Wycliffe Presbyterian Church

Sunday, December 22, 2019 ~ the 4th Sunday in Advent

Rev. Dr. Garrett Bugg, pastor

The Celtic Cross ~ Legend attributes this design to St. Patrick which was used by early missionaries throughout the British Isles as a teaching tool. The cross represents Christ. Placed on top of the circle, which represented the sun and nature-worship of the pagans, it signified Christ’s supremacy over all and the true life-giving properties of his salvation.

The Wycliffe Ringers “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” arr. D. Goins

Opening Prayer

We kindle the fire this morning in the presence of the holy angels of heaven; without malice, without jealousy, without envy,

but with the Holy Son of God to shield us. Loving God, kindle within our hearts a flame of love for our neighbors,

for our foes, for our friends, and for our kindred all.

*Hymn 133 ~ “O Come, All Ye Faithful”

*Isaiah 40 (all read the bold)

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her

that her hard service has been completed; her sin has been paid for.

A voice of one calls: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;

make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.

And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together!”

All Sing: “O come, let us adore him! O come, let us adore him! O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!”

*Share signs of God’s peace with your neighbor Children’s time with the Pastor

Love

Hear these words from the Hebrew prophet Micah (5:2)

But you, O Bethlehem, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from ancient days. And he shall feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure and he shall be great.

In Darkness A Great Light (Read as directed. Those on the pulpit side are “left;” choir side are “right”)

Leader: Shshshshsh …

All: Shshshshsh …

Leader: Shshshshsh …

All: SHSHSHSHSHSH

Leader (quietly): The people …

Left: The people …

Right: The people …

Leader:: The people who walked …

Left: The people who walked

Right: The people who walked

Leader: (Loudly) The people who walked in darkness

Left: In darkness

All: (whispering repeatedly) – darkness, darkness, darkness …

Leader: The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.

All: (starting at whisper, getting louder) - Light, Light, LIGHT …

Leader: Light has dawned on them; joy to dwellers in a land as dark as death.

All: JOY!

Leader: You have shattered the yoke that burdened them!

All: YES!

Leader: A Child is born, a son is given. And he shall be called -

Left: Wonderful Counselor

Right: Mighty God

Left: Everlasting Father

Right: Prince of Peace

Leader: Shshshshsh

All: Shshshshsh

Left: The people

Right: The people

Left: who walked in darkness

Right: in darkness

All: HAVE SEEN A GREAT LIGHT!

Hymn 106 “Prepare the Way, O Zion” (stanza 1 & 3, remain seated)

My Soul Magnifies the Lord (Luke 1:39-49, all read as indicated)

Leader: In those days, Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country to visit Elizabeth, married to Zechariah, who was expecting a child. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s hello, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and said ~

Women: Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. Why has the mother of my Lord come to me? Blessed are you who believed in what the Lord said to you.”

Men: And Mary responded -

Women: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. Surely, from now on, all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me. Holy is his name.

Hymn 100 “My Soul Cries Out with a Joyful Shout” (stanza 1 & 4, seated)

A Time of Confession (all read the bold)

God, something in me leaps with joy when I sense you near. Something holy in me dances at the sound of your voice. Something in me rushes forward as when sisters long apart reunite.

I confess I often ignore the leaping, I suppress the dance, I muffle the song.

Give us faith to leap, to weep, to lean toward you. Set us free to delight in your presence, to lose composure at your touch. You who are coming, give us faith to run and greet you. (a moment of silence)

The Assurance of God’s Grace & Pardon . . . and all say: Thanks be to God.

Lighting The Fourth Advent Candle

“Be Born in Me” Bernie Helms, Nichole Nordeman

Anna Reed, soloist

Everything inside me cries for order; everything inside me wants to hide.

Is this shadow an angel or a warrior? If God is pleased with me, why am I so terrified?

Someone tell me I am only dreaming; somehow help me see with Heaven’s eyes.

And before my head agrees, my heart is on it’s knees. Holy is He. Blessed am I. Be born in me . .

There Were Shepherds in the Field (Luke 2:8-10, read as indicated)

Leader: There were shepherds living in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks.

Men: An angel of the Lord appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said ~

Women: “Do not be afraid. I bring good news of great joy for all people!”

“The Shepherds’ Song”

P. Choplin

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, all seated on the ground, the angel of the Lord came near and glory shone around. He said,

“Fear not for I bring good news, it shall be for all people; for unto you is born this day a Savior, Christ the Lord.

Gloria! In excelsis Deo!”

Scripture Matthew 1:18-25

The Word of God is Opened to Us Rev. Dr. Garrett Bugg, pastor

The offering is received ~

“What Star is This” arr. D. Lantz What star is this, with beams so bright, more lovely than the noonday light?

