1. family and parenting
2. children

Christmas 2012
Christmas Eve Worship
Wednesday, December 24
5pm Family Service: The Christmas Story
Advent 2014
Sermon Series
9pm Carol Service: Let our voices & hearts unite as we sing
11pm Candlelight Service: Lift up songs and prayers to Jesus,
the Light of the World
December 21, 2014
Sunday, December 28
MVPC will have one worship service
9:30am
9:00 - 10:05 a.m.
“O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with Him is full redemption.”
Psalm 130:7
Prelude
Come Thou Long Expected Jesus / Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
arr. Joel Rainey
Choral Introit
Christmas Introit
MVPC Choir
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with
you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Call to Worship / Prayer
Opening Hymn
Pastor Rob Perkins
#174 Angels From The Realms of Glory
Prayer of Confession / Assurance of Pardon
Hymn of Worship
COMING IN JANUARY
Living Our Mission: The 5 G’s of MVPC
by Mike Loretto
#135 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle
The Sonnenschein Family
Offertory
O Holy Night
Jamie Bonetto
Please sign and pass the registration pad down your pew
Old Testament Reading - Micah 5:2, 4-5a
Hymn of Worship
GLORIFY
GATHER
GROW
GIVE
GO
Pastor Dave Ricketts
Sermon
Larry Swindell
#154 O Little Town of Bethlehem
Hope of Salvation
Matthew 2:1-6
Hymn of Response
Pastor Rob Perkins
#171 Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Opportunities To Give, Gather, and Go
Pastoral Staff
Rob Perkins, Dave Ricketts
Pastoral Staff
Rob Perkins, Dave Ricketts
Blessing
Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church
10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga, CA 94556
Tel. 925. 376.4800 • Fax. 925. 376.3750 • www.mvpctoday.org
Office Hours 9:00 - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church
10 Moraga Valley Lane, Moraga, CA 94556
Tel. 925. 376.4800 • Fax. 925. 376.3750 • www.mvpctoday.org
Office Hours 9:00 - 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday
Postlude
Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers - arr. P. Manz
Visit the Prayer Corner – If you would like someone to personally pray for you
after the service, please come to the Prayer Corner sign at the rear of the Sanctuary.
This morning’s prayer partner is Bev Matthews.
Welcome to Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church!
Whether you’re new to MVPC or a long-time member, we are so glad you’re with
us for worship. Today Pastor Rob will continue the Advent sermon series, HOPE,
with the message Hope of Salvation from Micah 5 and Matthew 2.
The information contained in this bulletin demonstrates how MVPC, a community
church making a global impact for Christ, lives out our mission to Glorify God,
Gather in community, Grow as disciples, Give of ourselves and Go into the world
with the gospel. If this is your first visit, please come to The Gathering Place near
the Resource Center after the service. We would love to meet you and help you
get connected.
GLORIFY GOD
You’re Invited – Next Sunday, December 28th, MVPC will have one worship service
at 9:30am. Pastor Dave will preach I Resolve from 1 Corinthians 2.
GATHER IN COMMUNITY
Hot Cider! Children’s Ministries invites you downstairs for hot cider after worship
each Sunday of Advent.
December Prayer Focus – As we move through Advent and into the New Year
we can come to our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and
Prince of Peace with our needs, the needs of others and our desire to hear His
voice as He leads us. We are hopeful for His guidance, power, eternal presence and
peace. Please give the loving gift of intercession by praying through the prayer list
available in the Narthex or on the website: mvpctoday.org.
Together in Prayer – Please pray for the people listed here and ask the Lord how
He might invite you to care for them:
Healing: Jo Hansen; Betty Templeton
Greiving: Mary Kaye Stephens and Family upon the death of Don Stephens
whose “Celebration of Life” service will be held January 10th; 11:30am;
Brad Veitch and Family upon the death of his mother
Denominational Future: Pray for our session as they have begun meeting with
representatives from the San Francisco Presbytery (see below).
If you would like your name to appear here, please designate it on your
Prayer and Care card located in the pew or contact Valerie Bigelow by Tuesday
morning; x223; vbigelow@mvpctoday.org. AM Prayer meets on Wednesday,
8:00-9:15am, in the conference room in the church office.
