Luke 1:26-38 SUNDAY
Manger Faces at the
DECEMBER 15 ■ CHRISTMAS MUSIC SUNDAY
Mary: A Painful Joy
A welcoming community of faith where Jesus Christ transforms lives
WORSHIP LEADERS
Rev. Christopher A. Henry
Senior Pastor
Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen (9 AM)
Associate Pastor of Care
Tom Markey (11 AM)
Director of Youth and Families
Rev. Karen L. Lang
Executive Pastor
Finn Williams (11 AM)
Youth Ministry Intern
Ashley Bolton (9 AM)
Matthew Samson (11 AM)
Liturgist
Festival Orchestra
Sanctuary Choir
Dr. Michelle Louer
Director of Music and Fine Arts
Dr. John Allegar
Organist and Assistant Director of Music and Fine Arts
PROCESSION
Acolytes
Adalena Dykstra and Nora Kornmeyer (9 AM)
Elsie Lewis and Olivia Pedersen (11 AM)
Element and Ewer Bearers
Mary Schwendener and Chas Bolton (9 AM)
The Hurley Family (11 AM)
Advent Candles
Ashley Bolton and Adalena Dykstra (9 AM)
Cameron Ratliff and Luke Samson (11 AM)
FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA
Flute
Laura Recendez
Dianne Seo
Oboe
Pam Ajango
Tanavi Prabhu
Clarinet
Christina Martin
Greg Imboden
Bassoon
Kara Stolle
PJ Woolston
Horn
Mica Redden
Layne Anspach
Peggy Moran
Sharon Weyser
Trumpet
John Rommel
Daniel Golando
Ross Venneberg
Trombone
Ryan Miller
Jared Rodin
Joseph Aumann
Tuba
Anthony Kniffen
Timpani
Steve Hanna
Percussion
Murray Mast
Violin
Kevin Lin (CM)
Bryson Karrer
Marisa Votapek
Jennifer Farquhar
Dianna Joiner
Linda Picard
Claire Thaler
K. Lee Morris
Sharilyn Spicknall
Glen Kwok
Viola
Amy Kniffen
Patrick Miller
Beverly Scott
Lerryn Donatelle
Cello
Marjie Hanna
Nicholas Donatelle
Cameron Collins
Double Bass
Ju-Fang Liu
Joseph Everett
VISUAL AND HEARING ASSISTANCE
Please speak to an usher if you need a large print bulletin, large print hymnal, or an assistive listening device.
WELCOME FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Following today’s Word with Children, children ages 4 through grade 8 may remain with their families or depart for a Christmas Craft in room 309 (9 AM) or Children’s Choir Christmas Cookie
Decorating Party, first floor choir room and room 112 (11 AM) If departing, please assure your child is wearing a green nametag. Childcare is available on the second floor for infants through age 3.
December 15, 2024
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
We Come Together as God’s People
Prelude The Wexford Carol Irish Carol Festival Orchestra; Dr. Michelle Louer, conductor arr. Andrew Wainwright
Comfort Ye (from Messiah) G.F. Handel Will Upham, tenor; Festival Orchestra (1685-1759)
Comfort ye, my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplish’d, that her iniquity is pardon’d. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
Text: Isaiah 40:1-3
Ev’ry Valley Shall Be Exalted (from Messiah) G.F. Handel
Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill made low: the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.
Text: Isaiah 40:4
Welcome
* Opening Sentences
Rev. Christopher A. Henry
Rev. Madison M. VanVeelen (9 AM) Finn Williams (11 AM)
One: In this season of Advent, we watch and wait and pray for the coming of light into the world.
All: We long for the day when the things of darkness shall be no more.
One: Lord, light up the past that we might learn from it with thankfulness.
All: Light up the present that we might live in it with love.
One: Light up the future, that we might prepare for it with hope.
* Prayer of Adoration
* Processional Hymn #41
O Come, All Ye Faithful
ADESTE FIDELES arr. John Rutter
of the Advent Candle
We light candles this Advent.
Candles of joy despite all the sadness.
