Please stand if you are able.

Sunday Worship December 17, 2017

10:30 a.m.

third sunday in

advent

Preparation for Worship

God, our light and our salvation,

You bring hope and peace to the lowly and the oppressed.

Let us see the world through your eyes,

That we may love the hurting and the orphaned,

That we may work for justice,

That our lives may bear witness to the good news of the

kingdom at hand.

Be near to us, O God, this day and always. Amen

We Gather in God’s Name

Welcome and Announcements

Prelude Selections from A Christmas Collection Lasky

Ray Freeman, Organist

Passing of the Peace

Leader: The peace of the Lord be with you.

People: And also with you.

Ou r Mission:

Gro wing in Sp irit

Living as D isciple s

Se rving God’s World

Handbell Prelude ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime Arr. Moklebust

The Lighting of Advent‟s Third Candle Shoemaker and Family

On this third Sunday of Advent, we again light the candles of Hope and Peace,

recalling our longing for God to be with us and to lead us in the way of peace.

Today, we also light a third candle, which symbolizes Joy.

This candle reminds us that God wants us to know the joy of God‟s presence, even

in our most difficult times.

The pink candle, a splash of color amid the purple candles of the Advent wreath, is

symbolic of the joy that comes when God abides at the heart of our lives.

Let us pray together:

Come, O God, and walk with us through this Advent season. Give us

courage to find joy in your presence and spread joy in your world. Amen.

Hymn #97 Watchman, Tell Us of the Night

Prayer of Confession

Gracious God,

We too often find ourselves heartsick and world-weary. The times we live

in are fraught. Just watching the nightly news can make us feel helpless

and angry, causing us to lack gentleness or compassion in our thoughts,

words, or actions. We fail to see your grace or presence in others, espe-

cially those who vex our spirits. Now, more than ever, we need your love

in our midst. Open us anew to the message of the manger---heal our too-

small hopes, open our closed-off hearts, challenge us that peace on earth is

not just our deepest wish but our highest calling. Forgive us, Lord. Help

us to live differently and to love deeply. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Assurance of Forgiveness

Leader: Hear this good news of great joy: In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.

People: Thanks be to God.

We Proclaim God’s Word

Children‟s Message

Children of any age are invited to the front for a time of worship together. Play „n‟ Worship and

Bridges will be announced following the message−see Guest Information on page 7 for details. Children are also welcomed to stay for the presentation of the Cantata.

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A Christmas Cantata

Reading 1

Noel Fanfare Arr. Drennan

Reading 2

All My Heart This Night Rejoices Arr. Manor

Reading 3

Shepherds, Run Along Arr. Mager

Wexford Carol Arr. Phillips

Joyful Ringers

Reading 4

Carol Fest Arr. Laster

We Respond to God’s Word

Sharing Our Tithes and Offerings

Offertory Christmas Bell Suite Arr. Behnke

Joyful Ringers

Response #110, Verse 3

Love has come and never will leave us!

Love is life everlasting and free.

Love is Jesus within and among us.

Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.

Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas.

Love! Love! Praise to you, God on high!

Prayer of Dedication Mary Helmantoler

Prayers of the People and the Lord‟s Prayer

We Depart To Serve God

Parting Hymn #129 Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming

Charge and Benediction

Postlude Improvisation on God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen Roberts

Ray Freeman, Organist

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Chancel Choir: Instrumentalists:

Soprano -

Virginia Bouchard

Maria Clayton

Jennifer Neel

Cheri Weaver

Becky Yarbrough

Alto -

Pat Ferrell

Beth Ann McClelland

Barbara Neel

Jean Smith

Tenor -

Rob Gold

Dave Retherford

George Williams (Reader)

Bass -

Jim Drinkard

Jim Lawson

Dave Lincoln

Greg Suess

Jim Dunstan - Horn/Trumpet

Ray Freeman - Piano/Organ

Daniel Hill - Trumpet

Natalie Hill - Trumpet

Andrew Hitz - Tuba

Tiffany Hitz - Horn

Jamie Van Valkenburg - Baritone

Joyful Ringers -

Virginia Bouchard

Maria Clayton

Gerilee Davison

Pat Ferrell

Kent Ford

Rob Gold

Beth Ann McClelland

John Pearson

Judy Riekse

Stephen Rogers

Judy Ross

Laura Senich

Milly Smidt

Jennifer Treasure

Director: Jim Dunstan

Musical Director: Dr. Scott Seifried

The Decoration by the Sanctuary Guild is

To the Glory of God

Your Greeters today were the Rogers Family

Meg, Scott, Lyall, and Stephen.

Musicians Today -

Please join the Amigos in Wester Hall for the best brunch you have ever had! Suggested donation: $10/person, $5/child, or $25/family.

