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We welcome those of you visiting with us today and pray that you connect with the Holy Spirit during your time here. FIRST-TIME GUESTS | Text WELCOME to 210-981-3339 and let us know you are here! RETURNING GUESTS AND COVENANT PARTNERS | Please fill out the Friendship Pad as it is passed down your pew, or complete the online version by scanning the QR code found on the Friendship Pad and to the left.

WELCOME TO TRADITIONAL WORSHIP

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE

ASSISTING IN WORSHIP TODAY

8:30 AM | Early Adult Sunday School Classes 9:30 AM | Christmas Pageant in Sanctuary Sunday School for select Adult Classes (No Children or Youth)

11:00 AM | Traditional Worship in Sanctuary Modern Worship in Westminster Hall

FPC3 - COFFEE, COOKIES, & CONNECTION

Fellowship together at FPC3 (Coffee, Cookies, & Connection), set up in the McCullough Room from 9:15 AM - 12:00 PM. From 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM is FPC3 30 Minutes, a special half-hour set apart for community. Today includes a reception for Rev. Becky Prichard from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM.

SUNDAY CHILDCARE & NURSING ROOMS

Childcare for children 8 weeks - 5 years is available each Sunday Morning from 8:30 AM 12:00 PM. Nursing areas are available in Room 118 and across from Westminster Hall in the parlor area of the women's restroom.

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

The flowers in the Sanctuary are given by the congregation to the glory of God and in memory and honor of loved ones.

Rev. Becky Prichard and Rebecca Sweet

PRAYER AND CARE

Please take a moment today to add your prayers, silently and individually, for our church and its missions, ministries, leadership, staff, and community. A Time for Prayer | A Deacon will be available after the service today for those seeking prayer. Visit Griffith Chapel in the foyer outside the Sanctuary. Care & Concern | Contact Michelle Stephenson, michelles@fpcsat.org or 210-226-0215, to join the congregational care email list. Care & Concern phone: 210-222-CARE (2273).

GIVING OPTIONS

• Online at fpcsanantonio.org/give • Text "FPCGIVE" to 833-692-2384 (messaging & data rates may apply) • Give through our mobile app • Mail in your gifts to 404 N. Alamo St., • San Antonio, TX 78205

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THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

Please silence all electronic devices and do not take flash photos during the service. As the prelude begins, we invite you into a period of quiet reflection as we prepare for worship. Please stand at these times if you are able to do so.

PREPARATION

PRELUDE | Sleepers, wake! A voice is calling, BWV 645

Johann Sebastian Bach

CHIMING OF THE HOUR WELCOME AND GREETINGS CHILDREN'S CHOIR ANTHEM | A Child Will Come ADVENT WREATH LITURGY

Mark Patterson The Turnbull Family

Leader: On the Advent journey, we are mindful of the brokenness of the world that surrounds us. People: We long for the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Leader: As we look around us, we see the hostility that exists between neighbor and nation. People: We long for the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Leader: As we look beside us, we see fractured relationships and unforgiving hearts. People: We long for the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Leader: As we look within ourselves, we confess the reconciling words we have yet to speak and restoring deeds we have yet to do. People: We long for the peace that surpasses all understanding. PRAYER OF ADORATION CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP | Hymn #183 Once in Royal David’s City CALL TO CONFESSION CONFESSING OUR SIN

Almighty and Holy God, we have failed to praise your Son's birth, and refused his peace on earth. We have expected little, and hoped for less. We have neglected our neighbor's need, while selfishly indulging ourselves. Forgive our sins, and renew in us all desires that are in accord with your will. May we watch and wait and once more hear the glad story of our Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. In Jesus’ name, we pray.

SILENT CONFESSION ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS

Leader: Friends, believe the good news!

People: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

AFFIRMATION

DECLARING OUR 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. GLORIA PATRI

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READING | Luke 2:1-16

PROCLAMATION

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. 1

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 8

HOMILY | The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - Except Ours!

Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller

THE PAGEANT PROPHECY OF THE MESSIAH | Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14; 9:6 CAROL | O Come, O Come, Emmanuel O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to Thee, O Israel! THE ANNUNCIATION | Luke 1:26-38 CAROL | Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; By Thine all sufficient merit raise us to Thy glorious throne.

