Sunday Worship, Advent 4, December 24th, 2023 (11:00am)

Changing Lives with Faith, Hope, and Love SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2023 | 11:00AM | Great Hall

WELCOME TO FPC MARIETTA This church welcomes you no matter who you are or from where you come. We are Christ’s people, and this is Christ’s place with its doors open wide. If you are passing through, Godspeed; if you are looking for a home, stay here; if you need instruction, we can learn together.

We invite you to return often.

FRIENDSHIP PAD Whether you are a member, a long-time visitor, or just passing by, please sign the friendship pad at the end of your row.

CHILDREN IN WORSHIP The nursery is available for infants through 4-yr-olds from 10:45am12:15pm during the summer. Children are invited to pick up worship items from the blue cart at the entrance to the Sanctuary and Great Hall. Following the Children’s Time during the 11:00 service, children in 4yr Pre-K through 1st grade may go to Children’s Church.

STEPHEN MINISTERS ON-CALL A Stephen Minister is on call each Sunday morning from 10:00am through 12:00pm. If you would like to speak with a Stephen Minister during that time, please see the front desk or one of the Deacons on duty, and they will locate them for you. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) CHANCEL FLOWERS The flowers today are given to the glory of God and in honor of Martha Rampley and in loving memory of Milton Rampley and Yvonne and Henry Randall by Hank and Debbie Randall.

JOIN US New members are received each month in worship. If you are interested in joining, please contact Ken Farrar at kenfarrar@icloud.com.

GOD GATHERS HIS PEOPLE

Blue is the color that marks the season of Advent at First Presbyterian Church. Communion Sundays are always marked with white, but those Sundays leading up to Christmas when communion is not celebrated, notice the blue of the communion table, pulpit, and pastors’ stoles. While the world mostly celebrates this season with busyness and shopping, during Advent the Church anticipates the newness and renewal that comes to us in the birth of Jesus. In the words of Old Testament Scholar Dr. Walter Brueggemann, “The whole tenor of Advent is that God may act in us, through us, beyond us, more than we imagined, because newness is on its way among us.”

WELCOME GATHERING MUSIC

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel | Dobrinski

*HYMN OF PREPARATION NO. 114

Away in a Manger

LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF LOVE Matt, Diane and Eleanor Sitkowski Please be seated and join us in the liturgy for lighting the fourth Advent Candle.

Hear the Word of the Lord from the Prophet Isaiah: The Lord himself will give you a sign.

Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, And shall name him Emmanuel.

Born to a girl named Mary, Yet, he is born for us all.

While he lay in a town called Bethlehem, He is the light of the whole world.

Though he was poor, He is our greatest treasure.

They say his mother was gentle, meek, and mild, And yet, his birth changes everything.

Let us pray.

Gentle Shepherd, You call us each by name and invite us to follow you. But we, like sheep, do not heed your voice. We stray from your path, and become tangled in life’s many brambles. You claim us for service and assure us that we have nothing to fear. Still, we are timid disciples who discount dreams and discredit messengers. We do not believe you can use a flock like us to usher in your reign. Now we call upon your name to save us from all that ensnares us.

“Restore us, O God! Let your face shine, that we may be saved.” In this silence, hear our confession, and remind us of your love, that we too, may come in wonder to worship the newborn king.

(Silence) Amen.

Note: Leaders: regular font | People: bold font | *Those who are able, please stand.

*WE LIGHT THE CANDLE OF LOVE Arise, God’s people, for light still shines.

As we light this fourth advent candle, We rejoice with Mary, for love has flesh.

As we watch its flame, we remember the Light that shines in the darkness.

For his love is stronger than death. *GLORIA IN EXCELSIS NO. 113 Angels, We have heard on High *GREETING ONE ANOTHER WITH THE PEACE OF CHRIST Hear the teaching of Christ: I give you a new commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Having received forgiveness and peace from God, let us pass such forgiveness and peace to our neighbors.

The peace of Christ be with you.