Denominational Discernment Process - MVPC has been assigned a Presbytery
Engagement Team (PET) which met for the first time with our Session on December
7, 2014. Over the next few weeks, the Session and PET will be working through
a list of questions outlined in the San Francisco’s Reconciliation and Dismissal
Policy that will help them make a determination as to whether dismissal is the best
option for MVPC going forward. Once that happens, meetings will be scheduled
to include the congregation in the process. More information is available online at
http://mvpctoday.org/future. Questions or comments can be emailed to future@
mvpctoday.org or mailed to the Session, in c/o the Clerk.
GROW AS DISCIPLES
New Men’s Fraternity Study: Living Out Your Faith at Work, Tuesdays, 6:157:30am, starting January 13th – However we fill the 9-5 – selling homes, caring for
patients, stay-at-home dad, teaching, running a business, financial manager – most
of us will spend over half our lives at work. How does your faith intersect with
your work? Join this 6-week study to understand the biblical mandate for work.
Beth Moore Study for Women, Children of the Day: 1 & 2 Thessalonians, beginning
Saturday, January 17th, 10am-12pm – Do you believe God has a plan for your life
but can’t figure it out? Your circumstances are not coincidental and God’s timing
is impeccable. Join us for this 9-week in-depth Bible study to find encouragement
for living the Christian life now and hope for when Christ returns. Registration
$35; contact Suzanne Palmer: suzannemsp@comcast.net.
When will MVPC programs resume?
Sunday classes –
All Sunday classes for children through adults resume Sunday, January 4.
Children –
Kingdom Kids, Praise Kids and Kingdom Kids choir resume Tuesday, January 6.
Students –
Senior High Fellowship resumes Wednesday, January 7.
QUEST middle school ministry resumes Thursday, January 8.
Adults –
Women’s Bible Study resumes Tuesday, January 6.
Men’s Bible Study resumes Saturday, January 10.
The Perspectives course will begin Sunday, January 11.
A new Stephen Ministry training will begin Monday, January 12.
A new Men’s Fraternity study will begin Tuesday, January 13.
Moms’ Council resumes Thursday, January 15.
A new Beth Moore study will begin Saturday, January 17.
GIVE OF OURSELVES
Stephen Ministry Training, Mondays, 7-9pm, beginning January 12th until midJune – Stephen Ministry offers one-to-one Christian care for those enduring life’s
hardships. If you are seeking personal growth and are interested in becoming a
Stephen Minister, contact Bev Matthews: 283-7762 or Barbara Snyder: 254-6269.
Give a Cozy Christmas – Nathan Fenske of Moraga Boy Scout Troop 234 is
collecting new children’s pajamas and books as he works on his Eagle Scout
Project. All donations will go to the Pajama Program, a nonprofit providing
pajamas and books to impoverished children in need of comfort and care. A
bin has been placed in the front office. For more information contact Nathan
(nbfenske@gmail.com) or visit the website: pajamaprogram.org.
The Journey of Generosity Continues – Praise God! We have nearly reached
the same number of pledges as last year. There is still time. Decorate the box
only if you want to. We still welcome your pledge – mail it, drop it off in the
office, or bring your pledge to worship any Sunday in December. Please pray
and discuss your pledge as a family.
10:30 - 11:40am
December 21, 2014
“O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with Him is full redemption.”
Psalm 130:7
Call to Worship /Prayer
Opening Songs
Mike Loretto
Angels From The Realms of Glory
Hark The Herald Angels Sing
Prayer of Confession / Assurance of Pardon
Pastor Dave Rciketts
Song of Worship
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
Lighting of the Fourth Advent Candle
Nicole Portocarrero/
Shane Harris Family
Song of Worship
Prepare The Way
Offering
Bring Your Joy To The World
Suzanne Kroger
Please sign and pass the registration pad down your pew
Old Testament Reading - Micah 2, 4-5a
W.J. Balzer
Song of Worship
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Sermon
Hope of Salvation
Pastor Rob Perkins
Matthew 2:1-6
Song of Response
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Opportunities To Give, Gather, and Go
Blessing
Visit the Prayer Corner – If you would like someone to personally pray for you after
the service, please come to the Prayer Corner sign at the rear of the Sanctuary.