THE BIRTH OF JESUS | Luke 2:1; 3-7 (service continues next page)

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CAROL | Away In A Manger

Away in a manger, no crib for His bed, the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask Thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, and fit us for heaven to live with Thee there. VISIT OF THE SHEPHERDS | Luke 2:8-19 CAROL | The First Noel

The first noel the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay akeeping their sheep, On a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Refrain: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. They looked up and saw a star Shining in the east beyond them far, And to the earth it gave great light, And so it continued both day and night. (Refrain) GIFTS OF THE WISE MEN | Matthew 2:1-11

CAROL | We Three Kings of Orient Are

We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.

Refrain: O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect Light. Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain, gold I bring to crown Him again, King forever, ceasing never over us all to reign. (Refrain) ANTHEM | Nobody Knew This Little Child

Edwin T. Childs

PAGEANT CLOSING PRAYER

Rebecca Sweet

Nobody knew this little Child, the Savior he would be. Mary and Joseph kept in their hearts and waited for to see. Only the shepherds knew it, only the wise men from a-far. Hastening on the journey following one bright star. In you, O Child of Bethlehem, we have this gift of love.

(Pageant participants return to classrooms with volunteers. Parents, please stay in worship for the remainder of the service and Congregational Meeting before checking out your children from their assigned rooms.)

DEDICATION PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND 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.

PRESENTING OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

(While the offering is received, please sign the friendship pad found on the end of the pews and pass it down the row, returning it to its original place. Please take time after the worship service to greet those seated near you.)

OFFERTORY | Peace Came to Earth

Peace came to earth at last that chosen night When angels clove the sky with song and light And God embodied love and sheathed His might Who could but gasp: Immanuel! Who could but sing: Immanuel!

K. Lee Scott

And who could be the same for having held The infant in their arms, and later felt The wounded hands and side, all doubts dispelled Who could but sigh: Immanuel! Who could but shout: Immanuel! You show the Father none has ever seen, In flesh and blood You bore our griefs and pain, In bread and wine You visit us againWho could but see Immanuel! Who could but thrill: Immanuel! How else could I have known You, O my God! How else could I have loved You, O my God! How else could I embrace You, O my God! Who could but pray: Immanuel! Who could but praise Immanuel! DOXOLOGY | Old Hundredth

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 CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP | Hymn #179 Joy to the World! MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION | for the Election of an Officer Nominating Committee & Consideration of a Property Purchase

BENEDICTION

BENEDICTION AND CHARGE CHORAL RESPONSE | Light of Hope

Joel Raney

POSTLUDE | Go Tell It on the Mountain in the style of Widor’s Toccata from Symphony No.5 Dr. Jae Ha, arr. All music in today’s worship service used by permission Onelicense Streaming/Podcast License #A-729727, CCS WORSHIPCast Streaming License #10603, CCLI License #360983, CCLI Streaming License #20343418. All Rights Reserved. A Child Will Come – Mark Patterson. ©2008 Choristers Guild. Nobody Knew this Little Child – Edwin T. Childs. ©2016 Choristers Guild.

Peace Came to Earth. Music & Text - ©1997 Concordia Publishing House. Contributors: K. Lee Scott & Jaroslav Vajda Light of Hope. Words & Music, Advent Wreath Liturgy - ©2012 Hope Publishing Company. Contributors: Joel Raney & Rich Davis Worship & Rejoice Hymnal. © 2001 Hope Publishing Company. Other content public domain. All Rights Reserved.

CALLED CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TODAY Sunday, Dec. 8 | All Three Services A Congregational Meeting will be held at the end of each morning service, to approve proposed officer nomination committee members and for consideration of a property purchase.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

SCAN FOR ALL OUR IMPORTANT SUNDAY LINKS AT LINKTR.EE/FPCSANANTONIO DECEMBER 8: CELEBRATE REV. BECKY PRICHARD Join us in honoring Rev. Becky Prichard’s 10 years of service at a reception today from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM in the McCullough Room. Cards welcome, monetary gifts are to be directed to the church with the memo "Becky Prichard Gift." DECEMBER 8: POINSETTIA HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS DEADLINE Submit forms and payments in the 2nd Floor workroom for $15 poinsettias to honor & remember loved ones. Forms are available at bit.ly/fpcsat-poinsettias and the 2nd Floor Workroom. DECEMBER 8: 2ND SUNDAY FAMILY LUNCH Join us for a meal and fellowship at Make Ready Market after the 11:00 AM services. Contact Chris Roper at christopherdavidroper@yahoo.com. DECEMBER 8: SOO-NAH-GO (COLLEGE) Students, join us for vision casting, gathering, and prayer from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at 417 Canterbury Hill St. Food provided. Contact Ben Henderson at benh@fpcsat.org. CHRISTMAS AT FIRST Celebrate the birth of Christ. Worship service and season events schedule online at fpcsanantonio.org/christmas. Christmas Eve services at 2:30 PM (Lord's Supper), 5:00 PM (Family), 7:30 PM (Candlelight), & 10:00 PM (Candlelight). DECEMBER 10: PRAYERS FOR FPC Join the Prayer Ministry at 1:00 PM in Room 228 for the final meeting of 2024 to pray for the church.