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch.
Candles of courage where fear is ever present.
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days.
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens.
Candles of love to inspire our living. O Lord, may these candles burn all year long. Amen.
Invitation to Confession
Prayer of Confession
Incarnate God, we sing of a silent night, but we long to hear your voice.
We sing of joy to the world, but we are all too familiar with sorrow. We sing O come all ye faithful, but our own faith is often lacking. Draw near to us, O child of Bethlehem.
Sung Confession Let All Mortal Flesh French Carol Sanctuary Choir arr. Chad Fothergill
Assurance of God’s Grace
* Response of Praise
Lighting
Ashley Bolton and Adalena Dykstra (9 AM)
Cameron Ratliff and Luke Samson (11 AM)
Tom Markey (11 AM)
Memorial Poinsettias
Kathryn Andry, in memory of Shirley H. Judins
Colleen Bailie, in memory of David Bailie
Andy & Lorinne Banister, in memory of their parents, Opal Banister, Arlon Banister, Alma Ward, & Bob Ward
Peggy Barneclo, in memory of her brother
Ronald & Shelley Hellmich, in memory of Linda & Michael Beattey
Mary & Bob Bennett, in memory of Elizabeth Duffey
Anne Blackwell, in memory of Dr. & Mrs. James W. Neckers; Mr. & Mrs. Carle G. Blackwell
Hank & Nancy Blackwell, in memory of their parents
Suzi Brown, in memory of Mr. Robert C. Brown, II; Lt. Col. Ret. & Mrs. Ret. Russell B. Steinhouz
Mr. Larry & Mrs. Bonnie Burdick, in memory of John & Jane Barnett
Gregg & Angie Butler, in memory of Louise Butler & Vic Cardarelli
Shirley Calhoun & children, in memory of John Calhoun, loving husband & father
Dana Capage, in memory of Margaret Irene Boggs
Byron & Edwin Chaplin, in memory of their parents, grandparents, & all who nurtured their faith
The George Cochran family, in memory of George Cochran
J. Christopher Craig, in memory of Mrs. Ruth A. Craig
Mary Lou Crawford, in memory of her husband, Bill Crawford
Dave & Christie Crockett, in memory of their parents
Susie Cumming & Family, in memory of Jim Cumming
The Curdes & Modlin families, in memory of Richard & Suzanne Curdes, Jack & Sally Wilhelm, & all their other loved ones
Betty Dean, in memory of Rollin & Helen Dean
Carolyn Dederer, in memory of her parents, Dr. & Mrs. C C Riedesel
Matt & Bonnie DeLong, in memory of Willard Holloway
Wendy, Allison & Thomas Drook, in memory of Grant Drook
Craig & Betsy Dykstra, in memory of their loved ones
Bill & Edie Enright, in memory of their parents
Tom Ewbank, in memory of Dr. Henry M. Lee, Maxine Ewbank Lee, & Betsey Ewbank Ellis
Debbie & Bob Falk, in memory of William Falk; Morgan & Natalie Mitchell
Pat Fansler, in memory of Michael Fansler
Teresa Ferguson, in memory of her husband, Barry Ferguson & her sister, Amy Brannen
Thomas M. & Catherine J. Fisher, in memory of Barbara Fisher & Daniel Kudrak
Christina Fletcher, in memory of her husband, Zach Fletcher
Ellen Fujawa, in memory of her husband, Joseph Patrick Fujawa; her parents, Edward & Lucille Kuszmaul; her dear niece, Michelle Lake
His mother & sisters, Elizabeth & Emily, in memory of Charles Edwin Gilliland II
The Grand family, in memory of Robert Grand, Beverly Feagans, George Koloch, & Faye Koloch
Lynne Steinhour Habig, Suzannah, & Elizabeth, in memory of William Trimble Habig
