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CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HAMILTON December 6, 2020 10:30
a.m.
The Second Sunday of Advent, Communion and Joining Sunday
Minister – The Rev. Dr. J. Gregory Davidson
Organist – Dr. Roger Bergs Soloist and Song Leader – Abigail
Veenstra Advent Scripture Reader – Eleanor Crabtree
* Indicates standing, as you are able.
PRE-SERVICE PRAYER
My God, my Father. Grant me the grace to approach this table
with humble repentance and ardent desire in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Grant me to receive this holy sacrament with firm faith in thy
word. May I take from it the peace and spiritual joy proper to thy
children with ardent love for thee, my God, and a firm resolve
henceforth to consecrate my life to thy service.
Pierre Du Moulin (1568-1658) PRELUDE Hark! The Glad Sound Alan
Gray Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Geoffrey Shaw
Hark! The Glad Sound Paul Bouman
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Alec Rowley
OUR APPROACH TO GOD
* HYMN – Hark! The Glad Sound
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THE CALL TO WORSHIP
PRAYERS OF ADORATION AND CONFESSION
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty; creator of heaven and
earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, Our Lord, Who was
conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered
under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He
descended to the dead.
On the third day He rose again; He ascended into heaven and is
seated at the right hand of the Father, and 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 the life everlasting. Amen.
* HYMN – Here I Am to Worship
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RECEIVING NEW MEMBERS
Roger and Tina Bergs, Robert James and Helaine Guther, Don and
Mary
Jane Scott, Lize-Marie Swanepoel (see introductions on page
15-16)
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH (from the Book of Common Worship, PCC)
Trusting in the gracious mercy of God who has been faithful to
us in all generations, do you turn away from sin, renounce evil and
all powers in the world which rebel against God or oppose God's
rule of justice and love?
I renounce them.
Do you renounce the ways of sin, which separate you from the
love of God?
I renounce them.
Do you turn to Jesus Christ accepting him as Lord and Saviour,
trusting in his grace and love?
I do.
Do you desire, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, to mature as a
Christian in the church, to seek the guidance of Christ as you
listen for his Word, to celebrate his death and life at the table
he provides, and to engage in his mission to the world?
I do.
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SOLO To Us a Child of Hope is Born - traditional English, arr.
Roger Bergs Abigail Veenstra, Soprano
To us a child of hope is born, to us a son is given, Him shall
the tribes of earth obey, him all the hosts of heaven.
His name shall be the Prince of Peace, forevermore adored, The
Wonderful, the Counselor, the great and mighty Lord.
His power, increasing, still shall spread, his reign no end
shall know; Justice shall guard his throne above, and peace abound
below.
To us a child of hope is born, to us a son is given, The
Wonderful, the Counselor, the mighty Lord of heaven.
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GOD SPEAKS TO US
* RESPONSIVE ADVENT READING (p. 2) Matthew 3:1-5 “The
Proclamation of John the Baptist”
Leader: In those days John the Baptist appeared in the
wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, Congregation: “Repent, for the
kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the
prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in
the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight.’” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather
belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.
Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him,
and all the region along the Jordan,
SCRIPTURE READING (p. 638) Isaiah 9:2-7 “The Righteous Reign of
the Coming King”
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. 3
You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they
rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when
dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar
across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken
as on the day of Midian.
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5 For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the
garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. 6
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. 7 His authority
shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the
throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and
forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Sermon Series: The Prophets Foretell the Coming of Jesus
SERMON: Jesus, the Light in the Darkness
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD
OFFERING
Hymn – Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
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HOLY COMMUNION
THE INVITATION
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING & THE LORD’S PRAYER
We pray as Christ taught us:
Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy 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 trespasses, As we forgive
those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, And the power, and
the glory, For ever and ever. Amen.
THE WORDS OF INSTITUTION
HOLY COMMUNION AT THE LORD’S TABLE Please provide your own bread
and wine where you are.
Communion Music Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence Henry
Coleman
POST-COMMUNION PRAYER
THE PEACE May the peace of Christ be with you; and also with
you.
