THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, HICKORY, NC

We’re glad you have chosen to worship with us this morning at

First Presbyterian! If you are visiting with us,

we hope you’ll find this church a place of welcome and spiritual growth.

Here are a few things to help you worship fully with us!

Please sign the black Friendship Pad located in the pew and give us an outlet to reach out to you. We are Presbyterians. We say “debts and debtors” in the Lord’s Prayer, and we say “Holy Ghost” and “He descended into hell” in the Apostles’ Creed. The congregation’s responses are printed in bold. We usually sit to listen and pray and then we stand to sing. The asterisk invites the congregation to stand. Please use the red hymnal, Glory to God, in the pew rack. You are encouraged to follow the readings and the lyrics as they are printed in this worship guide. Our restrooms are located in the hallway behind the choir loft-both on the left and the right sides. If you need to use the restroom we ask that you do this before worship or exit through the rear of the sanctuary while the congregation is standing. Small children are always welcome in worship, although nursery care is available for children birth-4 years old. The Nursery is located in our Educational Building; one of our ushers would be happy to guide you there. We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion the first Sunday of each month. The Elders will pass plates of bread and trays of unfermented wine to each pew OR you will be invited to the closest station to tear a piece of bread and dip into the communion cup (intinction). Gluten-free bread is available from the ushers at the rear of the sanctuary. First Presbyterian Church is a congregation of the PC(USA) denomination. For more

information about our church, call us at 828-322-6343 or please visit our website, www.hickoryfpc.org.

THE SERVICE

PRAYER OF PREPARATION

Who are we, Lord God, that you should come to us? Yet you have visited your people and redeemed us in your Son. As we prepare to celebrate his birth, make our hearts leap for joy at the sound of your word, and move us by your Spirit to bless your wonderful works. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near, your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

PRELUDE Tempus adest floridum Deasley CHORAL INTROIT Whisper, Whisper

Whisper ! Whisper ! Tiny baby in a manger lay, baby born today.

Tiny baby, he sleep in the hay. Shout it out from the highest mountain. Hear what I say !

Shout it out to the hills and valleys: Tiny baby is born today. Shout it out with a thousand voices; Let the music play.

Shout it out and go, tell all the people: Tiny Baby is born today. Mary had a baby ! Glory ! Hallelujah !

Whisper ! Whisper !

*CALL TO WORSHIP L: Not in the mighty places of power, but in little Bethlehem, in a room out back: P: The Messiah is coming. L: Not born in nobility and wealth, but of Mary and Joseph, who pondered and planed wood: P: The Messiah is coming. L: Not announced by prophets, priests, and kings, but by two women, who were the first to know: P: The Messiah is coming. L: Nothing will be impossible for God, but when and where we least expect it, Look among the straw and the stars: P: The Messiah is coming.

For use as you prepare for

worship.

Words and Music by Jay

Althouse The anthem

was composed in 1993. The

soloists are Hailey Baskin and Rebecca

Storie.

*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 133 O Come, All Ye Faithful ADESTE FIDELES

*PRAYER OF APPROACH

ANTHEM Creator of the Stars of Night

Setting by Allan Mahnke

Creator of the stars of night, Thy people’s everlasting Light: O Christ, Redeemer, save us all and hear Thy servants when they call.

Thou, grieving that the ancient curse should doom to death a universe, Hast found the healing, full of grace, to cure and save our ruined race.

At whose dread name, majestic now, all knees must bend, all hearts must bow;

All things celestial Thee shall own, and things terrestrial, Lord alone.

To God the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit, Three in One, Praise, honor, might, and glory be from age to age eternally. Amen.

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION FIRST READING Psalm 85 Pew Bible, page 522 ANTHEM Mary Had a Baby

Setting by William L. Dawson

Mary had a Baby born in a manger. He is called “King Jesus,” “Mighty Counselor,” “King Emmanuel,” “Mighty God,”

“Everlasting Father,” “Prince of Peace.” Mary had a Baby: My Lord.

SECOND READING Matthew 1:18-25 Pew Bible, page 1 SERMON God Is With Us Rev. Malone

The hymn tune and text date

from the 1700’s. The

descant was written by David

Wilcox.