Message Notes
Financial Update: MVPC’s ministries depend heavily on 2014 year-end giving.
We completed November $35,000 behind budgeted giving. Our budgeted giving
for December is $331,000 with $164,000 received so far. That makes our giving
goal for the next two weeks $202,000. Please pray that as a church we will give
according to the blessings God has showered on us and underwrite the mission
He has put before us. Alternate giving opportunities are possible by donating
appreciated stock that may have significant tax advantages, particularly given the
current position of the market. Direct deposit and credit card are also possible.
If you have questions about your pledge or ways to give please contact John
Greenblatt (x232) or Nat Weber (x235).
GO WITH THE GOSPEL
Perspectives, Sundays, 6-9pm, beginning January 11th – Perspectives will bring
to MVPC 15 excellent instructors and highly-respected mission leaders. Your
eyes will be opened to a new vision of God’s great mercy and love. Try the first
class FREE! More information and registration on our website: mvpctoday.org.
Meals on Wheels – A group of MVPC members have driven a Thursday Meals-onWheels route in Lafayette for many years. They need new regular and substitute
volunteers. To begin serving our community in this meaningful way, contact
Jean Warnke: 254-4506.
Family Service Opportunities – Looking for ways to serve together this season?
Please see the green handout in the Narthex racks describing opportunities to
serve MVPC mission partners.
Family Share Questions – During Advent we invite you to use the MVPC
Advent Devotional Guide to continue your worship at home. Please pick up
your free copy in the Narthex or Resource Center; it is also available on our
website: mvpctoday.org.
Thank you to those that have donated poinsettias!
Thank you to those that have donated poinsettias!
Thank you to those that have donated poinsettias!
Lee Anderson in memory of Mary Anderson
Lee Anderson in memory of Mary Anderson
Lee Anderson in memory of Mary Anderson
W. J. and Roy Balzer in honor of our grandchildren: Kate, Ann, Emily, Andrew,
Hailey, Peter and Haden
W. J. and Roy Balzer in honor of our grandchildren: Kate, Ann, Emily, Andrew,
Hailey, Peter and Haden
W. J. and Roy Balzer in honor of our grandchildren: Kate, Ann, Emily, Andrew,
Hailey, Peter and Haden
Trudy and George Barron in memory of Reta Lynch, mother of Trudy
Trudy and George Barron in memory of Reta Lynch, mother of Trudy
Trudy and George Barron in memory of Reta Lynch, mother of Trudy
Trudy and George Barron in memory of Marilynn Galambos, dear cousin in Canada
Trudy and George Barron in memory of Marilynn Galambos, dear cousin in Canada
Trudy and George Barron in memory of Marilynn Galambos, dear cousin in Canada
Marilu and Gene Blanc in memory of Mary Lou Anderson
Marilu and Gene Blanc in memory of Mary Lou Anderson
Marilu and Gene Blanc in memory of Mary Lou Anderson
Frank and Jamie Bonetto in memory of Linda Bevard and Frank Bonetto Sr.
Frank and Jamie Bonetto in memory of Linda Bevard and Frank Bonetto Sr.
Frank and Jamie Bonetto in memory of Linda Bevard and Frank Bonetto Sr.
