OUR WORSHIP TIME BULLETIN

July through December 2008 Click on a date to see a Bulletin

July 6, 2008 July 13, 2008 July 20, 2008 July 27, 2008

Aug. 3, 2008 Aug. 10, 2008 Aug. 17, 2008 Aug. 24, 2008Tmblwd

Aug. 31, 2008 Sept. 7, 2008 Sept. 14, 2008(cantata) Sept. 21, 2008

Sept. 28, 2008 Oct. 5, 2008 Oct. 12, 2008 Oct. 19, 2008

Oct. 26, 2008 Nov. 2, 2008 Nov. 9, 2008 Nov. 16, 2008

Nov. 23, 2008 Nov. 30, 2008 Dec. 7, 2008 Dec. 14, 2008

Dec. 21, 2008 Dec. 24, 2008 Dec. 28, 2008 Jan. 04, 2009

Ideas: Prayer of Approach: “The Wonder of it All” (738c); 669c “Make Me a Servant” Pryr of App.; 662c “With All My Heart” pryr of App.; 641c “Hear Our Prayer, O Lord” pryr response or pryr of App.; 564c Just a Closer Walk;

December 31, 2008: Short 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

January 4, 2009

Introit: “Rise Up, Shepherd and Follow” (#2096)

Prayer of Appr. Response: “I Sing Praises to Your Name” (#2037)

Ministry of Music: “Hark the Herald Angels Sing”

Prayer Response: “More Love to Thee, O Christ” (#359 Vs. 1)

More love to Thee, O Christ, More love to Thee! Hear Thou the prayer I make On bend-ed knee.

This is my ear-nest plea; More love, O Christ, to Thee, More love to Thee, More love to Thee!

Benediction:  “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Pg.23 Vs. 1)

An-gels we have heard on high. Sweet-ly sing-ing o’er the plains,

And the moun-tains in reply Ech-o-ing their joy-ous strains.

Glo- - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o; Glo - - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

December 24, 2008: NO CHOIR AT 7:30pm

December 28, 2008

Introit:#56 “The First Noel”

Prayer of Appr. Response: “#56 The First Noel” (Refrain)

Ministry of Music: “We Fall Down”

Prayer Response: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (Pg.38 Vs.1)

It came up-on the mid-night clear, That glo-rious song of old,

From an-gels bend-ing near the earth, To touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all-gra-cious King”:

The world in sol-emn still-ness lay, To hear the an-gels sing.

Benediction:  “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Pg.23 Vs. 1)

An-gels we have heard on high. Sweet-ly sing-ing o’er the plains,

And the moun-tains in reply Ech-o-ing their joy-ous strains.

Glo- - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o; Glo - - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

Christmas Eve

December 24, 2008_____ ___ _ __ 7:00 PM

THE GATHERING

Prelude

Call to Worship

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Leader: Glory to God in the highest.

People: And peace to God’s people on earth. Alleluia!

Leader: Behold I bring you good news of a great joy.

People: For to you is born in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Leader: The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth.

People: We have beheld his glory. Alleluia!

Lighting of the Advent Wreath

*Hymn of Praise “Joy to the World!” No. 40

*Prayer of Approach Leader

*Confession and Pardon

*Call to Confession Pastor

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

On this night, O God - on this night we confess that we do not want to confess. We do not want to examine our hearts before you and admit to the dark places. We want you to warm us in candlelight, carols and communion. We desire soft light tonight; not the blinding shining of your glory that terrified the shepherds. We cannot stand in that light. God among us, forgive us. Help us hear your angel saying, “Do not be afraid.” Flood our hearts with the light that drives out all our darknesses. Straighten our backs and loose our timid tongues that we may sing, “Glory!”

*Declaration of Pardon and God’s Claim on Us Pastor

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father” No. 579

Welcome

*Passing of Christ’s Peace

Pastor: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading Isaiah 9:2-7 Pg. 606

Placing of the Advent Character Mary Buchele

Solo “O Holy Night” Janet Major

Gospel Reading Luke 2:1-20 Pg. 55

Meditation on Meaning of the Incarnation

Invitation to Discipleship

We invite anyone who wishes to confess faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, who desires to reaffirm our baptismal faith, who seeks baptism for a child or who requests prayer with the laying on of hands to come forward during the next hymn.

*Hymn of Meditation “O Come, All Ye Faithful” No. 41

Reaffirmation of Baptismal Covenant and Holy Baptism

Presentation of Couple and Child

*Profession of Faith: Let us stand to confess the faith of our baptism

Pastor: Do you believe in God the Father?

People: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

Pastor: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God?

People: I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead; On the third day he rose again ; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Pastor: Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?

People: I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Renunciation

Questions to Parents and Congregation

Thanksgiving Over the Water

Baptism and Laying On of Hands

Welcome of the Family

The Peace

Pastor: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

THE EUCHARIST

Invitation to the Lord’s Table We invite to this table all Christians from any tradition

Great Thanksgiving and Lord’s Prayer

The Dialogue:

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to our the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give thanks and praise.

Breaking of the Bread

Song of Gathering “I Come With Joy” No. 507 vs. 1 thru 4

Communion of the People

Prayer after Communion

SENDING

*Lighting of the Candles

*Hymn of Dedication “Silent Night, Holy Night” No. 60

*Charge

*Blessing

*Postlude

Merry Christmas

From Your Church Staff

James O Pitts, III; Connie Boese; Mary Buchele;

Kevin Ochampaugh; Linda Adams; Pat Sanders;

Randy McVey; Juana Perez; Alma Rojo; Brenda Watson; Audrey Law; Bob Law

December 17, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

December 21, 2008 4^th Sunday of Advent

Introit: “Prophets Knew”

Prayer of Appr. Response: “Another Christmas”

Ministry of Music: “Dancing into the Promise”

Prayer Response: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (Pg.38 Vs.1)

It came up-on the mid-night clear, That glo-rious song of old,

From an-gels bend-ing near the earth, To touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all-gra-cious King”:

The world in sol-emn still-ness lay, To hear the an-gels sing.

Benediction:  “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Pg.23 Vs. 1)

An-gels we have heard on high. Sweet-ly sing-ing o’er the plains,

And the moun-tains in reply Ech-o-ing their joy-ous strains.

Glo- - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o; Glo - - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Greeters - Joy Anstaett

Advent families - The Hamlett family

Ushers - Amy McVey, Steven Buchele and Eli Woods

Fellowship - Joy Anstaett and Mary Guy

Sound Technician - Steven Buchele

Service for the Lord’s Day

Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 21, 2008_____ ___ _ __ __ 10:45 AM

Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city,

a father’s house, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents the triumph of God over all that resists his will and disrupts his creation. Already God’s reign is presented as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in men and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgement and redemption.

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit “Prophets Knew” Chancel Choir

Call to Worship

Pastor: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen

Leader: My heart magnified the Lord, and my soul is glad because of God my Savior.

People: For God has remembered me, and from now on, people will call me blessed.

Leader: God has brought down kings from their thrones but lifted up the lowly and filled them with good things.

People: God has kept every promise made to our ancestors, and come to our help when we are most in need.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

*Hymn of Praise “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” No. 9

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response “Another Christmas” Chancel Choir

*Confession and Pardon

*Call to Confession Pastor

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

God of surprises, we pretend not to hear your messengers calling our names. We look away, sure that there must be a mistake, for we are afraid to believe that you would trust us to bear you into the world. We are just ordinary people trying to get by. We wish you would choose someone else. Have mercy on us, O Most High. Help us to believe with Mary. Send your Spirit upon us, that we may indeed live for the sake of Jesus Christ, your Son, our Savior.

*Declaration of Pardon and God’s Claim on Us Pastor

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father” No. 579

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading 2 Samuel 7:1-11; 16 Pg. 274

Placing of the Advent Character Pat Sanders

Anthem “Dancing into the Promise” Chancel Choir

Gospel Reading Luke 1:26-38 Pg. 53

Sermon Dr. James O. Pitts, III

Invitation to Discipleship

We invite anyone who wishes to confess faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, who desires to reaffirm our baptismal faith, who seeks baptism for a child or who requests prayer with the laying on of hands to come forward during the next hymn.

*Hymn of Meditation “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” No. 5

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Response “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (Pg. 38 Vs.1) Chancel Choir

It came up-on the mid-night clear, That glo-rious song of old,

From an-gels bend-ing near the earth, To touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all-gra-cious King”:

The world in sol-emn still-ness lay, To hear the an-gels sing.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD

Offertory

*Doxology No. 592

*Prayer of Thanksgiving

*Passing of Christ’s Peace

Pastor: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

SENDING

*Hymn of Dedication “People, Look East” No. 12

*Charge

*Blessing

Response   “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Pg.23 Vs. 1) Chancel Choir

An-gels we have heard on high. Sweet-ly sing-ing o’er the plains,

And the moun-tains in reply Ech-o-ing their joy-ous strains.

Glo- - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o; Glo - - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Postlude

*All those who wish may stand.

Poinsettia Donations

The following families have donated poinsettias in memory or in honor of loved ones:

Presbyterian Women’s Circle II

In loving memory of Harvey Richards by Ruth Richards and the Deaver family

In loving memory of Marilyn Saunders by the Saunders family

In loving memory of Burton Lisk by Ruth Lisk

In loving memory of Frank and Betty Ellis by the Woods family

In loving memory of Garnet Reid by Anna Reid

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Yvonne Battles, Emme Miller, Bob Law, Suzan Tarwater, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for Sue Callahan on the passing of Bill; Tom Meschke and family on the passing of Virginia; Jill, Lucas and Aubrey Whippo on the passing of Bob; Gary Shrader and family on the passing of his father Winston; the family of Rolland Mathias on the passing of his brother Bob.

This week’s prayer families: Doug Crotty, III, Bob Hallaron, and Larry Meschke.

This week’s prayer church: Presbyterian Church of Kingsdown, KS.

