November 28, 2021

Starling Avenue Baptist Church First Sunday of Advent

November 28, 2021 ╬ 11:00 a.m.

The Worship of God First Sunday of Advent November 28, 2021 ╬ 11:00 a.m.

Gathering at God’s Invitation Prelude

Consecration

Beethoven from Op.13

Welcome

Fern Kanode Becky Nance

Psalter Psalm 25:1-10 Becky Nance To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

Lighting of the Advent Candle: Hope Chrismon Tree

Margaret & Richard Caldwell Margaret Caldwell

The first Chrismon tree was seen in the Ascension Lutheran Church of Danville, VA, in 1957. Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer designed and made the first Chrismons. Based on early Christian drawings, the designs included Greek symbol abbreviations and crosses that honored Jesus Christ and His teachings. The word “Chrismon” or “Christ Monogram” was adopted to reference these special ornaments. The colors of White and Gold were chosen to represent Christ’s purity and God’s majesty. The evergreen tree backdrop symbolizes the eternal life Christ offers his followers. The tree’s white lights proclaim Christ’s role as the Light of the world. In 1975, Mrs. Betty jo Robertson led the women and children of Starling Avenue to make our own treasured ornaments to decorate our church’s first Chrismon Tree.

Featured Chrismon: Son of Righteousness

Margaret & Richard Caldwell

This Chrismon, a representation of the sun, reminds us that like the sun, Christ, the son of God, is the source of light and life to those who believe in Him. “Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ “(John 8:12) *Hymn #472

Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus

The Church at Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer

Fern Kanode Margaret Caldwell Becky Nance

Our Father who 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.

Remembering in Prayer: Family of George Hundley, Kimberly Draper, Frank McKinster, Linda Moore’s grandson, Joyce Poindexter’s niece & nephew, Roy Harrell, Bobby Byrd, Christy Mattox, Sam Mills (friend of Elaine Wade), Barbara Smith, David Tollison, Freddie Donavant, Donna & Phillip Collins, Gloria Weaver, Regina Carter, Lowell Roberts, Linda Mabry, Judy Hubbard & Debbie McBride; All Those Affected by COVID-19; All Those Affected by War & Violence; Our Homebound Members Interlude

A Quiet Prayer

Fern Kanode

Acts 11:19-26 KJV

Dr. Joe Bryant

James Bell

Hearing God’s Word New Testament Lesson

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people

was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people.

And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

For the Word of God in Scripture, for the Word of God among us, for the Word of God within us.

Thanks be to God. Sermon

“Real Christians”

Dr. Joe Bryant

Responding to God’s Word *Hymn #507

Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

Life of the Community

Fern Kanode Margaret Caldwell Becky Nance

Sending Into God’s World Benediction Postlude

Dr. Joe Bryant A Grand March William Stickles

Fern Kanode

*Hymns are to be sung with soloist while remaining seated with masks on.