WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Claude Balbastre
Noël: Ou s’en vont ces gais bergers (Where are those happy shepherds going) Jack Mitchener, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WELCOME Rev. Allie Osborne
Rev. Osborne
Leader: We gather wondering, 'Where will we find the Babe born in Bethlehem?'
People: We will find the Babe in the laughter of children, in the wisdom of grandparents.
Leader: We gather asking, 'Where will we find the Child of Christmas?'
People: We will find the Child where the needy are gifted with hope, where the oppressed are set free.
Leader: We gather wanting to know, 'Where will we find the Christ who has come for us?'
People: We will find our Hope where fear is overwhelmed by grace, where hatred is overwhelmed by love, where all people are overwhelmed by joy.
HYMN NO. 165 Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne MARGARET
OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 60:1–3 Bill Gabbard (p. 602 in your pew Bible)
ANTHEM Arise, Arise and Shine McDonald Sanctuary Choir; Jack Mitchener, organ
OFFERTORY PRAYER Jim George
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 11 a.m.
SILENCE & PASTORAL PRAYER
OFFERTORY Gesu Bambino Yon Bill Gabbard, tenor; Jack Mitchener, organ
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706) OLD 100TH
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Children K–5 may leave during this time for Kids Worship in room C-305 of the Children's Building.
Rev. Jonathan Hall
HYMN NO. 151 We Three Kings KINGS OF ORIENT
NEW TESTAMENT Matthew 2:1–12
Rev. Brewer (p. 783–784 in your pew Bible)
SERMON Seeking Christ Rev. Brewer
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 164 KINGSFOLD
O Sing a Song of Bethlehem
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
BENEDICTION
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell! Born is the King of Israel!
POSTLUDE Improvisation on Christmas Melodies Jack Mitchener, organ
Bill Gabbard
Rev. Brewer
Newcomers
GREEN GUEST CARD: FOR FIRST TIMERS
Use it to share as much information as you like and drop it in the offering plate. We understand that some people are hesitant to fill out church cards. It's true—a member of our pastoral staff will reach out, but you won't be flooded with communication. Engagement with us will be at your own pace.
If you're a guest who's ready to take the next step or a church member who wants to deepen your involvement, fill out the red pew card—I'm a Regular—and drop it in the offering plate. Let us know how we can help. RED CARD: FOR RETURNING GUESTS & SPDL MEMBERS
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Reciting the Lord's Prayer together is a powerful experience, one that is guided by inclusion from its very first word. If prompted, we invite you to join us in this meaningful prayer practice.
Our Father, Which 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 trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
We love to see children at Second-Ponce, and we have a Kids’ Club area just for them! It's one floor up from the Sanctuary, and our greeters will be happy to show you the way. In the Kids' Club, there’s a nursery and Kids Worship for babies–5th grade. You may take your children to the Kids' Club before the service or, if you prefer, they can stay with you in the Sanctuary for the entire hour or until the Doxology when kids leave with ministry leaders.
JOINING SECOND-PONCE
Second-Ponce enthusiastically welcomes you to make a commitment to Christ and our community of faith. At any time during the Hymn of Response, simply walk to the front of the Sanctuary where a member of our ministry team will greet you with warmth and joy. If you're uncomfortable being "in the spotlight," but still want to join–that's ok! Speak with one of our ministers after worship and they'll walk you through an alternate plan.
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER GUIDE
Week 23 Jan. 5–11: New Year, New Creation
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 51:10–12
Pray: Creator of all new things, thank You for a new year. A year full of freshness and new opportunity. We are grateful for Your eternal love and undeserved grace. Convict us of the ways that we have fallen short this past year and create in us clean hearts and minds. Renew your spirit and its fruits within us as individuals and a church. Give us Your wisdom, goals and vision. (Pause in silence to listen to God.) Give us patience to wait for You during transition. Help us to honor and joyfully praise You. (Pause to offer praise to God.) Help us to love You and others with all we have. (Pause in silence to listen to God.) Amen.
