8:15/9:45AM Service December 27, 2020 MORE PEOPLE, MORE LIKE CHRIST
Address: 34605 N. Tom Darlington Rd. Scottsdale, AZ 85266 Office 480.488.3384 / Fax 480.488.0850 Website: www.deserthills.org Facebook Desert Hills Presbyterian Church (Scottsdale, AZ) page 1
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SERVICE FOR THE LORD’S DAY December 27, 2020, 8:15/9:45AM
PRELUDE
Nativity Suite Susan Constance, organ
Alec Wyton
*CALL TO WORSHIP Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader: People: Leader:
Throughout the ages, disciples have said, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Lord, give us the freedom to follow you in the ways of love. We come from busy homes, filled with little time to consider Christ in our lives. Lord, give us the strength to follow you in the ways of peace. In times of struggle, we look to God for help. Lord, give us the opportunity to follow you in the ways of kindness. Today, we celebrate the freedom we find in following you, O God. Lord, give us the patience to follow you in the ways of faith. Amen. Let us come to the Lord in prayer…
HYMN #249 O Come, All Ye Faithful 1. O come, all ye faithful, 2. Sing, choirs of angels; joyful, and triumphant; sing in exultation; O come ye, o come ye to Bethlehem! O Sing, all ye bright hosts of heav'n above, Come and behold Him Glory to God, all glory in the highest! born the King of angels! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him O come, let us adore Him Christ the Lord. Christ the Lord. 3. Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be glory giv'n: Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him! O come, let us adore Him *AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (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. page 3
*GLORY BE TO THE FATHER #813 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, amen. PRAYER OF CONFESSION Merciful Lord, we know that you want the best for us. It must really disappoint you when we fail to be the kind of devoted followers that you need. You know of the needs in this world and the capability that we have of meeting those needs and bringing words of hope and healing through actions of compassion and justice. Yet we are hesitant in our commitment to you and to ministries of peace. Forgive us when we so easily doubt your call, your presence, and your abiding love. Lift us up from lives of self-pity and self-centeredness, and bring us to you with hearts filled with joy, praising you for opportunities to witness to your love in our service to your people. Heal us and restore us, for we ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON (John 3:16-17) Leader:
All:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have life everlasting. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Therefore, let us assure one another of God’s pardon: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION Spirit of God, speak once again through the Words of Scripture that our listening ears may hear Your voice. Help us to place Your Word in our minds, treasure it in our hearts, choose it with our wills, and live it through our bodies. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 3:5-11
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are coworkers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. Leader: This is the word of the Lord. All: Thanks be to God! 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. page 4
*HYMN #259, vs. 1,2,5
Angels from the Realms of Glory
1. Angels, from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o'er all the earth; Ye who sang creation's story, Now proclaim Messiah's birth: Come and worship, come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King.
Henry Smart
2. Shepherds, in the field abiding, Watching o'er your flocks by night, God with man is now residing; Yonder shines the Infant Light: Come and worship, come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King.
5. Tho' an infant now we view Him, He will share His Father's throne; Gather all the nations to Him; Every knee shall then bow down: Come and worship, come and worship; Worship Christ, the new-born King. OFFERINGS OF THE PEOPLE OFFERTORY
Angels We Have Heard on High Susan Constance, organ; Jeffrey Anthony, piano
DOXOLOGY #815
Smith/Hustad
OLD HUNDREDTH
Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him, all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen *PRAYER OF DEDICATION SCRIPTURE
Galatians 5:1, 13-18, 22-25
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. SERMON
“FREEDOM FOR WHAT? IT’S NOT ABOUT US!”
Rev. Brett Everett
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*HYMN #750
Peace Like a River
1. I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul; I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river, I've got peace like a river in my soul.
Traditional
2. I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean in my soul; I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean, I've got love like an ocean in my soul.
3. I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain in my soul; I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain, I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.
*BENEDICTION
& RESPONSE
Now unto Him
#234
Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling And to make you stand in His presence blameless and with great joy. To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Be the glory and the majesty, dominion and authority, Both now and forever. Amen! POSTLUDE
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Sign-up for 2021 Altar Flowers! To accommodate both the homebound and in-person congregation, the new flower chart is VIRTUAL and you may access it by using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48ABA92DA5FFCF8-2021 This link may also be found on the church website and in future eblasts. Or you may call Beth in the office at (480) 488-3384 and she will assist you.
Scripture for Jan. 3rd Mark 14:10-21 Mark 14:22-31
Sign-up ASAP...80% of dates are already reserved!
