We are glad you are worshiping with us and invite you to participate in the ministry and service of Abington Presbyterian Church. Ushers today are: Eric Gildner, Diana Duggan, Charles Lane, Erma Yerkes. Greeters today are: Stephen Kim, Ed Wikoff. The flowers in front of the lectern are given by the Jack Thomson Memorial Fund, in memory of all the members of APC who have joined the Church Triumphant. We thank Joanne Bates for delivering the flowers. In need of special prayers this week: Robert Bromley, Miriam Whitten, Clem Brown, Julia Stewart (Sally and Lee Bowie’s grandniece), Al Foster, Lauren Pastore (granddaughter of Winifred and Joe Braim), Jeanne Norrie, Gloria and Ray Gotwals, Stewart Boerner, Christine Gotwals, Walter Luce, Sharon Herbst, Shirley Palmer, Selene Bell (great-grand-daughter of Doris Miller), Gina Miller (daughter-inlaw of Ruth and Bill Miller), Jack Waite, Walter Boutcher, Emma Shaubel, Laura Lafferty, Rebekah (friend of Cindi Willis), Shane Metzgar, Carolyn Stuetz, Hugh Blair (father of Julie Arndt and Rebecca Reape), Lisa Kupper. We offer special prayers for all the young men and women who continue to bravely serve our country in the U.S. Forces here and abroad. A SERVICE OF INSTALLATION for The Reverend Diane Jamison Fitch During Today’s Worship: If you need assistance, please ask an usher to assist you. Child care for infants and toddlers is provided in the nursery (Rooms 110, 112). Travel through the door to the left of the chancel and down the steps. Children’s bulletins are available at each door. Large-print bulletins and individual hearing devices are available in the back of the sanctuary. Presbyterian Women’s Prayer Chain The names of those in need of prayer who have asked for our prayers. If you have a request to be added or removed from the Prayer Chain, please call Rev. Brent Eelman (215) 8874530. You may also write your prayer request on prayer request card and place it in the offering plate on Sunday morning. We request that cell phones and watch alarms be set in silent mode while in the sanctuary. For information regarding baptisms, weddings and funerals, please call the Church Office at (215) 887-4530. Lectionary Lessons for today: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37 Lectionary Lessons for December 7 Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8 ABINGTON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Founded 1714 1082 Old York Road, Abington, PA 19001 Phone: (215) 887-4530 Fax: (215) 887-5988 E-mail: beelman@apcusa.org Web Site: www.apcusa.org The Reverend Dr. Brent James Eelman, Head of Staff The Reverend Jack Norrie, Minister of Visitation The Reverend Diane J. Fitch, Associate Pastor The Reverend Christine Bruce, Parish Associate Ruth Ideen-Sall, B.M. Director of Children’s Choirs and Ministries John Sall, M.M. Director of Music Ministries G. Stanley Powell, Minister of Music, Emeritus Ethel Geist, M.A. Organist Janet Tebbel, Director of Handbells Gary Koch, Business Manager Abington Presbyterian Church First Sunday in Advent November 30, 2014 10:00 a.m. ORDER OF WORSHIP First Sunday of Advent November 30, 2014 10:00 am GATHERING We gather to praise God, in God’s sanctuary, to rededicate our lives to the service of God through music, spoken word and discipleship. PRAYER BEFORE WORSHIP A time for quiet preparation before worship Come, Holy One, come! Make a door in the heavens and come to us. Let the mountains tremble, the seas roar and our hearts open. Come, Holy One, come! Show your face to us again, echo your name in our hearts and establish peace on earth. Come, Holy One, come! Amen. PRELUDE Variations on Puer Nobis Nascitur Michael Burkhardt LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH INTROIT Prepare a Way for the Lord! Michael Bedford Rodger, June, Sam and Cameron Perry “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined... For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2, 6) Today we remember the prophets of old, who demanded to be heard, who dared to speak of a child to come, unexpected liberator of the people, vulnerable incarnation of the Holiest of Holies, a new name for God. Today we give thanks for the prophets among us, who bring to us surprising new visions of hope, who challenge us to think outside the box, who show us a future we never anticipated. On this first Sunday of Advent, we light this candle as a symbol of the prophets who renew our faith and remind us of what may be. People, Look East THE ORDER OF INSTALLATION (see insert) ASSURANCE OF PARDON (responsive) OFFERTORY The Christ who taught us how to forgive continues to forgive us - not once, but over and over again. The mercy of the Lord is everlasting. Friends, believe the Good News of the Gospel. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven! * CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE BESANCON PRAYER OF CONFESSION (unison) God of all time and seasons, how quickly the year spins by, and we are caught unprepared for your Advent. We are still recovering from Thanksgiving or the latest crisis or the long list of things to do. The demands on our time seem unending, the tasks seem overwhelming, and our energy is draining. Holy God, sing to us in the stillness of this moment; speak to us in the depths of our hearts. Let there be a space for you in the midst of all the hurry and rush -- a holy, inner place that cherishes silence and song, that keeps a candle lit and a manger ready. God of all time and seasons, create in us a place for your birth. Amen. Hymn 93 Stanza 3 Redeemer, come! I open wide My heart to thee; here, Lord, abide. Let me thy inner presence feel; Thy grace and love in me reveal. * SHARING OF THE PEACE Greet one another with the sign of peace. The peace of Christ be with you all. And also with you. ANTHEM CALL TO WORSHIP AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLE * HYMN 105 SILENT PERSONAL CONFESSION Climb to the Top of the Highest Mountain Carolyn Jennings CHILDREN’S MESSAGE All children are dismissed to Sunday School with their shepherds following the Children’s Message. WORD PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Jeremiah 45 Bible OT Pg. 631 The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. THE SERMON * HYMN 373 Christ hath a garden walled around, A Paradise of fruitful ground, Chosen by love and fenced by grace From out the world's wide wilderness. Like trees of spice his servants stand, There planted by his mighty hand; By Eden's gracious streams, that flow To feed their beauty where they grow. Awake, O wind of heav'n and bear Their sweetest perfume through the air: Stir up, O south, the boughs that bloom, Till the beloved Master come: That he may come, and linger yet Among the trees that he hath set; That he may evermore be seen To walk amid the springing green. * CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE God’s Word is read and its message is proclaimed in scripture, music and interpretation. SCRIPTURE READING Christ Hath a Garden Gerald Near The Chancel Choir offers an anthem on an Isaac Watts poem which celebrates the nurture of servants and their gifts so appropriate for an installation and looks to the Advent of God’s Kingdom in Christ. Hymn 143 Stanza 4 All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son, Evermore your voices raising To the eternal Three in One: Come and worship, come and worship, Worship Christ, the newborn King! * PRAYER OF DEDICATION “Building and Planting” O Day of Peace The Rev. Dr. Brent J. Eelman JERUSALEM * AFFIRMATION OF FAITH from John 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing was created. The life that was in him became light for all people. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. To all who receive him, who believe in him, he gives power to become children of God. The Word became flesh, a man named Jesus. He lived among us, full of grace and truth. From his fullness, we have all received grace upon grace. In his name God has sent the Holy Spirit to teach us and to remind us of all that he has said. We believe that because he lives, we shall live also, to the glory of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. Amen. EUCHARIST After the proclamation of God’s Word, we respond by offering prayers, returning our tithes and offerings, and celebrating the installation of a Teaching Elder. SENDING After hearing and responding to God’s Word, we are prepared to go into the world where we are called to live according to God’s will. * HYMN 79 Light Dawns on a Weary World TEMPLE OF PEACE * THE BENEDICTION The Rev. Diane Jamison Fitch * CHORAL BLESSING Presbytones * POSTLUDE Wake, Awake, For Night is Flying Worship Leaders: Preacher: The Reverend Dr. Brent J. Eelman Children’s Message: Ruth Sall Quartet Singers: Bill Price, Steve Seeholzer, John Sall, John Dean Choirs: Chime, Crusader, Chapel and Chancel Choir Directors: John Sall, Ruth Sall Organ: Ethel Geist J.S. Bach