GOD SENDS US
* HYMN – The Race that Long in Darkness Walked
* THE BENEDICTION
POSTLUDE Hark! The Glad Sound Paul Bouman
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Sermon Notes: Jesus, the Light in the Darkness Isaiah 9:2-7
❖ Introduction and Context (vv 8:19-9:1)
❖ Christ Revealed as:
o Our Light (v. 2-3)
o Our Liberator (v. 4-5)
o Our Leader (v. 6-7)
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Introductions of our New Members:
Roger and Tina Bergs
Roger Bergs has been the Music Director of Central since the
fall of 2018. He was raised in an evangelical Baptist church, has
worshipped in Mennonite, Lutheran and Anglican communities, and
spent 23 years as the Music Director at Knox Presbyterian Church in
Toronto. He teaches music at Redeemer University and the University
of Toronto, and worship at Toronto Baptist Seminary. He conducts
the Hamilton-based chamber choir Musicata. He has also served on
the board of Sola Scriptura Ministries for many years. He
appreciates both the rich content and Biblical focus of classic
reformed worship, and is happy to serve in a church where both are
held dear. Tina Bergs is married to Roger and they live in Seaton
Village in Toronto. Along with two teen daughters and their dog,
they enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking and kayaking. Tina comes
from Vancouver Island, BC, and she was baptized as a teenager at
Arrowsmith Baptist Church. She serves as a teacher and vice
principal at Westminster Classical Christian Academy in
Toronto.
Robert James and Helaine Guther
Robert is retired from several careers including surgical
photographer in New York City. He has been an ad agency writer, as
well as writing and managing the photography and marketing
functions in the Public Affairs department of ArcelorMittal Dofasco
for thirty years. Born of missionary parents in Zambia, southern
Africa, he is married to Helaine, and has three children and nine
grandchildren. Robert spends any free time enjoying too many
hobbies. Helaine and her parents immigrated from the Netherlands
when she was 3 years old. She now has 4 younger Canadian born
siblings and many nieces and nephews. For 43 years Helaine worked
as a Medical Social Worker. Her primary focus was oncology and
palliative care, working with patients and their families at the
Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. Helaine has been retired for
1 year and enjoys it more than she could have imagined. She spends
time with her husband Robert, his children and grandchildren plus
takes classes and long walks with her dog, who is a perpetual
student.
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Lize-Marie Swanepoel
Lize-Mari Swanepoel was born and raised in Johannesburg, South
Africa. She and her family have been attending CPC for about 4
years now and the children are part of the Faith Finders program.
Lize-Mari is the acting chair of Central’s Discipleship Committee.
During the last couple of months she has been encouraged by
Ephesians 5:19 and 20 “…making melody to the Lord in [our] hearts,
giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Don and Mary Jane Scott
Don and Mary Jane Scott have been attending Central Church since
the fall of 2019, and are thankful for the warm welcome given. They
were nurtured in faith-based homes in small communities near Lake
Erie (Rodney and Port Colborne) and have been committed
believers/members of the Presbyterian/Reformed Churches since their
teen years. Don and Mary Jane met in their university years at Knox
Church, Toronto where they gratefully shared life and ministry with
the greater church body and raised their three children. They
celebrate, in that their family has grown, with each child being
recently married and with the birth of a delightful grandson. The
Scotts are humbled by the Father's unfathomable faithfulness and in
thanksgiving have joyfully served in many forms of discipleship,
teaching and congregational life ministries. Don and Mary Jane are
thankful for this new step in their journey, and are eager to grow
in knowledge and faith and be supportive as members of Central
Church in Hamilton.
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PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS
Eileen Reynolds Linda Pearson Marie Davi
First Time Worshippers
Welcome to Central Livestream this morning!
If you would like to get to know Central better, please
introduce yourself. Contact Helena ([email protected] or
905-522-9098), and/or spend some time going through our Website
(www.cpchamilton.ca). If you would like to be added to our email
list, please let Helena know. Central’s Prayer Team is available to
receive needs in confidence. Contact Donna Thomas 905-644-8107.
For Pastoral emergencies, please contact the Rev. Dr. Gregory
Davidson at – Church: 905-522-9098 or Home: 905-628-1762.
