WORSHIP OF GOD
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 11 a.m.
PRELUDE Claude Balbastre Noël: Ou s’en vont ces gais bergers (Where are those happy shepherds going) Jack Mitchener, organ
SILENCE & PASTORAL PRAYER HYMN NO. 151
Rev. Jonathan Hall We Three Kings
KINGS OF ORIENT
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP WELCOME
Rev. Allie Osborne
INVITATION TO WORSHIP HYMN NO. 124
Rev. Osborne The First Nowell
THE FIRST NOWELL
LITANY
Rev. Ronnie Brewer
Leader: We gather wondering, 'Where will we find the Babe born in Bethlehem?'
NEW TESTAMENT
SERMON
Matthew 2:1–12
Rev. Brewer
Seeking Christ
Rev. Brewer
(p. 783–784 in your pew Bible)
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 164 O Sing a Song of Bethlehem
KINGSFOLD
Bill Gabbard
Leader: We gather asking, 'Where will we find the Child of Christmas?'
BENEDICTION
Rev. Brewer
People: We will find the Child where the needy are gifted with hope, where the oppressed are set free.
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
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
Nowell, Nowell, Nowell, Nowell! Born is the King of Israel! POSTLUDE
MARGARET
Welcome to church! Make yourself at home here.
USING THE PEW CARDS
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. RED CARD: FOR RETURNING GUESTS & SPDL MEMBERS 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.
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
People: We will find the Babe in the laughter of children, in the wisdom of grandparents.
Newcomers INFO FOR
Improvisation on Christmas Melodies Jack Mitchener, organ
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.
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP OLD TESTAMENT
ANTHEM
Isaiah 60:1–3
Bill Gabbard
Arise, Arise and Shine
McDonald
(p. 602 in your pew Bible)
Sanctuary Choir; Jack Mitchener, organ
OFFERTORY PRAYER OFFERTORY
Jim George Gesu Bambino
Bill Gabbard, tenor; Jack Mitchener, organ
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706) Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Yon
OLD 100TH
Children K–5 may leave during this time for Kids Worship in room C-305 of the Children's Building.
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.