WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Savior of the Nations, Come, S. 659 J. S. Bach Jack Mitchener, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WELCOME Rev. Allie Osborne
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Rev. Osborne
LIGHTING OF THE HOPE CANDLE The Hubble Family
RESPONSE HYMN Hope, Peace, Joy and Love BAUGH
Hope, peace, joy and love! These are gifts You bring from above. Jesus, Emmanuel, come to be light of Your hope, reflected in me. HYMN
LITANY Bill Gabbard
Leader: Something stirs deep within us—a longing, a hope ...
Congregation: A thirst for joy, a hunger for peace, a yearning for blessing.
Leader: We know deep within that our hopes and fears ...
Congregation: Will be met by angel songs and baby sighs.
Leader: It is Advent ...
Congregation: Season of waiting, hoping, yearning.
Leader: Advent ...
All: A season of Hope.
HYMN NO. 81 Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence PICARDY
Newcomers
Welcome to church! Make yourself at home here.
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.
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.
J. S. Bach
OLD TESTAMENT 1 Samuel 16:6–7 Anne Marie Alexander (p. 226 in your pew Bible)
ANTHEM Every Valley Beck Sanctuary Choir; Jack Mitchener, organ
HOLY PAUSES
Karen Harwell
HOLY PAUSES: An Advent Devotional
We invite you to join Second-Ponce as we intentionally seek to pause this Advent season. Copies of the devotional—written by our members and staff—can be found at the Sanctuary entrances, in the Welcome Center, in weekly emails or online at www.spdl.org/advent.
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
COMMUNITY WELLNESS CENTER HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Mon, Dec. 2 | During regular business hours | Free Lunch: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
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.
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)
SUPPER & THE CULTURE OF CHRISTMAS Wed, Dec. 4 Supper: 5 p.m. Program: 6 p.m. Supper Cost: $10/adults; $5/child Fellowship Hall & On Zoom
Alison Kosnett and Sharon Harle will share some of their international Christmas traditions and we will get to experience some cultural traditions from around the world! Menu: Shepherd’s pie, sauteed asparagus, salad & dessert RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Dec. 2, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS & RECEPTION
2024 Christmas Cantata Sun, Dec. 8 | 11 a.m. | Sanctuary Reception to Follow
The SPdL Music Ministry will be offering a Service of Lessons and Carols. The Sanctuary Choir, orchestra, Kid’s Club, handbells and congregational carol singing will all be a part of this experience of worship, where music of the Christmas season alternates with Scripture passages focusing on the prophecy and fulfillment of Christ’s coming to this world. Come and remember our Savior’s birth with us, in music and the spoken Word!
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 lunch (Rosemary roasted chicken breast with garlic roasted asparagus, roasted potatoes, poached pear salad, rolls and Christmas cranberry cake) and brief program.
RSVP: Contact Vicki in the church office at vmccaskey@spdl.org or 404.591.4344 by Thurs, Dec. 5. Indicate whether you are attending the lunch only, the tour only or both. Please leave an email and best phone number with Vicki when you sign up.
COMMUNITY NIGHT: COOKIES & CAROLS
Wed, Dec. 11 | Supper at 5 p.m. Program at 6 p.m. | Supper Cost: $10/adult; $5/child Fellowship Hall
Bring your sweet tooth and singing voice and join us for Fellowship Supper followed by Cookies and Carols. You don’t want to miss this festive community night! Menu: Stuffed chicken breast (spinach and cheese) with yellow rice, mixed vegetables, salad and dessert
RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Dec.9, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP
Thurs, Dec. 12 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Betsy Perkins’ Home
Come spread some cheer at the SPdL Women's Christmas Fellowship! Bring a festive appetizer or dessert to share. Address will be sent to those who sign up. RSVP at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
UPCOMING EVENTS
YOUNG ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY
Fri, Dec. 13 | 7-9 p.m. Location will be shared upon RSVP
Entrée and drinks provided, so bring a side dish or dessert to share! White elephant gift exchange limit: $25. RSVP by Sun, Dec. 8, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
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.
CHURCHWIDE Q&A SESSION
Sun, Dec. 15 | After Worship | Until 1 p.m. | Fellowship Hall
Everyone is encouraged to stay after worship for a Q&A session regarding the Deacon initiative to update the membership rolls. You may remember this project being a topic of discussion at our October Church in Conference. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the why and how behind this initiative.
YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY & LOCK-IN
Fri, Dec. 20 at 7 p.m.–Sat, Dec. 21 at 9 a.m. | Cost: $20/person (includes 2 meals, snacks & crafts)
It's almost time for our annual Christmas Party & Lock-In! Bring a friend and join us for an exciting evening/night/morning filled with all kinds of holiday fun! RSVP by Sun, Dec. 15, at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
40 WEEKS
OF PRAYER GUIDE
This week begins our annual Advent Devotional—Holy Pauses–written by Second-Ponce members and staff. We will walk during our forty weeks of prayer along with the themes and prayers in the devotional.
Week 18 (Dec. 1–7): Pausing to Rest
Read: Psalm 46:10 and Isaiah 40:29–31
Pray: Creator God, show us where and when to pause for rest and reflection, and what we need to surrender. Help us to slow down this Advent season to consider the Babe in the manger Who grew to be the Savior of the universe. Thank You for this amazing gift. Amen.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2
All Day CWC Holiday Open House
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
7:15 p.m. Young Adult December Dinner
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. The Culture of Christmas
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5
End of Day Prime Timers' Christmas Celebration RSVP Due
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
9:45 a.m. Sunday School and Bible Study for Children, Youth & Adults
11 a.m. Lessons & Carols*
12 p.m. Reception
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.