CPC Statement of Welcome:
www.cpchamilton.ca/welcome-statement/
Word of the Day: “Lord’s Supper/eucharist/communion” in the
breaking and eating of the bread and pouring and drinking of the
cup with thanksgiving to God, Christ’s saving life, death, and
resurrection are remembered and proclaimed; his real presence and
grace for the forgiveness of sins and the renewal of life are
received and celebrated; and the church is strengthened for its
mission in the world in the confident hope of Christ’s coming again
and of the consummation of his saving work. “Lord’s Supper”
emphasizes that Jesus Christ is the host who invites all to his
table and gives himself to all who put their trust in him.
“Communion” expresses the fact that in this meal we are repeatedly
given new life in communion with God and each other through Christ
in the power of the Spirit. The name “eucharist” (thanksgiving)
declares that in this celebration the church gives thanks in the
Spirit to God for God’s sacrificial love and great goodness to us
in Jesus Christ.
mailto:[email protected]://www.cpchamilton.ca/http://www.cpchamilton.ca/welcome-statement/
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Congregational Givings
Thank you for your continued generosity. Donations to Central
can be made via Interac E-Transfer or cheque.
Please send to [email protected], include your envelope
# or mailing address for tax receipt purposes. P.A.R. is
encouraged!
For ways to give, visit cpchamilton.ca/giving
“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap
sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap
bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in
abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you
may share abundantly in every good work.” (2 Corinthians
9:6-8)
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
OCTOBER 31, 2020 YTD YTD
BUDGET ACTUAL
EXPENSES ($343,029) ($327,235)
GROWTH FUND LOAN ($30,000) ($30,000)
OTHER REVENUES $80,125 $89,554
CONGREGATIONAL GIVINGS $226,966 $226,711
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) ($65,938) ($40,970)
(Note: Deficiency Position includes $30,000 loan from Growth
Fund;
YTD = Year to Date)
Our giving goes towards updating the space we have been given
here at
Central, including this sanctuary, hospitality facilities and
meeting spaces. CPC shares its space with more than 10 community
groups, in addition to
rentals. We estimate that 18,100 people go through our
facilities every year.
https://centralchurch.sharepoint.com/Shared%20Documents/2020%20Bulletins/09%20September%202020/[email protected]://centralchurch.sharepoint.com/Shared%20Documents/2020%20Bulletins/06%20June%202020/cpchamilton.ca/giving
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How does Central share God's love with the world?
Central’s mission partners and programs
Local - Hamilton Out of the Cold - weekly hot meal from November
to March in church hall Inner City Outreach (Wentworth &
Barton) - CPC host bimonthly dinners for Moms Community BBQ -
outside front of church, weekly from April to August Durand Market
- sharing our space, supporting local small enterprises, and being
neighborly, May to October White Gifts - Christmas gifts for
children connected to Inner City Outreach Central Public School -
reading program Indwell - specific needs for residents collected
once a year FoodShare - sharing for food bank, basket by front
doors, taken monthly Grocery Cards - available from church office
for families in need in the neighborhood Summer Camp Offerings -
for summer camps at Inner City Outreach National and International
- around the world Operation Christmas Stable - funds raised go to
families doing small scale farming through World Vision
Presbyterians Sharing - CPC commits over $36,000 per year, for
chaplaincies, Indigenous ministries and seminaries in Canada, and
mission partners in Taiwan, Hungary, Malawi, Philippines
Presbyterian World Service and Development - international aid to
places of crisis, including Haiti and Malawi, as needs emerge
Refugee Sponsorship - 3 families to Canada since 2010
Minister – The Rev. Dr. J. Gregory Davidson Minister Emeritus –
The Rev. Dr. Alan M. McPherson Director of Pastoral Care - The Rev.
Franklin Thomas
Director of Family Ministries - Melissa Kuipers, M.A. (on leave)
Coordinator of Adult Discipleship - Sara Traficante
Director of Music Ministries – Dr. Roger Bergs General
Accountant – Zafar Iqbal
Office Administrator – Helena Bootsma Nursery Coordinator –
Theresa Monkelbaan
905-522-9098 cpchamilton.ca
[email protected]
mailto:[email protected]