Norris and Erla Boren in honor of our children and grandchildren
Norris and Erla Boren in honor of our children and grandchildren
Norris and Erla Boren in honor of our children and grandchildren
Norris and Erla Boren in memory of our parents, brothers and sister
Norris and Erla Boren in memory of our parents, brothers and sister
Norris and Erla Boren in memory of our parents, brothers and sister
Nancy Braden and Family in memory of Papa Arlie
Nancy Braden and Family in memory of Papa Arlie
Nancy Braden and Family in memory of Papa Arlie
The Bratton Family in honor of Milan and Eloise Wight, and in memory of Donna
and Otey Bratton
The Bratton Family in honor of Milan and Eloise Wight, and in memory of Donna
and Otey Bratton
The Bratton Family in honor of Milan and Eloise Wight, and in memory of Donna
and Otey Bratton
The Budde Family in memory of Richard Hildebrand
The Budde Family in memory of Richard Hildebrand
The Budde Family in memory of Richard Hildebrand
Joan Cole in memory of Ken Cole
Joan Cole in memory of Ken Cole
Joan Cole in memory of Ken Cole
John and Judi Cooper in loving memory of our brothers, Bob and Roy, and our
sister, Joyce
John and Judi Cooper in loving memory of our brothers, Bob and Roy, and our
sister, Joyce
John and Judi Cooper in loving memory of our brothers, Bob and Roy, and our
sister, Joyce
John and Judi Cooper in loving memory of our parents
John and Judi Cooper in loving memory of our parents
John and Judi Cooper in loving memory of our parents
Teri Fadelli in honor of Nick Fadelli and the entire Campolindo High School
Football Team and coaches for their dedication and hardwork all season long
bringing immense joy to our Lamorinda community
Teri Fadelli in honor of Nick Fadelli and the entire Campolindo High School
Football Team and coaches for their dedication and hardwork all season long
bringing immense joy to our Lamorinda community
Teri Fadelli in honor of Nick Fadelli and the entire Campolindo High School
Football Team and coaches for their dedication and hardwork all season long
bringing immense joy to our Lamorinda community
The Forshay Family in memory of Bob Forshay, Don and Carol Van Dyke, loved ones
The Forshay Family in memory of Bob Forshay, Don and Carol Van Dyke, loved ones
The Forshay Family in memory of Bob Forshay, Don and Carol Van Dyke, loved ones
Lorli French and Family in memory of Leigh French
Lorli French and Family in memory of Leigh French
Lorli French and Family in memory of Leigh French
Dan and Renie Gannett in honor of Dan’s parents, Jean and Henry Gannett’s 50
wedding anniversary
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Dan and Renie Gannett in honor of Dan’s parents, Jean and Henry Gannett’s 50
wedding anniversary
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Dan and Renie Gannett in honor of Dan’s parents, Jean and Henry Gannett’s 50th
wedding anniversary
Dan and Renie Gannett in memory of George Batmale
Dan and Renie Gannett in memory of George Batmale
Dan and Renie Gannett in memory of George Batmale
The Giglio Family in memory of Bob and Jane
The Giglio Family in memory of Bob and Jane
The Giglio Family in memory of Bob and Jane
C.J. Greenblatt in memory of my wonderful parents Joseph and Helen Garello (I
miss you every day, but especially during the holidays!)
C.J. Greenblatt in memory of my wonderful parents Joseph and Helen Garello (I
miss you every day, but especially during the holidays!)
C.J. Greenblatt in memory of my wonderful parents Joseph and Helen Garello (I
miss you every day, but especially during the holidays!)
C.J. and John Greenblatt in honor of Elizabeth and Eric Tausend. We are so proud
of you both and grateful that we are able to spend the holidays together.
C.J. and John Greenblatt in honor of Elizabeth and Eric Tausend. We are so proud
of you both and grateful that we are able to spend the holidays together.
C.J. and John Greenblatt in honor of Elizabeth and Eric Tausend. We are so proud
of you both and grateful that we are able to spend the holidays together.
Steve and “Hank” Hagman in honor of our grandchildren, Brooke and Brett Hereth
Steve and “Hank” Hagman in honor of our grandchildren, Brooke and Brett Hereth
Steve and “Hank” Hagman in honor of our grandchildren, Brooke and Brett Hereth
Emily Hook in memory of my parents and husband
Emily Hook in memory of my parents and husband
Emily Hook in memory of my parents and husband
Helen and Ray Horton in memory of our son, Steve
Helen and Ray Horton in memory of our son, Steve
Helen and Ray Horton in memory of our son, Steve
The Howard Family in honor of Bob and Dede Grant, grandparents
The Howard Family in honor of Bob and Dede Grant, grandparents
The Howard Family in honor of Bob and Dede Grant, grandparents
Patti and Steve Huxley in honor of our children and grandchildren
Patti and Steve Huxley in honor of our children and grandchildren
Patti and Steve Huxley in honor of our children and grandchildren
Carol Kaiseer in thanks to GOD for all HIS blessings and JESUS for making it
possible!
