WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Andante from Trio Sonata IV J. S. Bach
Alvin Blount, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WELCOME Rev. Jonathan Hall
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
HYMN NO. 61 We Gather Together
Rev. Hall
WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 11 a.m.
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.
SILENCE & PASTORAL PRAYER
Rev. Allie Osborne A THANKSGIVING PRAYER EXPERIENCE
Newcomers
to church! Make yourself at home here.
HYMN NO. 379 Let All Things Now Living ASH GROVE
OLD TESTAMENT Psalm 46
Dr. Daniel Vestal (p. 450 in your pew Bible)
LITANY Bill Gabbard
Leader: Grace and peace to you from God our Father, Who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing that comes from heaven;
Congregation: Who knew you and chose you before the world began;
Leader: Who loves you so much that God calls you God's own children;
Congregation: Who has brought you from darkness into light and filled you with God's glorious power;
Leader: Who has prepared an inheritance for you that will never spoil or fade;
Congregation: Who encourages and strengthens you in every good deed and word;
Leader: Who comforts you in your troubles so that you can comfort others;
Congregation: This is our God, the ultimate source of all things, and the One for whom we live.
All: Let’s worship God together!
HYMN NO. 372 ST. GEORGES, WINDSOR Come, Ye Thankful People, Come
NEW TESTAMENT John 17:6–17 Eddie Applegate (p. 879–880 in your pew Bible)
ANTHEM God So Loved the World Stainer Sanctuary Choir
OFFERTORY PRAYER Lee Perkins
OFFERTORY Little Pastorale Florence Price Alvin Blount, organ
SERMON God Is Our Refuge Dr. Vestal
HYMN OF RESPONSE NO. 383 McAFEE Near to the Heart of God
Those wishing to join Second-Ponce today are invited to come down front at this time.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT Rev. Hall
BENEDICTION
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness! Lord, unto me.
Dr. Vestal
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.
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.
POSTLUDE Crown Him With Many Crowns arr. Albin C. Whitworth
Alvin Blount, organ
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.
THE LORD'S PRAYER
Welcome
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP
THIS AFTERNOON
Jack Mitchener in Concert
Today 4 p.m. | Schwartz Center for Performing Arts at Emory University | Cost: Free Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to hear our talented organist, Dr. Jack Mitchener, present Global Bach on the great Jaeckel organ! Free parking in the Fishburne deck.
FINAL WEEK
November Food Drive
This month, we're helping our friends at Toco Hills Community Alliance restock their pantry with two essentials: rice and beans. Collection bins are in the Welcome Center.
Note: Please do not purchase oversized bags or cans as they can be difficult to carry home for those walking or riding public transportation.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES
Thanksgiving Week Adjustments:
• The church office will close at Noon, Tues, Nov. 26, and reopens Mon, Dec, 2.
• No Fellowship Supper or activities on Wed, Nov. 27
• Churchwide breakfast and adult Sunday School beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Sun, Dec. 1, in the Fellowship Hall. No Zoom or dial-in on this day.
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER GUIDE
Week 17 (Nov. 24–30): Abundance
Read: Romans 15:13 and 2 Peter 1:2–8
Pray: God of all abundance, help us to be satisfied with the material things we have. Lead us, during this time of often gluttony and overindulgence, to instead look for Your abundance of joy and peace. For You have given us everything we need for life. Help us to strive for excellence in our faith, increased knowledge of Your word and will, self-control in trying times, endurance for the race we run and godliness to honor You. Help us love each other with Your love, overflowing and spilling out. Amen.
ADVENT STARTS NEXT SUNDAY
The Advent season is nearly upon us! We hope you'll spend this time with your SecondPonce family as we wait for the Messiah together. Please make note of the events happening during this time and consider inviting others to join you.
Beginning Sun, Dec. 1, the 2024 Advent devotional, Holy Pauses, will be available in hard copy in the Welcome Center, online at www.spdl.org/advent and via daily emails. If you don't receive SPdL emails, contact Candice (cyoung@spdl.org) to be added to the list.
NEW ON THE CALENDAR
YOUNG ADULT DINNER
Tues, Dec. 3 | 7:15 p.m. | Hobnob Tavern Cost: Your Own Meal
Young adults, join us for our monthly dinner at Hobnob Tavern! We'll hang out, eat good food and have a fun evening before the busyness of the holiday season sets in. Location: 245 18th Street NW, Atlanta, 30363
RSVP: By Sun, Dec. 1, to Jonathan (jhall@spdl.org)
COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Mon, Dec. 2 | During regular business hours Free Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Everyone is invited to the CWC's annual Holiday Open House! You don't have to be a member to enjoy this festive kick-off to the season. It will be a great day with:
• Community vendors selling holiday gift items
• Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. or as long as the food lasts
• Guest Fees will be waived the entire day
• Nutrition seminar presented by our own Marshika Pazant
• A representative from Silver Sneakers will be on hand to answer questions you may have about the program
• Lots of other fun activities
PRIME TIMERS' CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Tues, Dec. 10 | Free tour of the Governor's Mansion: 10 a.m. | Meet at SPdL to Ride Bus
Lunch in the Fellowship Hall: Noon | Lunch Cost: $12
Join us for our annual Prime Timer's Christmas Celebration. This year, we have added an optional tour of the holiday decorations at the GA Governor's Mansion. Then, we will gather at Noon in the Fellowship Hall for a festive and yummy holiday luncheon and brief program.
Menu: Rosemary roasted chicken breast with garlic roasted asparagus, roasted potatoes, poached pear salad, rolls and Christmas cranberry cake
RSVP: Contact Vicki McCaskey in the church office at vmccaskey@spdl.org or 404.591.4344 by Thurs, Dec. 5. Indicate whether you are attending the luncheon only, the tour only or both. Please leave an email and best phone number with Vicki when you sign up.
KIDS' CLUB PAJAMA PARTY Sat, Dec. 14 | 5:30-9 p.m. Cost $15 per child
The Kids' Club Christmas Pajama Party will be a fun night for children aged 0-5th grade. Get ready for friends, pizza, snacks, music, games, crafts, a Bible story and a movie. And don't forget to wear your pajamas! RSVP by Wed, Dec. 11, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
ANNUAL CHILDREN'S RETREAT
Fri, Jan. 10 (4 p.m.)–Sun, Jan. 12 (Noon) Camp Rock Eagle | Eatonton, GA Cost: $160
The Kids' Club is joining with other children's ministries from across the state to participate in a fun winter retreat. Hosted by the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Georgia, this weekend is for 3rd–6th graders. Deposit: $80 due by Sun, Dec. 15. You can pay at www.spdl.org/rsvp or see Allie.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
4 p.m. Jack Mitchener Concert
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Noon Church Office Closes
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
1ST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9:30 a.m. Churchwide Breakfast
9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Bible Study for Children, Youth & Adults 11 a.m. Worship*
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.
Vestal