Welcome to a
SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS
Presented by the Second-Ponce Music Ministry
We invite you to stay after today's service for a holiday reception in the Fellowship Hall.
Those wishing to share an offering during today's performance may place it in the designated plates just outside of the Sanctuary entrances. Thank you.
PRELU DE Christmas Fantasy Goeller SPdL Orchestra; Richard Rogers, director
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION OF SERVICE Rev. Ronnie Brewer
CALL TO WORSHIP: LIGHTING OF THE PEACE CANDLE The Martin 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 peace, reflected in me.
HYMN NO. 104 Once In Royal David’s City IRBY (Verse 1: Jeanne Williams; Verse 2: Choir; Verses 3–4: Choir and Congregation)
THE BIDDING PRAYER/THE LORD'S PRAYER Bill Gabbard
Leader: Beloved in Christ, be it this Christmastide our care and delight to hear again the message of the angels, and in heart and mind to go even unto Bethlehem and see this thing which is come to pass, and the Babe lying in a manger. Therefore let us read and mark in Holy Scripture the tale of the loving purposes of God, from the first days of our disobedience unto the glorious Redemption brought us by this Holy Child. But first, let us pray for the needs of the whole world; for peace on earth and goodwill among all His people; for unity and brotherhood within the Church He came to build, and especially in this, our fellowship. And because this of all things would rejoice His heart, let us remember, in His Name, the poor and helpless, the cold, the hungry, and the oppressed; the sick and them that mourn, the lonely and the unloved, the aged and the little children; all those who know not the Lord Jesus, or who love Him not, or who by sin have grieved His heart of love.
Lastly, let us remember before God all those who rejoice with us, but upon another shore, and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number, whose hope was in the Word made flesh, and with whom in the Lord Jesus we are forever one. These prayers and praises let us humbly offer up to the throne of heaven, in the words which Christ Himself hath taught us:
Congregation: 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 that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Leader: May the Almighty God bless us with His grace; Christ give us the joys of everlasting life, and unto the fellowship of the citizens above may the King of Angels bring us all.
Congregation: Amen.
MUSIC He Is Born, the Divine Christ Child trad. French, arr. Krogstad Sanctuary Choir; Kid’s Club Choir
FIRST LESSON Genesis 3:8–15, 17–19
Rev. Allie Osborne (p. 2–3 in your pew Bible)
MUSIC Chorus from “Christmas Oratorio” Saint-Säens Sanctuary Choir; String Quintet; Organ
SECOND LESSON Genesis 22:15–18
Rev. Osborne (p. 16 in your pew Bible)
HYMN NO. 113 Of The Father’s Love Begotten DIVINUM MYSTERIUM
THIRD LESSON Isaiah 9:2, 6–7
Rev. Osborne (p. 555 in your pew Bible)
MUSIC Wonderful Name Strader, arr. Krogstad Sanctuary Choir; SPdL Orchestra
FOURTH LESSON Isaiah 11:1–4, 6–9
Rev. Jonathan Hall (p. 558 in your pew Bible)
MUSIC Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne arr. Clydesdale Sanctuary Choir; SPdL Orchestra (Congregation stand and join on Verse 4)
He rules the world with truth and grace; and makes the nations prove; The glories of His righteousness, and wonders of His love; And wonders of His love; and wonders of His love!
FIFTH LESSON Luke 1:26–35, 38 Rev. Hall (p. 831 in your pew Bible)
MUSIC Shepherd’s Pipe Carol Rutter Sanctuary Choir; SPdL Orchestra
SIXTH LESSON Luke 2:1, 3–7
Rev. Hall (p. 832–833 in your pew Bible)
HYMN NO. 110 Away In A Manger MUELLER
SEVENTH LESSON Luke 2:8–16
Rev. Ronnie Brewer (p. 833 in your pew Bible)
Sanctuary Choir
NINTH LESSON John 1:1–14
Rev. Brewer (p. 862 in your pew Bible)
RESPONSIVE READING
Leader: The Lord be with you.