‘Tis sent to announce a newborn King, glad tidings of our God to bring. ‘Tis now fulfilled what God decreed, “From Jacob shall a star proceed;” and lo! the Eastern sages stand to read in heav’n the Lord’s command.

O Jesus, while the star of grace compels us on to seek your face, let not our idle hearts refuse the guidance of your light to use . . .

The Preparation for Prayer (all read the bold)

God of heaven & earth, hear us as we pray for the earth, that we may live on it responsibly. Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who will sleep under the stars tonight - for travelers, for refugees, for explorers, for the homeless. Hear our prayer.

We pray for those who are ill, or in trouble; for those in any kind of need. We remember those who have died, and for those who love them and miss them. Hear our prayer.

We pray for ourselves, that you will give us dreams and courage to follow them. Hear our prayer.

The Pastor’s Prayer followed by The Lord’s Prayer

*A Celtic Creed (all read the bold)

People of God, in whom do you believe?

We believe in God above us, maker and sustainer of all life, of sun and moon, of water and earth, of male and female.

We believe in God beside us, Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, born of woman, servant of the poor, tortured and nailed to a tree. A man of sorrows, he died forsaken. He descended into the earth to the place of death. On the third day he rose from the tomb. He ascended into heaven, to be everywhere present, and his kingdom will come on earth.

We believe in God within us, the Holy Spirit of Pentecostal fire, life-giving breath of the Church, Spirit of healing & forgiveness, of courage & love source of resurrection & eternal life.

*Hymn 113 - “Angels We Have Heard on High”

*The Benediction

*All sing “Glo- - ria! in Excelsis De-o! Glo- - ria! in Excelsis De-o!

May the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ go with you, wherever He may send you.

May He guide you through the wilderness, protect you through the storm.

May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown.

May He bring you home rejoicing once again into these doors.

All are invited to the Fellowship Hall

for a Christmas Cookie Extravaganza!

Christmas Eve Services Children’s Christmas ~ 3:00 pm

Candlelight, Carols & Communion ~ 5:00 pm

We welcome Amanda Gates, violin, and Larry Clemens, trumpet, to today’s service. Amanda is a native of Reston VA and a graduate of Catholic University. She serves as Assistant Concertmaster of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and holds First-Violin position with the Chautauqua Symphony during the summer season. No stranger to Wycliffe, Larry is a Va Beach native and former principal trumpet with the New Jersey Symphony. He earned degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and the University of Illinois (and something Wycliffe may not know, Larry is director of the Virginia Coastal Fly Anglers!)

Fellowship Lunch

Join us on Sunday, January 12th for a delicious Chili Luncheon. The meal will be held in the Fellowship Hall immediately

following the worship service. Menu: Chili, cornbread, salad. Delicious brownies & ice cream for dessert.

Wycliffe Presbyterian Church Weekly Announcements ~ December 22, 2019

www.wycliffepresbyterian.org

The beautiful flowers in the chancel today are given to the glory of God.

Kids Club ~ Sailing Into

God’s New Beginnings The Winter Session of Kids Club is starting back in January for a 6 week term. Starting January 15th, kids ages 5 years through 5th grade are welcome to join us on Wednesday from 5:30-7:00 pm. Each session includes dinner, a bible story, crafts, science experi-ments, and music. To join the fun please fill out the information on our website listed below. We can’t wait to see you there! www.wycliffepresbyterian.org

Children's Service ~ 3:00 pm

With familiar carols, a retelling of the Christmas story, and an opportunity for a special blessing.

Candlelight, Carols, and Communion

5:00 pm ~ What Can't Wait: God did not wait for the world to be perfect. Jesus was born in the midst of conflict and suffering. God couldn't wait to be love in the flesh--neither should we!

Christmas Joy Offering

Merry Christmas! Today we have an opportunity to contribute to the Christmas Joy Offering. The work supported by this offering is twofold: 1) the Assistance Program

of the Board of Pensions gives financial aid to current and retired church workers. and 2) your gifts help establish and assist Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. Thank you so much for your spirit of sharing at this most wonderful time of the year! CMS

Worship Attendance Last Week: 121

End of Year Giving

Your generosity throughout the year makes ministries with impact possible. In this last week of 2019, consider giving thanks to God and supporting Wycliffe’s ministries with an end of year gift. Remember all contributions made by December 31 are tax deductible. Please note gifts must be received by Dec. 31 or postmarked by that date to count for tax year 2019.

Giving statements will be mailed in January. If you

have questions about your 2019 pledge, contact

Judy. (496-2620).

The 2020 offering envelopes are ready for pick up.

They are located in the Fellowship Hall on top of

the cabinet.

Online giving is available. Go to our web page at www.wycliffepresbyterian.com and click the donation tab on the bottom right of the web page or call the office for assistance 496-2620.

