Newcomers
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
BENEDICTION
CONGREGATIONAL BENEDICTION
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
POSTLUDE
HYMN NO. 107 O Little Town of Bethlehem ST. LOUIS
OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 9:6–7 Will Dean (p. 555 in your pew Bible)
ANTHEM Who Is He in Yonder Stall? arr. Young Sanctuary Choir; Joy Callaway, piano
OFFERTORY PRAYER Eddie Applegate
OFFERTORY Alexandre Guilmant
Noël polonais (Hymn 122: Infant Holy, Infant Lowly) Jack Mitchener, organ
DOXOLOGY (HYMN NO. 706) OLD 100TH
Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
Welcome to church! Make yourself at home here.
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
Rev. Hall
Rev. Brewer
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.
Eric H. Thiman
Postlude on Adeste fideles (Hymn 103: O Come, All Ye Faithful) Jack Mitchener, organ
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
REMINDERS
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
• Church office is closed Mon, 12/23–Wed, 12/25, and reopens Thurs, 12/26.
• No Sunday School on 12/29. We will worship as usual at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
• Church office closes at Noon, Tues, 12/31, and reopens Thurs, 1/2.
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. Buy a box for yourself or give one as a gift at www.spdl.org/hopebox.
YEAR-END GIVING
A big thank you to everyone who has given to Second-Ponce this year! As 2024 draws to a close, we're offering a reminder about year-end contributions. Gifts intended for your 2024 record must be turned in to the offering plate by Sun, Dec. 29 or postmarked no later than December 31. Due to IRS regulations, no exceptions can be made. You may also give online before Midnight, Tuesday, December 31 at www.spdl.org/give. Contact Comfort Ellis, our Financial Controller and Benefits Administrator (404.591.4359/ cellis@spdl.org) for more info.
Week 21 (Dec. 22–28): Pausing to Rejoice
Read: Luke 1:41–44; Luke 2:1–20
Pray: Jehovah God, may we pause and rejoice when we hear the Name of Jesus! May we stop and consider that which is true and praiseworthy. May we entertain thoughts and actions that are worthy of rejoicing over. This week especially we rejoice in the birth of Jesus. We are thankful that the shepherds listened, investigated and then spread the good news. Help us to also respond. Amen.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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!
POLAR OPPOSIT E PEACHTREE
Sat, Jan. 4 8-10 a.m. SPdL Front Lawn
Join us Saturday, January 4, to cheer on the runners of the Atlanta Track Club’s first-ever winter race! Hot chocolate and coffee provided. Bring your own chair or sit on the bleachers for the best view of the iconic Peachtree Road Race run in reverse! RSVP not required.
UPCOMING EVENTS
POTLUCK SOUP LUNCH
Sun, Jan. 12 After Worship | Fellowship Hall
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 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.
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 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 for kids and youth 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)
ALSO HAPPENING IN JANUARY
Mark your calendar now! More information is coming.
• Sun, 1/5: Family Ministries New Year’s Breakfast for Kids, Youth & Parents
• Tues, 1/7: Young Adult January Dinner
• Wed, 1/8: Community Night
• Sun, 1/12: Deacon Ordination/Installation Service
• Sun, 1/26: Church in Conference
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23
All Day Church Office Closed (reopens Thursday, 12/26)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
6 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 Merry Christmas!
*This
WEEK AT A GLANCE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
No Sunday School Today 11 a.m. Worship*
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
Noon Church Office Closes (reopens Thursday, 1/2)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 Happy New Year!
