Order of Worship 12-24-24 by Second-Ponce

Christmas Eve

AT SECOND-PONCE

PRELU DE

Fantasia on Greensleeves (Hymn 148, What Child is This) Ralph Vaughan Williams Pastorale—Gesù Bambino (on Adeste fideles, Hymn 103, O come, all ye faithful) Pietro Yon Silent Night (from Christmas) Dudley Buck

Jack Mitchener, organ

CHIMING OF THE HOUR

CALL TO WORSHIP

Bill Gabbard

Good people all, this Christmas time, Consider well and bear in mind

What our good God for us has done, In sending His beloved Son. With Mary holy we should pray

To God with love this Christmas Day; In Bethlehem upon the morn There was a blest Messiah born.

HYMN NO. 148 What Child Is This? GREENSLEEVES

WELCOME & INVOCATION Rev. Ronnie Brewer

LIGHTING OF THE CHRIST CANDLE The Harle Family

READING A Christmas Verse by Eugene Field Anne Marie Alexander

Why do the bells of Christmas ring? Why do little children sing?

Once a lovely shining star, Seen by shepherds from afar, Gently moved until its light Made a manger's cradle bright.

There a darling baby lay, Pillowed soft upon the hay. And its mother sung and smiled: "This is Christ, the holy Child!"

Therefore bells for Christmas ring, Therefore little children sing.

MUSICAL OFFERING Breath of Heaven Grant

Whitney Anderson, soprano; Joy Callaway, piano

PASTORAL PRAYER

That we ourselves, opening a stall (a latch thrown open countless times before), might find them breathing there. Foreknown: The Child bedded in straw, the mother kneeling over Him, the husband standing in belief he scarcely can believe, in light that lights them from no source we see.

An April morning’s light, the air around them joyful as a choir. We stand with one hand on the door, looking into another world that is this world. The pale daylight coming just as before, our chores to do, the cattle all awake, our own frozen breath hanging in front of us; and we are here as we have never been before, sighted as not before, our place Holy, although we knew it not.

HYMN God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen GOD REST YE MERRY

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas day, to save us all from Satan's pow'r when we were gone astray;

Refrain: O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.

From God our heav'nly Father, a blessed angel came; and unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same: how that in Bethlehem was born the son of God by name, [Refrain]

"Fear not, then," said the angel, "let nothing you affright; this day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright, to free all those who trust in him from Satan's pow'r and might." [Refrain]

The shepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind, and left their flocks a-feeding, in tempest, storm, and wind, and went to Bethlehem straightway, the Son of God to find. [Refrain]

STORY TIME

SCRIPTURE Luke 2:1–20

MEDITATION

THE LORD'S SUPPER

DUET

Rev. Allie Osborne

HYMN NO. 132 It Came upon the Midnight Clear CAROL

READING Christmas Poem (Wendell Berry, from “Sabbath Poems”) Lynn Handley

Remembering that it happened once, we cannot turn away the thought: As we go out, cold, to our barns toward the long night’s end, that we ourselves are living in the world it happened in when it first happened.

INFO FOR

Newcomers

Rev. Jonathan Hall

Rev. Brewer (p. 832–833 in your pew Bible)

Rev. Brewer

O Holy Night Adam

Jeanne and Denise Williams; Joy Callaway, piano

LIGHTING OF CANDLES Silent Night, Holy Night STILLE NACHT

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright Round yon virgin mother and child! Holy Infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight. Glory streams from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing "Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born."

Silent night, holy night. Son of God, love's pure light Radiant beams from Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

BENEDICTION

Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light; With the angels let us sing Alleluia to our King: Christ the Savior is born, Christ the Savior is born.

Rev. Brewer

POSTLUDE Variations on the Noël Il est né, le divin enfant Achille Philip Jack Mitchener, organ

Please extinguish your candle at your seat and place it in one of the baskets at the door as you leave. We ask that you reverently refrain from conversation until you have exited the Sanctuary.

GREEN 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 SUPPER

Also known as Communion, the Lord's Supper reminds us of Jesus' ultimate act of love—dying for our sins. The crackers and juice symbolize the sacrifice of His body and blood. All those who proclaim Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior are welcome to join with Second-Ponce in this sacred ritual.

If you are unable to comfortably stand in line to receive Communion, please remain seated and an usher will bring you the elements.

Those seated in the Balcony are invited to join the rest of the congregation on the main floor in receiving the Lord's Supper.