2009 Church Directory

Work has begun on updating the 2009 Church Directory.

Please contact the office if there has been any change in your

information from last year.

Email address cannot be published without your approval,

if you wish for your email address to appear in the directory please submit your email address to the office. Thank you.

Christmas Joy Offering a Presbyterian Tradition

A Presbyterian tradition for almost seventy years, the Christmas Joy Offering is an annual special offering designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help those in need. The receipts of the offering are distributed equally to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs and to National Ministries of the General Assembly Council to support Presbyterian racial ethnic education.

Through the 50% of the offering going to the Board of Pensions’ Financial Assistance Programs, the Christmas Joy Offering recognizes the faithfulness of current and retired church workers by providing funds to help them through

difficult times. To help retired church workers and their surviving spouses, the Board offers income supplements to raise incomes to a level where retirees can live modestly and continue to maintain their independence. If these individuals’ incomes do not meet their housing needs, the Board provides them housing supplements. The Shared Grant Program is open to all current and retired church workers

The other 50% of the Christmas Joy Offering helps fund the Presbyterian Church’s involvement in racial and ethnic education. Our denomination has long promoted education, and one way of doing so has been through establishing and supporting racial ethnic colleges and secondary schools.

Christmas Joy Offering funds provide scholarships to deserving students as well as help with basic operating costs. These institutions develop leaders in the church and in society, and they enable students to discover and pursue their professional goals. All Presbyterian Church (USA) related schools and colleges are open to any qualified students regardless of race, but some were to benefit and have historically served predominantly racial ethnic constituencies.

A special offering envelope is enclosed for donations to the Christmas Joy offering. Thank you for your gift in support of retired and needy church workers and to bring the light of education to racial and ethnic students.

Across the Pastor’s Desk

Today completes the Advent season. The Christmas season starts Christmas Eve and extends itself through Epiphany, which we will observe on the first Sunday of January.

Advent opens on a note of deep despair and apprehension. This mood, which focuses on The Kingdom/Rule of God in eternity, gives way to greater hope and anticipation as we draw nearer to the Birth of the Christ. Today’s Gospel strikes the note of grace which we all want to hear and need to have. God’s warnings of judgment are not simply unrelenting, but issue in the promise of our redemption.

The modern tendency to downplay Advent and to go as

directly as possible from Thanksgiving to Christmas symbolizes an upper middle-class aversion for anything unpleasant in church. Our society tends to want religion to soothe us, to console us, to comfort us, almost to the exclusion of challenging and warning us. Our faithful observance of the church year can be a healthy antidote to this kind of cultural denial of the unpleasant and the tragic in life.

Hopefully during Advent we have heard about and take

seriously the reality of the Mainline Denominations’ 21^st century “Exile in Babylon”. Though that Exile is quite real and seems fated to last for several decades longer, it is not intended to annihilate us. Rather this Exile is intended as a purging and a time for us to reconsider our direction. We Christians need to reflect on the history of old Israel. Not because history repeats itself, but because in old Israel’s

history we see the general patterns of how the Triune God deals with his covenant people.

Israel learned that beyond Exile there can be Restoration and hope. Israel also discovered through and during the

Exile how to maintain their identity as a people and their faith in the God of history. In fact some of the most enduring characteristics of Judaism were developed during the Exile in Babylon and other periods of difficulty and persecution.

During our Exile we may also relearn how to maintain our identity as Reformed Catholic Christians and the basic faith that enabled former generations of Reformed Christians to impact their societies in productive and positive ways.

Before this current Exile is over, we will likely witness the deaths of many more of our congregations - some small, some moderate to large. Those congregations that survive - small and large - will be the ones who take our current situation seriously and deal with it realistically.. Like Mary in the

Annunciation narrative, the survivors will be able to say with meaning: “Let it be to me according to your word!”

Unless the Presbyterians of Garden City simply ignore the warnings that have been issued for the past few years and deny the significance of our congregational trends for the past two decades, this congregation should be able to weather the Exile and emerge the stronger. There is one hitch: medium to larger congregations seem to be more prone to dismiss our reality as a temporary aberration that will eventually go away. Let us pray that both we and our future leaders will heed the meanings of our Exile and take

constructive steps in relating to it.

Jim

December 10, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

December 14, 2008 3rd Sunday of Advent

A Celebration of Jesus

A Christmas Cantata

Compiled by Kevin Ochampaugh

*Please Stand

I. A Sign

1. Narration (Isaiah 7:13,14) Steven Buchele

2. “When Will He Come" Choir

II. Expecting the Prince of Peace

1. Narration (Psalm 111:1-4) Steven Buchele

2. “Let’s Gather and Extol Him” Choir, Trumpets, Percussion

3. “I Extol You” Choir with Trace Woods, solo

*4. #9 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Marylynn Buchele, Vocal & Flute

with Congregation, & percussion

III. The Many Names of Jesus

1. Narration Mike Collins, Kurt Peterson, & Wayne Lynn

2. “His Name is Life” Choir with Kyle Ochampaugh, solo

3. “Cornerstone” Choir, percussion, featuring the Bass Section

4. Narration Kyle Ochampaugh

5. “In the Name of the Lord” Choir, percussion, featuring the Tenor Section

6. #60 “Silent Night” Congregation with Randy McVey, Guitar

7. Narration Kathryn Ochampaugh

8. “Glorify Thy Name” Choir

IV. How Great Our Joy

1. Narration (Luke 2:8-14) Jacob Ochampaugh

2. “How Great Our Joy” Choir

*3. #40 Vs. 1,2,& 4 “Joy to the World” Congregation & Trumpets

4. “Such Wise Men” Choir, featuring percussion

*5. Closing Prayers and Blessing Joy Anstaett

*6. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” Congregation, Choir, Trumpets, Percussion

Hark! The her-ald an-gels sing, “Glo-ry to the new-born King; Peace on earth, and mer-cy mild, God and sin-ners rec-on-ciled.”

Joy-ful, all you na-tions, rise, Join the tri-umph of the skies; With an-gel-ic hosts pro-claim, “Christ is born in Beth-le-hem.”

Hark! The her-ald an-gels sing, “Glo-ry to the new-born King!”

The Choir will finish the piece. Thankyou for celebrating with us.

Trumpets: Chase Sterling & Kyle Ochampaugh

Percussion: Jacob & Jonathan Ochampaugh

Postlude

Service for the Lord’s Day

Third Sunday of Advent

December 14, 2008_____ ___ _ __ __ 10:45 AM

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Call to Worship

Leader: God alone is our rock and our salvation, our stronghold in whom we dwell secure.

People: In God alone is our safety and our honor; God is our strong defense and our refuge.

Leader: Put your trust in God always, and pour out your hearts before God in prayer.

People: Power belongs to the Lord alone, and steadfast love is God’s promise to us.

Lighting of the Advent Candles

Hymn of Praise “O Splendor of God’s Glory Bright” No. 474

*Prayer of Approach Leader

*Confession and Pardon

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

God of the future, you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace.

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.

*Declaration of Pardon Leader

THE PRAYERS

Prayer of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Leader: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs

brief silence

Leader: For the church, that it will be filled with the Spirit, preaching good news of the greatness of the Lord. A voice cries:

People: Make a straight way for the Lord.

Leader: For our congregation, that it may be a place of joy, prayer, inspiration, and peace. A voice cries:

People: Make a straight way for the Lord.

Leader: For those who bear witness to the light, that they may be faithful in their proclamation and protected from harm. A voice cries:

People: Make a straight way for the Lord.

Leader: For all who mourn those who grieve, and for all the sick (especially…).

A voice cries:

People: Make a straight way for the Lord.

Leader: For lowly servants of times past, for whom the Almighty has done great things, we give thanks. Lord, make us with them inheritors of your promised mercy to Abraham and his children forever. A voice cries:

People: Remember your promises, Lord.

Leader: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

People: Amen.

Placing of the Advent Character

Offertory Leader

*Doxology No. 592

A Celebration of Jesus

A Christmas Cantata

Compiled by Kevin Ochampaugh

*Please Stand

I. A Sign

1. Narration (Isaiah 7:13,14) Steven Buchele

“When Will He Come" Choir

II. Expecting the Prince of Peace

1. Narration (Psalm 111:1-4) Steven Buchele

2. “Let’s Gather and Extol Him” Choir, Trumpets, Percussion

3. “I Extol You” Choir with Trace Woods, solo

*4. #9 “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” Mary Lynn Buchele, Vocal & Flute

with Congregation, & percussion

III. The Many Names of Jesus

1. Narration Mike Collins, Kurt Peterson, & Wayne Lynn

2. “His Name is Life” Choir with Kyle Ochampaugh, solo

3. “Cornerstone” Choir, percussion, featuring the Bass Section

4. Narration Kyle Ochampaugh

5. “In the Name of the Lord” Choir, percussion, featuring the Tenor Section

6. #60 “Silent Night” Congregation with Randy McVey, Guitar

7. Narration Kathryn Ochampaugh

8. “Glorify Thy Name” Choir

IV. How Great Our Joy

1. Narration (Luke 2:8-14) Jacob Ochampaugh

2. “How Great Our Joy” Choir

*3. #40 Vs. 1,2,& 4 “Joy to the World” Congregation & Trumpets

4. “Such Wise Men” Choir, featuring percussion

*5. Closing Prayers and Blessing Joy Anstaett

*6. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” Congregation, Choir, Trumpets, Percussion

Hark! The her-ald an-gels sing, “Glo-ry to the new-born King;

Peace on earth, and mer-cy mild, God and sin-ners rec-on-ciled.”

Joy-ful, all you na-tions, rise, Join the tri-umph of the skies;

With an-gel-ic hosts pro-claim, “Christ is born in Beth-le-hem.”

Hark! The her-ald an-gels sing, “Glo-ry to the new-born King!”

The Choir will finish the piece. Thank-you for celebrating with us.