The anthem was composed

in 2017 by Allan Mahnke, a

Church Musician and

professor in Minnesota. The

melody is a Gregorian

chant. This hymn is a new

addition to our hymnal. The soloists are

Ellen Mitchell and Tod

Caldwell.

The Dawson

setting of this spiritual was composed in

1947. The soloist is Nancy

Toy.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE AND THE LORD’S PRAYER 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 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.

OFFERING

ANTHEM Christ Is the Morning Star

Christ is the morning star, The light of God that shines from afar;

The Son of God in human form revealed, The wound of Adam’s sin forever healed.

For God, who formed mankind of clay, Will bring forth our salvation that day;

When he, who made all things since time began, Will send his Son, to live on earth as man.

And when he comes, a child on earth,

The sun and stars will shine at his birth, To light a world that long in darkness lay:

The light of God, the gift of Christmas Day.

Christ is the morning star.

And when he comes again as King, Then heaven and all creation shall sing;

With saints in glory seated round his throne We’ll see his face, and know as we are known.

Christ is the morning star.

The poem and

the music were written by John Rutter in 2014.

Our guest conductor is John Mode.

*HYMN 144 In the Bleak Midwinter ANTHEM CHRISTMAS CANTATA #142

“For Us a Child Is Born” Johann Sebastian Bach

PART ONE The Overture

PART TWO

Chorus: “For Us a Child Is Born” For us a Child is Born, a Son to us is given

PART THREE

Baritone Aria: “So Appears Thy Natal Day”

So appears Thy natal day, My Redeemer, hear, O hear me: I renew my holy pledge to be steadfast, true and faithful.

In the darkness I am lost, for I know not how to find what I search for, What I long for as a sacrifice I bring Thee: Let my heart this day be Thine.

So appears Thy natal day, My Redeemer, hear, O hear me: I renew my holy pledge to be steadfast, true and faithful.

PART FOUR

Chorus: “Laud We the Name of God Most Holy”

Laud we the name of God most holy. Praise we His name most holy.

Praise with a mighty anthem. Let His be the honor and thanks.

PART FIVE

Soprano Aria: “Lord, My Thanks to Thee”

Lord, my thanks to Thee; Lord, I praise Thy name and fame. Then my lot through Thy compassion

Thou hast raised in Thine own fashion, And Thou art my saving grace.

Lord, my thanks to Thee; Lord, I praise Thy name and fame.

The hymn tune was written by Gustav Holst in

1906.

This Bach Cantata was

probably first sung on

Christmas Day, 1720 in Leipzig. The poetry was

first published in 1711 by

Pastor Erdmann Neumeister.

The bass soloist is Carter Woolly.

The soprano soloist is

Samantha Miller.

The contralto soloist is

Samantha Miller.

The Fanfare was written in

1922.

The hymn poem was written by

Charles Wesley. The music was

composed by Felix

Mendelssohn.

PART SIX Contralto Recitative:

“Immanuel ! O Give to Me in Thy Great Mercy”

Immanuel ! O give to me in Thy great mercy

that which my faith and spirit fain would have. How can I tell Thee all of my poor heart’s emotion,

which this birthday wakes within me. O let my voice be raised so that I may sing Thy praise.

PART SEVEN

Contralto Aria: “Lord, I Sing Thy Name”

Lord, I sing Thy name forever, for I am through Thee redeemed. Nothing clouds my spirit, and my heart

through Thy great favor finds it bounteous strength in Thee. Lord, I sing Thy name forever, for I am through Thee redeemed.

PART EIGHT Chorus: “Alleluia”

Alleluia ! O praised be God. All raise your voices, sing with thankful voices,

For God today hast given us joy.

