8169 Perry Highway
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Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) | ||||||
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First Sunday in Christmastide
Holy Communion
WORSHIP SERVICE Sunday, December 31, 2006 10:00 A.M.
PRAYER TIME BEFORE WORSHIP: O God who disrupts our expectations and always surprises us, we continue to give thanks this day for the birth of your son in Bethlehem, Jesus Christ. We rejoice that you are the God who continually comes to us – wherever we are, whatever our circumstance. If we are separated from those we love, if we are in the sterile environment of a hospital, if we are on a far-off military base or working the late shift or sitting in a shelter grateful for a blanket over our body – you come to us right where we are. Surely that is the blessing of the hallowed Christmas season. Your warmth and light penetrates the deepest darkness. This is what makes it all worthwhile. This is the good news, that you have come among us in human flesh. Stand beside us now and forever. Amen.
PRELUDE “Prelude on Silent Night” G. Young
“What Child is This?” Wright
“Gentle Mary Laid Her Child, Lowly in a Manger” Manz
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader: In the beginning there was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Community: The light shines in the darkness, and darkness did not overcome it.
Leader: He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him…What has come into being in him, was life, and the life was the light of all people.
Community: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Leader: To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God.
Community: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Leader: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s son, full of grace and truth.
All: The light is now among us. He has come to make the Father’s heart known to us. Thanks be to God for the incredible gift of his Son, Jesus Christ!
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*PROCESSIONAL HYMN “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks” No. 59
(vs. 1, 2, 3, 6)
*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND INVOCATION
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
We praise you, O God, for putting our feet on the road that leads to Bethlehem. This past week we have read of the visit of the shepherds, the angelic chorus singing your praises, the sturdy faithfulness of Mary and Joseph who said “yes” to their new calling. We have heard the words of the prophets, we have sensed the over-crowding of Bethlehem and we have tried to picture in our minds what it must have been like to have been there at our Lord’s birth. As the shepherds “returned praising God for all they had seen and heard,” may we do the same. Surely they returned to their work changed people, never looking up into the sky quite the same way. Surely the visitors from the east, after leaving their gifts, returned full of stories that would fill a book. And we rejoice that Mary and Joseph could believe that the child committed to their care would play a special role for the whole world. O God, as we come and kneel, we humbly offer ourselves in his service. We pause to look into his face. We focus on his coming mission. Now, let us return home changed people, made new, filled with gratitude, awe and wonder at the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
ANTHEM “Sing Gloria” K.K. Davis
The shepherds sleep among their sheep, All silent they lie, When clear and strong there comes a song From angels on high. Sing Gloria in excelsis! Jesus is born! Now hark and hear this word of cheer, And be not afraid. In humble guise the infant lies, In a manger laid. Sing Gloria! Jesus is born! The shepherds heard the wondrous word. The angels did sing. And traveled then to Bethlehem to Worship their King. Sing Gloria in excelsis! Jesus is born! We follow them to Bethlehem Our Savior to greet. Our hearts we bring, an offering To lay at his feet! Sing Gloria in excelsis! Jesus is born!
KID’S CORNER Bill Baierl
(After Kids Corner, Lisa Baierl will be taking the children ages 4-7 to Steps of Faith)
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SECOND SCRIPTURE READING Luke 2:41-52 (N.T. Page 59)
Leader: The word of the Lord.
Community: Thanks be to God.
COMMUNION MEDITATION “On The Way” Dr. David B. Antonson
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH & GLORIA PATRI No. 579
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us…according to his mercy. Long ago, God spoke to our ancestors in many various ways by the prophets, but in these days he has spoken to us by a son, whom God appointed the heir of all things…he is a reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word…and though he was in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God something to be held onto, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, and being born in human likeness. Therefore, God has highly exalted him and given him the name that is above every name. Thanks be to God! Titus 3, Hebrews 1, Philippians 2
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER
CALL FOR OUR TITHES & OFFERINGS – PRAYER OF DEDICATION
OFFERTORY
HOLY COMMUNION (served by intinction)
Invitation to the Table, Scripture, Prayer
We say to each of you, “the body of Christ broken for you” and “the blood of Christ
shed for you”
Prayer of Thanksgiving
*HYMN “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” No. 38
*BENEDICTION
(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, Diane Goff and Bill Baierl 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.
LAY READER: Bob Holtgraver
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: Lisa Baierl
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
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 Leadership Committee.
CHANCEL FLOWERS are given in loving memory of Mark Stultz from his wife Kathy and children and his mother and sisters.
OUR MEMBER OF SPECIAL CONCERN: Elsie Schopper – The Manor, Room 327, 4842 Rt. 8, Allison Park, PA 15101 (724-449-5825)
STEPHEN MINISTER Alick Kennedy will be making hospital calls this week. If you have a special request, please call him at 724-935-6556.
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: Huck Reel – Ginny Reel’s husband
SON Worship Speaker
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.
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, discharged
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.
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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL REMINDER: Classes will not be held today, December 31st, but will return to the regular schedule next Sunday, January 7th.
WORSHIP NEXT SUNDAY: We will return to our 8:30 and 11:00 A.M. services and the SON service at 6:00 P.M.
OASIS AND KIDS OF THE KINGDOM will resume on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at 5:30 P.M. with pizza supper.
CHILDREN WHO ARE BAPTIZED and are being nurtured in the Christian faith, are welcome to the Lord’s Table.
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. See you there!
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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: ________________________
WE ARE GIVING THE CALL for the annual congregational meeting. It will be held on Sunday, January 28, 2007 at approximately 11:00 A.M. following the one worship service at 10:00 A.M. in the Sanctuary. Reports will include the annual election of officers, review of the 2007 session-approved budget, a report from our Reach Out Committee, a report from our Transition Team and a vote to dissolve the ties between the congregation and Dr. Antonson. All active members in good standing may vote.
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.
WHEN MY MOM DIED, I needed someone to listen to me as I told her history and nurtured my memory of her. I needed someone to listen to all that we were to each other. Now I know where I could have found someone who would have been here just for me. 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.
PRODUCT OF THE MONTH FOR NORTH HILLS FOOD BANK: Month of January – Paper 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. 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: Isa. 43:1-7; Ps. 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
ADULT TOPICS CLASS: Fellowship Hall
No class today. 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, continues 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 31 – January 6, 2007
Sunday, December 31: John 8:12-19
10:00 AM Worship
6:30 PM AA Fellowship Hall
Monday, January 1: Psalm 8
Office Closed
CDPC Closed
Tuesday, January 2: Eph. 4:1-16
8:30 AM NBC Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Worship Committee Westminster Room
7:30 PM Mission Committee Malawi Room
Wednesday, January 3: John 6:15-27
9:30 AM Knitters Malawi Room
No Kids of the Kingdom
6:00 PM Choir Xmas Party – at Home of Conrads
6:30 PM Transition Team Library
7:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
Thursday, January 4: Psalm 20
11:00 AM Spirituality & Prayer Berean Room
6:30 PM Cub Den Meetings Fellowship Hall
7:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
9:30 AM Project Linus Malawi Room
3:45 PM Belles Westminster Room
7:00 PM Cub Committee Meeting Malawi Room
7:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary
Saturday, January 6: Matt. 2:1-12
9:30 AM Reach Out Committee Malawi Room
12:00 PM Play Rehearsal Sanctuary