Prayer List Remember the following in your Prayers:

Cook Florence, Josie Collier, Robert Hudson, Tanner

Effinger, Verna Brainard, Vin deLalla, June Beeler,

Shirley Fahrney, Nelda Fink, Bettye & Scotty Gaiennie,

Delores Griffin, Carol & Jack Hall, Harry Jeavons, Dot

Laughlin, Billie & Manning Merritt, Connie Sandler,

Darrell Kennedy, Cathy Maston, Julie Mainard, Betty

Smith, & Carol Gunter.

Those serving in the military:

Justin Kirkpatrick, USN, Josh Smith, USN; Brandon Burns, USA; Jacob Burns, USMC; Courtney Clinton, USN; Chris Prybella, USN; Martha Adams, USN; Brad Johnson, USN; Sean Trombly, USN; Ryan Hanson, USCG; Lance Hecker, USN; Taylor Black, USA; William Daniel Cole, USAF; Jim Hurt, USN; Aaron Leyko, USCG.

The administrative office is now closed through January 6th, have a blessed holiday.

Wycliffe Weekly Events

12/22/19 - 12/28/2019

Sunday 9:00 am Adult Sunday School

9:30 am Choir Rehearsal

10:00 am Worship

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School Class

11:00 am Fellowship Cookie Swap

Monday 9:00 am Bridge Group

Tuesday Christmas Eve

3:00 pm Children’s Worship Service

5:00 pm Candlelight, Carols & Communion

Wednesday Christmas Day

Thursday 6:30 pm Handbells

Friday 7:30 pm AA

________________________________________________________

12/29/19 - 1/4/2020

Sunday 9:00 am Adult Sunday School

9:30 am Choir Rehearsal

10:00 am Worship

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School Class

Monday 9:00 am Bridge Group

Tuesday New Years Eve

Wednesday New Years Day

Thursday 10:00 am Sandwich Making / Fellowship Mtg.

6:30 pm Handbells

Friday 7:30 pm AA

Saturday 1:00 pm Johnson Wedding

Advent IV December 22

"Love Can't Wait"

A Rollicking Celtic Christmas

The fourth week of Advent focuses on love.

Can we be brave enough to love one another

and respond to God's call?

Christmas Eve December 24

Children's Christmas: 3 pm

Candlelight, Carols, & Communion: 5 pm

Children's Service with familiar carols,

a retelling of the Christmas story,

and an opportunity for a special blessing.

Advent is a season of waiting, but is idle waiting

really what God wants of us? In preparation for the coming

Messiah, we'll wonder together - what things can't wait? What demands our

immediate attention? What requires our work and

preparation?

This Advent, we invite you to imagine, prioritize and prepare!

https://www.facebook.com/WycliffePresbyterian

July 13th - 17th

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July 13th - 17th

Mark Your Calendar

Doris Bauer In memory of Richard Bauer and in honor of Dick & Mary Haislip

Dohan & Joe Bell In memory of Joe’s mom Jane Ann Bell

Garrett & Ali Bugg To the glory of God and in honor of our children

Pat & Dave Carney In honor of our grandchildren

Josie & Raz Collier In memory of our parents

Marie Fancher In memory of Al & Scott

Nelda Fink In honor of our ushers

April Gavin In memory of my brother Mike

Dick & Mary Haislip In memory of loved ones

Helen Kattwinkel In memory of Frank, Matt & Chuck

Lilla Kuper In memory of Harry, Stewart and Mark

Michelle La Vigne In memory of Barbara La Vigne

Robin & Barry La Vigne In memory of loved ones and in honor of our children and grandchildren

Kirsten Lemmon In memory of Ryan Ihde & Patricia Ihde

Chris Lemmon In memory of Don & Ruth Lemmon and George & Helen Davis

Bess Mann In honor of the Wycliffe choir

Carol & Ken Marinak In honor of our grandchildren

Amelia & Ron Moore To honor the celebration of the Christmas spirit with family & friends

Bob & Bonnie Prestridge In memory of our loved ones and with thanksgiving for family

Maria & Jerry Roberts In memory of Nicole Marie Roberts, Gerald & Ethel Roberts, Walter & Emily Wilkinson, Joe Wilkinson, Sabrina Roberts, and our grandparents. In honor of our grandchildren: Natalie, Emilia, Matthew, Garrett Joseph and Nora.

Betty & Donna Robertson In memory of Lloyd Robertson

Sharon Rock In memory of Nelson & Jessie Fortune

Jodi Rossman In memory of my family

Lisa & Gerald Scheuer In memory of Stanley & Margaret Whitfield

Betty Smith In memory of Tom

Jamie Smith In memory of Ralph, Virginia & Scott Gause

Josh Smith In memory of David Smith

Lisa & Greg Sowell In memory of Leonard Long and in honor of our family

Jackie Stone In memory of my family

Linda & Bill Wahab In thanks for the glory and blessing of Christmas

Nancy & Bill Woodhouse In honor of our children and granddaughter