*BENEDICTION *RESPONSE Fanfare for Christmas Day

Composed by Martin Shaw

Gloria in excelsis Deo ! Glory to God in the Highest *RECESSIONAL HYMN 119 Hark! The Herald Angels Sing *POSTLUDE God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Goemanne

WORSHIP LEADERS Preacher: Rev. Dr. Whit Malone

Director of Music: Dr. Steven Mowery Organist: Dr. Martha Geouge Hill Guest Conductor: John E. Mode

Musicians: The Members of The Chancel Choir; Mary Texer, Harpsichord; Daniel Lail, Cellist; Trumpet: Skyler Villegas and Mike

Montgomery; Hailey Baskin; French Horn; Carter Woolly, Tympani Choral Scholars: Samantha Miller and Sophie Sauer, Soprano;

Hailey Baskin and Rebecca Storie, Alto; Matthew Storie, Tenor; Carter Woolly and Skyler Villegas, Bass

PRAYER REQUESTS Ben Bost, Sean McGinnis, Adelaide Silkworth, Cathi Dillon, Suzanne Hambrick,

Bob and Susie Abercrombie, and the Dulatown Presbyterian Church, Lenoir

SUPPORT SAFE HARBOR MISSION by PURCHASING “SCENTS OF HOPE”

Scents of Hope offers bath and body products that are handmade by the women of Safe Harbor Rescue Mission. Purchasing items from this line provides women who are dealing with insufficient income, homelessness, or recovery hope through job training and access to funds for housing or living expenses. See the display table in the church office.

HERITAGE LUNCHEON Tuesday, December 19, 11:30 a.m.

Fellowship Hall FPC Preschool Children to Present:

“Someone Has A Birthday” RSVP by calling the Church Office!

LONGEST NIGHT SERVICE Wednesday, December 20 at 7 PM

(Fellowship Hall)

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES 11 AM FAMILY / CHILDREN'S SERVICE

(Normally our 4 PM afternoon service.) (Fellowship Hall)

7 PM CAROLS, CANDLES AND COMMUNION SERVICE (Sanctuary)

NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICE NO Sunday School

One Service in the Fellowship Hall College Students will be assisting in worship.

MEALS AND TRANSPORTATION NEEDS Dan and Cathi Dillon need meals scheduled after the first of the year. Cathi needs transportation to a couple of appointments. If you are available to help, please sign up at Takethemeal.com

MEMORIALS/HONORARIA

Many thanks to all who donated our beautiful poinsettias.

6:45 Dinner Group Friends, in honor of Suzanne Hambrick.

Sharon Barlow, in honor of Willadean Elliott Hensley.

Jerry and Gwen Belk, in memory of Henry and Ada Mae Belk.

Jerry and Gwen Belk, in memory of Archie and Eva Mae Cameron.

Jeff Bronnenberg and Lynne Emken, in memory of Neel Bronnenberg.

Jeff Bronnenberg and Lynne Emken, in memory of Charlene Bronnenberg.

Robert B. Bumbarger, in memory of Caroline Bumbarger.

Barrett and William Cauble, IV, in memory of their grandparents: Carla and Delores Clarke

and Bill and Phyllis Cauble.

Ann and Kim Clarke, in memory of Carl and Delores Clarke.

Anne and Alistair Evans, in memory of Nan and Alexander Evans.

Anne and Alistair Evans, in memory of Sarah and Jim Womack.

Gloria Farr, in loving memory of George Farr, Jr.

Gloria Farr, in memory of Helen and Ted Sechler.

Gloria Farr, in memory of Louise and George Farr, Sr.

Allison Finch, in memory of Donald Ball.

Sally M. Fox, in memory of Rudy Wright.

Ed and Jane Gavin, in honor of our past and present U.S. Troops and their families..

Ed and Jane Gavin, in honor of our past and present First Responders and their families.

Tony Hanson and Cathy Hunsucker, in honor and memory of their families.

Carole Ann and Ander Horne, in honor of Ruby C. (Connie) Horne.

Emily and Ed Lane, in honor of Mrs. Jane G. Lane.

Margaret Lavender, in memory of Beth Lavender Haunton.

Margaret Lavender, in memory of Tom Lavender.

Bill and Sue Martin, in honor of Nan and George Brown.

Bill and Sue Martin, in memory of Linda Ellis.

Anne Mason, in memory of C. Dwight Hardin, Jr.

Anne Mason, in memory of Robert L. Mason.

Anne Mason, in memory of David Hardin.

Shannon and Jim McCall, in memory of their beautiful daughter, Kelsie Million.

Shannon and Jim McCall, in memory of Janis Davis.

Sean and Jeanne McGinnis, in honor of Alistair and Anne Evans.

Sean and Jeanne McGinnis, in honor of John and Sarah Parham.

Jeff, Ellen, Christopher and James Mitchell, in memory of Charles and Viola Mitchell.