And also with you. *HYMN OF PRAISE NO. 110 ​

Love Has Come

CHILDREN’S MESSAGE THE SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM MUSICAL OFFERING

Eleanor Sitkowski

The Holly and the Ivy | Sanders

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE/THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen. *HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 128

Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

GOD SPEAKS TO HIS PEOPLE PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION SCRIPTURE READINGS (NRSV) Jeremiah 31: 31-34 Luke 1: 67-80 The Word of the Lord | Thanks be to God! SERMON

Let’s Put Christ back in the Christians | Rev. Joe Evans, Senior Pastor

WE RESPOND TO GOD *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; he descended into hell.

The third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.

Amen.

OFFERING/OFFERTORY Gloria Hodie | Turner *DOXOLOGY Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; praise him, all creatures here below; Praise him above, ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. *PRAYER OF DEDICATION

GOD SENDS HIS PEOPLE *SENDING HYMN NO. 140

Once in Royal David’s City

*CHARGE AND BENEDICTION *SENDING MUSIC

The First Nowell | Grote

If you would like to give online go to fpcmarietta.org, or scan the QR code.

Today’s Worship Leaders The Rev. Joe Evans, Senior Pastor The Rev. Cassie Waits, Associate Pastor The Rev. Dr. Paul Sherwood, Parish Associate Catherine Breed, Director of Children & Youth Faith Formation Bebe Adams, Beadle | Madison Waits, Acolyte Dr. Jeffrey Meeks, Director of Music & Fine Arts | Chohee Kim, Principal Organist The Kirk Ringers

The art canvas displayed, along with the bulletin cover artwork was created by Bruce and Janice Stern: This design focuses on God’s extravagant love with the gift of the Christ child and the moment God becomes human to dwell among us.

Christmas Joy Offering God has blessed the Church with incredible leadership in every time and place, but those leaders often need to be supported by their communities as well.

This Offering addresses the support needed by some of our leaders, including supporting leadership development for communities of color, and providing support for Presbyterian church workers in their time of need.

Envelopes can be found in the Gathering Space.

Text CHRISTMASJOY to 91999 to learn more or to give or visit pcusa.org/christmasjoy.

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 4pm Family Service

The 4pm Family Christmas Eve service is a re-telling of the Christmas story.

All children from Preschool Threes through Fifth Graders who would like to be a part of the service can get a costume from the Glover Room next to the Great Hall prior to the service. Children will serve as shepherds, wisemen, angels and prophets. No rehearsal necessary. Children sit with their families in the Great Hall until they are called forward for their part in the story. After the service is over, please return costumes to the Glover Room.

People of all ages are welcome and invited to attend.

The offerings that we bring on Christmas Eve will be given to the Pantry on Church. At the end of the service, everyone will be invited to come to the manger, see the baby Jesus, and bring diapers or wipes.

7pm Candlelight Service in Great Hall A nursery is available for this service.

Special Music: Chancel Choir

Loose offerings during this service will go towards the Congregational Assistance Fund.

11pm Candlelight and Communion Service in the Sanctuary Special Music: Strings, Harp

Loose offerings during this service will go towards the Congregational Assistance Fund.

Additional Information: Sunday, December 31: 8:30am (Sanctuary) and 11:00am (Great Hall) Worship

The following will not be held: Sunday School for Children or Adults, Children’s Church, Nursery

Sunday School, Children’s Church, Journey, and Youth resume on January 7.

Confirmation Class begins on January 7.

Fellowship Breakfast resumes on January 21.

FPC OPPORTUNITIES Called Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 7 | following each worship service Session has called a meeting of the congregation for the purpose of electing officers. This meeting will be held immediately following each worship service. You need only vote at one of the meeting times.

Elevator Modernization Update Our elevator modernization project is finally mobilized and will begin Monday, December 18, with our Patton Building (Preschool) elevator, followed by the Speed building (Gathering Space) elevator. Each elevator will be out of service for about 4-6 weeks. We will provide updates as this project unfolds. For questions, please contact Kirk Maassen at Kirkfm@bellsouth.net.

College Scholarships Available!

