WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, December 15, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE In dulci jubilo (Hymn 122) Marcel Dupré Gabriel’s Message–The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came Paul Manz Jack Mitchener, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WELCOME
Karen Harwell
INVITATION TO WORSHIP Karen Harwell
LIGHTING OF THE JOY CANDLE The James 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 joy, reflected in me.
HYMN NO. 126 Angels, From the Realms of Glory REGENT SQUARE
LITANY Rev. Allie Osborne
Leader: Now is the time, let us pause.
Congregation: As we wait, may we hear the voice of God.
Leader: Now is the time, let us watch.
Congregation: In our homes, at our work, even while waiting in line—may we see the face of Christ.
Leader: Now is the moment, let us prepare our hearts.
Congregation: In our words, in our hearts, in all we say and do—may God’s extravagant love shine through.
HYMN NO. 122 Good Christian Friends, Rejoice IN DULCI
OLD TESTAMENT 1 Samuel 2:1–4 Amanda Payne (p. 214 in your pew Bible)
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.
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.
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.
ANTHEM In the Bleak Midwinter Holst Sanctuary Choir; Jack Mitchener, organ
OFFERTORY PRAYER Alison Kosnett
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
POSTLUDE Noël X: Grand Jeu et Duo Louis-Claude Daquin
Jack Mitchener, 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.
JUBILO
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
At the October Church in Conference, we introduced a plan to review our membership rolls and identify active and inactive members. This plan included proposed bylaw changes which will be presented for a vote at the January Church in Conference. We’ve begun drafting policies and procedures for this review and will soon begin evaluating the rolls to identify inactive members.
This is the first review of its kind in many years, and we want everyone to understand the process. At this post-worship Q&A session, you can also make suggestions, and review and offer helpful information regarding a list of members we cannot contact. If you’re unable to attend, you can share your thoughts and questions by emailing community@spdl.org. Your email will be thoughtfully considered and answered.
Your participation is essential to this important process. Thank you for helping us ensure that SPdL remains a strong church family.
DEDICATE CHRISTMAS DECOR TO LOVED ONES
Deadline: Wed, Dec. 18 | $30/each
Help us make SPdL a festive and inviting campus during this Christmas season by sponsoring decor in honor of loved ones. Your donations will fill our space with vibrant, fresh poinsettias, hand-made live wreaths and even a few new Christmas tree decor elements all to usher us into this most joyous of seasons. Dedication forms are available in the Welcome Center; cash and checks are accepted. Simply return your payment and form to the church office. A commemorative list of honorees will be included with the Christmas Eve candlelight service bulletin. Contact Vicki McCaskey with questions at vmccaskey@spdl.org or 404.591.4344.
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.
CHURCHWIDE BREAKFAST
Sun, Dec. 22 | Beginning at 10 a.m. Fellowship Hall No Sunday School
Everyone is invited to spend the Sunday School hour eating breakfast together! Some of our congregation's best cooks are providing a delicious breakfast and the Pastor Search Committee will be on hand to chat with folks around the table. RSVP is not required.
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Tues, Dec. 24 6 p.m. Sanctuary
Everyone is invited to spend Christmas Eve at Second-Ponce! Our candlelight service is a much-loved community tradition filled with music, Scripture and prayer all ending in the warm, quiet glow of flickering flames. We'll also share in the Lord's Supper together. Invite your family and friends!
THE KIDS' CLUB CHRISTMAS MISSIONS POST OFFICE
Operational through Tues, Dec. 24 In the Welcome Center
Send Christmas cards to your church family using the Children’s Missions Post Office located in the Welcome Center. The service is free, but we do ask for donations (suggested: 50 cents/card) all of which go to SPdL missions. Simply add your donation and Christmas cards in the corresponding slots. Be sure to stop by and see if you have a card.
BUY A "HOPEBOX" THIS CHRISTMAS
Cost: $55 | Purchase at www.spdl.org/hopebox
Together for Hope is transforming rural America by focusing on four priorities of hope: education, health & nutrition, housing & environment, and social enterprise. Their “HopeBox” makes a great Christmas gift and the proceeds from your purchase go directly to their work. The box contains three products produced across their three service regions:
• From the Appalachia Region: Appalachian Gold’s Mama’s Meat Sauce
• From the Black Belt Region: Koinonia Farm’s Party Mix
• From the Delta Region: Nick Wallace Culinary’s Nick’s 26 All-Purpose Seasoning Buy a box for yourself or give one as a gift at www.spdl.org/hopebox. Learn more about Together for Hope at www.tfhope.org.
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER GUIDE
We continue to walk during our forty weeks of prayer along with the themes and prayers in the Advent devotional–Holy Pauses. A few copies are still available at the Welcome Center. You may also download the devotional as a PDF or read it interactively at www.spdl.org/advent.
Week 20 (Dec. 15–21): Pausing to Ponder
Read: 1 Corinthians 2:9
Pray: Father of Jesus: Help us to stop and ponder ... to truly consider Your Son’s birth, life, death and resurrection in new ways. May we marvel at the inconceivable things you have prepared for us—individually and for our church family. (Pause for silent prayer.) Help us to appreciate the Advent and Christmas season by seeing places to stop and take holy pauses and marvel at your works. Amen.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
15, 2024
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
12:15 p.m. Membership Rolls Q&A Session
End of Day Youth Christmas Party & Lock-In RSVP Due
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
NO REGULAR WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES
End of Day Christmas Decor Forms Due
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20
7 p.m. Youth Christmas Party & Lock-In Begins
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21
9 a.m. Youth Christmas Party & Lock-In Ends
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
10 a.m. Churchwide Breakfast 11 a.m. Worship*
The Call of Mary and her “yes.” A lesson in faith and strength.
Luke 1:26–38 THIS MORNING'S MESSAGE
Rev. Ronnie Brewer Interim Senior Pastor Advent People: Mary