All proceeds to mitigate hunger in the community

Sunday School. After today, all classes are on break until January.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS and OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

Greetings from Our Partners. Fr. Ibrahim and Deacon Wadie received the picture

taken last Sunday and both send greetings. Fr. Ibrahim says, “Thank you so much my

dear brothers and sisters. I hope that this Christmas comes to you all with happiness,

joy, and blessings.” Deacon Wadie says, “We have already allocated the money [sent by

Mission Committee] for our different Christmas events and will hold the celebrations

despite the current situation.” An additional note from MMEPJ, the Nassar family‟s

Tent of Nations has been awarded a World Methodist Peace Award for 2017.

Joy Gift. Each year during Advent, we turn our eyes to Bethlehem and celebrate the

indescribable gift of Jesus Christ. We honor this gift by giving a Joy Gift that will pro-

vide for assistance to current and retired church workers in their times of need, and for

development of future leaders at racially ethnic schools and colleges. Please use the

Joy envelopes in the pews to make a contribution to this Presbyterian offering.

Financial Update. Thank you to all members who have provided their 2018 pledges.

To date, we have received 82 pledges totaling $381,730. We need additional pledges to

reach last year‟s total of $412,000 so that we can maintain the programs and outreach

engaged in here at Grace. Please pledge so that we can plan our budget in time for the

new year. You may drop your pledge card in the offering or in the office. For those who

have pledged, you will find your envelopes in the Narthex today. Please take them.

Greeters. If you would like to extend a warm welcome to members and guests, please

sign up on the schedule at the Station. Needed most are greeters for December 24th.

End-of-Year Giving. We are seeking donations for new folding chairs in Wester Hall,

a Preschool playground set, and a basketball hoop and backboard for the south parking

lot. Chairs are around $25 each and the play set is several thousand, but any donation

will be gratefully accepted. Thank you for including Grace in your end-of-year giving.

Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. The APNC met on Sunday, December 3,

following the election of members by the congregation. Due to the holidays and the

need for our Presbytery liaison Diane Hutchins to be present, the APNC will begin

meeting weekly in January. Our first meeting will be January 2.

Stocking Stuffers. We have them! Beautiful, holiday green, Grace T-Shirts. All

sizes. $10 for adult sizes and $5 for child and youth sizes. Pick your sizes from the

coat rack, and pay in the red and green box in the office.

EVENTS (See Insert for the December 24th schedule of services.)

Trail Blazers - Tuesday, December 19, 5:00 p.m. This month, it‟s Paradiso‟s, 6124

Franconia Road in Alexandria. Meet for an evening of holiday cheer with dear friends.

Future Event. Guests may want to mark the date for a Spring event with Walter

Brueggemann, who will be our guest the weekend of April 20-22.

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Please pray for these Grace Family Members and Friends.

Congratulations to the Callahans. Ed and Mary have a new baby boy.

Lucas Orion Callahan Born - November 24, 2017

Members: Jean Ackor, Judy Bernal (Virginia Beach), Cameron Buckley,

Char Custer, Pat Ferrell, James Lawson, Liz Lincoln, Sam Proctor, Anne Sedlak, and the Preschool’s Holly Cook.

PC(USA) Missionaries and Our Missionary in Honduras: Pastor Selvin.

The Mothers of: Veronica Crump, Mary Hawkins (Jean), Meg Rogers (Beth), Hiede Sowdon, Phillip Spiess (Dorothy), and Dave Treasure (Hilda).

The Step-Mother of: Donna Lucas (Jackie).

The Fathers of: Raven Fox, Nancy Machado (Jim), and Penny Newsome (Richard).

The Husband of: Donna Lucas.

The Great-grandmother of: Dennis and Diego Bustillo.

The Daughters of: Rich and Kathy Calahan (Lynn) and Bob and Valerie Patrick (Molly).

The Son of: Ed and Mary Callahan (Lucas), and Wendy Lawson (Seth).

The Brothers of: Ed Bryant (Paul), Steve Gretsuk (John), Reecie Ford (Trent), Joe Miller (Jack and wife Karen), Nelson Thurman (Dennis), and Hilde Uffelman (Brian Marsh).

The Sister of: Penny Newsome (Susan).

The Sisters-in-Law of: Claire Manger (Bev).

The Step-Sister of: Becky Yarbrough (Nancy).

The Uncle of: Scott Rogers (Phill).

The Nephews of: Maria Clayton (Jack) and Claire Manger (Edward and Scott).

The Niece of: Stan and Susan Wisseman (Averi).

The Cousins of: John Grimes (Lori), Donna Lucas (Angela), Beth Ann McClelland (Deborah), Katie Machado (Jan), and Valerie Patrick (Virginia).

The Friends of: Cindi Bryant (Anna), Cindy Chapman (Margie and Emma), Craig and Judy Crooks (Liz), Reecie Ford (Kate), Raven Fox (Deanna), Kim Gretsuk (Nancy), John and Wendi Grimes (The Bochtler Family and Douglas), Linda Hitchens (Leon and Debbie, and Keitha), Rosalie Lawson (Emma and Stephanie), Katie Machado (Jonathan), Penny Newsome (Lisa and Shawn), Bob McClelland (Mark), Sam Proctor (Nicole and Family), Scott and Meg Rogers (Jackie and Dave), Hiede Sowdon (Dylan), and The Yarbroughs (Randy).