Scott Barton Memorial: Submissions Accepted January 3 - March 1, 2024 This scholarship, given in memory of Scott David Barton, an FPC youth member and Marietta High School graduate, is awarded to seniors who are at Marietta High School or members of FPC Youth. The scholarship is $2,500/year renewable for three years for a total of 10K. Learn more at mariettaschoolsfoundation.com/ endowments-scholarships/barton-scholarship/ Presbyterian Promise: An $80,000 Scholarship over 4 years for all students who are Presbyterian.

The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. Students who are members of Presbyterian churches will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years—that’s an $80,000 commitment to you. For more information and to apply, visit our site: www.presby.edu/presbyterian-promise New Study! Tuesday Ladies’ Bible Study Luke: Gut Level Compassion Bible Study by Lisa Harper Tuesdays, Beginning January 9 | 9:30am-12:00pm | Lower Level Room 055 8 week study | Refreshments, video & workbook discussion time Lisa Harper exposes the utter humanity and compassion of Jesus shared by Luke.

Workbooks available from Amazon, Christianbook.com, Barnesandnoble.com, Lifeway.com Any Questions? Linda Bush 770-856-8443 newbush@comcast.net Save the Date! Spring Guest Concert Dr. Alex Wasserman, Piano Tuesday January 16, 2024 | 7pm | Great Hall | Admission is Free

Weekday Adult Discipleship Groups Journey Men’s Group & Women’s Group Sundays 4pm | Begins January 7 Presbyterian Women Second Mondays 10am | Begins January 15 Monday Prayer and Bible Study Alternating Mondays 10am | Begins January 8 Monday Women’s Group Alternating Mondays 7pm | Begins in February Monday Men’s Group Fourth Mondays 6pm | Begins January 22 Tuesday Ladies’ Bible Study Tuesdays, 9:30am | Begins January 9 Thursday Bible Study Thursdays, 12-1pm | Begins January 18

FPC Pedalers An FPC group is forming to ride the Silver Comet Trail. Our first ride will be Friday, January 19, 2024, from 9-11am from the Floyd Road Trailhead. Come join us! Contact Jennifer Davis 404-210-3697 or Nancy Jo Kirk 678-986-3967.

Presbyterian Women Stamp Collection Did you know that PW collects used stamps? The Alliance Stamp Ministry is a national ministry which receives thousands of stamps from around the world. They then sell the stamps to raise money for Publicaciones Alianza, a publishing house in Buenos Aires, Argentina which is dedicated to writing and publishing Sunday School materials in Spanish. As you receive mail this holiday season, please consider bringing the stamps (still on the envelope) to the folder at the Front Desk marked PW Stamp Ministry.

My Handy Friend Ministry The purpose of this ministry is to provide a service to our members who are in need of assistance with tasks that they may no longer be comfortable doing. If you would like to have help, please fill out the form at fpcmarietta.org/my-handy-friend, and someone will call you to understand your need and let you know if this is something we can do for you. If you have skills and are willing to share them, please fill out the same form.

Club 3:30 Snacks Needed Provide much-needed snacks for our Club 3:30 kids! If able, please provide 25 individually wrapped snacks Donations can be dropped off at the Front Desk. Please be sure to label them for Club 3:30.

Coffee Team Needed!

Do you LOVE to drink coffee? We need your help making coffee on Sunday mornings! Join our COFFEE TEAM! Sign up at fpcmarietta.org/upcoming-events Front Desk Volunteers Needed Members, if you enjoy seeing church friends during the week, talking with folks, and being a positive presence, we’ve got the place for you! The Front Desk is in need of members who can volunteer several times a month or as an on-call sub, from 9am-12pm. This position primarily involves answering the phone and letting people in the building. Our Front Desk volunteers are the first faces people see when they enter FPC! Please consider filling this valuable position! Call Susan Palacios at 770-427-0293x226.

Churchwide Retreat March 1-3, 2024 Join us in Montreat, NC for a weekend of spiritual growth, community building, and enjoying the mountains! The retreat is open to FPC members of all ages. NOTE: Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Go to fpcmarietta.org/montreat

FPC Marietta

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FPC Marietta

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189 Church Street | Marietta, Georgia 30060 | 770-427-0293 | fpcmarietta.org