Marge & Steve Haigh, in memory of their fathers, George Haigh & James MacLean
Jerry & Kathy Hallett, in memory of William Niles Wishard III
John, Victoria, Alice, & Lillian Hammond, in memory of Lynn Hammond Bowles & Carol Hovey
Jeff, Martha, Joey & Elisabeth Hampel, in memory of Robert Hampel, James McFadden, & Jackson Ellis
Steven & Terri Harris Family, in memory of Barbara Ellen Lucas
Skip & Mary Sue Higgins, in memory of Smith & Anna Higgins; Tom & Mary Johnson; Tom Johnson Jr.; Bill Johnson
Jane Houck & family, in memory of Emerson B. Houck
Brenda Howard, in memory of Dean & Helen Hammer
Joyce Hunn, in memory of their loved ones
Susie Johnson, in memory of Ann L. Bruce
Link & Liz Krimendahl, in memory of Dave Krimendahl
Martha & Liz Krimendahl, in memory of Mary Krimendahl
Robert D. Lucus, in memory of Dihl H. & Cynthiana Lucus
Bob & Kay Mace, in memory of their Parents
The Jackie and Peter Maiers family, in memory of Nancy Maiers; Nana
Rebecca L. Malick, in memory of her grandparents, Ray & Lucy Bowden; Mary Krimendahl; Laura Schmidt; Missi Snyder; Bill & Cynthia Roberts; Harry & Ruth Weller; Stan & Sue Shepherd; Mac & Bina Wells; Bill & Chris Hall; Bob & Doris Stewart; Lee Gery; Jim Gery; Bill Cook; Jim Palmer, Jr.; Andre Watts
Mary & Bob Bennett, in memory of Cy Mallard
Steve & Diane Matthews, in memory of Abby Matthews & their parents
Beth McKee, in memory of Nancy & Dale McKee
Cliff Gribben & family, in memory of Anita Gribben
Nancy McMillan, in memory of her parents, George & Rosemary Hamilton
Don & Terri Means, in memory of their parents, sisters, and husbands
Mr. & Mrs. Owen B. Melton, Jr., in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Owen B. Melton Sr.; Mr. Ralph L. Jump, Jr.; Ms. Saverne E. Melton; Mrs. Beverly M. Fulkerson; Mr. and Mrs. James R. Jump; Mr. Jeffery L. Fulkerson
Lindsay Miller, in memory of Stephen K. Miller; Dr. & Mrs. David Mitchell; Ernest & Margaret Miller; Dana S. Mitchell
Don Morrison, in memory of Maryellen Morrison
Hank & Nancy Blackwell, in memory of their parents
Peterson Family, in memory of Bryce & Ruth Peterson; Jack & Connie Scheid
Scott & Elizabeth Place, in memory of Charles E. Gilliland; Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kerr
The Platt Family, in memory of Beverly Platt
Kim & Dick Poppa, in memory of Jim & Joyce Parks; Marje & Rip Poppa
Chris Prauda, in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Martin Prauda; Mr. & Mrs. George Galloway; “Geordie” Galloway
Nancy & Fred Raub, in memory of Abby Raub; Carolyn & Richard Bourke; John & Maggie Raub
Mo Merhoff & Paul Reis, in memory of John & Wanda Merhoff ; Carl & Peggy Reis
Donna Reynolds & David Whitman, in memory of Rev. Dr. George Boyle
Judy Richards-Leavitt, in memory of David Leavitt
Pete Ritz, in memory of Verlyn Wilson
Nancy Roach, in memory of Robert Roach
Sandra Ross, in memory of Haskell Ross
Aimee Russell, in memory of her parents, Peggy & Stan Hails; her brothers, Stan Jr. & Stephen Hails
Sharon Rutan, in memory of her parents, Bob & Marge Tarplee; her husband, Bob Rutan
Scott Sandstrom, in memory of Bob & Sally
The family of Ken Schmidt, in memory of Ken Schmidt
Mary Schwendener, in memory of John & Ann Schwendener; Des & Theresa Holt; Dr. Donna Lazarick
Susan Shambaugh, in memory of Paul & Eunice Shambaugh
The Shirk family, in memory of Carol Shirk
