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The Worship of God
Third Sunday of Advent
December 12, 2021
9:00 AM
Reflections "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” - Matthew 5:5 “Take my yolk upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for
your souls.” - Matthew 11:29 “There is probably no more beautiful quality in a Christian than meekness. It enhances manliness; it
adorns femininity.” - Sinclair Ferguson
Welcome and Announcements Gathering Music “Ding Dong!” Merrily on High Traditional Elizabeth Lineberger, Sarah Joy Fickling Flute Duet Call to Worship Luke 1:46-52
Pastor: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. All: For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. Pastor: His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. All: he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.
Invocation (concluded by 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.
Songs of Praise Hark The Herald Angels Sing Charles Wesley It Came Upon The Midnight Clear Sears, Willis Children’s Message Congregational Choral Response Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
To all who are spiritually weary and seek rest; to all who mourn and long for comfort; to all who struggle and desire victory; to all who sin and need a Savior; to all who are strangers and want fellowship; to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness; and to all who will come, this church opens wide her doors and offers welcome in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Come, let us worship God.
Offertory Love Came Down to Bethlehem arr. Larry Shakley Please pass and sign the welcome pads during this time. Scripture Reading Matthew 5:1-5 Sermon Blessed are the Meek Rev. Matt Kuiken Song of Response Go Tell It On The Mountain John Work Benediction Congregational Response The Church’s Doxology Holden
Now, blessed be Jehovah, God, The God of Israel, Who only doeth wondrous works, In glory that excel, Who only doeth wondrous works, In glory that excel.
And blessed be His glorious Name To all eternity; The whole earth let His glory fill. Amen, so let it be; The whole earth let His glory fill. Amen, so let it be.
Psalm 72/Oliver Holden—The Psalter, The Bible Songs and The ARP Psalter OneLicense.net A-720820—Used by permission
If you have a physical or spiritual need, or a concern for the upcoming week, there are elders available to pray with you immediately following the service. The prayer room is located behind the Praise Team.
The sanctuary flowers are given to the Glory of God and in honor of all members of the Music Ministry Staff and members of all choirs and music groups by Trip McGill. We are thankful for your faithful service.
“Blessed are the Meek” Rev. Matt Kuiken
Matthew 5:1-5
1 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.
2 And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Sermon Notes “Blessed are the Meek” Rev. Matt Kuiken Matthew 5:1-5
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Youth Ministry
Shoebox Sorting Students ages 13 years and older are invited to join us for this special service opportunity on Wednesday, December 15. We’ll leave the church at 5pm and head down to Samaritan's Purse OCC
Warehouse and help to prepare shoeboxes for shipping! We will grab dinner at Chick fil-A on the way and will head back to Gastonia at 9pm for pickup at the church around 9:30pm. Bring $ for dinner. Click here to register and complete OCC’s waiver.
Friday, 12/17: High School Youth to Christmastown USA RSVP to Amanda at [email protected] to let us know to save you a spot in the van. We will meet at the church at 5:30pm and head to McAdenville to walk through the lights display Back to church at 8pm.
Sunday, 12/19: Youth Christmas Party We’ll meet for dinner at 6pm and then share in a time of games, Scripture carols, and end with a gift exchange. Pickup at 8pm. Hope you can join us for a fun evening together. Bring a gift valued at or around $5 if you want to participate in the gift exchange. And a prize will be awarded to the person wearing the ugliest Christmas sweater.
Christmas Worship Services
Sunday Morning Worship Every Sunday Morning
9am and 10:30am Sanctuary
Christmas Eve Services December 24th
11am, 5pm, & 7pm Sanctuary
Reserve childcare for ages 4 and younger for 11am & 5pm services ONLY by emailing [email protected].
Childcare will not be provided for the 7pm service.
To our Church Family, Thank you for the cards, food, phone calls, visits, and prayers over the past month. Recovery from knee replacement surgery is going well and we appreciate the love and support of our church family. Blessings, Vicki Hodges
Children’s Ministry
Christmas Eve Childcare Reservations Childcare is provided for our 11am and 5pm
services ONLY on Christmas Eve for children ages 4 and younger. Please make your
reservation: [email protected].
Looking Back at Our Angel Breakfast It won’t happen again for two more years, so enjoy looking back at our December 4th event!