REMINDER
BENEVOLENCE MINISTRY COLLECTON
January 1–31 Welcome Center
We need to restock some specific items for our benevolence ministry:
• Large and X-Large Crew Socks
• Men’s Underwear: Large and X-Large
• Women’s Underwear: Large, X-Large, and XX-Large
UPCOMING EVENTS
YOUNG ADULT JANUARY DINNER
Tues, Jan. 7 7:15 p.m. Taqueria del Sol (Cheshire Bridge location) | Cost: Your Own Meal
Life has been busy, so let's catch up over dinner at Taqueria del Sol. Meet at SPdL at 7 p.m. if you want to carpool. If you're driving straight to the restaurant, we'll see you there at 7:15 p.m. RSVP by Sun, Jan. 5, to Jonathan (jhall@spdl.org).
COMMUNITY NIGHT IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL
Wed, Jan. 8 | Supper at 5 p.m. | Activities at 6 p.m. Meal Cost: $10/adult; $5/child
Don't miss our first Wednesday night back after the holiday break! We'll eat comfort food and have a fun evening together.
Menu: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad and desserts RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Jan. 6, at www.spdl.org/rsvp
DEACON ORDINATION/INSTALLATION SERVICE & CHURCHWIDE LUNCH
Sun, Jan. 12 Service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary | Lunch to follow in the Fellowship Hall
Join us for worship as we bless Deacons to their upcoming term of service. After the service, all are welcome and invited to bring a pot of soup/stew/chowder to share with your church family. We’ll have a yummy baked potato bar, too! Drop off your soups in the Fellowship Hall prior to worship.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT BOOK STUDY: RECKLESS LOVE
Wednesdays: Jan. 15, 22 & 29 6 p.m. Fellowship Hall
While many hope to learn to be better family, friends, leaders and neighbors by finding a deeper relationship with God, what if becoming a better neighbor leads you to that deeper love of God? How did Jesus teach the Greatest Commandment to His disciples? In his book, “Reckless Love,” author Tom Berlin, through his exploration of Jesus’ teaching and travels with His disciples, suggests that Jesus teaches us how to love God with heart, soul, mind and strength by showing us how to love our neighbor. Borrow a book from Allie (limited copies) or purchase one of your own.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NEW IN FAMILY MINISTRY: CIRCLE UP
1st & 3rd Sunday Nights | 5–7 p.m. | Includes Snack Supper | For Kids, Youth & Parents
Exciting things are happening in SPdL family ministries! Introducing Circle Up: A comprehensive ministry curriculum for kids, youth & parents. In addition to age-appropriate programming for children and students, a dedicated parent group will also meet during this time. Circle Up will replace the weekly Wednesday night gatherings and instead, meet every 1st and 3rd Sunday from 5–7p.m. (includes a snack supper).
Upcoming Schedule:
• January 19
• February 2 & 16
• March 2 (March 16 will be a churchwide missions experience)
• April 6 (skip Easter)
• May 4 & 18
• Break for the summer
PRIME
TIMERS' COCOA AND COOKIE BAR
Tue, Jan. 21 2–4pm Fellowship Hall
Join us as we chase away the cold of winter with a cocoa and cookie bar. We'll enjoy hot chocolate with lots of fun toppings and homemade cookies. Board games and bingo will be available. A donation of $1–2 to cover expenses is suggested. No RSVP necessary. Questions? Contact Karen Harwell at kharwell@spdl.org or 404.591-.4357.
CHURCH IN CONFERENCE
Sun, Jan. 26 After Worship Fellowship Hall Boxed Lunch: $10
Immediately after worship, we'll hold our first Church in Conference of 2025. Come get updates about finances, our membership rolls project and the pastor search process as well as ministry reports from our various councils and staff. Boxed lunches (a choice of either ham/turkey sandwiches with assorted chips) will be available. RSVP by Wed, Jan. 22 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
MONDAY, JANUARY 6
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7
7:15 p.m. Young Adult January Dinner
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Community Night Activities
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10
4 p.m. Children's Retreat Begins
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Bible Study & Sunday School for Children, Youth & Adults
11 a.m. Worship*
Noon Children's Retreat Ends
12:15 p.m. Soup Potluck Lunch
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.
Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
January 5, 2025
