8169 Perry Highway
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Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
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Fourth Sunday In Advent
WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 24, 2006 10:00 A.M.
PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: The one thing each of us wants this Christmas Eve, O God, is a fresh word from you. We want to hear the Christmas story like we have never heard it before, with freshness, with its surprises so that it touches us at a very deep place. We want to listen to those courageous prophets who spoke of a new day when the Son of Righteousness would appear. We want the gospel stories to get past all our defenses and address us as if we have never heard this story before. Live in us, blessed Child of God, be our light, be our King. Let us be ever thankful for the only true Christmas gift that allows us to become children of God, and joint heirs with Him in your kingdom. Welcome Jesus, born this night. Welcome Son of God coming into the world. Welcome Son of the Most High, coming to dwell with us in human flesh. Welcome, savior and redeemer. Welcome, the One whose kingdom will have no end. Amen.
PRELUDE “O Little Town of Bethlehem” arr. Manz
“What is This Lovely Fragrance?” arr. Manz
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: Listen! A child has been born for us, a son given to us! It is God’s doing.
Community: It is marvelous in our eyes.
Leader: His many names reveal his mission. When the world is in confusion, and people want to know the truth, he will be
Community: Our Wonderful Counselor – the one who shows the way, the truth and the life.
Leader: When people wonder where God is, he will be
Community: Our Mighty God – unveiling the heart and mind of God, transforming lives.
Leader: When people seek to know God, he will be
Community: Our Everlasting Father – loving us and embracing us as a true parent.
Leader: When wars and disagreements are all around us, he will be
All: Our Prince of Peace – the one who brings people together. Come! Come live in us! Come make your world new!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “O Come, All Ye Faithful” No. 41
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*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
CHRISTMAS PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Holy God, for whom nothing is too hard or too difficult, we marvel at the humble and quiet way that you sent your son into the world. You did not send him to the power centers of the day, to Emperor Augustus or Quirinius or King Herod, but to common, ordinary people. It was to Mary, a young, engaged, teenage girl that you sent angelic tidings. It was to aged Elizabeth that news came that she, too, would bear a son. It was to unclean shepherds that angels sang the good news over shepherd’s fields. As these and others rejoiced in the birth of your Son Jesus Christ, let nothing get in the way of our coming to your Son, not pride of heart, social position, intellectual aloofness or unresolved questions. For we would simply come, kneel and offer our very selves as millions before us have done. May nothing deprive us of this day’s joy and peace, for we pray in the name of him who came as heaven’s gift to the world. Amen.
LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE Cindi Ray and Family
RESPONSE “People, Look East” (vs. 4) No. 12
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM Elder: Judith E. Antonson
Meaning of the Sacrament
Questions to the parents and congregation
Unison Prayer: Loving God, we rejoice that your love claims us before we are even able to respond in faith, that believers and their children are included in your covenant love. We give thanks that baptism enacts and seals what the Word proclaims: that your redeeming grace is offered to all people. We rejoice that this sacrament calls us to repentance, faithfulness and discipleship. Here we see our true identity as your sons and daughters. Bless this day Finn James Antonson and James Hackett Antonson as well as their parents, Stephen Antonson and Kathleen Hackett Antonson. May Finn and James grow to be true disciples of Jesus Christ, able to witness to the faith within them and be his servants in the world. Renew the baptism
promises of us all, through Jesus Christ who himself was baptized and sent to do God’s work. Amen.
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Act of Baptism, Prayer and Benediction
Response: “Child of Blessing, Child of Promise” (vs. 1) No. 498
ANTHEM “One Star” Rogers
Christine Cherup, soprano
KID’S CORNER Karen Reckless
(After Kids Corner, Linda & Larry Anderson will be taking the children ages 4-7 to Steps of Faith)
*HYMN “O Little Town of Bethlehem” No. 44
SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2:1-20 (N.T. Page 58)
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
SERMON “He’s Here!” Dr. David B. Antonson
CHRISTMAS CREED
Jesus, the long expected Savior, came into the world as a child, descended from David, conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of Mary, a virgin. He lived as a Jew among Jews. He announced to his people the coming of God’s kingdom of justice and peace on earth. We affirm that Jesus was born of woman as is every child, yet born of God’s power as was no other child. The coming of Jesus was itself the coming of God’s promised rule. Through his birth, life, death, and resurrection, he brings about the relationship between God and humanity that God always intended. A Declaration of Faith, 1977
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
THE GIVING OF OUR GIFTS & CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING
OFFERTORY ANTHEM “See, On Mary’s Arm He’s Sleeping” Hatch
See, on Mary’s arm He’s sleeping: Christ by earth and heaven adored. Come, your circle round Him keeping, Loving hearts to greet the Lord. Come, you lofty ones, Come you lowly ones. Let your song of gladness ring. In a stable lies the Holy One, In a manger rests the King. Come, you gentle hearts and tender; Come, you spirits keen and bold. One and all your worship render, Weak and mighty Young and old. See on Mary’s arm He’s sleeping: Christ by earth and heaven adored. High above a star is shining: Loving hearts, come greet the Lord.