Carol Kaiseer in thanks to GOD for all HIS blessings and JESUS for making it
possible!
Carol Kaiseer in thanks to GOD for all HIS blessings and JESUS for making it
possible!
Don and Karyn Kintzer in memory of Elizabeth and Thomas O’Hara
Don and Karyn Kintzer in memory of Elizabeth and Thomas O’Hara
Don and Karyn Kintzer in memory of Elizabeth and Thomas O’Hara
Don and Karyn Kintzer in memory of Dorothy and John Kintzer
Don and Karyn Kintzer in memory of Dorothy and John Kintzer
Don and Karyn Kintzer in memory of Dorothy and John Kintzer
Margaret Layshock in memory of departed loved ones
Margaret Layshock in memory of departed loved ones
Margaret Layshock in memory of departed loved ones
Bill and Elaine Lind in fond memory of Mary Anderson
Bill and Elaine Lind in fond memory of Mary Anderson
Bill and Elaine Lind in fond memory of Mary Anderson
Randy and Sharon Linton in honor of Jesus, the Lamb of God
Randy and Sharon Linton in honor of Jesus, the Lamb of God
Randy and Sharon Linton in honor of Jesus, the Lamb of God
Jeff and Hazel Lowe in memory of Nelson Lowe
Jeff and Hazel Lowe in memory of Nelson Lowe
Jeff and Hazel Lowe in memory of Nelson Lowe
Jeff and Hazel Lowe in memory of Kam Hui
Jeff and Hazel Lowe in memory of Kam Hui
Jeff and Hazel Lowe in memory of Kam Hui
Kristen Mayo in memory of Richard Rogers
Kristen Mayo in memory of Richard Rogers
Kristen Mayo in memory of Richard Rogers
James and Wendy McMillan in honor of Andrew and Amanda Brown
James and Wendy McMillan in honor of Andrew and Amanda Brown
James and Wendy McMillan in honor of Andrew and Amanda Brown
Brian and Heather Myers in memory of Bill Garther
Brian and Heather Myers in memory of Bill Garther
Brian and Heather Myers in memory of Bill Garther
Bonnie Nagayama in honor of Ron and Betty Jean Kier
Bonnie Nagayama in honor of Ron and Betty Jean Kier
Bonnie Nagayama in honor of Ron and Betty Jean Kier
Bonnie Nagayama in memory of James McWilliams
Bonnie Nagayama in memory of James McWilliams
Bonnie Nagayama in memory of James McWilliams
Newton Family in honor of our wonderful parents
Newton Family in honor of our wonderful parents
Newton Family in honor of our wonderful parents
Stan Oberg, Anne McLain, Kristen Stanley in memory of Sue Oberg
Stan Oberg, Anne McLain, Kristen Stanley in memory of Sue Oberg
Stan Oberg, Anne McLain, Kristen Stanley in memory of Sue Oberg
Mary Ostrander in memory of Don Ostrander whose birthday was Christmas Day
Mary Ostrander in memory of Don Ostrander whose birthday was Christmas Day
Mary Ostrander in memory of Don Ostrander whose birthday was Christmas Day
The Ostrander Family in honor of Mary Ostrander celebrating her 100 year
The Ostrander Family in honor of Mary Ostrander celebrating her 100 year
The Ostrander Family in honor of Mary Ostrander celebrating her 100th year
Morgan and Phyllis Parrill in honor of our new grandchildren: Tim and Nick Campbell,
Leston Parrill and baby Rye due 12/27!
Morgan and Phyllis Parrill in honor of our new grandchildren: Tim and Nick Campbell,
Leston Parrill and baby Rye due 12/27!
Morgan and Phyllis Parrill in honor of our new grandchildren: Tim and Nick Campbell,
Leston Parrill and baby Rye due 12/27!