GIVING AN OFFERING

Your financial support of Second-Ponce allows us to carry out the mission God has for our church. There are Virtual Offering Plate cards in the pew racks that utilize a QR code and Text to Give options for making gifts online. You may also place it in the designated plates just outside of the Sanctuary entrances. Thank you.

JOINING SECOND-PONCE

Second-Ponce enthusiastically welcomes you to make a commitment to Christ and our community of faith. After the service, 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 the service or stop by during the week and they'll walk you through an alternate plan.

Our beautiful Christmas decor was lovingly sponsored by and dedicated to the following:

IN HONOR OF BY

Judy Acuff

Rev. & Mrs. Ronnie Brewer

Joy Callaway

Kathy Dukes

Bill & Mary Lynn Gabbard

Milligan & Jonathan Hall

Jack Mitchener

Our children & grandchildren

Our teachers

Rick Rogers

James W. Suggs

the New Covenant Class members

the New Covenant Class teachers the New Covenant Class teachers

Juliane & Ron Watts

Jim & Patti George

George Trusler the Sanctuary Choir

the Open Door class

the Sanctuary Choir

Sally Angevine

George Trusler the Sanctuary Choir

Bill & Mary Lynn Gabbard the Open Door class the Sanctuary Choir

Rob & Gayle Suggs

Rob & Gayle Suggs a friend a friend

Jim & Patti George

IN MEMORY OF BY

Lindsay Acuff

Bill Angevine

Nancy Suggs, Jake & Doris Bailey

James & Elizabeth Blanton

Dennis & Virginia Brown

Alton & Mary Lou Bryant

Douglas Bryant

Willard & Eunice Byrd

James Beckham Carmical

Bill Dukes

Ben and Agnes Gabbard

Mr. & Mrs. J.C. George

Carolyn Cooledge Harber

Hank & Delores Harle

Lorinne & Clayton Hodges

Florence Richardson James

Virginia & Homer Kerr

Heng Hoo & Doris Lim

James T. McAfee, Jr.

William J. "Jack" & Pauline D. Mosteller

Benny Gabbard & Caroline Gabbard

Mr. & Mrs. Billy F. Peery

G.H. & Brownie Richardson

Elliott Calhoun Rountree

Ouida & Everett Sara

Everett Suters

Julia Suters

Jim & Dot Trusler

Charles & Grace Tuggle

Lucille Turner

Helen White

REMINDERS

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

• 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.

YEAR-END GIVING

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BENEVOLENCE MINISTRY COLLECTON

January 1–31 | Welcome Center

We need to restock some specific items for our benevolence ministry:

• Large and X-Large Crew Socks

• Men’s Underwear: Large and X-Large

• Women’s Underwear: Large, X-Large, and XX-Large

POLAR OPPOSITE PEACHTREE

Sat, Jan. 4 | 8-10 a.m. | SPdL Front Lawn

Juliane & Ron Watts

Sally Angevine

Rob & Gayle Suggs

Bill & Mary Lynn Gabbard

Barbara Brown their family his family their family

Sharon Carmical & family

Kathy Dukes & family the Open Door class

Bill & Mary Lynn Gabbard

Jim & Patti George her family

Duncan, Sharon & Maria Harle

Patricia & John Kerr

Sally Angevine

Patricia & John Kerr

Duncan, Sharon & Maria Harle

Rosemary Mosteller

Bill & Mary Lynn Gabbard

Jim & Patti George

Sally Angevine

his family

Gay Sara

Gary Suters & family

George Trusler

Noel & Angelyn Turner

her family

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!

COMMUNITY NIGHT IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL

Wed, Jan. 8 | Supper at 5 p.m. | Activities at 6 p.m. | Meal Cost: $10/adult; $5/child

Don't miss our first Wednesday night back after the holiday break! We'll eat comfort food and have a fun evening together.

Menu: Pot roast, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad and desserts. RSVP: By Noon, Mon, Jan, 6 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.

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

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 age-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). Don't miss the Circle Up kick-off event on Sun, Jan. 19!

Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.

Second-Ponce Ministerial Staff

REV. RONNIE BREWER

Interim Senior Pastor rbrewer@spdl.org

BILL GABBARD

Minister of Music bgabbard@spdl.org

REV. JONATHAN HALL

Minister of Community & Student Discipleship | jhall@spdl.org

REV. ALLIE OSBORNE

Minister of Missions & Children's Discipleship | aosborne@spdl.org