WORSHIP OF GOD
Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 11 a.m.
PRELU DE Malcolm Archer Greensleeves (Bluesleeves) (Hymn 148: What Child is This) Alvin Blount, organ
CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
WELCOME
INVITATION TO WORSHIP
Anne Marie Alexander
Anne Marie Alexander
HYMN NO. 103 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES
RESPONSIVE READING Psalm 148 (from the The Inclusive Psalter) Bill Gabbard
Leader: Hallelujah! Praise God from the heavens; praise God in the heights.
People: Praise God, all you angels of God; praise God, all God’s host.
Leader: Praise God, sun and moon; praise God, all you shining stars. Praise God, heaven of heavens, and you waters above the heavens.
People: Let them praise the Name of God; for God commanded, and they were created. God made them stand fast for ever and ever; God gave them a law which shall not pass away.
Leader: Praise God from the earth, you sea-monsters and all deeps; Fire and hail, snow and fog, tempestuous wind, doing God’s will;
People: Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars; Wild beasts and all cattle, creeping things and wingèd birds;
Leader: Rulers of the earth and all peoples, governors and all judges of the world; People of all genders, old and young together.
People: Let them praise the Name of God, for God’s Name only is exalted, God’s splendor is over earth and heaven.
Leader: God has raised up strength for God’s people and praise for all God’s loyal servants, the children of Israel, a people who are near God.
Everyone: Hallelujah!
Newcomers
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.
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
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
Chaconne in C Major, BuxWV 137
Alvin Blount, organ
Dieterich Buxtehude
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
OLD TESTAMENT Isaiah 43:1–7 Tiffany Wood (p. 585–586 in your pew Bible)
ANTHEM
All Is Well Smith/Kirkpatrick, arr. Huff
Sanctuary Choir; Kiley Carpenter, solo; Joy Callaway, piano
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
CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP
REMINDERS
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
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.
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER GUIDE
Week 22 Dec. 29–Jan. 4: Preparing for the New Year
Read: Philippians 4:4-9
Pray: Gracious Lord, thank You for the year that has passed—a year of joy and sorrow, ups and downs, twists and turns. As we reflect, help us to learn from both our mistakes and successes. Turn our hearts to whatever is true, whatever is just, whatever is pure and whatever is pleasing to You. Grant us the courage to gaze into 2025 looking to abide in Your love, rely on Your power, listen to Your wisdom and instruction and love extravagantly. May our strivings be excellent and worthy to You. Keep us close to You, Lord. Amen.
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 RSVP Not Required
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!
FAMILY MINISTRY WELCOME BACK BREAKFAST
Sun, Jan. 5 | During Sunday School
Welcome back kids, youth and families! Join us for breakfast Sunday, January 5, during Sunday School. Add this event to your calendar and see Allie (aosborne@spdl.org) or Jonathan (jhall@spdl.org) for details.
YOUNG ADULT JANUARY DINNER
Tues, Jan. 7 7:15 p.m. Taqueria del Sol (Cheshire Bridge location) | Cost: Your Own Meal
Life has been busy, so let's catch up over dinner at Taqueria del Sol. Meet at SPdL at 7 p.m. if you want to carpool. If you're driving straight to the restaurant, we'll see you there at 7:15 p.m. RSVP by Sun, Jan. 5, to Jonathan (jhall@spdl.org).
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
DEACON ORDINATION/INSTALLATION SERVICE & CHURCHWIDE LUNCH
Sun, Jan. 12 Service at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary | Lunch to follow in the Fellowship Hall
Join us for worship as we bless Deacons to their upcoming term of service. After the service, 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 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 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)
• May 4 & 18
CHURCH IN CONFERENCE
Sun, Jan. 26 | After Worship | Fellowship Hall | Boxed Lunch: $10 Immediately after worship, we'll hold our first Church in Conference of 2025. Come get updates about finances, our membership rolls project and the pastor search process as well as ministry reports from our various councils and staff. Boxed lunches (a choice of either ham/turkey sandwiches with assorted chips) will be available. RSVP by Wed, Jan. 22 at www.spdl.org/rsvp.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31
Noon Church Office Closes (reopens Thursday, 1/2)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1 Happy New Year!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4
8 a.m. Polar Opposite Peachtree
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5
9:15 a.m. Coffee & Fellowship
December 29, 2024 Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
THIS MORNING'S MESSAGE
Rev. Allie Osborne Minister of Missions & Children's Disciplship Last Call
Colossians 3:12–17
Wrapping up 2024 isn’t easy, but we must be ready to start fresh as people who follow Christ before all else.