Trumpets: Chase Sterling & Kyle Ochampaugh

Percussion: Jacob & Jonathan Ochampaugh

Postlude

Greeters - George and Debbie Wharton

Lay Reader - Adah, Kelley and Larry Jenkins

Ushers – Kathy Friesen, Ellen Lynn, Anna Reid and Sharon Ford

Fellowship - Pat LeClerc and Gary Friesner

This Week’s Birthdays

Today - Kelli Ford, Robert York

Monday - Ryan Ochampaugh

Tuesday - Jon Ansley, Carol Deaver, Kelley Jenkins

Wednesday - Mike Deaver

Friday - Robert Hitz, Leah Williams

Saturday - Justin Erwin, Janet Major

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Yvonne Battles, Emme Miller, Bob Law, Suzan Tarwater, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for Sue Callahan on the passing of Bill; Tom Meschke and family on the passing of Virginia; Jill, Lucas and Aubrey Whippo on the passing of Bob; Gary Shrader and family on the passing of his father Winston; the family of Rolland Mathias on the passing of his brother Bob.

This week’s prayer families: Susan Brookover, Helen Doubrava and Marion McNaught.

This week’s prayer church: Parks Presbyterian Church of Leoti, KS.

2009 Church Directory

Work has begun on updating the 2009 Church Directory.

Please contact the office if there has been any change in

your information from last year.

Email address cannot be published without your approval,

if you wish for your email address to appear in the directory

please submit your email address to the office. Thank you.

We are now taking orders for Poinsettias to be placed in the Sanctuary during the

Advent season in memory of your loved ones.

If you'd like to order a poinsettia, please call the office with your request.

The cost of poinsettias will be $23.50

The Presbyterian Youth invite you to celebrate with them. Please plan to come!

The Next Noel

featuring the Presbyterian Youth

Wednesday. December 17, 2008

6:00 p.m. Potluck dinner, 6:30 p.m. Children’s Christmas program

A Note to Children and Parents

Please remember our last and very important practice:

Saturday, Dec. 13th

All children with speaking parts need to come at 10:00 am and stay till 12:00.

All other children (preschool and some older ones without speaking parts) need to come at 11:00 am and stay till 12:00.

Pizza lunch will be served at 11:30.

On Wednesday, Dec. 17th

All children to come at 5:00 pm; Dinner with parents at 6:00 pm

Children's program at 6:30 pm

Emmaus House needs our help!

With Christmas fast approaching, the Emmaus House needs

donations of the following food items:

for Christmas: Ham/Chicken; Corn; Beans (Green & Baked); Soup; Mashed or Sliced Potatoes; Cake or Cookie Mix; Bread; Nuts; Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

The food baskets for Christmas will go out on December 22, 2008 from 9:30-11:30 am and again from1:00 to 7:00 pm on those days. Please bring in your donated items for Christmas by December 19th.

December 3, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

December 7, 2008 2^st Sunday of Advent

Introit: “Prophets Knew”

Prayer of Appr. Response: “Another Christmas”

Ministry of Music: “When Will He Come?”

Prayer Response: “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (Pg.38 Vs.1)

It came up-on the mid-night clear, That glo-rious song of old,

From an-gels bend-ing near the earth, To touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all-gra-cious King”:

The world in sol-emn still-ness lay, To hear the an-gels sing.

Benediction:  “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Pg.23 Vs. 1)

An-gels we have heard on high. Sweet-ly sing-ing o’er the plains,

And the moun-tains in reply Ech-o-ing their joy-ous strains.

Glo- - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o; Glo - - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

Second Sunday of Advent

December 7, 2008_____ ___ _ __ __ 10:45 AM

Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city,

a father’s house, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents the triumph of God over all that resists his will and disrupts his creation. Already God’s reign is presented as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in men and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgement and redemption.

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit “Prophets Knew” Chancel Choir

Call to Worship

Pastor: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen

Leader: You have been gracious to your land, O Lord; you have restored the good fortune of your people.

People: You have forgiven the sins of the people and have blotted out all their iniquities.

Leader: Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have embraced one another.

People: truly, your salvation is very close to those who fear you, so that your glory may come to dwell in our land.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

*Hymn of Praise “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?” No. 11

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response “Another Christmas” Chancel Choir

*Confession and Pardon

*Call to Confession Pastor

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

God of promise, we come before you acknowledging that we are not fully prepared for Christ’s coming. We have lived as though his coming is afar off, spending ourselves to fulfill our own aims and desires, rather than laying down our lives in love, as he taught his disciples to do.

Forgive us for crowding Jesus out of our lives; convict and empower us by your Spirit to live according to his teaching and example, so that we might be fully prepared for his coming.

*Declaration of Pardon and God’s Claim on Us Pastor

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father” No. 579

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading Isaiah 40:1-11 Pg. 633

Placing of the Advent Character

Anthem “When Will He Come?” Chancel Choir

Gospel Reading Mark 1:1-18 Pg. 33

Sermon “Embracing our Future” Dr. James O. Pitts, III

Invitation to Discipleship

We invite anyone who wishes to confess faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, who desires to reaffirm our baptismal faith, who seeks baptism for a child or who requests prayer with the laying on of hands to come forward during the next hymn.

*Hymn of Meditation “On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry” No. 10

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Pastor: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people

according to their needs.

brief silence

Pastor: O God, as you sent John the Baptist into the world as a herald of your reign, so send us as messengers to proclaim your holy Gospel, that all might know your gracious love. Lord, in your mercy.

People: Hear our prayer.

Pastor: O God, come to our broken and threatened world. Guide the leaders of nations, that justice and peace may prevail. Lord, in your mercy.

People: Hear our prayer.

Pastor: Look with pity on those for whom this Advent season is a time of suffering: The hungry and the homeless, the lonely and the depressed, the dying and the bereaved, and the sick (especially…). Lord, in your mercy.

People: Hear our prayer.

Pastor: As we prepare for our Christmas celebration, help us learn to wait for your Son’s coming again in glory, when all shall see your salvation. Lord, in your mercy.

People: Hear our prayer.

Pastor: We give thanks to you, O God, for all the saints and martyrs in every time and every land, especially for John the Baptist. Give us, as you gave them, the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life. Lord, in your mercy.

People: Hear our prayer.

Pastor: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting your mercy through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

People: Amen.

Response “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” (Pg.38 Vs.1) Chancel Choir

It came up-on the mid-night clear, That glo-rious song of old,

From an-gels bend-ing near the earth, To touch their harps of gold:

“Peace on the earth, good will to men, From heaven’s all-gra-cious King”:

The world in sol-emn still-ness lay, To hear the an-gels sing.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD

Offertory

*Doxology No. 592

*Prayer of Thanksgiving

*Passing of Christ’s Peace

Pastor: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

SENDING

*Hymn of Dedication “Jesus Shall Reign Where’er the Sun” No. 423

*Charge

*Blessing

Response   “Angels We Have Heard on High” (Pg.23 Vs. 1) Chancel Choir

An-gels we have heard on high. Sweet-ly sing-ing o’er the plains,

And the moun-tains in reply Ech-o-ing their joy-ous strains.

Glo- - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o; Glo - - -ri-a in ex-cel-sis De-o.

Postlude

*All those who wish may stand.

The ushers will pass the friendship pads during the welcome. Hearing devices and Spanish/English Bibles are available (Hay bíblias en español para los que los quieren, pida a los ayudantes del oficio). If you need one, please ask an usher for assistance. Worship bags and

activity sheets are available in the atrium for children of Kindergarten age and younger (1 per family). Page numbers for the Bible passages used in worship are included in the bulletin.

Greeters - Brenda Watson

Advent families - Wayne & Ellen Lynn, Ron & Janet Major

Ushers - Gordon & Priscilla Hallberg and Elizabeth Hodges

Fellowship - The Buchele family

This Week’s Birthdays

Tuesday - Tamara Halloran

Wednesday - Jim Wharton

Thursday - Rolland Mathias

Friday - Jacob Major

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Yvonne Battles, Emme Miller, Bob Law, Suzan Tarwater, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for Tom Meschke and family on the passing of Virginia, Jill, Lucas and Aubrey Whippo on the passing of Bob, Gary Shrader and family on the passing of his father Winston, the family of Rolland Mathias on the passing of his brother Bob.

This week’s prayer family: Larry and Pat Sanders.

This week’s prayer church: First Presbyterian Church of

Winfield, KS.

Congregational Meeting

Today following worship we will be holding a

Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing

Church Elders, Deacons, Memorial, Nominating and

Review Committee members.

A quorum is needed to pass any and all motions.

Without your attendance we may not be able to meet that requirement and would have to re-schedule this meeting.

Presbyterian Women Christmas Tea

2:00 pm Sunday, December 7th

in the Fellowship Hall.

All women are invited and encouraged to attend.

New Officers for the 2009 year will be installed.

The Thank Offering will be taken up and dedicated.

Hark! Be a Herald Angel!

Join the Youth Group and the Choir for Caroling

Wednesday, December 10^th at 6:30.

Poinsettias

We are now taking orders for Poinsettias to be placed in the Sanctuary during the Advent season in memory of your loved ones.

If you'd like to order a poinsettia, please call the office with your request.

The cost of poinsettias will be $23.50

A Celebration of Jesus

On December 14, 2008 the Chancel Choir will perform the

Christmas Cantata “A Celebration of Jesus”.

What Is the Christmas Joy Offering?

A Presbyterian tradition for almost seventy years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help those in need. The receipts from the Offering are distributed equally to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs and to National Ministries of the General Assembly Council to support Presbyterian racial ethnic education.

History of the Christmas Joy Offering

Presbyterians have long celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ by giving generously to an Advent offering. The Christmas Joy Offering dates back to the 1930s when the former Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) began an offering to supplement inadequate retirement income and provide supplement medical insurance for former ministers, missionaries, church workers, and their families. It was first officially called the Joy Gift in 1949.