Children’s Ministry
It’s One of Our Favorite Occasions! The Annual Club 23/45 Christmas Party! Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders are invited to come on Wednesday evening, December 15, from 5:30-7:30pm, dressed in a crazy Christmas sweater or hat, bringing a bag supper and items for the Mitten
Tree! Email: [email protected] to let us know you are coming?
The Bethlehem Bookmobile Has Been on the Move! - Original reservation slots have been filled, but contact our Children’s Ministry staff to work in additional visits!
Women’s Ministries
Grateful for a beautiful Advent Celebration!
Thank you to Anna Kucera for the wonderful teaching!
Third Annual Leadership Team Favorite Things Christmas Party
was a sweet time of fun and fellowship!
IRS Contribution Deductions In keeping with the IRS regulations, to get a contribution deduction for 2021, the contribution must be received in the church office on or before December 31, 2021. Only checks that are written, dated, mailed, and postmarked in 2021 will be deductible in 2021 even if they are not received until 2022. For online gifts, only gifts given by December 31, 2021 will be deductible in 2021. Thank you!
2022 Offering Envelopes If you used offering envelopes in 2021 and want to continue using them in 2022, your 2022 Offering Envelopes will be available for you to pick beginning Sunday, December 26, 2021 in the fellowship hall. They will be there for you to pick up through the end of January 2022.
December Ushers & Greeters
9:00 AM 10:30 AM Tim Daniels Sean Garrity Richard Pearson William Ratchford Mike Harwell Rob Parker
Financial Update General Operating Fund
MTD 12/9/21 YTD thru 12/9/21
Revenues $ 46,164.82 $ 1,574,553.29 Expenses $ 35,210.00 $ 1,454,000.22 Net surplus (deficit) $ 10,954.82 $ 120,553.07
Pledge Card Update
We have now received 127 pledge cards with $907,357 pledged to our 2022 General Operating Budget. Praise God!!! If you have not yet turned in a pledge, there are pledge cards available in the pew racks and in the narthex. Thank you for supporting the ministries and programs of First ARP Church!
Weekly Sports Ministries
Come and join us!
Adult Coed Volleyball Tuesday & Thursday
8:30-10:30am, MAC Gym
Adult Basketball Every other Thursday
6:30-8:30pm, MAC Gym
Interested in playing adult basketball? Contact Walter Davis at 704-214-4359.
Attention: All First ARP Men 2022 Men’s Mission Trip
Where: Huntersfield Christian Training Center in Prattsville, New York - In the beautiful Catskill Mtns.
When: We will leave Gastonia on Saturday, June 11, 2022 and return on Saturday, June 18, 2022.
For more information please contact Glenn Tyree (704-718-7445 or [email protected]). Take a few minutes and check out the Huntersfield website: https://www.huntersfieldny.com/.
First ARP Church
Sanctuary Flower Ministry
If you would like to order flowers to be used for our Sunday Services, please follow the procedure below to make sure you are on the calendar:
• Call or text Trip McGill at 704-616-4539 or email him at [email protected] to be placed on the calendar.
• Please email Trip with the information that you would like to be placed in the bulletin regarding your flowers. The announcement might appear as follows: The sanctuary flowers are given today to the Glory of God and in honor…. in memory…… or on the occasion of….
• Order your flowers from WinterPast Flowers in Lowell, NC (www.winterpastflowers.com) or call 704-825-5172. WinterPast Flowers has access to our church and knows where and how to deliver flowers on the Saturday prior to the service.
• If you wish to use flowers from your yard OR purchase from another florist, please feel free to do so, but know that you must deliver them to the church yourself.
• Each individual must pay for their own flowers upon ordering. The church no longer places orders for individual flowers for Sunday services.
• There are a number of Sundays open for the remainder of 2021, so please let us know if you have any questions. Thank you!