PRAYER REQUESTS ASSISTED LIVING & HOMEBOUND: Anne Wellington(9), Jeanne Frank(10), Ed Jensen(7), Don Paisley(10), Ruth Johnston(12), Lloyd Ferguson(6) HEALING: Keith Weaver (10), Susan Constance (17), Josh McQueen (6), Geni Miller (4), Joyce Watson (6), Darryl Menard (16), Rev. Dave Phillips, Terry Sambor (8), Mattie Paul, Steve Haver (13), Hugh Shoults (7), Jane Rau (17), Barbara Purnell (13), Will Broxterman, Jim Shaw (9), Doug McFetters(9), Bill Allen(3), Ruth Blakeslee(8), John Dinsdale(9), Nathan Harber, (#) Indicates Parish Shepherd number. MILITARY: Mason Lowman, Kenn Mattson, Ben Williamsz, Wyatt Brennan, Camryn Carson, Austin Hall, Derrick Smith, Ryan Richard, Alexis Brown, Isaiah Skinner, Isaac Corbett, Hunter Helvie, David Leibold, John Beach, Mike Efird, Chanteal Williams, Ethan Groce, Clark Benham, Conrad McDermott, Graham Benham, Christopher Bingham, Cade Brennan, Joshua Fielder, Elizabeth Fricker, Gregory Fricker, Joseph Galaviz, Jonathan Gilleland, Cherise (nee Harry) Smallcanyon, Timothy Harry, Aaron Heinricks, Ryan Leavitt, Kate Miller, Jonathan Mulder, Jacob Rath, Jason Rath, Ryan Toomey, Chris Skinner, and Tyrus Smedes. ARE YOU IN NEED OF PRAYER? DO YOU HAVE A JOY TO SHARE? Please submit your prayer request online at deserthills.org. Adversity is a condition of suffering and hardship involving anguish, pressure, trials, heartaches, or disappointments. It may be physical or emotional in nature, and either long or short in duration, but it always causes pain. Although none of us want hurt or trouble, if it comes, we have two options. We can waste our sorrows or grow in our relationship with the Lord. Spiritual growth in adversity depends on several factors; one of which is to equip us to comfort others. That is where your Walking Beside ministers can make a difference -- meeting your need by providing care, compassion, community, and a listening ear. Give us a call.
Barb Conti Joe Gilleland Moon Kahn
480-419-8232 480-575-8406 480-391-2034
Shirley Klein Sara Sebransky Marsha Lindquist
602-881-0936 480-888-6192 480-513-1132
2021 CONTRIBUTION ENVELOPES Now available for pick-up in the narthex. page 7
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REACH OUT! We are so glad you (yes, you) are here with us at DHPC... and we want you to be excited about inviting others! One of the first steps to evangelism is to invite people onto our campus and welcome them once they are here. DHPC has a number of events that are attractive to our community. Inviting friends to DHPC is every member's responsibility, and welcoming them is a privilege.
Who might YOU invite to Adult Education Classes? We are ALL ministers of outreach. Let's love this community together!
Thank you for generously supporting the work of Christ’s kingdom through ministries of the DHPC Foundation. Your gifts touch lives in the name of the living Christ every day. dhpcfoundation.org
Plant a tree for your greatGrandchildren to climb. Remember the DHPC Foundation in your estate plans.
December Wish List
DHPC Winter Echoes Newsletter Now Available! Digital copies can be found on the church website: www.deserthills.org and printed copies are in the Narthex and Fellowship Center.
CANNED PASTA CREAM SOUPS BOTTLED JUICE PEANUT BUTTER JELLY BAR SOAP PASTA SIDES (RICE A RONI, ETC) L & XL GLOVES page 9
HOLIDAY READING with the DHPC Book Club The Virginia Dynasty by Lynne Cheney Join us January 30th, 6:00pm at the home of Hans & Gail Thiele as we begin the new year with a non-fiction book. To RSVP, please call Gail at (480) 437-1331.
WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY BEGINNING THE WEEK OF JAN. 11th Offered 2 times Per Week! Monday, Jan. 11th at 6:30pm & Thursday, Jan. 14th at 10:00am Both times will be via Zoom.
Journey through the life and times of the prophet Elijah to discover how the fire on Mount Carmel was forged in the valley of famine. And how the emboldened, fiery faith you desire is being fashioned by God in your life right now. This is a NEW study and books will be available beginning Jan. 4, 2021. You may prepurchase your book at https:// www.amazon.com/Elijah -Bible-Study-BookFaith/dp/1087715423
For more information or to sign up, please contact Kathleen Harris kharris@deserthills.org / (602) 741-3429
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CALENDAR Blue=Zoom Video Meeting Red=Live Stream on YouTube SM=Student Ministry Sunday, Dec 27 7:30am Choir Rehearsal 8:15am Traditional (Sanctuary) 9:15am Congregational Mtg. (Sanctuary) 9:45am Traditional (Sanctuary) 9:45am Worship (Streaming) 9:45am SM Class (FC #212-215) 11:10am Gathering (Fellowship Center)
Tuesday, Dec 29 6:00pm Women’s AA (FC #215) 6:30pm Boy Scout’s Mtg. (FC #216)
Sunday, Jan 3 8:15am Traditional (Sanctuary) 9:45am Traditional (Sanctuary) 9:45am Worship (Streaming) Wednesday, Dec 30 9:45am SM Class (FC #212-215) 6:45pm Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) 11:10am Gathering (Fellowship Center)
Monday, Dec 28 9:00am Bulletin Announcement Deadline 10:00am Women’s Bible Study 12:30pm Prayer Group 1:00pm Children’s Ministry Mtg. & Training (FC #215)
Friday, Jan 1 OFFICE CLOSED 4:00pm Newcomer AA (FC #215) 4:30pm Coed AA (Sanctuary)
Thursday, Dec 31 12:00pm OFFICE CLOSED
Saturday, Jan 2 No Events Scheduled
Worship Schedule 8:15 am - Traditional Worship - Sanctuary 9:45 am - Traditional Worship - Sanctuary & STREAMING 11:10 am - The Gathering Worship - Fellowship Center Notice: Some of our worship services are regularly video recorded and posted online. If you have a concern, please contact the church office.
Weekly reservations are still required to attend. In addition, The Session is continuing its policy that masks or face shields are required for everyone who attends worship with the exception of children age five and under (who must remain with guardians at all times). A mask or face shield must be worn when you are entering the building, during the worship service and the entire time you are on the church campus (bring one from home or one will be provided). For those who are unable to wear a mask or face shield due to medical reasons, The Session feels that you are safer at home.
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