In the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), a Christmas offering was first taken in 1960. Called the White Gift, its funds were used for general mission and world relief. In 1964 the name was changed to the Christmas Offering, and receipts provided support for health and welfare concerns related to children. The emphasis on global work with children continued until 1973, when the

offering was used to assist former servants of the church who were living on inadequate pensions. In 1974 racial ethnic education was added, and in 1979 nursing home care assistance was also included. Funds were distributed evenly between the Board of Pensions and racial ethnic education.

In 1988 the PCUS and the UPCUSA offerings were joined into one offering, the Christmas Offering Joy Gift. It was agreed that neither the Board of Pensions nor the racial ethnic schools would suffer in the merger of the Joy Gift and the Christmas Offering. In 1989 the offering was renamed the Christmas Joy Offering, and in 1991 the 203^rd General Assembly changed the distribution of funds to 50 percent to the Board of Pensions and 50 percent to the Presbyterian racial ethnic schools and colleges.

Nominating Committee

Report to the Congregation

Elders, Class of 2011 Deacons, Class of 2011

1. Linda Adams 1. Mary Guy

Yvonne Battles 2. Rodney Wolfe

3. Cathaleen Cooper

4. Wayne Lynn

5. Chip Marcy

Elders, Class of 2009

1. Jennifer Jones

Memorial Committee 2011 Memorial Committee Treasurer

1. Kathy Friesen Blanche Larson

2. Debbie Wharton

Review Committee, Class of 2011

Marge Williams

Nominating Committee, Class of 2011

Cathaleen Cooper

George Wharton

Treasurer: Bob Law Recording Clerk: Audrey Law

Across the Pastor’s Desk

I was ordained in 1966. Since then, I have had the happy privilege to serve many congregations in different roles. Some were numerically larger than you are now, but I have never served a congregation with a greater potential than I see here. And we are now poised to secure a permanent pastor. Yet precisely now, we sense among us generalized unhappiness. That is a mood difficult to deal with. Unfortunately such a mood will spread and poison everything else. Now is when the PNC needs all of us to pull together!

My task as an Interim Pastor is to do as many of the normal pastoral tasks as I can, plus dealing with any issue that will make the new pastor’s job more difficult.

The generalized unhappiness is most disconcerting. I want to cknowledge that the length of the Sunday service is at least one source; but it cannot be the whole thing. It is a very tangible issue, but not a new one. I promise this. We will do whatever is necessary, short of cutting out essential religious content, to be done by 12:00 and usually sooner. Our problem is that of trying to squeeze too many good, but not necessary, items into the same hour. As we are now doing, I will continue to consult monthly with the Worship Committee, and I urge anyone to speak to me privately. It is difficult to respond to second-hand reports.

However the issue goes far deeper. Most Presbyterians nationwide feel frustrated with the dwindling size of our congregations. This is NOT a merely passing trend that will soon go away, but seems fated to be with us for the rest of our lives. There are no quick fixes! The solution involves a change in how we “do church”. There are and will continue to be fads that seem to promise sure success. In the long run, congregations that are, do, and continue to be and to do what they publicly advertise remain healthy and strong. There is no foreseeable reason why this could not be true in Garden City.

Any congregation hoping to survive the “Babylonian Captivity” that we in the formerly mainline churches are now experiencing needs to consider several shifts in emphasis.

First and foremost, a shift in attitude that is blase about or is reluctant to invite others into our church. Since the Day of Pentecost, the most effective and usual form of “new member recruitment” has been personal contact with existing church members. Congregations that fail to make this shift are likely to fail, no matter what else they do.

Second: despite our many good deeds within the community, a greater focus outside the congregation is an imperative. Though our energies cannot be expended only in mission, we need to show even greater concern for our society.

Third: worship, though of first importance, since we already do that well, is listed third, but only for the time being. Reformed worship is God-centered rather person-centered. It is expected that worshiping the Triune God will impact us, which is very important but secondary. Only as we remain God-centered do we have anything that is important enough to give up sleeping in or teeing off early on the links on Sunday morning.

Finally: Adult Christian Education: No Presbyterian church can long remain healthy without a more developed Adult Education program. Adults both set the tone and make the decisions. Our CE Committee is prepared to develop a broad variety of approaches, subjects, and times to meet busy schedules. The issue is: do we believe that we have more to learn?

Jim

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

December 7 2nd Sunday of Advent

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Congregational Meeting

PW Tea @ 2:00 pm

Monday, December 8

New Elders & Deacons Orientation @ 6:30 pm, Praise Team @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, December 10

Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth group dinner @ 6:00 pm,

Youth and Adult Caroling @ 6:30 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm

Thursday, December 11

Deacons

Saturday, December 13

Children’s Music practice @ 10:00 am

Sunday, December 14

2nd Sunday of Advent

Chancel Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Cantata - A Celebration of Jesus

November 26, 2008: NO REHEARSAL TONIGHT AT 7:30pm

November 30, 2008 1^st Sunday of Advent

Introit: “Prophets Knew”

Prayer of Appr. Response: “With All My Heart” #682c

Ministry of Music: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #9

Prayer Response: #467 “How Great Thou Art”

O Lord my God! When I in awe-some won-der con-sid-er all the worlds Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the roll-ing thun-der, Thy power through-out the u-ni-verse dis-played;

Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee, How Great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee, How Great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Benediction:  “Give Thanks” Congregation Welcome to Sing Along

Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the holy one, give thanks, because he’s given, Jesus Christ, his son. And now, let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks!

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

First Sunday of Advent

November 30, 2008_____ ___ _ __ __ 10:45 AM

Biblical visions and images of the rule of Christ, such as a heavenly city,

a father’s house, a new heaven and earth, a marriage feast, and an unending day culminate in the image of the kingdom. The kingdom represents the triumph of God over all that resists his will and disrupts his creation. Already God’s reign is presented as a ferment in the world, stirring hope in men and preparing the world to receive its ultimate judgement and redemption.

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit “Prophets Knew” Chancel Choir

Call to Worship

Pastor: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen.

Leader: Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock.

People: Restore us, O God of hosts; show us your light, and we shall be saved.

Leader: Let your hand be upon us, O Lord, and make us strong for your service.

People: Give us strength, that we may never turn from you; give us life, that we may call upon your name.

Lighting of the Advent Candle

*Hymn of Praise “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” No. 2

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response “With All My Heart” #682c Chancel Choir

*Confession and Pardon

*Call to Confession Pastor

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

God of the future, you are coming in power to bring all nations under your rule. We confess that we have not expected your kingdom, for we live casual lives, ignoring your promised judgment. We accept lies as truth, exploit neighbors, abuse the earth, and refuse your justice and peace.

In your mercy, forgive us. Grant us wisdom to welcome your way, and to seek things that will endure when Christ comes to judge the world.

*Declaration of Pardon and God’s Claim on Us Pastor

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father” No. 579

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading Isaiah 64:1-9 Pg. 658

Placing of the Advent Character

Anthem “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” #9 Chancel Choir

Gospel Reading Mark 13:24-37 Pg. 48

Sermon Dr. James O. Pitts, III

Invitation to Discipleship

We invite anyone who wishes to confess faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, who desires to reaffirm our baptismal faith, who seeks baptism for a child or who requests prayer with the laying on of hands to come forward during the next hymn.

*Hymn of Meditation “O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?” No. 11

Prayers of the People and Lord’s Prayer

Response #467 “How Great Thou Art”

O Lord my God! When I in awe-some won-der con-sid-er all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the roll-ing thun-der, Thy power through- out the u-ni-verse dis-played; Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee, How Great Thou art, how great Thou art! Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee, How Great Thou art, how great Thou art!

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD

Offertory

*Doxology No. 592

*Prayer of Great Thanksgiving

*Passing of Christ’s Peace

Pastor: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

SENDING

*Hymn of Dedication “Lord, Dismiss Us with Thy Blessing” No. 538

*Charge

*Blessing

Response "Give Thanks" Congregation Welcome to Sing Along

Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the holy one,

give thanks, because he's given, Jesus Christ, his son.

And now, let the weak say "I am strong," let the poor say

"I am rich," because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks!

Postlude

Greeters - Virginia and Nancy Sowers

Advent family - The Irvin family

Ushers - Adah Jenkins and Donna Jameson

Fellowship - Brenda Watson

This Week’s Birthdays

Monday - Doug Crotty III

Wednesday - Jerica Garcia

Thursday - Michael Heatwole, Justin Reeve, Mildred Rumpf

Saturday - Cole Brown, Joan Davis

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Suzan Tarwater, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for Tom Meschke and family on the passing of Virginia, Jill, Lucas and Aubrey Whippo on the passing of Bob, Gary Shrader and family on the passing of his father Winston, the family of Rolland Mathias on the passing of his brother Bob.

This week’s prayer families: Pat LeClerc, Anna Reid and Pauline Weddle.

This week’s prayer church: First United Presbyterian Church of

Medicine Lodge, KS

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, December 7, following worship we will be holding a

Congregational Meeting for the purpose of electing Church Elders, Deacons,

Memorial, Nominating and Review Committee members.

A quorum is needed to pass any and all motions.

Without your attendance we may not be able to meet that

requirement and would have to re-schedule this meeting.

We ask that you mark this date on your

calendar and plan to join us.

We are now taking orders for Poinsettias to be placed in the Sanctuary

during the Advent season in memory of your loved ones.

If you'd like to order a poinsettia, please call the office with your request.

We do not have a price of the poinsettias at the time of this printing.

Presbyterian Women

Presbyterian Women will be having the annual Christmas Tea at 2:00 pm Sunday, December 7th in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited and encouraged to attend. New Officers for the 2009 year will be installed. The Thank Offering will be taken up and dedicated.

The Thank Offering is one of two annual offerings of Presbyterian Women. It is collected each fall and disbursed in the spring. At least 30 percent of the offering goes to health related projects and the rest of the offering funds new creative approaches to mission that meet criteria established by the Church-wide Coordinating Team of Presbyterian Women.