DECEMBER 10: LITERATURE CIRCLE Attend the meeting at 1:00 PM in the McCullough Room with a review at 1:30 PM. December Book, "The Holy Spirit, The Air We Breathe," reviewed by Gates Whiteley. DECEMBER 10: SERVE AT PAY IT FORWARD CHRISTMAS PARTY Join FPC in serving the Pay It Forward residents at their annual Christmas Dinner at 6:30 PM at 1 Haven for Hope Way. Help provide a warm meal and bring hope to those in need during the holiday season. To volunteer, please sign up at bit.ly/ PayItForward24. Contact Lindsay Selli at lindsays@fpcsat.org. DECEMBER 10: COLLEGE CHRISTMAS PARTY ON DEVINE Celebrate with games, Cabo Bob’s, and candlelight worship from 8:30 PM – 9:45 PM at 300 Devine Rd. Contact Ben Henderson, benh@fpcsat.org. WOMEN OF THE CHURCH ORNAMENT SALE & CHRISTMAS DIAPER DRIVE Purchase 2024 Christmas ornaments for $10, and donate diapers, sizes 4-7, by Dec. 15 in the Mauzé Lobby. Contact Nancy Scheifele at (210) 315-1618. DECEMBER 11: PIZZA & REDBULLS WITH COLLEGE MINISTRY Grab food & drinks outside Trinity U. Coates Library at 5:30 PM for Finals Week. Contact Ben Henderson, benh@fpcsat.org. REGISTER FOR MEN'S RETREAT 2025 Sign up for Jan. 10-12 at LoneHollow Ranch. Register at bit.ly/fpcsa-mensretreat.

DECEMBER 12 & 19: MIDDAY NOELS Enjoy free Thursday concerts in the Sanctuary of the church from noon - 12:45 PM.

DONATE TO THE GOOD HOOD'S AFFORDABLE CHRISTMAS Support families on the Eastside through the 12th Annual Good Hood Affordable Christmas! Help make every family’s Christmas merry and every parent a hero. To donate toys via the Amazon wishlist or contribute money, visit www.thegoodhood. org/affordablechristmas.

Dec. 19: Joyful Jingles with The Dirty River Jazz Band (debut FPC performance)

GLOBAL MISSIONS OPPORTUNITIES Explore mission trip proposals and summer internships and mentorships through our Global Partners; for inquiries, contact Lindsay Selli at lindsays@fpcsat.org.

DECEMBER 12: TRIBE MEN’S BIBLE STUDY Join scripture discussions from 6:45 AM – 8:00 AM at Paloma Blanca. Visit fpcsanantonio.org/blog/tribe for resources.

Dec. 12: Holiday Harmonies: a Choral Celebration - featuring FPC Chamber Choir & B. T. Washington Elementary School Choir.

Paid lunch options after concerts: hot ($15) in Westminster Hall or ‘Grab and Go’ ($5) available in the sanctuary foyer. Visit fpcsanantonio.org/music for more info. DECEMBER 13: FPC STUDENT MINISTRY CHRISTMAS PARTY Students in grades 6-12, join us from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM in the Student Center for festivities. Contact Kyle Bowden, kyleb@ fpcsat.org. DECEMBER 16: DONATE TO CAM EMERGENCY CHRISTMAS STORE Donate new, unwrapped toys for kids aged 0-18 at the CAMpassion Warehouse. Drop off Mon-Thurs 8:30 AM-3PM, Fri 8:30 AM-12 PM. Sign up online at bit.ly/CAMchristmas to make sure there are enough gifts for each age group. Contact Sylvia Garcia at 210223-4099 or sgarcia@cam-sa.org. Contact Sylvia Garcia at 210-223-4099. DECEMBER 20: DONATE OR SERVE WITH CAM/ CORAZON CHRISTMAS PARTY Assist CAM in hosting their Christmas Party, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, for 200 clients experiencing homelessness. Share the love of Christ with those who might not otherwise get to celebrate. To volunteer or donate, visit bit.ly/CAMchristmas-party. Contact Mary Henderson at mhenderson@cam-sa.org.