Sandra Sommers, in memory of her parents, Don & Jean Long; Don & Geneva Sommers
Mr. John & Mrs. Debbie Stewart, in memory of their parents
Drew & Susan Strobel, in memory of John R. Stallings, Jr.; John & Lettie Lee Stallings; Dr. Charles & Dale Warner; Susan W. Batt; Ms. Exie Lynch; Charles Kleeman; Charles Strobel
Adrienne, Zach, & Alex Takacs, in memory of Theodore Takacs
Sarah & Brent Thompson, in memory of their mothers & Sarah’s father
Cathy Schuster Tilford, Courtney Tilford Uyar, Matt Strom, Monica Strom Gellman, & their families, in memory of Dwight & Anne Schuster; Carol Schuster Strom; James E. Tilford
Dr. John & Ruth Thompson Twenty, Mr. & Mrs. Kyle Twenty, Mr. Greg & Erin Thompson Twenty Benedict, in memory of Ann Thompson Cornell; Mr. & Mrs. John Wm. Twenty; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth G. Thompson; Anne Koster
Ina Van Duyn, Tim & Amy, in memory of Jim Van Duyn
Pat Van Selow, in memory of Judy Engelthaler & Laura S. Van Selow
Debbie Wacker, in memory of Joshua Bunn, nephew; Jim Lien, father
The Douglas M. Wade family, in memory of Harry V. Wade, Agnes L. Wade, Merle H. Thomas, & Ruth R. Thomas
Deb, Annie, & Scott Wharton, in memory of Barbara L. & William L. Wharton; Dick Currin
Nancy Williamson, in memory of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Williamson
Sharon J. Wilson, in memory of Gene & Evelyn Wilson
Diana & Dan Yates, in memory of Norma & Howard Hoffman, Jr.; Esther & Dr. John Yates; Marti Hoffman; E. Diane Thornberry; J. David Yates
Marc, Janet and Junia Yoder, in memory of J.William Devadoss; Jeyaraj Devadoss; Salina Yoder
Nancy Young, in memory of Bruce Harding Young
Suz Baker, in honor of Ethel Ranck
Andy & Lorinne Banister, in honor of their children, Bryan, Dana, Lane, & Nicole
Peggy Barneclo, in honor of her parents
J. Christopher Craig, in honor of The Reverend Richard M. Craig
Craig & Betsy Dykstra, in honor of the staff of Second Presbyterian Church
Rebecca L. Malick, in honor of the staff of Second Presbyterian Church
Mary Schwendener, in honor of the CNN team & family
David & Martha Tucker, in honor of Chris, Heather, Jack, & Dylan Tucker
Sharri Wagner, in honor of the Food Pantry Stocking Crew
* Passing the Peace of Christ
We Experience God’s Word
First Scripture Lesson Colossians 1:15-20 (p. 1072)
* Hymn #56
The First Nowell
English Carol arr. Dan Forrest
The Word with Children Prayer for Illumination
Ashley Bolton (9 AM)
Matthew Samson (11 AM)
Anthem Mary’s Magnificat Andrew Carter Sanctuary Choir; Caitlin Stewart, soprano (b. 1939)
Softly a light is stealing, sweetly a maiden sings, Ever wakeful, ever wistful, watching faithfully, thankfully, tenderly her King of kings.
My soul doth magnify the Lord: And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Mary her song to Jesus softly, serenely sings:
‘I will love you, I will serve you, May my lullaby glorify, magnify my King of kings.’ Lullaby, lullaby.
Second Scripture Lesson Luke 1:26-38 (p. 931)
Response to the Word
Bogoróditse Djévo Russian Orthodox/Arvo Pärt (b. 1935)
Bogoróditse Dévo, ráduysia, Blagodátnaya Maríye, Ghospód s Tobóyu. Blagosloṽénna Tï v zhenáẖ, i blagosloṽén Plod chréva Tvoyegó, yáko Spása rodilá yesí dush náshïẖ.
Text: from Vsenoshchnoe bdenie (All-Night Vigil), Op. 37
O Mother of God and Virgin, rejoice!
O Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the Fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
Sermon Rev. Christopher A. Henry
Mary: A Painful Joy
“Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38)
Moment of Silent Meditation
We Give Thanks to God
Invitation to Discipleship and Generosity
Rev. Karen L. Lang
Offertory
The Dream Isaiah Saw Glenn L. Rudolph (b. 1951)
Lions and oxen will sleep in the hay, Leopards will join with the lambs as they play, Wolves will be pastured with cows in the glade, Blood will not darken the earth that God made.
Little child whose bed is straw, Take new lodgings in my heart.
Bring the dream Isaiah saw: Life redeemed from fang and claw.
Peace will pervade more than forest and field: God will transfigure the violence concealed Deep in the heart and in systems of gain, Ripe for the judgment the Lord will ordain.
Little child whose bed is straw, Take new lodgings in my heart. Bring the dream Isaiah saw: Justice purifying law.
Nature reordered to match God’s intent, Nations obeying the call to repent, All of creation completely restored, Filled with the knowledge and love of the Lord.
Little child whose bed is straw, Take new lodgings in my heart. Bring the dream Isaiah saw: Knowledge, wisdom, worship, awe.
Text: Thomas H. Troeger (1945-2022)
Prayer of Intercession and Thanksgiving Rev. Karen L. Lang
We Go Forth to Serve
* Closing Hymn #31 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing MENDELSSOHN arr. David Willcocks
* Charge and Benediction
* Choral Benediction
May the joy of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, the worship of the wisemen and the peace of the Christ child be yours this Christmas.
A Christmas Blessing
May Christ, who by his incarnation gathered into one all things earthly, all things heavenly, and fill you with joy, fill you with joy and peace.
And the blessing of God the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit be with you and remain with you always. Amen.
Text: Church of Ireland Book of Common Prayer; adapted by the composer
Philip Stopford (b. 1977)
Postlude
Carillon on a Ukrainian Bell Carol Gerald Near Dr. John Allegar, organ (b. 1942)
THE POWER OF PRAYER
How might we pray for you this week? Please visit SecondChurch.org/Prayer to fill out a Prayer Request Form. Together, we lift up our joys with thanksgiving and invite Christ’s tender care, guidance, and healing in our lives and in God’s world.
If you or a loved one is hospitalized, please contact:
Ashley McNamara, Coordinator of Pastoral Care AMcNamara@SecondChurch.org
GIVING
SecondChurch.org/Give
We are grateful to you, the congregation, for helping us reach 85% of our Commitment Campaign goal. Thank you! We still need everyone to participate to reach our $3.9M goal.
If you have not yet submitted your pledge, it can be made online by using the QR code below, a commitment card from the pew racks, or by contacting Nancy Frick.
Imagine what we can do together for God and our community!
If you have questions about making a pledge, please contact:
Elder Nancy A. Frick, Director of Stewardship and Endowment 317-253-6461, ext. 359 or NFrick@SecondChurch.org
VISITING TODAY?
Thank you for worshiping with Second! Our Hospitality Team would love to connect and welcome you more fully into the life of Second. Scan this QR code and let us know you were here!
Manger Faces at the
Rev. Christopher A. Henry Joseph: The Eyes of Love
SecondChurch.org/Live
UPCOMING EVENTS
SecondChurch.org/Events
Second Act Holiday Brunch December 15 • 12:30-1:45 PM • Meridian Hills Country Club
Men’s Monthly Fellowship December 17 • 6-8 PM • The Roost in Nora
South Africa Book Club December 17 • 7-8:15 PM • Zoom
Emerging Adults Christmas Party December 20 • 6:30-8:30 PM • The Roost in Nora
December 24 ■ Christmas Eve Services
4 PM • Child-Led Service of Lessons and Carols 7 & 9 PM • Service of Lessons and Carols
Sanctuary Choir, Festival Brass & Percussion, and Organ 11 PM • Service of Lessons and Carols with Holy Communion
Sanctuary Choir Section Leaders, flute, harp, and strings