The 77 recipients provide a variety if aid - agricultural development, child care, community organization, criminal justice, drug counseling, economic justice, elderly care, employment training, homelessness, literacy, violence, and women’s concerns.

Hark! Be a Herald Angel!

Join the Youth Group and the Choir for Caroling

Wednesday, December 10^th at 6:30.

December 6, Three Events in One!

For Families with Young Children

10:30-12:00 Birthday party for Jesus

for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners

We’ll have a birthday party with games, story and balloons. Please bring an unwrapped gift to be placed in our manger. The gifts will be given to either ABC Pregnancy Center or the Salvation Army for the Angel Tree program. The birthday cupcakes will be part of the kid-friendly meal at 11:30 – 12:00.

II. Celebration of Parents 10:30 – 12:00

Meet in the Parlor with our Parish Nurse, Brenda Watson for a wide ranging discussion on “Child Development and Health,” followed by lunch with the children at 11:30. (Infants are welcome!)

III. 10:00 – 12:00 Music Practice for All Children & Youth in the Christmas Program They will be sharing in the meal at

11:30 – 12:00.

Across the Pastor’s Desk

The Season of Advent initiates a new Christian year!

Advent picks up where the Old Testament and the prophet Malachi end - Malachi proclaimed how YHWH would send a Messiah; Advent announces that God’s promised New Age is here! Now!

Thus Advent wears two faces, has two orientations.

Advent looks to the past, reporting the longing with which men and women living in bygone eras anticipated the coming of God’s Messiah. But Advent also points us to the future in an attitude of expectancy for what God has yet to do in history. So Advent points us equally toward heaven and earth - toward history and eternity, reminding us that we live in both and can escape neither - despite the tension that involves. Seeking to reduce that tension tempts us in opposite directions: some aspire to live as angels, spurning the physical world as much as they can. Others claim only to be creatures - animals - and glorify the physical side of life as fully as possible. The central Christian tradition seeks to integrate both of these: we are mammals, but mammals made in the Image of God, able to reflect on who we are.

During this coming year I would like to suggest that, if you aren’t doing this already, that you live out the church year and not just through it. To support you in this, each week I will prepare a brief commentary on the Scripture readings for that week. Between the Sunday morning and the Wednesday evening services we will use each of the readings as the basis for the sermon and brief meditation.

The weekly commentary will also have one or more short excerpts from our Reformed heritage and/or from the devotional The weekly commentary will also have one or more short excerpts from our Reformed heritage and/or from the devotional classics of the Christian church. This is to help bridge the gap between Scripture and creed. Many people, who are otherwise open to our teaching tradition, see little relation between the Old and New Testaments and Christian theology.

I would urge each of you to use this or some other approach to link the weekly liturgy (what we do together on Sunday); and your own private devotional life. These two are supposed to complement and support each other. Neither is adequate alone; neither is a useless waste of time. Together our public and private worship - the communal and the personal - mature us toward the goal of human life: growing into the image of God (the imago Dei) which is fully developed in Jesus the Christ.

The challenge facing the Reformed and Presbyterian churches today is how to keep before our members what we stand for in a way that will inform our daily lives. In previous generations church members were clear about our teaching tradition. Currently many Presbyterians are not that clear.

John Calvin (to many peoples’ surprise) emphasized that religious knowledge is best digested through the medium of prayer and worship. Both the flow of the Sunday service itself and the seasons of the church year express our theology. Hence this brief commentary on the readings is designed to help each of us incorporate anew both the basic teachings of the Christian faith along with the specific emphases of the Reformed Christian tradition.

Jim

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

Sunday, November 30

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Monday, December 1

Praise Team @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, December 3

Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm, Worship @ 8:30 pm

Thursday, December 4

Lay Ministry @ 6:00 pm, CE @ 6:00 pm

Saturday, December 6

Children’s Music practice @ 10:00 am, Birthday Party for Jesus @ 10:30 am

Sunday, December 7

2nd Sunday of Advent

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Congregational Meeting

PW Tea @ 2:00 pm

November 19, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

November 23, 2008 Christ the King

Introit: #449 “My Lord What a Morning”

Prayer of Appr. Response: “With All My Heart” #682c

Ministry of Music: “Jesus Name” Medley

Song of Gathering (Deacons): #507 “I Come with Joy” (Communion for Oct. & Nov.)

Benediction:  “Give Thanks” Congregation Welcome to Sing Along

Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the holy one, give thanks, because he’s given, Jesus Christ, his son. And now, let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks!

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

November 12, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal focusing on the Cantata

November 16, 2008 Caregiver Sunday

Introit:

Prayer of Appr. Response: “Change My Heart O God”

Ministry of Music: Praise Band Performs “Every Move I Make”

Prayer Response: “Holy is the Lord”

Benediction:  “Give Thanks” Congregation Welcome to Sing Along

Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the holy one, give thanks, because he’s given, Jesus Christ, his son. And now, let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks!

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

November 5, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal focusing on the Cantata

November 9, 2008

Introit: #449 “My Lord What a Morning”

Prayer of Appr. Response: “With All My Heart” #682c

Ministry of Music: “Legacy of Service”

Prayer Response: #467 “How Great Thou Art”

O Lord my God! When I in awe-some won-der con-sid-er all the worlds Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the roll-ing thun-der, Thy power through-out the u-ni-verse dis-played;

Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee, How Great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Sav-ior God, to Thee, How Great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Benediction:  “Give Thanks” Congregation Welcome to Sing Along

Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the holy one, give thanks, because he’s given, Jesus Christ, his son. And now, let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks!

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

October 29, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

November 2, 2008 All Saints Sunday

Introit: #449 “My Lord What a Morning”

Prayer of Appr. Response: “With All My Heart” #682c

Ministry of Music: “Sine Nomine”

Song of Gathering (Deacons): #507 “I Come with Joy” (Communion for Oct. & Nov.)

Benediction:  “Give Thanks” Congregation Welcome to Sing Along

Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the holy one, give thanks, because he’s given, Jesus Christ, his son. And now, let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say “I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks!

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

All Saints Day

November 2, 2008_____ ___ _ __ 10:45 AM

THE GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit “My Lord What a Morning” (449) Chancel Choir

Call to Worship

Pastor: Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever.

Leader: The Lord is a great God who says:

People: I am the Alpha and Omega.

Leader: The first and the last.

People: The beginning and the end.

*Hymn of Praise “For All the Saints” No. 526

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response “With All My Heart” (#682c) Chancel Choir

*Confession and Pardon

*Call to Confession Pastor

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

Eternal God, in every age you have raised up men and women to live and die in faith. We confess that we are indifferent to your will. You call us to proclaim your name, but we are silent. You call us to do what is just, but we remain idle. You call us to live faithfully, but we are afraid.

In your mercy, forgive us. Give us courage to follow in your way that joined with those from ages past, who have served you with faith, hope and love, we may inherit the kingdom you promised in Jesus Christ.

*Declaration of Pardon and God’s Claim on Us Pastor

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father” No. 579

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading Revelation 7:9-17 Pg. 231

Children’s Sermon Pat Sanders

Anthem “Sine Nomine” Chancel Choir

Gospel Reading Matthew 5:1-12 Pg. 4

Sermon James O Pitts, III

Invitation to Discipleship

We invite anyone who wishes to confess faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, who desires to reaffirm our baptismal faith, who seeks baptism for a child or who requests prayer with the laying on of hands to come forward during the next hymn.

*Hymn of Meditation “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” No. 376

*Nicene Creed (Ecumenical) see page 15 in Hymnal

Prayers of the People

Pastor: Let us bring the needs of the church, the world, and all in need, to God’s loving care, saying: Lord, in your mercy, we thank you for saints of many centuries and many cultures whom you knit together in the kingdom of heaven. Lord,

People: Make us instruments of your peace.

Pastor: We thank you for the gift of your church, whose human witnesses still inspire us to serve you in faith. Lord,

People: Make us instruments of your peace.

Pastor: We thank you for all who serve you with zeal in their care of the poor and oppressed. Lord,

People: Make us instruments of your peace.

Pastor: We thank you for your saints who bring your healing and comfort to those who are in trouble, sorrow, sickness, or any other adversity of body or soul especially…. Lord,

People: Make us instruments of your peace.

Pastor: We thank you for the heritage of faith, for the glorious company of apostles, the noble fellowship of prophet and the white-robed army of martyrs. Let their witness enliven our worship. Lord,

People: Make us instruments of your peace.

Pastor: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

THE EUCHARIST

Offertory Linda Adams

*Doxology No. 592

Invitation to the Lord’s Table We invite to this table all Christians from any tradition

Great Thanksgiving (See page 13 in Hymnal)

The Dialogue:

Pastor: The Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Pastor: Lift up your hearts.

People: We lift them up to the Lord.

Pastor: Let us give thanks to our the Lord our God.

People: It is right to give thanks and praise.

Breaking of the Bread

Song of Gathering “I Come with Joy” No. 507

Communion of the People

Prayer after Communion

SENDING

*Hymn of Dedication “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” No. 145

*Charge

*Blessing

Congregational Response “Give Thanks”

Congregation Welcome to Sing Along

Give thanks, with a grateful heart, give thanks, to the holy one,

give thanks, because he’s given, Jesus Christ, his son.

And now, let the weak say “I am strong,” let the poor say

“I am rich,” because of what the Lord has done for us, give thanks!

Postlude

Greeters - Ruth Richards and Leona Crotty

Lay Reader - Kathryn Ochampaugh

Ushers - The Ochampaugh family

Fellowship - The Buchele family

This Week’s Birthdays

Today - Halle Jones

Monday - Emily Headrick

Tuesday - JJ Ford, Larry Meschke

Wednesday - Chad Woods

Friday - Pat Sanders

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Bob Whippo, Jo Coghill, Suzan Tarwater, Trina DeMint, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for Gary Shrader and family on the passing of his father Winston, the family of Rolland Mathias on the passijng of his brother Bob, the family of Margaret Lewis, the family of Les DePew; the family of Jack Reeve.