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*OFFERTORY PRAISE (Sung to the tune of “All Creatures of Our God and King”)
Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise God all creatures here below. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
HYMN “Joy to the World!” No. 40
*BENEDICTION & RESPONSE
(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, Nancy Garver and Rev. Alick Kennedy will be at the front of the sanctuary after the service.)
*All Who Are Able May Stand *****Ushers May Seat Worshippers
THE LIGHTED CANDLE on the communion table reminds us to pray for peace.
GREETERS: Pat & Dick Krotzer, Alick Kennedy, Bob Platts
LAY READER: Elaine Peters
USHERS: Hayes Stover (head usher), Roy Anderson, Bruce Sardon, Richard
Sutter or Bill H. English (head usher), Karen or Mark Nootbaar, Lisa
Behm
STEPS OF FAITH: Larry & Linda Anderson
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 on this Christmas Eve! It’s wonderful to see family, friends, neighbors and visitors! With the angels and archangels of heaven we give thanks to God for the giving of his Son Jesus in Bethlehem.
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
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 service in Polley Fellowship Hall hosted by the Reach Out Committee. A “thank you” cake will be on the table thanking all those volunteers who worked on the Block Party in September.
CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in honor of Rufus Wysor’s birthday with love from his children.
THE SYMPATHY OF THE CONGREGATION goes out to the family of Carl Eidenmuller who died on Saturday, December 16th. His service of resurrection was held on Wednesday, December 20th at Northmont. He is survived by nieces and nephews. Our sympathy also goes out to Claire Molin and her sister Lois Shultz in the death of their mother, Berniece Molin who died on Monday, December 18th. A private committal service will be held at later date.
OUR SYMPATHY goes out to Dorothy Dickson in the death of her younger brother, Charles Dickson. His service of resurrection was this past Monday at St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Glenshaw. Our sympathy goes out to Margot Plant in the death of her mother, Esther Plant on December 16th. Her committal service will be sometime in January at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. Margot has one sister in Chicago.
OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: Mercedes Monjian – 351 Overlook Drive, Verona, PA 15147
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE: Dec. 17: 8:30 - 166; 11:00 - 189; SON – 40; Sunday School – 129
STEPHEN MINISTER Helen Traynor will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call her at 412-364-2287.
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. 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: Elaine Diorio – Linda Zmuda’s sister, Huck Reel – Ginny Reel’s husband
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
Betty Hawthorne, Wexford, House
Ginny Reel, St. Margaret Hospital
Aaron Koehler, Passavant Hospital
Lauren Stanko, 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.
THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM is being offered today to Finn James Antonson and James Hackett Antonson, sons of Stephen and Kathleen Hackett Antonson who reside in Brooklyn, NY. They are the grandchildren of Dr. and Mrs. Antonson. The assisting elder is the grandmother, Judy Antonson.
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.
TONIGHT, CHRISTMAS EVE: 4:30 P.M.: A service of lessons and carols. 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
TONIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE 10:00 PM: Christmas message by Dr. Antonson, Northmont Chancel Choir, Northmont Belles, Dorothea Fisher, soloist; Andy Goff, euphonium; Matt Fuchs, trumpet. Candlelight.
NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31ST: One service at 10:00 A.M. Message by Dr. Antonson, Northmont Chancel Choir, Holy Communion
SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINDER Classes will not be held on December 31st, but will return to the regular schedule on January 7th.
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. There will be no NBC on Tuesday, December 26th. We’ll meet again on Tuesday, January 2, 2007. See you then!
XXX
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.
THE DOCTOR CALLED. “MORE TESTS.” It’s been dragging on so long already. The whole family is feeling the strain. Are you or someone you care for going into the hospital? A Stephen Minister would like to be there for you. A Stephen Minister will listen and help you find resources to make it through this difficult time.
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
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 10, 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 again on January 3rd!
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. Class will not meet on Thursday, December 28th. Class will meet again on Thursday, January 4th!
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: 1 Sam. 2;18-20, 26; Ps. 148; Col. 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52
ADULT TOPICS CLASS: Fellowship Hall
No class today or next Sunday, Dec. 31st. On January 7th, we return from the holidays with a discussion of Intelligent Design, Evolution and Creationism. Please join us then for consideration of this controversial topic.
FOUNDATIONS: Led by Rev. Doyle Snyder Berean Room
The Foundations class led by Rev. Doyle Synder, which meets in the Berean Room, will resume today and next Sunday, December 31st at 9:00 AM for those able to attend. The class will return to its regular schedule on Sunday, Jan. 7th, 9:45 A.M. We are considering how the Bible came to be and will soon look at introductions to each of the 66 books of Holy Scripture, which is our truly fascinating and very helpful treasure. Welcome.
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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
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Calendar for the Week:
December 24 – December 30, 2006
Sunday, December 24: Titus 2:11-14
9:00 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Worship Sanctuary
4:30 PM Candle Light Service Sanctuary
10:00 AM Candle Light Service Sanctuary
6:00 PM AA Fellowship Hall
Monday, December 25: John 1:1-14
Office Closed
CDPC Closed
Tuesday, December 26: Acts 6:1-7
Office Closed
CDPC Closed
Wednesday, December 27: Prov. 8:22-30
Office Closed
Thursday, December 28: Matt. 18:1-14
Office Closed
Office Closed
CDPC Closed
Saturday, December 30: Rev. 1:19-20