Our sympathy is extended to Dave Little on the loss of his sister-in-law Joan Marie Little, and to Ed Callahan on the loss of his grandmother.

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WE ARE VERY GLAD YOU CHOSE TO WORSHIP WITH US TODAY! PLEASE SIGN OUR FRIENDSHIP REGISTER SO THAT WE CAN GREET YOU BY NAME AND CALL ON YOU IF YOU WISH.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SHARE PRAYER REQUESTS. You may do so by completing prayer cards found in the pews and placing them in the offering plate.

TRUST YOUR CHILDREN TO OUR NURSERY CARE AND CHILDREN’S WORSHIP LEADERS. We provide childcare for infants through 3-year-olds in the Nursery Suite (Rooms 3 & 5) downstairs. Worship Bags are available in the Narthex for preschoolers through third-graders. After the Children‟s Message, children go downstairs for their own worship time. At the conclusion of worship, 4- and 5-year olds will be in Room 3, and older children in the Bridges to Worship Room (Room 14). Please return worship bags to the basket in the Narthex, and pick up children before meeting in Wester Hall for a time of fellowship.

“GRACE INSIGHTS” - LEARNING ABOUT PRESBYTERIANS AND GRACE CHURCH. Classes for those who want to learn more about our denomination, our church, and our mission form throughout the year. If you would like to attend an introductory class or have an interest in membership at Grace, please speak to one of our pastors or contact Elder Joe Miller, jmeda@cox.net.

PLEASE ASK ANYONE FOR HELP OR DIRECTIONS!

This Week’s Calendar

For complete details, including locations and descriptions of events, please visit

www.gracepresby.org; or call the Church Office, 703-451-2900.

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

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7:00 p.m. Joyful

Ringers

8:00 p.m. Outside

Group

19 10:00 a.m.

Outside Group

1:15 p.m. Chancel

Choir

2:00 p.m. Wade

Services

5:00 p.m. Trail Blazers

Paradiso’s

20 9:00 a.m.

Grand Involve

7:00 p.m. NVDECS

7:30 p.m. Outside

Group

21 7:00 p.m.

Longest Night

Service

8:00 p.m. Chancel

Choir

22

23

12:00 p.m.

Outside

Group

24 10:30 a.m.

Worship

4:15 p.m. Children’s

Choir Rehearsal

5:00 p.m. Family Service

8:00 p.m. Candlelight

Service

OFFICE STAFF

YVETTE MOY Aging With Grace Director

Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:00 am -

3:00 pm 703-451-2900 ext. 4

aging@gracepresby.org

VIRGINIA BOUCHARD

Office Manager Office Hours:

Mon.-Thurs.: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Fridays: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm

703-451-2900 ext. 1 manager@gracepresby.org

VERONICA CRUMP

Treasurer vlcrump@gmail.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Scott Anckner

Craig Crooks

Kent Ford, Chairman

Rob Gold

Scott Rogers

Peter Smith

E-mail: gpcbod@gmail.com

S E S S I ON

Coleen Austin Care Ministries

Cindi Bryant Human Resources

Ed Bryant Nominating/Stewardship

David Retherford Missions

Maria Clayton Preschool

Kim Hatfield Youth Ministry

John Machado Communications

Nancy Machado Children’s Discipleship

Joe Miller Evangelism

Pat Ferrell Worship

Michael Phillips Finance

John Sowdon Fellowship

Nelson Thurman Adult Discipleship

Greta Miller, Clerk Ben Trawick, Moderator

Session and Board contact information is

posted in the church office and on the

church website.

GRACE WEEKDAY

PRESCHOOL

The Preschool is a Christian-based ministry and developmental program for children aged 2 to 4. Classrooms are designed as learning centers, of-fering students a unique “hands-on” learning adventure. Call the Pre-school for information or a tour. Registration begins on January 2. An Open House is on January 19.

JUDY PHILLIPS Preschool Director

HOLLY COOK Administrative Assistant

703-451-3314

preschool@gracepresby.org

PASTORS

BEN TRAWICK Pastor

Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 am -

2:00 pm 703-451-2900 ext. 2 ben@gracepresby.org

SUSAN WISSEMAN Associate Pastor

Office Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:30 am -

3:00 pm 703-451-2900 ext. 3

susan@gracepresby.org

MUSIC STAFF

SCOTT SEIFRIED Music Director

sseifried@yahoo.com

RAY FREEMAN

Organist/Pianist/Accompanist

rayfreeman1029 @gmail.com

JIM DUNSTAN

Joyful Ringers Director moonmanjimd @hotmail.com

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MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM GRACE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

7434 BATH STREET

SPRINGFIELD VIRGINIA

22150

703-451-2900 WWW.GRACEPRESBY.ORG

OFFICE HOURS: MON-THU 9:00 - 4:30; FRI 9:00-3:30