Morgan and Phyllis Parrill in memory of Langdon and Diane Parrill and Lester
Gregersen
Morgan and Phyllis Parrill in memory of Langdon and Diane Parrill and Lester
Gregersen
Morgan and Phyllis Parrill in memory of Langdon and Diane Parrill and Lester
Gregersen
Carolyn Ponder in memory of beloved husband, Willis Ponder
Carolyn Ponder in memory of beloved husband, Willis Ponder
Carolyn Ponder in memory of beloved husband, Willis Ponder
Marilyn Runo in memory of Arnold Runo, and Merilee Runo Perry, husband and
grandfather and daughter and mother
Marilyn Runo in memory of Arnold Runo, and Merilee Runo Perry, husband and
grandfather and daughter and mother
Marilyn Runo in memory of Arnold Runo, and Merilee Runo Perry, husband and
grandfather and daughter and mother
Sigrid & Jerral Seibert in memory of parents
Sigrid & Jerral Seibert in memory of parents
Sigrid & Jerral Seibert in memory of parents
Dave and Ann Smith in memory of Steve and Adeline Pavelka
Dave and Ann Smith in memory of Steve and Adeline Pavelka
Dave and Ann Smith in memory of Steve and Adeline Pavelka
Dave and Ann Smith in memory of Mayo and Ella Marie Smith, Kevin, Mary Lou Smith
and Mayo Smith
Dave and Ann Smith in memory of Mayo and Ella Marie Smith, Kevin, Mary Lou Smith
and Mayo Smith
Dave and Ann Smith in memory of Mayo and Ella Marie Smith, Kevin, Mary Lou Smith
and Mayo Smith
The Sophomore Bible Boys in honor of Evan Kolding
The Sophomore Bible Boys in honor of Evan Kolding
The Sophomore Bible Boys in honor of Evan Kolding
Bob and Virginia Sornsen in honor of our family
Bob and Virginia Sornsen in honor of our family
Bob and Virginia Sornsen in honor of our family
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Mat Terry in memory of my parents, Lee and Galt Atwood
th
Mat Terry in memory of my parents, Lee and Galt Atwood
Mat Terry in memory of my parents, Lee and Galt Atwood
John and Phyllis Walker in honor of Linda Arellano’s 75 birthday and continued
good health
John and Phyllis Walker in honor of Linda Arellano’s 75 birthday and continued
good health
John and Phyllis Walker in honor of Linda Arellano’s 75th birthday and continued
good health
John and Phyllis Walker in celebration of Thomas and Stacey Walker; and Philip Walker
and Gabrielle Jordan
John and Phyllis Walker in celebration of Thomas and Stacey Walker; and Philip Walker
and Gabrielle Jordan
John and Phyllis Walker in celebration of Thomas and Stacey Walker; and Philip Walker
and Gabrielle Jordan
John and Phyllis Walker in loving memory of Jane, Scott and Bill Walker
John and Phyllis Walker in loving memory of Jane, Scott and Bill Walker
John and Phyllis Walker in loving memory of Jane, Scott and Bill Walker
Rich & Sharon Wells in memory of our parents, John and Maxine Wells and William
and Lorraine Culver and Rich’s brother, John Wells, III
Rich & Sharon Wells in honor of our parents, John and Maxine Wells and William and
Lorraine Culver and Rich’s brother, John Wells, III
Rich & Sharon Wells in honor of our parents, John and Maxine Wells and William and
Lorraine Culver and Rich’s brother, John Wells, III
Rick & Susan Williams in honor of Barbara Edgren
Rick & Susan Williams in honor of Barbara Edgren
Rick & Susan Williams in honor of Barbara Edgren
Rick & Susan Williams in memory of Niki and George Williams, and Robert Edgren
Rick & Susan Williams in memory of Niki and George Williams, and Robert Edgren
Rick & Susan Williams in memory of Niki and George Williams, and Robert Edgren
Pete and Pat Williams in memory of Mary Anderson
Pete and Pat Williams in memory of Mary Anderson
Pete and Pat Williams in memory of Mary Anderson
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