December 14, 2025
9:30 & 11:00AM Worship
Third Sunday of Advent
SUNDAY WORSHIP, EDUCATION & FELLOWSHIP WORSHIP,
WORSHIP
9:30AM* & 11:00AM | Sanctuary
*Livestream available on waynepres.org
CHILD CARE
For infants & toddlers
9:15AM - 12:15PM | Rms 101/102
SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:30AM-10:30AM
Preschool (Age 2 - Pre-K) | Rm 103
Kindergarten & 1 Grade | Rm 304 st
2 & 3 Grade | Rm 301 nd rd
4 & 5 Grade | Rm 306 th th
Middle School (6 & 7 ) | Rm 204 th th
Confirmation Class (8 Grade) | Knox Rm th High School | Rms 208/209
Grades K-5 start in Rm 303 for Joyful Noise and move to their classrooms afterwards.
FELLOWSHIP OF THE BEAN
Adult Discussion Group
9:30AM - 10:30AM | Library
SUNDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY with Dr. Joe Modica
Join us again after the holidays.
COFFEE HOUR FELLOWSHIP
10:30AM | Connector
Join us in-between worship services , or afterwards on days with one service only.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR REHEARSAL
For children in Kindergarten - Grade 5 10:30AM - 11:00AM | Rm 303
YOUTH GROUP
For children in Grades 6-12 6:00PM - 8:00PM | Chapel
FOR A FULL VIEW OF PROGRAMMING & EVENTS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WAYNEPRES.ORG. A EVENTS, WEBSITE: WAYNEPRES.ORG.
LOOKING AHEAD IN WORSHIP LOOKING AHEAD IN WORSHIP
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Worship at 9:30AM & 11:00AM
Rev. Ryan Balsan Preaching
The 4th Sunday of Advent | Bell Sunday Blue Christmas Service | 4:30PM | Chapel
Sunday, December 28, 2025
First Sunday of Christmas
Rev. Ryan Balsan Preaching 10:00AM Service Only
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Christmas Eve Services 4:00PM | Family Service + Pageant 7:00PM | Choirs + Brass 10:00PM | Choral Octet + Brass
Sunday, January 4, 2025
9:30AM & 11:00AM Worship Rev. Ryan Balsan Preaching Epiphany + Communion Sunday
ORDER OF WORSHIP
Sunday, December 14, 2025
Sunday, December 2025 Third Sunday of Advent
+ Please stand as you are able.
Prelude | John Grecia, organ
Gabriel’s Oboe
+ Call to Worship
Rejoice in the Lord; again, rejoice!
Ennio Morricone (1928-2020)
Be gentle to all: the Lord is near. Let us lift our hearts and voices in praise as we worship the living God.
+ Hymn 347: PICARDY Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Advent Candle Lighting
9:30AM, Wayne Pres Youth | 11:00AM, Marty & Scott Laird
+ Call to Confession
+ Prayer of Confession
God of majesty and glory, we are thirsty for your grace, You made a way for us in the wilderness, and still, in our foolishness, we go astray. We hide our eyes from your presence. We do not listen to your word. We are lifeless when we ought to dance and speechless when we ought to sing.
Forgive us, O Lord. Speak to our fearful hearts, strengthen our weak hands, and make firm our feeble knees as we seek to follow in your holy way. Amen.
+ Declaration of Forgiveness
Now return to the Lord with joy and gladness. Sing a song of redemption! Let sorrow and sighing be no more. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven. Thanks be to God.
+ Response of Praise: Come , Thou Long Expected Jesus (Verse 3)
+ Passing of the Peace
The peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. And also with you.
STUTTGART
Musical Offering | Children’s Choir | Ryan Fleming, Director
A Home for Jesus Ruth Elaine Schram (b. 1956)
Prayer for Illumination
Scripture Reading | Isaiah 35:1-10
+ Hymn 129: ES IST EIN' ROS' Lo , How a Rose E'er Blooming
Scripture Reading | Matthew 11:2-11
Anthem | Quartet + Choral Scholars | Michael Windish, percussion
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day John Gardner (1917-2011) Tomorrow shall be my dancing day; I would my true love did so chance To see the legend of my play, To call my true love to my dance; Sing, oh! my love , oh! my love , my love , my love , This have I done for my true love. Then was I born of a virgin pure, Of her I took fleshly substance Thus was I knit to man ' s nature To call my true love to my dance. In a manger laid , and wrapped I was So very poor, this was my chance Betwixt an ox and a silly poor ass To call my true love to my dance. Then afterwards baptized I was; The Holy Ghost on me did glance, My Father’s voice heard I from above , To call my true love to my dance. - Traditional
Sermon | “What Do You See?” | The Rev. Katy Shevel
Time for Reflection
Baptismal Hymn | 9:30AM Service Only
JERUSALEM O Lord , You Are My God and King Hymn 270 (vv. 1 & 2):
The Sacrament of Baptism | The Rev. Tim Pretz 9:30AM | Kipling Bankert, son of Jamie & Saskia Bankert
+ Affirmation of Faith | The Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified,diedand was buried; he descended intohell;on the third day he rose again from thedead;he ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
Invitation to Gratitude
Your gifts allow God’s work to be done in our congregation, in our community and in our world. Donate now by texting the word GIVE (not case sensitive) to: (610)-819-4483, or scan the QR code on your phone to give online. You may make a one-time donation, or set up a recurring donation. Please feel free to give in-person as well.