This week’s prayer families: Jeff and Pat Whitham.

This week’s prayer church: Southwest Presbyterian Church of Wichita, KS

Across the Pastor’s Desk

Often Presbyterians have tended to forget the Christians of preceding generations “the saints”. Actually such “forgetting” is not true to our tradition: “we do not despise the saints or think basely of them. For we acknowledge them to be living members of Christ and friends of God who have gloriously overcome the flesh and the world. Hence we love them as brothers, and also honor them; yet not with any kind of worship but by an honorable opinion of them and just praises of them. We also imitate them. For with ardent longings and supplications we earnestly desire to be imitators of their faith and virtues, to share eternal salvation with them, to dwell eternally with them in the presence of God, and to rejoice with them in Christ.” (2^nd Helvetic Confession)

All Saints’ Day is a time to rejoice in all who through the ages have faithfully served the Lord. The day reminds us that we are part of one continuing, living communion of saints. It is a time to claim our kinship with the “glorious company of apostles . . . the noble fellowship of prophets . . . the white-robed army of martyrs” (Te Deum). It is a time to express our gratitude for all who in ages of darkness kept the faith, for those who have taken the gospel to the ends of the earth, for prophetic voices who have called the church to be faithful in life and service, for all who have witnessed to God’s justice and peace in every nation.

To rejoice with all the faithful of every generation expands our awareness of a great company of witnesses above and around us like a cloud (Heb. 12:1). It lifts us out of a preoccupation with our own immediate situation and the discouragements of the present. In the knowledge that others have persevered, we are encouraged to endure against all odds (Heb. 12:1–2). Reminded that God was with the faithful of the past, we are reassured that God is with us today, moving us and all creation toward God’s end in time. In this context, it is appropriate for a congregation on All Saints’ Day to commemorate the lives of those who died during the previous year.

Mark your calendar –

Sunday, November 23^rd,

Hanging of the Green

AND Children’s Advent

Workshop

While the adults prepare the Sanctuary for Advent, the children will be making ornaments and learning Bible stories of lions, lambs, stars, crosses, and more! We’ll finish up with a worship service in the atrium as the children hang the ornaments and we sing around the tree.

(If you are interested in working with the workshop, please see Mary.)

Sign up to write for our own Advent Devotion booklet!

Visit the table in the Atrium for scripture readings and signup sheets. The ideal devotion is

*short – about 200 words,

*simple, keeping to one main topic;

*draws a spiritual analogy from an everyday situation or experience;

*begins with a Scripture and ends with a prayer.

We value your contribution! Please submit your devotion by Sunday, November 9^th.

Send e-mails to: mrbuchele@hotmail.com, or leave discs, handwritten or typed copies at the church office.

Adult Opportunity with Nurse Brenda

“De-stressing the Holidays”

November 16, 9:30 in the Parlor

Already thinking about the whirlwind of holiday

activities and not sure how it will all get done?

Come to this class to find out ways of making it easier, less stressful this year.

Emmaus House needs our help!

With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast

approaching, the Emmaus House needs donations of the following food items:

for Thanksgiving: Turkey/Chicken; Corn; Green Beans; Cranberry; Soup; Mashed Potatoes, Evaporated Milk; Canned Pumpkin; Bread; Stuffing.

for Christmas: Ham/Chicken; Corn; Beans (Green & Baked); Soup; Mashed or Sliced Potatoes; Cake or Cookie Mix; Bread; Nuts; Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

The food baskets for Thanksgiving will be distributed on November 24, 2008. The food baskets for Christmas will go out on December 22, 2008 from 9:30-11:30 am and again from1:00 to 7:00 pm on those days.

They estimate approximately 250 food boxes will be going out to families in need. Please bring in your donated items for Thanksgiving by November 21^st and for Christmas by December 19^th.

Stewardship Sunday

On Sunday, November 9, 2008 the Stewardship Committee will host dinner following worship. Please bring in your pledge cards and join us for dinner as we dedicate our commitment.

If we have missed calling you, there is a reservation sheet in the atrium on the Dillon’s table or please call the church office Monday if you will be attending.

Thank you to the families who have provided dinner for us:

the Ochampaughs’ (twice!), the Marcy’s, the McVey’s, the Woods, and the Buchele’s. Thank you to those who regularly purchase

Dillons certificates for our fundraiser! You are appreciated!

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

Sunday, November 2

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am,

Worship w/Communion @ 10:45 am

Monday, November 3

Praise Team @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, November 5

Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm,

Choir @ 7:30 pm, Worship @ 8:30 pm

Thursday, November 6

Lay Ministry @ 6:00 pm, CE @ 6:00 pm

Friday, November 7

PW Board @ 10:00 am

Saturday, November 8

Children’s Music practice @ 10:00 am

Sunday, November 9

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Stewardship Commitment Dinner

October 22, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

October 26, 2008 Reformation Sunday

Introit: #138 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Prayer of Appr. Response: #280 “Amazing Grace” All Sing

A-maz-ing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Ministry of Music: “Legacy of Service”

Prayer Response: #404 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Pre-cious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, pre-cious Lord, lead me home.

Benediction: #543 “Abide with Me” (Vs.3)

I need Thy pres-ence ev-ery pass-ing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempt-er’s power? Who, like Thy-self, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sun-shine, Lord, a-bide with me.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

Reformation Sunday

October 26, 2008_____ ___ _ __ 10:45 AM

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit #138 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Call to Worship

Pastor: Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

People: And blessed be his kingdom, now and forever. Amen

Leader: God, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.

People: You have loved us even before creation existed; from everlasting to everlasting you are our God.

Leader: Your time is not our time; but you renew us like the dawn refreshes and renews the earth.

People: God is with us in all places and all times. Let us worship .

*Hymn of Praise “I Greet Thee, Who My Redeemer Art” No. 457

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response #280 “Amazing Grace” All Sing

A-maz-ing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

*Confession and Pardon

*Call to Confession Pastor

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

Almighty God, you call us to love you with all our hearts, souls, and minds. We have failed. Not only do we find it difficult to love you completely, we find it hard to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our hearts flutter, our souls do not comprehend, and our minds seek tangible evidence of your love for us. We are loyal to little gods, gods that don’t really matter. Refresh us and renew us as the rain of your love renews the earth. Forgive us our hardness of hearts and renew our love for one another. Amen.

*Declaration of Pardon and God’s Claim on Us Pastor

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father”

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading Deuteronomy 34:1-12 Pg. 189

Children’s Sermon Pat Sanders

Anthem “Legacy of Service” Chancel Choir

Gospel Reading Matthew 22:34-46 Pg. 23

Sermon

Invitation to Discipleship

We invite anyone who wished to confess faith in Christ as Lord and Savior, who desires to reaffirm our baptismal faith, who seeks baptism for a child or who requests prayer with the laying on of hands to come forward during the next hymn.

*Hymn of Meditation “Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me” No. 366

Silent Prayer

Prayers of the People

Pastor: As you sent disciples into every land, O God, gather them now, from the ends of the earth, into one fellowship that chooses your purpose and praises your name, in one faith, hope, and love.

People: Amen.

Pastor: Make us one, Lord, in our eagerness to speak good news and set all captives free.

People: Give us your Holy Spirit.

Pastor: Make us one, Lord, in concern for the poor, the hurt, and the downtrodden, to show them your love.

People: Give us your Holy Spirit.

Pastor: Make us one, Lord, in worship, breaking bread together and singing your praise with single voice.

People: Give us your Holy Spirit.

Pastor: Make us one, Lord, in faithfulness to Jesus Christ, who never fails us, and who will come again in triumph.

People: Give us your Holy Spirit.

Pastor: Give us your Holy Spirit, God our Father, so we may have among us the same mind that was in Christ Jesus; and proclaim him to the world. May every knee bow down and every tongue confess him Lord, to the glory of your name.

People: Amen.

Lord’s Prayer

Response #404 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Pre-cious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand; I am tired,

I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, pre-cious Lord, lead me home.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD

Offertory

*Doxology No. 592

*Prayer of Thanksgiving Leader

*Passing of Christ’s Peace

Pastor: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

SENDING

*Hymn of Dedication “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” No. 260

*Charge

*Blessing

Congregational Response #543 “Abide with Me” (Vs.3)

I need Thy pres-ence ev-ery pass-ing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempt-er’s power? Who, like Thy-self, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sun-shine, Lord, a-bide with me.

Postlude

Greeters - n/a at time of printing

Lay Reader - Yvonne Battles

Ushers - Jon and Patti Ansley, Sandra, Jayson and Kirsten Neff

Fellowship - Rodney and Lloydeen Wolfe

This Week’s Birthdays

Tuesday - Bob Halloran

Wednesday - Donna Jameson

Thursday - Shelby Heatwole, Nancy Woods

Saturday - Yvonne Battles

Across the Pastor’s Desk

Each generation of Christians discovers that some single facet of our faith particularly needs clarification in their lifetime. In the 400’s A.D. that question was, “How should we think of Jesus in relationship to God?” Their answer became the Nicene Creed. In the 1200’s A.D. the burning issue was, “Can the European church ever get off dead center and come alive again?” God called Francis of Assisi and others into service. Between 1400 and 1600 A.D. the burning issue was, “How can we find and experience God’s forgiveness?” This prompted the Protestant Reformation. In the 1700’s England was a spiritual sewer. This paved the way for John and Charles Wesley and their colleagues. Periodically, the Christian Church finds itself needing to renew its faith, hope, and love - its basic priorities. Generally, the burning issues are specifically acute in that era - the burning issues differ from age to age. Yet the answer (s) that the church in that age develops and enriches all future generations.

On this Reformation Day celebration let us not look so much to the past, important as that past is; rather let us consider the issue that has erupted in our day (or is it “the assignment that God has given our generation?”) It has been clear for at least three decades that the question of God has either dominated our minds or lies at the bottom of persistent issues that won’t go away.