• Please email Trip McGill with questions or you may call or text him as well at 704-616-4539. [email protected]
Emergency/First Aid
Equipment Reminders
Laminated instruction sheets for Emergency Protocols are located in the narthex table drawer, sound booth, fellowship hall (near the AED), the black cabinet in the gym & the office area reception desk. AED (automated external defibrillator) locations: Black cabinet in the gym Fellowship Hall (near the restrooms) Sound Booth of the sanctuary The newer AEDs (sanctuary & gym) are fully automatic. Simply opening the lid will start the instructions. The AED in the fellowship hall requires you to press the “on” button then follow prompts for when to press additional buttons. Remember, if there is no pulse begin CPR immediately & continue until the AED is connected to the victim. ***Pocket masks & CPR instructions are attached to the AEDs. Emergency Box locations: Black cabinet in gym Educational Building (first door on the right when entering the educational building from the breezeway). A sign is posted on the outside of this door. Contents of Emergency boxes: CPR instructions, blood pressure equipment, a pulse oximeter, pen light, diabetic glucose gel, low dose aspirin, Benadryl, CPR masks, poison control info, a body fluid clean-up kit, a wound/“stop the bleed” kit & a privacy/comfort kit. ***Please note: These contents are for use only in a true emergency. First Aid equipment locations: A portable First Aid box is located in the black cabinet in the gym. Minor First Aid cabinets are located in the Resource Room (first floor of the educational building), the kitchen pantry hallway & Carol Cottage at Bonclarken. Our church van and bus each have a small first aid box. Wheelchairs are located in the narthex and the fellowship hall closet. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Becky Waters, RN (980-329-0681).
Prayer Concerns
• Ann Cain - under Hospice care
• Sarah Ellen Carson - health concerns
• Marilyn Crisp - health concerns, in Presbyterian Hospital, Charlotte
• Gary Dellinger - cancer treatments
• Paula Dixon & family - passing of Carlton on 12/2
• Patricia Dukes’ son-in-law, Greg Hall - has ALS
• Joe Erwin - cancer treatments
• Gayle Goodrich - at home recovering from surgery
• Haiti - pray for Haiti in general and our sister church, Source Baptiste
• Barbie Harwell’s dad, Dennis Seagraves - diagnosed with Stage 5 prostate cancer. Also pray for Barbie and her family.
• Amy Hueitt - prayers for healing
• Mary Ann Lore - under Hospice care at Morningside due to congestive heart failure
• Pat McCurry - bone cancer diagnosis, low grade, has not spread, no treatments necessary at present
• Missionaries - ministry and safety
• Jenny Morrow - recovering from knee replacements surgery
• Daniel Vaughn (son of John & Leanna) - doing well recovering from a stroke
• Oscar Whitescarver - health concerns
• Danny Wilson - surgery on 12/22
Birthdays
Maurice Canaday—12/12 Josh Hjemvick—12/12 Jim Kelly—12/13 Thomas Taylor—12/13 Tyler Dixon—12/13 Hunter Dixon—12/13 Artie Cooper—12/13 Denice Eckler—12/14 Tom Ellington—12/14 Lee Taylor, Jr.—12/14 Nora Sullivan—12/14 Evie Garrity—12/14 Sarah Whitescarver—12/15 Doug Love—12/15 John Cashatt—12/16 Joyce Miller—12/16 Carrie Rouse—12/16 Carole Lee Ferguson—12/18 Carolyn Dewalt—12/18 Russ Cox—12/18 Bob Barnhill—12/19 Bo Stewart, Jr.—12/19 Austin Buchanan—12/19
Ed Anthony, Jr.—12/20 Mark Forbes—12/20 David Russell—12/21 Meredith Russell—12/21 Ashley Westmoreland—12/24 Stefenie Duffie—12/25 Chloe Pearson—12/25 Sandra Duffie—12/26 Christopher Smith—12/27 Margaret Hargrove—12/28 Cindy Lear—12/29 Luke Kelly—12/29 Arden Mumford—12/29 Hellen Davis—12/29 Karen Willis—12/30 Emily Borden—12/30 Paula Dixon—12/31 Rob Pearson—12/31 Jan Hubers—12/31 Spencer Garvin—12/31 Judi Brown—12/31
Wedding Anniversaries