SESSION MINUTES ONLINE Access meeting minutes at fpcsanantonio. org/blog/session. MENTAL HEALTH HELP & HOPE For support, contact the Mental Health Team at mentalhealth@fpcsat.org or 210-271-2708; in crisis, call or text 988. JOBS AT FPC & CHILDREN’S CENTER Visit fpcsanantonio.org/jobs for current openings at FPC. New position of Executive Director to oversee administration, finances, human resources, & more, ideally seeking a candidate from within the congregation. FPC CHILDREN’S CENTER Enroll your infant, toddler, or preschooler (6 weeks - age 5) for part or full time care with qualified, nurturing, experienced staff. Contact Laura Ortiz at laurao@fpcsat.org, visit fpcsanantonio.org/childrens-center or call (210) 225-0960. END-OF-YEAR GIVING Church offices will be closed Dec. 25, 2024 - Jan. 1, 2025. Please visit fpcsanantonio. org/give for instructions on how to ensure your gifts are received for the appropriate tax year. Please remember gifts from a retirement account, stock, or mutual fund take extra time to process. The church finance office will be available by phone from Dec. 27 - 29, 2024, or you can email christib@fpcsat.org or hectorf@fpcsat.org.

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RUN FOR CLEAN WATER OR DONATE TO TEAM Training through Feb. 27, 2025 Raise funds for clean water. Join FPC’s Team World Vision and train for the Run the Alamo Half Marathon or Marathon, happening March 2, 2025. No experience needed—training plans available. Walkers welcome too! Register or donate at bit. ly/fpc-run-team25. VOLUNTEER WITH MEMORIAL RECEPTIONS Volunteer to host memorial receptions after members' funerals. Support the grieving and enjoy fellowship with volunteers. Commitment: one month per year. Contact Shelley Bass at (210) 861-6996 or Nancy Scheifele at (210) 315-1618 for details.

OPERATING BUDGET REVENUES AS OF DECEMBER 1, 2024 BUDGET

ACTUAL

SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)

1ST WEEK OF DEC.

$ 297,991.17

$ 93,080.07

$ (204,911.10)

YEAR-TO-DATE

$ 5,201,592.61

$ 4,552,711.70

$ (648,880.91)

THE MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH

Rev. A. Mitchell Moore Rev. Becky Prichard Rev. Dr. Joe Moore Tom Dooling

Senior Pastor

Associate Pastor for Young Adults & Missions

Associate Pastor for Christian Education

Associate Pastor of Congregational Care

Assistant Pastor for Older Adults & Congregational Care

Dr. Jae Ha

Whit Anderson

Rebecca Andujar

Cynthia Bocanegra Kyle Bowden

Callan Brown

Jeff Carawan Hank Cherry Hector Flores

Minister of Music

Organist/Associate Minister of Music Director of Church Planting

Wedding Coordinator

Assistant Director to Children & their Families

Director to Youth & their Families

Modern Worship Leader

Director of Property Maintenance

Director of Communications Director of Finance

Wendy Garcia

Connections Ministry Coordinator

Kathy Jamison

Director of Children’s Choir

Ben Henderson Kyrenda King-Rogers Preston Miller Laura Ortiz Pam Ray

Lindsay Selli

Savannah Schatte Janet Slayden

Rebecca Sweet

404 N. Alamo Street San Antonio, Texas 78205

Offices Located on Ave. E between McCullough & 4th St

OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Please press the security doorbell at the entrance.

9:30 & *11:00 AM - Modern

Rev. Dr. Bob Fuller

Rev. Scott Simpson

www.fpcsanantonio.org 210-226-0215

SUNDAY SERVICES *9:30 & 11:00 AM - Traditional

The Congregation

STAFF

LOVING CHRIST. LOVING ONE ANOTHER. LOVING THE CITY.

Director of University Ministries Director of Facility Operations

Interim Youth Associate

Director of Children’s Center

Strategic Planning Director

*Service streamed online on YouTube Facebook, & fpcsanantonio.org

• Text "FPCGIVE" to (833) 6922384 • Mobile App or Mail

A Congregation of ECO

A Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians

DOWNLOAD THE FREE FPC SAN ANTONIO APP

Missions and Mobilization Associate

Associate Director of Middle School & Family Ministry

Church Administrator

Director to Children and their Families

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