Wendy Pagenstecher, in honor of Kristin Darbee.

Wendy Pagenstecher, in memory of John Pagenstecher, family and friends.

Scotty, Hayes and Winnie Pierce, in memory of Judy and Bob Pierce.

Bill and Sherry Pitts, in honor of Mandy and Scott Hildebrand.

Bill and Sherry Pitts, in honor of Andrew, Zabrina, Will, Madeline, Lillian and Samuel Pitts.

Bill and Sherry Pitts, in honor of Matthew, Amy, Emma and Henry Pitts.

Bill and Sherry Pitts, in memory of Henry Ford Shuman.

Bill and Sherry Pitts, in memory of Charlie Boyd Hildebrand.

Bill and Sherry Pitts, in memory of Willy Pitts.

Carol Robinson, in memory of Chic Robinson.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Rodgers, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Spurrier.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Rodgers, in memory of Mr. W. Rickard Rodgers

and in honor of Mrs. W. Rickard Rodgers.

Dave and Susan Rowe, in memory of Lois B. Rowe.

Dave and Susan Rowe, in memory of Bob and Alice Meuser.

Joe and Janice Sienkiewicz, in memory of James Drew Sienkiewicz.

Bob and Lynn Smith, in honor of Sabbath Soup Volunteers and Guests.

Christy and Bill Taylor, in memory of Robert Hambrick.

Christy and Bill Taylor, in memory of Dr. Louis G. Britt and Mrs. Betty Britt.

Christy and Bill Taylor, in memory of Mrs. Jane Foil Taylor.

Mr. and Mrs. R. Douglas Taylor, in honor of Louise Taylor on her 96th birthday.

Mr. and Mrs. R. Douglas Taylor, in memory of Elaine Leaird.

Mr. and Mrs. R. Douglas Taylor, in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Morris.

The Glaze Family, in honor of the Taylor Family.

The Glaze Family, in memory of Dr. Louis G. Britt and Mrs. Betty Britt.

Nancy Toy and Carl Sauer, in honor of Robert Jay Sauer.

Nancy Toy and Carl Sauer, in memory of William Minor Toy, III.

Nancy Toy and Carl Sauer, in memory of Janet Ann Posey Toy.

Nancy Toy and Carl Sauer, in memory of Sue Emily Koehler Sauer.

Michael and Lisa Webber, in honor of their children: Jackson, Peter and Tate.

Michael and Lisa Webber, in honor of David Webber and Carol Lemley.

Michael and Lisa Webber, in memory of Alfred Lemley and Kay Webber.

Charles and Nancy Willingham, in memory of Julian and Nancy Whitener.

Chip and Lynn Young, in honor of their children, Catherine and Sandy Lyons

and Frank and Taylor Young.

Elaine and Charles Young, in honor of their children, in-law children and grands.

Elaine and Charles Young, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bruce Teague.

Elaine and Charles Young, in memory of Rev. and Mrs. Albert A. Young.

CHURCH CALDENDAR

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 17 Sunday School 9:45 A.M. Chancel Choir Rehearsal 10 A.M. Kairos Worship - Lesson & Carols 11 A.M. Sanctuary Worship - Christmas Musical Celebration 11 A.M. Senior High Progressive Dinner 5 P.M. MONDAY, December 18 Bridge Club 9:30 A.M. Intercessory Prayer 9:30 A.M. Women’s Bible Study 10 A.M. Staff Meeting 11 A.M. Cub Scout Meeting 7 P.M. TUESDAY, December 19 Men’s Gathering 8 A.M. Heritage Group Luncheon 11:30 A.M. Boy Scouts 7 P.M. WEDNESDAY, December 20 Bridge Club 9:30 A.M. Chancel Choir & Kairos Band Rehearsal 7 P.M. Longest Night Service 7 P.M. THURSDAY, December 21 Weekday Preschool Closed for Christmas Vacation Literary Group Meeting 8:45 A.M. Art Class 9:30 A.M. Program Staff Meeting 9:30 A.M. FRIDAY, December 22 Church Office Closes at Noon Weekday Preschool Closed THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 24 Family/Children’s Service 11 A.M. Carols, Candles and Communion Service 7 P.M.