Currently, even among Presbyterians, who traditionally held to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity as tenaciously as any church in history, the Trinity is being sidelined, ignored, and misunderstood on a massive scale. That doesn’t mean “ignored by every Presbyterian member and/or minister”; it does mean the Trinity is being sidelined, ignored, and misunderstood by enough Presbyterians - ministers, elders, deacons, and members - to list it among the other “endangered species”.

Let us be clear: this concern is not simply a matter of getting the “right words in order”. I suspect that any of us over 10 years old could easily learn the correct formula to parrot back on demand. The issue, rather, is grasping the reality that God’s personal name is “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”or “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Those phrases (or others similar) tell us specifically whom we are addressing, talking about, or describing. Understanding God to be triune is unique to Christianity. It is this Triune God whom Reformed Christians confess as “the one, only, living and true God”.

“Well, who cares? God’s God, by whatever name! What’s the big sweat?” The basic reason for being concerned is that our understanding of God as Father, Son, and Spirit determines every aspect of our Christian faith. If God is not triune, Christian faith is not only wrong, it is utter stupidity! The Christian faith, as reflected in the Old and New Testaments, and as described in the classic creeds (Apostles’, Nicene, Book of Concord (Lutheran), Book of Common Worship (Anglican), Book of Confessions (PC (USA), etc., simply falls apart unless our belief that God is a trinity of persons (or “expressions of God”) is accurate. Nothing less than the credibility and the future of Christianity is at stake!

PC (USA) officially holds to the absolutely basic and central affirmation of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the Holy One of Israel, who was, who is, and who is to come, the Almighty! Blessed be God! Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Tailgate Trick or Treat, October 29

We had such a good time last year and CE heard requests for an encore this year. Soo… Come for hot dogs and chips from 6:00- 6:30, and to “trunk n’ treat” from 6:30-7:30. Decorate your vehicle, come in costume, bring some treats. We’ll share the gospel through “The Pumpkin Gospel.”

Emmaus House needs our help!

With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, the Emmaus House needs

donations of the following food items:

for Thanksgiving: Turkey/Chicken; Corn; Green Beans; Cranberry; Soup; Mashed Potatoes, Evaporated Milk; Canned Pumpkin; Bread; Stuffing.

for Christmas: Ham/Chicken; Corn; Beans (Green & Baked); Soup; Mashed or Sliced Potatoes; Cake or Cookie Mix; Bread; Nuts; Mac ‘n’ Cheese.

The food baskets for Thanksgiving will be distributed on November 24, 2008. The food baskets for Christmas will go out on December 22, 2008 from 9:30-11:30 am and again from1:00 to 7:00 pm on those days. They estimate approximately 250 food boxes will be going out to families in need. Please bring in your donated items for

Thanksgiving by November 21^st and for Christmas by December 19^th.

October 31, “Ode to Fun - in Two Parts, with Popcorn”

For families and kids of all ages:

7:30 – 9:00 Active and Board Games, plus a Veggie Tales Movie

For 4^th grade through age 99

9:00 – 11:30 Old Time Monster Movies

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Bob Whippo, Jo Coghill, Suzan Tarwater, Trina DeMint, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for the family of Margaret Lewis, the family of Les DePew; the family of Jack Reeve.

This week’s prayer families: Jo Fouse, Donna Jameson, Joan Nichols.

This week’s prayer church: Grace Presbyterian Church of Wichita, KS.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

Sunday, October 26

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Monday, October 27

Session @ 6:30 pm

Tuesday, October 28

Praise Team @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, October 29

Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Trunk or Treat @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm

Friday, October 31

Movie Night @ 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 2

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship w/Communion @ 10:45 am

October 15, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

October 19, 2008

Introit: #138 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Prayer of Appr. Response: #280 “Amazing Grace” All Sing

A-maz-ing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Ministry of Music: “The Heart of Worship” (Blend Book)

Prayer Response: #404 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Pre-cious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, pre-cious Lord, lead me home.

Benediction: #543 “Abide with Me” (Vs.3)

I need Thy pres-ence ev-ery pass-ing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempt-er’s power? Who, like Thy-self, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sun-shine, Lord, a-bide with me.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

Twenty-ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time

October 19, 2008_____ ___ _ __ __ 10:45 AM

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” (#138) Chancel Choir

Call to Worship

Leader: God is great and greatly to be praised.

People: We praise the great and awesome name of God.

Leader: Our God is a lover of justice, who executes justice and righteousness.

People: Holy is our God!

*Hymn of Praise “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise” No. 263

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response “Amazing Grace” #280 All Sing

A-maz-ing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

*Confession and Pardon

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

Holy God, our ruler and deliverer: you have loved us and put faith in us, and we have disappointed you. We have forgotten your good works on our behalf and failed to trust your promises. Our world shows little evidence of the justice and righteousness you love; our governments are corrupt and our economies brutal. We do not honor you with our lives. O Lord, be gracious, and show mercy to us. Lead us and sustain us by your presence, that we may know you and find favor in your sight.

*Declaration of Pardon Leader

Leader: Brothers and sisters beloved by God, receive the divine gifts of grace and peace.

People: We are brothers and sisters beloved by God, who has chosen us and sent the Good News to us.

Leader: Show your faith in action, your love in labor, and your hope in courage.

Live in the power of the Holy Spirit, with strong conviction.

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father” No. 579

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading Exodus 32:12-23 Pg. 77; Psalms 99 Pg. 529

Children’s Sermon Pat Sanders

Anthem “The Heart of Worship” Chancel Choir

Second Reading Thessalonians 1:1-10 Pg. 191

Sermon “What’s Your Motto?” Linda Adams

*Hymn of Meditation “I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord” No. 441

Prayers of the People

Speaker: O God of greatness and goodness, not only did you set us apart from the rest of creation, but you made us in your own image.

People: O Lord, give us grateful hearts, and let us rejoice in the presence of our Creator.

Speaker: O God of might and mercy, not only did you follow your people into the far country, but you took up the cross to set them free.

People: O Lord, give us grateful hearts, and let us rejoice in the presence of our Redeemer.

Speaker: O God of consolation and comfort, not only did you bring us together in one place, but you called us to be your witnesses.

People: O Lord, give us grateful hearts, and let us rejoice in the presence of our Redeemer.

Speaker: Gracious God, you have revealed yourself to us in more ways than we can recall or recount.

People: O Lord, give us grateful hearts, and let us rejoice in the love that will not let us go.

Response #404 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Pre-cious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand;

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, pre-cious Lord, lead me home.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD

Offertory

*Doxology No. 592

*Prayer of Thanksgiving

Lord’s Prayer

*Passing of Christ’s Peace

Speaker: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

SENDING

*Hymn of Dedication “Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation” No. 417

*Charge and Blessing

Congregational Response #543 “Abide with Me” (Vs.3)

I need Thy pres-ence ev-ery pass-ing hour;

What but Thy grace can foil the tempt-er’s power?

Who, like Thy-self, my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sun-shine, Lord, a-bide with me.

Postlude

*All who wish may stand

Greeters - High School

Lay Reader - High School

Ushers - High School

Fellowship - Bob and Audrey Law

This Week’s Birthdays

Monday - Theresa Heatwole

Tuesday - Tom York

Wednesday - Joel Major

Friday - Boone Burnside, Christina Sloderbeck

Saturday - Leah Biefeldt

This Week’s Anniversaries

Doug & Theresa Heatwole 10/22/1988

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Bob Whippo, Jo Coghill, Suzan Tarwater, Trina DeMint, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for the family of Margaret Lewis, the family of Les DePew; the family of Jack Reeve.

This week’s prayer family: Jim and Judy Cornett.

This week’s prayer church: Presbyterian Church of Tribune, KS.

Presbyterian Women’s Fall Rummage Sale

has been extended!!!

The annual Women’s Fall Rummage Sale will be held on October 23^rd, 24^th AND 25^th. You may start to bring in your items for the sale on October 19^th. The hours of the sale will be October 23^rd 1 pm to 7 pm, October 24^th 9 am to 4 pm and October 25^th 9:00 am to noon. All proceeds go to support the mission of the Women’s Association.

Tailgate Trick or Treat, October 29

We had such a good time last year and CE heard requests for an encore this year. Soo… Come for hot dogs and chips from 6:00- 6:30, and to “trunk n’ treat” from 6:30-7:30. Decorate your vehicle, come in costume, bring some treats. We’ll share the gospel through “The Pumpkin Gospel.”

October 31, “Ode to Fun - in Two Parts, with Popcorn”

For families and kids of all ages:

7:30 – 9:00 Active and Board Games, plus a Veggie Tales Movie

For 4^th grade through age 99

9:00 – 11:30 Old Time Monster Movies

Adult Opportunities in the Parlor

“Separation of Church and State in America,”

Oct. 26

Bob Halloran will lead these timely discussions.

What a great time to explore these topics!

Don’t Forget the Hunger Barrel

The Lay Ministry committee will be collecting donations for the Hunger Barrel to benefit the Emmaus House.

Committee Minutes

October Committee Minutes are due in the office

Tuesday, October 21 to be included in the Session package.

The next meeting of the Session will be

Monday, October 27 at 6:30 pm.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

Sunday, October 19

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Monday, October 20

Praise Team @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, October 22

Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Youth groups @ 6:00 pm, Choir @ 7:30 pm

Thursday, October 23

Ladies Rummage Sale @ 1:00 pm

Friday, October 24

Ladies Rummage Sale @ 9:00 am

Saturday, October 25

Ladies Rummage Sale @ 9:00 am

Reformation Sunday, October 26

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

October 8, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

October 12, 2008

Introit: #138 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Prayer of Appr. Response: #280 “Amazing Grace” All Sing

A-maz-ing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Ministry of Music: “Sing to the Lord a New Song” (Featuring Bettee Gilkison)

Prayer Response: #404 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Pre-cious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand; I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night, Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, pre-cious Lord, lead me home.

