WORSHIP OF GOD Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 11 a.m.
PRELUDE
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Mendelssohn/arr. Cranfill
SPdL Orchestra; Richard Rogers, director
LIGHTING OF THE PEACE CANDLE
Jim & Lyn Weldon
HYMN NO. 80 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. WELCOME & INVOCATION
Dr. Dock Hollingsworth
The Second-Ponce Music Ministry Presents Canticles in Candlelight: A Cantata for Christmas Words and Music by Joseph M. Martin Orchestration by Dr. Brant Adams Sanctuary Choir; Bill Gabbard, director; SPdL Orchestra; Richard Rogers, director Emily Redden, soprano soloist Rev. Dr. David Hull, Rev. Heather Webb, Rev. Joshua Scott & William Dukes, narrators
With Scripture, narration, carols and candles, Canticles In Candlelight tells the treasured story of Christ’s birth. Filled with variety, featuring over 16 beloved carols and hymns of the season, there are references to musical classics as well as opportunities for congregational singing. Please hold your applause until the conclusion of the cantata. PROLOGUE PROCESSIONAL
WORSHIP OF GOD Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 11 a.m.
BENEDICTION
Dr. Hollingsworth
POSTLUDE
Verleen Baerg, organ
OUR INCREDIBLE MUSICIANS SANCTUARY CHOIR Soprano Lynn Handley Sharon Harle Carol Hendrix Melissa Hollingsworth Elisa Jerrold Jessi Jones Myra Morrison Emily Redden Janice Reed Joy Rotz Becky Salter Grace Smith Karol Stephens Gayle Suggs Sally Suggs Linda Underwood Heather Webb Jeanne Williams
Alto Whitney Anderson Terri Bunch Mary Lynn Gabbard Karen Harwell Liz Odom Betsy Perkins Susan Raven Becky Smith Sunny Smith Angelyn Turner Edie Whitaker
PREPARE & CELEBRATE ADVENT LONGING CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: Come, Long-Expected Jesus AWAKE! ARISE! REJOICE! CAROLS OF JOY & HOPE
OFFERTORY
Dan Hayes For Unto Us A Child Is Born SPdL Orchestra
Handel/arr. Goeller
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: Joy to the World Please refer to the hymn insert
A CHRISTMAS MADRIGAL TURN YOUR HEART TO CHRISTMAS CONGREGATIONAL HYMN: A Festive Christmas Flourish
Tenor Eddie Applegate Robert Jones Jake McWhorter Ponzi Pennington Neil Raven John Roma Stephen Rotz Joe Salter Jim Weldon Lloyd White Bass David Anderson Keith Harmel David Hull Michael Jones Bob Lamb Griffin Lamb John Parkes Jim Reed Bill Templeman George Trusler Carson Turner
ORCHESTRA
Please refer to the hymn insert
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Handel/arr. Fox
Joy to the World
Please refer to the hymn insert. The congregation is invited to join in singing, as directed.
Violin Lily Killingsworth Virginia Sloan George Brandt Adele Wang
Harp Julie Koenig
Viola Barbara Robinson Katerina Lewis
Flute Kathy Farmer Jeanne Giager
Cello Charae Krueger
Clarinet Melony Manus Ivy Anderson
Bass David Goodwin Tuba Andy Hertel
Oboe Kimberly Lorch Perrins
Horn Steve Alperin Amy Black
Trumpet Alex McDonald Scott Jones Trombone Doug Whitehead Mike Wilson Richard Rogers Percussion Karen Hunt Paige Huff Barber Piano Joy Callaway Organ Verleen Baerg
WORSHIP OF GOD Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLE Jim and Lyn Weldon, members of Second-Ponce since 2009, serve in many ways— both behind the scenes and in more visible roles. Jim is our church Treasurer and an active Deacon. He teaches in our Children’s Sunday School and sings in the Sanctuary choir. Lyn is a member of both our flower and greeting teams and volunteers in our Children’s ministry. Both volunteer at Vacation Bible School and are members of the New Covenant Sunday School class. Jim and Lyn have two adult children and four grandchildren. They both love to travel, attend Georgia Tech sporting events and spend time with their grandchildren.
LEADING OUR OFFERTORY PRAYER Dan Hayes, along with his wife Charlotte, have been members of Second-Ponce for over 40 years. They have 3 adult children who grew up in the church: Janie, Danny and Cindy. Dan is the Founder of Orchard (formerly Atlanta Community Ministries), which was birthed in this church in 1996. He currently works halftime on special projects with the organization following his retirement. Dan has taught various Sunday School classes in the church and currently co-teaches the Grace Adult class. Dan and Charlotte enjoy hiking in God’s beautiful creation.