Offertory Anthem | 9:30AM Chancel Choir | 11:00AM Quartet + Choral Scholars
Michael Windish, percussion
Ask the Watchman Trad. Sea Island Spirituals | Setting: Paul Caldwell & Sean Ivory
Ask the watchman “How long?” How long we gonna moan? It don’ madduh how long, we’ll wait for the dawn. How ya gonna greet the day...prayin’ that’s the way. Singin’ that’s the way. Swayin’ that’s the way. I’m gonna shout! Speakin’ in tongues, that’s the way that we’ll great the day. O day, yonduh come duh day. Daybreak in ma soul. Daylight is makin’ me whole. Go get the preachuh! Get whoevuh you can. Go get a drummuh! Tell him we need a hand. How long, O how long, Lord? How long we gonna moan? Daylight is breakin’; I can see the sun risin’. Can somebody tell us ‘bout how much longuh? All night we have waited in the darkness for the breakin’ of day. Watchman , these ole feet were made for dancin’. Bedduh get out-uh my way! Watchman , these ole feet were made for dancin’. I said there would be dancin’ today! Let heaven and nature say Oh! Yonduh come day!
NOTE: The Sea Islands are a chain of over a hundred tidal and barrier islands along the Atlantic coast of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Their isolation (maintained well into the 20th century) preserved a distinctive culture, language (Gullah Creole), and musical heritage. Sea Island spirituals, rooted in African traditions like call-andresponse singing and work songs, blend with European American hymns to create a sound that is truly unique in the line of American musical history.
Orison | 9:30AM Chancel Choir | 11:00AM Quartet + Choral Scholars
Give Ear unto Our Prayer, O God Hal H. Hopson (1933-2025)
Prayers of the People & The Lord’s Prayer
+ Hymn 106: BEREDEN VÄG FÖR HERRAN Prepare the Way, O Zion
+ Benediction | 9:30AM Chancel Choir | 11:00AM Quartet + Choral Scholars Soon and Very Soon Andrae Crouch (1942-2015)
Postlude | John Grecia, organ
Tune: Swedish Folk Melody, 14th century Setting: Paul Manz (1919-2009) + Doxology and Prayer of Dedication: Hymn 606
Prepare the Way, O Zion
SMILE FOR THE CAMERA! SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!
Today you might notice we have a photographer on site
BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE
Sometimes it’s not all festive celebrations and good cheer... WPC invites you to an intimate Blue Christmas worship service on Sunday, December 21 at 4:30PM in the Chapel. This special, reflective service is for anyone who finds the holiday season difficult whether due to loss, stress, or loneliness. Join us for prayers, music, scripture, and moments of meditation led by Pastors Ryan Balsan, Katy Shevel and Tim Pretz, with music by John Grecia, Alfred Goodrich, cello and Suzanne Gerace, soprano. Come as you are and find comfort & hope this Christmas.
PRAYER REQUESTS REQUESTS
To submit a prayer request, please visit waynepres.org or call the church office. Please hold the following in prayer: Buzz Mossholder, Carl, Derek Pimlett, Jane, Jess, Kiki Ross, Linda Whitehead, Nancy, Richard, Scott Born, Sean, Susan, Ted Behr, Tom and family, & the Youth Director search
CHANCEL FLOWERS DEDICATION CHANCEL DEDICATION
The flowers today are dedicated to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for young Kipling Bankert whose baptism we celebrate today.
TO DONATE AND DEDICATE
This tradition offers a meaningful way to honor, celebrate or remember a loved one while contributing to the Poinsettia trees in our Sanctuary. The complete list of dedications will be published on our website and in the Connector. All donations support the Chancel Decorating Fund. Poinsettias may be taken home after the final Christmas Eve service.
For assistance placing your order, please contact Lani Fabere. lanifabere@gmail.com | (610) 368 - 4300
CALLING
ALL WESTMINSTER YOUTH CHOIR ALUMNI! We invite all current and former Westminster Youth Choir members to join the Chancel Choir on Wednesday, December 24 for the Christmas Eve 7:00PM worship service. There will be a special rehearsal on Monday, December 22, from 7:00-8:00PM in the Music Room. If you ’ re interested or need more details, please contact Ryan Fleming, Associate Director of Music Ministries at: ADMusic@waynepres.org. Come and use your voice to help us make this Christmas Eve extra special!
ONE BOOK ONE CHURCH 2026 | BOOK SALE
Join us as we consider truth, science, faith and trust: four foundations of our 2026 OBOC book, The Road to Wisdom, written by Francis Collins, scientist and committed Christian. Join us in the Connector on Sundays during Coffee Hour to purchase your copy for $20. Book club discussions begin February 25, and will continue through the end of March, including special programming featuring guest speaker, Francis Collins, himself on March 14 and 15. Save the dates and stay tuned for more information to follow! Please contact Janice Mack with questions at: gardengirl65@gmail.com. Happy reading!
CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS
Please be advised that from December 22January 5, we will be operating with minimal office hours. With respect to holidays, staff is reachable by email. All pastoral emergencies should be forwarded to Rev. Ryan at ryan@waynepres.org. Thank you!
FAMILY PROMISE HOST WEEK | VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Play a vital role in creating a safe and welcoming environment for families experiencing homelessness by volunteering during our next host week, January 11-18. Inspired by our mission to provide compassionate support and resources, your involvement can make a lasting difference. Sign-up online today. Have questions? Text Leslie Dudt at (610) 256-2301, or email Stefanie Bischoff at sabischoff12@gmail.com.
RED
CROSS
BLOOD DRIVE
| WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 Make a difference by donating blood at WPC on Wednesday, January 7, anytime from 1:30PM - 6:30PM. Your donation could save a life! Reserve a time slot online at redcrossblood.org using Sponsor Code: WAYNEPRES. Reach out to Deacon, Mike Sieger with any questions at michael.sieger@verizon.net. Thank you!
