Sunday, December 4, 2022 - 2nd Sunday of Advent
CCLI Copyright License 1030652 Size A Streaming License 20686773 Size A (Disclosure: First Presbyterian Church, and its members, do not own any rights to the music played during this service, nor do they receive any royalties for using these pieces. Our license allows us to use the songs we list that are in the “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal”) We thank you for joining us for our Sunday morning worship service here on YouTube. This Sunday service was the first Sunday of the month so we celebrated communion, as well as ask members to remember our Deacons and possibly donate to them so they are able to continue helping the various charities they donate to. We pray that you feel God’s love around you as you join us. On this beautiful Sunday morning, the 4th of December, 2022, the 2nd Sunday of Advent, our service began with our guest cellist, Ky Townsend, playing the prelude, “Ashokan Farewell” by Jay Unger. Linda Spencer, our liturgist, then came forward and made the announcements of the church for this week, and then led everyone in the Call to Worship, a responsive reading. Following the Call to Worship, everyone was asked to stand as they are able to and singing “Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise,” hymn # 12 in our hymnal, “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal” (used with permission). Mrs. Spencer then read the Call to Confession, which was followed by the Prayer of Confession, with a few moments for silent prayers of confession, the Assurance of Pardon, and everyone singing the Gloria Patri. Jonna Weimer and Lyle Springer then came forward to light the Second Advent Candle, the Candle of Peace. Mrs. Spencer then read the Prayer for Illumination, which was followed by our Old Testament Lesson, a reading from Isaiah, chapter 11, verses 1 through 10. Our Chancel Choir then came forward to sing the Anthem, “Emmanuel, Expected Jesus,” accompanied by Sarah Scovel and Ky Townsend, cellist. The music of the song is by Thomas J. Williams & Veni Emmanuel, at 15th c. French Carol; arr. by Ruth Elaine Schram, words by Charles Wesley (1707-1788); 9th c. Latin trans. By John M Neale (1818-1866). Rev. Dr. B. Gordon Edwards then came forward and read the Gospel Lesson from Saint Matthew, chapter 3, verses 1 through 12, followed by a prayer and then his sermon entitled “Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice.” Mrs. Sheilds came back to share the Concerns and Joys of the Church, and to invite those present to present their offerings. While the offering was being taken up, our organist played “Comfort Ye My People,” by G. F. Handle, which was followed by everyone standing as they are able to and singing “The Doxology.” We then came to the time of communion. Those who are watching live on Facebook, or later here on YouTube, are encouraged to obtain a piece of bread and small glass of grape juice and join in communion. Before we are given communion, everyone recited the Prayer of Thanksgiving followed by The Lord’s Prayer, as follows: "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be they 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 debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen." Our custom is to partake of the bread as it is passed, and hold the cup of grape juice until all have been served. We offer gluten free bread at the center of the communion tray. You need not be a member of FPC, or any Presbyterian Church, to commune during the service as we practice open communion. Once everyone has been served communion, Rev. Edwards offered a word of prayer, and then asked those who are able to stand and sing # 82, “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” from “Glory to God, The Presbyterian Hymnal” (used with permission). Rev. Edwards then gave the Benediction, and everyone begun to leave while our organist played the postlude, “Laudate Dominum,” by R. Williamson.