Brent & Jill Farmer 12/13/86 35 years Jimmy & Lisa Dale 12/14/94 27 years Tom & Sue Ellington 12/14/63 58 years Justin & Julie Champion 12/15/01 20 years Curtis & Jenna Stiles 12/16/16 5 years Dean & Alice Auten 12/17/93 28 years Doug & Karyn Love 12/19/81 40 years James & Kristi Bostick 12/19/92 29 years James & Susan Jordan 12/19/98 23 years Timothy & Sharron McPeters 12/21/75 46 years Harold & Betty Stowe 12/22/56 65 years Forrest & Madison Butler 12/22/12 9 years Ed & Annie Anthony 12/23/95 26 years Bill & Margaret Hargrove 12/23/78 43 years Mac & Sandra Crouch 12/24/67 54 years Jon & Meagan Lacher 12/27/14 7 years John & Mary Gwynne Cashatt 12/28/74 47 years David & Bonnie Jansen 12/28/74 47 years Mike & Cathy Foster 12/29/67 54 years Robert & Eleanor Sinyard 12/29/59 62 years Wade & Sherry Huss 12/29/66 55 years Timothy & Caroline Williams 12/29/19 2 years Robert & Tammy Baker 12/30/78 43 years
SESSION
Matt Kuiken, Moderator Josh Hjemvick, Vice Moderator Rick Craig, Clerk
2021 2022 2023 2024 John Connor Fred Caldwell Artie Cooper Jerry Best Ken Henry Vincent Cherry Ron Kirkpatrick Rick Craig Morris Keeter Andy Dyksterhouse Randy Mumford Tom Ellington David W. Smith, III Walter Payne Phil Painter Mike Foster Joe Summerville Bob Rouse David Smith Bill Kelly
DIACONATE
2021 2022 2023 Brian Cerilli Butch Boyd Craig Curtis Mike Harwell Tim Daniels Adam Forbes Shawn Hubers Billy Israel Joey Gray David Jansen Mark Miele Kyle Hobson Rob Parker Richard Pearson John Kelly Greg Starnes William Ratchford Cristian Toro Jeff Stowe
ELDERS EMERITUS
Bob Barnhill Tete Pearson Tom Campbell Bob Sytz Maurice Canaday Joe West Charles Ferguson Oscar Whitescarver Lin Hollowell
TRUSTEES
2021 2022 2023 Wade Huss Charles Ferguson Bob Sytz
CONGREGATIONAL OFFICERS FIRST ARP WOMEN’S MINISTRIES Ellis Fisher….…………………..Chairman Carol Hayes…….…...…………………….Advisor Rick Craig…………………...….Secretary Jan Adams..………….………………Advisor Elect Jerry Best……………………….Treasurer Gayle Goodrich………………………Past Advisor Bonnie Jansen……………………...…….Secretary Alice Auten……………………………...Treasurer
MINISTERS The members of this church family who in serving their Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ,
extend Deep Roots into God’s Word and Wide Reach into God’s World.
STAFF
Matt Kuiken…………..………………………………….Senior Pastor….……………...….….…[email protected] Josh Hjemvick….………….……………….Associate Pastor of Youth and Families………...…[email protected] Brian Wood (704-271-4350) ………………. Associate Pastor of Adult Ministry……………….…[email protected]
Tammy Baker (704-271-4395)…..…………..……….Financial Secretary………….....…..………[email protected] Phil Biedenbender……..………..…………………..Chancel Choir Director…………….….……….…[email protected] Julie Clark………………….……………..Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry………..……[email protected] Betsy Forbes………….………….……………..Director of Women’s Ministries………………[email protected] Mark Forbes…………..……….……..…….…………..Church Planting…….……..……..………[email protected] Mark Gunter………………………………………….Praise Team Leader………………………[email protected] Barbie Harwell (704-472-0508)…………….…...……..Church Hostess………...……………….…[email protected] Wanda Henderson (704-271-4398)…………...……….Church Secretary …....……..…………[email protected] Rebecca Maney (704-271-4409).…….….…….Director of Children’s Ministry…..….…....…[email protected] Billy Marino (704-271-4497).….………...….……..Church Administrator……………….………[email protected] Trip McGill…………………………….……...Director of Music and Organist………….…….………[email protected] Courtney McKeown…………………..Director of Neighborhood and Sports Ministry…………[email protected] Milette Oden.….……..………..…………...Director of Children’s Music Ministry……....….…..……[email protected] Wes Phillips (980-522-8671)…………..…………..Christway Counseling………….….……[email protected] Amanda Rankin.……......…………………………Female Youth Assistant……………………...…[email protected] Mike Watson…….………………………………..Maintenance Supervisor…………………[email protected] Tari Williamson……………………..Director of Christian Education and Discipleship………………[email protected]
Prayer Needs
Prayer Requests:
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Prayer of Belief:
Lord Jesus Christ, I admit I am weaker and more sinful than I ever before believed, but, through you, I am more loved and accepted than I ever dared hope. I thank you for paying my debt, bearing my punishment and offering forgiveness. I turn from my sins and receive you as Savior. Amen.