People: And with your spirit.
Rev. Brewer
MUSIC O Holy Night Adam Gay Sara, handbells; Jack Mitchener, organ
EIGHTH LESSON Matthew 2:1–11 Rev. Brewer (p. 783–784 in your pew Bible)
Leader: Let us pray: O God, Who makes us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of Thy only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that as we joyfully receive Him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold Him when He shall come to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with Thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end.
People: Amen.
Leader: May He who by His Incarnation gathered into one—things earthly and heavenly— grant you the fullness of inward peace and goodwill; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.
People: Amen. Thanks be to God! Alleluia!
HYMN NO. 127 Hark, The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN
BENEDICTION
Rev. Brewer
POSTLUDE Fantasia on In dulci jubilo (BWV 729) J. S. Bach Jack Mitchener, organ
OUR TALENTED PERFORMERS
Sanctuary Choir | Bill Gabbard, director | Jack Mitchener, accompanist
Soprano: Astrid Adams
Kiley Carpenter
Lynn Handley
Sharon Harle
Allie Osborne
Gayle Suggs
Jeanne Williams
Violin: Virginia Sloan
Alto: Whitney Anderson
Mary Lynn Gabbard
Rae Laury
Betsy Perkins
Angelyn Turner
Edie Whitaker
Tenor: Eddie Applegate
Jake McWhorter
John Roma
Jim Weldon
Bass: David Anderson
Jonathan Hall
Ty James
Ponzi Pennington
George Trusler
Carson Turner
James Wooten
SPdL Orchestra | Richard Rogers, director Joy Callaway, accompanist
Bass: David Goodwin
Linda Cherniavsky
Viola: Barbara Robinson
Cello:
Alexandria Haines
Oboe: Kimberly Lorch Perrins
Flute: Kathy Farmer
Clarinet: Melony Manus Bolden
Ivy Anderson
Horn Steve Alperin
Trumpet: John Strauss
Alex McDonald
Trombone: Doug Whitehead
Mike Wilson
Percussion:
Scott Jones
Paige Huff Barber
The Kids' Club Choir | Allie Osborne and Angelyn Turner, directors
Charlie Hancock
Gaby Hancock
Nathan Hubble
Clara Payne
Emily Payne
Andrew McDonald
John McDonald
Erin McDonald
UPCOMING EVENTS
EVERYONE'S INVITED! HOLIDAY RECEPTION
Today After Worship Fellowship Hall
Let's keep the celebration going during a festive reception in the Fellowship Hall.
40 WEEKS OF PRAYER
Week 19 December 8–14: Pausing to Listen
Read: Jeremiah 33:3
Pray: God Who hears, help us to pay attention. Cultivate in us a desire to hear from You and then respond. Show us marvelous and wonderful things this week. Help us, as individuals and a church, to show those things to others. Amen.
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.
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.
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. Invite your family and friends!
NEW OPPORTUNITIES
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 check 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.
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.
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Growing in Christ and community–sharing God's love in the world.
December 8, 2024
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
12:15 p.m. Holiday Reception
End of Day Young Adult Christmas Party RSVP Due
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
Noon Fellowship Supper RSVP Due
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
10 a.m. Prime Timers' Christmas Events
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
5 p.m. Fellowship Supper
6 p.m. Cookies & Carols
7:05 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
End of Day Kids' Club PJ Party RSVP Due
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
6:30 p.m. Women's Christmas Fellowship
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13
7 p.m. Young Adult Christmas Party
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
5:30 p.m. Kids' Club Christmas PJ Party
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
3RD 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. Worship*
12 p.m. Churchwide Q&A
End of Day Youth Christmas Lock-In RSVP Due Second-Ponce Ministerial Staff
*This event is available in person and online via Zoom, YouTube or Facebook; check event details.