Benediction: #543 “Abide with Me” (Vs.3)

I need Thy pres-ence ev-ery pass-ing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempt-er’s power? Who, like Thy-self, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sun-shine, Lord, a-bide with me.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

Twenty-eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time

October 12, 2008_____ ___ _ __ __ 10:45 AM

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!” (#138) Chancel Choir

Call to Worship

Leader: Give thanks to God, for God is good.

People: God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Leader: Who can declare all of God’ praise?

People: Happy are those who observe justice and do righteousness at all times.

*Hymn of Praise “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart!” No. 145

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response “Amazing Grace” #280 All Sing

A-maz-ing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

*Confession and Pardon

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

Eternal God, as our ancestors exchanged the glory of the Lord for the image of a golden calf, so we exchange the blessings of covenant relationship for temporal pleasures and seeming security. We exchange the intimacy of prayer - the gift of your joy in our presence - for the diversion of things and activities that can overwhelm us. We exchange lives of honor and righteousness for disobedience, faithlessness, and greed. God of mercy forgive us. Guide us to respond to you in faith and live as your chosen people.

*Declaration of Pardon Leader

Hear the good news! Who is in a position to condemn? Only Christ, and Christ died for us, Christ rose for us, Christ reigns in power for us, Christ prays for us.

*God’s Claim on Us Leader

Hear the teaching of Christ: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you.

*Gloria Patri “Glory Be to the Father” No. 579

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination Leader

First Reading Exodus 32:1-14 Pg. 76

Children’s Sermon Pat Sanders

Anthem “Sing to the Lord a New Song” (Featuring Bettee Gilkison) Chancel Choir

Second Reading Matthew 22:1-14 Pg. 22

Sermon “Dress for the Occasion” Yvonne Battles

*Hymn of Meditation “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” No. 276

Prayers of the People

Response #404 “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

Pre-cious Lord, take my hand, Lead me on, help me stand;

I am tired, I am weak, I am worn; Through the storm, through the night,

Lead me on to the light; Take my hand, pre-cious Lord, lead me home.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD

Offertory

*Doxology No. 592

*Prayer of Thanksgiving and Lord’s Prayer

*Passing of Christ’s Peace

Speaker: Since God has forgiven us in Christ, let us forgive one another.

The peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

People: And also with you.

SENDING

*Hymn of Dedication “Come, Christians, Join to Sing” No. 150

*Charge

*Blessing

Congregational Response #543 “Abide with Me” (Vs.3)

I need Thy pres-ence ev-ery pass-ing hour;

What but Thy grace can foil the tempt-er’s power?

Who, like Thy-self, my guide and stay can be?

Through cloud and sun-shine, Lord, a-bide with me.

Postlude

*All who wish may stand

Greeters -

Lay Reader - Kathryn Ochampaugh

Ushers - Ron Major, Joan Davis, Rodney York

Fellowship - Congregational Dinner

This Week’s Birthdays This Week’s Anniversaries

Today - Bill Saunders, Mark Tarwater Greg and Linda Adams

Wednesday - Greg Shaw 10/14/1990

Thursday - Audrey Law

Friday - Virginia Meschke

Saturday - Liz Headrick, Kelli Kidder

The Fellowship Committee will be hosting today’s

baked potato-with-toppings congregational dinner.

The Committee will provide the potatoes and toppings…

Suzan Tarwater

The Tarwaters are now home.  They were very happy with the care and treatment plan that Duke has recommended.  She will be their patient but will be undergoing 6 weeks of chemo and radiation in Princeton before anything else is done.  They are not recommending additional surgery to remove more of the tumor because the danger of more brain damage is greater than the possible benefits of the surgery. She can work as she has the energy during treatments.  She will not be driving any more because there is a risk of seizures.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!!

It’s our turn again. We need people to deliver for Meals on Wheels during the weeks of October 20^th to October 25^th and October 27^th to November 1^st. It takes approximately one hour of your time each day and is truly a worthwhile use of your time. Even if you can only do it on 1 day, it is a tremendous help to us and the community. We need 6 people for each of the days for the 2 weeks. To sign up, either call the church office or stop by. We hope you can help us with this mission opportunity.

Presbyterian Women’s Fall Rummage Sale

has been extended!!!

The annual Women’s Fall Rummage Sale will be held on October 23^rd, 24^th AND 25^th. You may start to bring in your items for the sale on October 19^th. The hours of the sale will be October 23^rd 1 pm to 7 pm, October 24^th 9 am to 4 pm and October 25^th 9:00 am to noon. All proceed go to support the mission of the Women’s Association.

Adult Opportunities in the Parlor

“How Christians Should Vote,” Oct. 12

“Separation of Church and State in America,” Oct. 19

Bob Halloran will lead these timely discussions. What a great time to explore these topics!

Tailgate Trick or Treat, October 29

We had such a good time last year and CE heard requests for an encore this year. Soo… Come for hot dogs and chips from 6:00- 6:30, and to “trunk n’ treat” from 6:30-7:30. Decorate your vehicle, come in costume, bring some treats. We’ll share the gospel through “The Pumpkin Gospel.”

October 31, “Ode to Fun - in Two Parts, with Popcorn”

For families and kids of all ages:

7:30 – 9:00 Active and Board Games, plus a Veggie Tales Movie

For 4^th grade through age 99

9:00 – 11:30 Old Time Monster Movies

Church Family and Friends in Need of Special Prayers:

Bob Whippo, Jo Coghill, Suzan Tarwater, Trina DeMint, Marisha Cooper, Natalie Hendrickson, Yvonne Battles, Anne Brown, Tom Meschke, Virginia Meschke, Jim Wharton, Eden Murphy, Monty Fey, Jim Hamlett, Marge Williams, Greg Adams, Laurie Bock, Debbie Harden, Gladys Cripe, Dave Sweley, Pat LeClerc, Dale Meadors, Susan Brookover, Linda Friesner, John Hoxie, Ruth Oliver, Caroline Sundquist, Nancy Stegman, Belinda Fouse.

(Please call the church with your personal prayer request).

God Bless All Of You.

The following families have recently lost loved ones.

Please pray for the family of Margaret Lewis, the family of Les DePew; the family of Jack Reeve.

This week’s prayer family: Van and Anita Salyer.

This week’s prayer church: First Presbyterian Church of Liberal, KS.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITIES

Sunday, October 12

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

Congregational Dinner

Monday, October 13

Praise Team @ 7:00 pm

Wednesday, October 15

Celebrate Kids! @ 5:00 pm, Celebration Worship w/Potluck @ 6:00 pm,

Choir @ 7:30 pm

Sunday, October 19

Bell Choir @ 8:30 am, Sunday school @ 9:30 am, Worship @ 10:45 am

October 1, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

October 5, 2008 World Communion Sunday

Introit: #138 Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty!

Prayer of Appr. Response: #280 “Amazing Grace” All Sing

A-maz-ing grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Ministry of Music: “Come to the Banquet”

Song of Gathering (2010): #507 “I Come with Joy” (Communion for Oct. & Nov.)

Benediction: #543 “Abide with Me” (Vs.3)

I need Thy pres-ence ev-ery pass-ing hour; What but Thy grace can foil the tempt-er’s power? Who, like Thy-self, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sun-shine, Lord, a-bide with me.

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

September 24, 2008: 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

September 28, 2008

Introit: “I Will Call Upon the Lord” (All Sing Chorus) #2002

Chorus: The Lord liv-eth, and bless-ed be the Rock; and let the God of my sal-va-tion be ex-alt-ed.

The Lord liv-eth, and bless-ed be the Rock; and let the God of my sal-va-tion be ex-alt-ed.

Prayer of Appr. Response: “Whereever He Leads I’ll Go” #598c

Anthem: “Carry the Light”

Prayer Response: “As the Deer”

As the deer pants for the wa-ter so my soul longs af-ter you.

You a-lone are my heart’s de-sire, and I long to wor-ship you.

You a-lone are my strength, my shield; to you a-lone may my spir-it yield.

You a-lone are my heart’s de-sire, and I long to wor-ship you.

Benediction: “May You Run and Not Be Weary” Insert (#2281)

Hymn of Praise (Jim): #

Hymn of Meditation (Jim): #

Hymn of Dedication (Jim): #

Service for the Lord’s Day

Twenty-sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

September 28, 2008__ ___ _ __ __ 10:45 AM

The purpose and pattern of leadership in the church in all its forms

of ministry shall be understood not in terms of power but in service, after

the manner of the servant ministry of Jesus Christ.

~ ~ ~ from the Book of Order 2007-2009

GATHERING

Prelude

Welcome and Concerns of the Church Leader

Introit “I Will Call Upon the Lord” All Sing Chorus

Chorus: The Lord liv-eth, and bless-ed be the Rock;

and let the God of my sal-va-tion be ex-alt-ed.

The Lord liv-eth, and bless-ed be the Rock;

and let the God of my sal-va-tion be ex-alt-ed.

Call to Worship

Pastor: Our help is in the name of the Lord.

People: Who made heaven and earth.

Leader: In the sight of our ancestors, God worked marvels.

People: God divided the sea and let them pass through it.

Leader: Guided them each day with a cloud and each night with fire.

People: Let us tell of God’s marvelous works to all generations.

*Hymn of Praise “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” No. 5

*Prayer of Approach Leader

Response “Whereever He Leads I’ll Go” #598c Chancel Choir

*Confession and Pardon

*Call to Confession Pastor

*Confession of Sin (Unison) Leader

Longsuffering Lord, we confess that, in our life of faith, our words of commitment have been many, but our deeds of love and obedience have been few. Like a mother who cannot forget her children, you keep drawing near to us and answering our cries for help, even though we forget our promises to be faithful to you.

In your mercy, forgive the emptiness of our words. Enable us by your Holy Spirit to serve you faithfully, putting into practice the faith our lips profess, through your holy Son, who took upon himself the form of a servant for our sake.

*Declaration of Pardon and God’s Claim on Us Pastor

*Song of Joy “Gloria Patri”

THE WORD

Prayer for Illumination