(If you are saying this prayer for the first time today, please share with a church officer up front, or let one of the pastors know.)
Welcome Guests!
Thank you for taking this opportunity to
worship with us today. We hope that it
was an encouragement to you. It was a
privilege to have you with us, and we
hope you felt welcome here. If you have
any questions about a relationship with
Jesus, or about getting connected to First
ARP Church, please fill out the connect
card on the next page, tear it off, and put
it in the offering plate. We would love to
follow up with you. If there is anything
that you would like the pastors of First
ARP to pray for, we would be honored to
do that as well.
The mission of our church is to develop
deep roots into God’s word, the Bible,
and develop a wide reach into God’s
world, by sharing Jesus in word and
deed, that all would come to know and
glorify God. Please know that you are
always welcome to join us. Thanks again
for joining us today, and may the Lord
bless you.
Pastor Matt Kuiken
I would like more information about:
Learning about Christianity
Becoming a Church Member
Sunday School Community
Small Groups
Serving on Sunday Mornings
Outreach Ministries
Women’s Ministries Opportunities
Men’s Ministries Opportunities
Please add me to the following lists:
Children’s Ministry Newsletter
Youth Ministry Parent Updates
Mr. Mrs. Ms. Miss
Name:___________________________________
Email:___________________________________
Spouse:__________________________________
Spouse’s Email:___________________________
Children: ________________________________
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Mailing Address:__________________________
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Preferred Phone #:_________________________
Welcome to our church community. To receive the information listed below, please print clearly, tear off and place in the offering plate.
This Week at First ARP
Sunday, December 12 8:30am Youth Choir - Choir Room 9:00am Worship Service / Sunday School / Small Groups 10:00am The Gathering - The Gathering Place 10:30am Worship Service / Sunday School / Small Groups 4:00pm American Heritage Girls’ Christmas Social (4-6pm) - Chapel 6:00pm Open Gym for Youth - MAC Gym 6:30pm Youth Group (6:30-8pm) - Youth Space
Monday, December 13 10:00am H.E.A.L. Prayer Team via Zoom 10:00am Ethelda Hanna Circle - Fellowship Hall 10:00am Kate Dale Circle - Covenant Village Card Room 11:30am Intercessory Prayer Time - Prayer Room 6:00pm Missions Committee Meeting - Admin. Conference Room 6:30pm Juanita Garrison Circle - Welcome Center 7:30pm AA Meeting - Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, December 14 6:30am Dawn Prayer Meeting - Sanctuary 7:30am Men’s Breakfast - Firestone Grill 8:30am Adult Coed Volleyball - MAC Gym 2:00pm Suzanne Allers Circle - Private Dining Room in Fellowship Hall 4:00pm Lillian Whitesides Circle - home of Eve Schaap, 2381 Maria Lynn Ct., 28056 6:00pm Hand Bell Rehearsal - Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 15 10:30am BackPack Ministry - Fellowship Hall 5:00pm Youth to OCC Warehouse 5:30pm Club 23/45 Christmas Party - FH, MAC, 2nd floor Educ. Bldg 6:00pm Dove Christmas Party - home of the Toro’s, 2332 Kendrick Estates Dr, 28056 7:00pm Deacons Meeting - Private Dining Room
Thursday, December 16 7:30am Men’s Bible Study 8:30am Adult Coed Volleyball - MAC 3:30pm Bethlehem Bookmobile - off campus 6:00pm Bethlehem Bookmobile - off campus 6:30pm Open Gym-Adult Basketball - MAC Gym 6:30pm Trail Life USA - Room 304
Friday, December 17 7:00am Virtual Men’s Prayer Time 5:30pm Youth to Christmastown USA