WE'RE GLAD YOU'RE HERE If you haven't already, visit our welcome table located in the lobby of the Sanctuary (also called the Narthex). There, you'll find information about the church and friendly members ready to answer your questions. We hope you'll come back. We meet for Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. each Sunday. We share Fellowship Supper Wednesdays at 5 p.m. followed by activities for children, youth & adults. During the week there are Bible studies, special events, guest speakers and more.
HOW TO JOIN Second-Ponce welcomes you to make a commitment to Christ and our community of faith. During the Sunday morning worship service, we provide the opportunity to join the church during the Hymn of Response. At any time during the song, simply walk to the front of the Sanctuary where our senior pastor or a Second-Ponce minister will greet you with warmth and joy.
SECOND-PONCE MINISTERIAL STAFF Dr. Dock Hollingsworth, Senior Pastor
Verleen Baerg, Organist/Music Associate Joy Callaway, Pianist Bill Gabbard, Minister of Music Keith Harmel, Director of Sounds of Faith Dr. David Hull, Associate Pastor Jeff Miller, Church Administrator
Richard Rogers, Director of Orchestra Rev. Joshua Scott, Associate Pastor to Youth & Families, College Students, Young Adults & All Together Rev. Heather Webb, Associate Pastor to Children & Families
IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH CHRISTMAS HOPE (Helping Others through Projects of Encouragement) TONIGHT | After All Together | Youth Area After the All Together service this evening, we're hosting a dinner for college and seminary students as our 2019 Christmas Hope Project. If you were unable to volunteer to bring food or serve the meal, you can still help! Take a moment to write personal notes of encouragement to these students. Notecards and drop-off baskets are in the Northbridge Welcome Center. CHRISTMAS MISSIONS OFFERING 100% of your gifts to the Christmas missions offering support missionaries who are making disciples and multiplying churches among unreached peoples and places around the world. To give, use the designated envelopes provided in the pew rack and place them in the offering plate. SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS AND SUPPORT MISSIONS You are invited to send Christmas cards to your church family using the Children’s Missions Post Office located near the North Bridge Welcome Center. You can leave your Christmas cards for church members by dropping a donation for missions in the box (suggested offering is 25 cents per card). Make sure to check the post office regularly to pick up cards that have been sent to you! SHOP AMAZON, SUPPORT SECOND-PONCE Consider crossing names off your Christmas shopping list by finding gifts through AmazonSmile. When you do, charities receive 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products. Go to smile.amazon.com and select "Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church" as your charity of choice. You can bookmark (on desktop or mobile) the smile.amazon.com link so that you'll conveniently land on the Smile page each time you shop. We’re so thankful for the ways our Second-Ponce family supports the work of this church. ADVENT SPdLU SERIES Wednesdays | December 11 & 18 | 6 p.m. | Fellowship Hall Join us for three Wednesdays in December to take a closer look at Advent. • 12/11: The Songs of the Angels with Dock Hollingsworth • 12/18: Lessons and Carols with Bill Gabbard WOMEN'S MINISTRY DECEMBER FELLOWSHIP Thursday, December 12 | 6:30 p.m. | Maggie Roberts' Home All will be merry and bright at the Women’s Ministry Christmas Fellowship! Bring your favorite holiday dessert or appetizer to share. RSVP to womensministry@spdl.org. CHILDREN'S MUSIC PRESENTATION Sunday, December 15 | During the 11 a.m. worship service Come hear our children proclaim the Good News during their Christmas presentation, Sunday, December 15. As part of the 11 a.m. worship service, they will share "What Do You Remember?" which uses drama and music to present firsthand accounts of what happened the night Jesus was born. SAVE THE DATE: YOUNG ADULT CHRISTMAS PARTY Sunday, December 15 | 7 p.m. CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Saturday, December 21 | 4–7 p.m. | Children's Area (Rooms 303–305) The children are invited for a fun-filled Christmas Celebration. Come enjoy crafts, playtime, dinner and games as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday together! We will also watch “The Star,” an animated retelling of the Christmas story. Bring a friend and join us! RSVP to Heather Webb at hwebb@spdl.org.
IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH YOUTH LOCK-IN & CHRISTMAS PARTY Saturday, December 21 | Beginning at 5 p.m. | Youth Area The Christmas season is busy, and Second-Ponce youth are carving out time to not only celebrate the season but spend time together. E-mail Josh Scott at jscott@spdl.org for more information. CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE Tuesday, December 24 | 6 p.m. | Sanctuary Join with the Second-Ponce family for music and scripture as we anticipate the birth of our long-expected Jesus. CHURCHWIDE BREAKFAST Sunday, December 29 | 9:45 a.m. | Fellowship Hall | $5/adult; $3/child Instead of meeting as separate Sunday School classes, we'll join together for a delicious hot breakfast as a church family. Come enjoy breakfast casserole, grits, fruit, pastries, coffee and juice as well as good conversation around the table. REGISTER NOW FOR THE "BE STILL" SPdL WOMEN'S RETREAT February 21–23 | Pinnacle Retreat Center | Clayton, GA | Cost: $160 (includes your two-night stay, four meals & all materials) Emails to return, calls to make, lunches to pack, games to attend, friends to visit, family to care for, jobs to complete, traffic to endure... When does it stop? And more importantly, where is room for God? The Inviting and Teaching Teams invite you to escape the noise at our 2020 women's retreat. This getaway is a chance for us to share, learn, explore, rest and have fun among the beautiful lakes and forests of the Appalachian Mountains. We'll welcome retreat leader Lanta Carroll—counselor, minister, wife, mother to a toddler and artist—to help us to "be still" in the midst of our busy lives. Registration is open now. Sign up using the paper form included in the retreat brochure or online at spdl.org/womensretreat. This getaway makes a great gift for the women in your life or ladies, treat yourself to this fun and meaningful retreat. Contact Gayle Suggs at gbsuggs@hotmail.com for more information.
STEWARDSHIP UPDATE as of December 4, 2019 As of December 4, we received 146 pledges representing $1,024,918.56 of our $1.7 million goal. Again, we say THANK YOU, but we still have a ways to go. There’s still time to submit your pledge card if you have not already done so. You can mail or drop it off to the church office or complete the online version at spdl.org/pledge. If you have questions about giving or the SPdL budget, email Jeff Miller at jmiller@spdl.org.
WELCOME TO WORSHIP AT SECOND-PONCE December 8, 2019
peace
THIS WEEK: AT A GLANCE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10 7 p.m. Young Adult Small Group WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 5 p.m. Fellowship Supper 6 p.m. SPdLU 6 p.m. Kids Explore/Parents Connect 6 p.m. Refuge Bible Study 7:15 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal 7:30 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 6:30 p.m. Women's Ministry December Fellowship
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Kids' Club 9:45 a.m. Refuge Youth Gathering 11 a.m. Sanctuary Worship & Children's Christmas Music Presentation 4 p.m. All Together 7 p.m. Young Adult Christmas Party
The Second-Ponce Music Ministry Presents
Canticles in Candlelight A Cantata for Christmas
Canticles in Candlelight: A Christmas Cantata Congregational Hymn Sheet CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
Come, Long-Expected Jesus
Haydn/arr. Martin
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free. From our fears and sins release us. Let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; dear Desire of ev’ry nation, Joy of ev’ry longing heart. Born Thy people to deliver, born a Child and yet a King; Born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine all eternal spirit, rule in all our hearts alone. By Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne. Come, Almighty to deliver, let us all Thy grace receive. Suddenly return and never, never more Thy temples leave. Thee we would be always blessing, serve Thee as Thy hosts above. Pray and praise Thee without ceasing, glory in Thy perfect love.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
Joy to the World Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room And heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing. Joy to the earth! The Savior reigns! Let men their songs employ: While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, repeat the sounding joy Repeat, repeat the sounding joy. No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make his blessings flow Far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found Far as, far as, the curse is found.
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, wonders of His love.
Handle/arr. Martin
FESTIVE CHRISTMAS FLOURISH CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
The First Noel
arr. Martin
The first Noel the angel did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel. Then let us all, with one accord, sing praises to our heav’nly Lord; That hath made heav’n and earth of naught, and with his blood mankind hath bought. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Willis/arr. Martin
It came upon the midnight clear, that glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold. “Peace on the earth, goodwill to all, from heav’ns all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.
CONGREGATIONAL HYMN
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Mendelssohn/arr. Martin
Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild; God and sinners, reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations rise; join the triumph of the skies. With angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem!” Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”
Thank you for joining us today in celebrating Christmas through Canticles in Candlelight. We invite everyone to stay after the service for a festive reception. We encourage you to come back to Second-Ponce next week to hear our children perform their Christmas musical, “What Do You Remember?” at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Through music and drama, they will present firsthand accounts of what happened the night Jesus was born. We’ll close out the Advent season with our candlelight Christmas Eve service Tuesday, December 24 at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. This meaningful and beautiful service is open to everyone so mark your calendar, invite family and friends and make plans to spend the evening with us!