westminster room
7:30 PM Transition Team Malawi Room
Thursday, December 21: Luke 1:26-38
11:00 AM Spirituality & Prayer Berean Room
7:00 PM Facilities Committee Library
3:45 PM Belles Westminster Room
Saturday, December 23: Luke 1:57-66