DECEMBER 4, 2016

WELCOME

Westminster Presbyterian Church is a covenant family of believers called by God to fulfill His purposes here in Laurel, and as a staging ground for worldwide kingdom growth where we seek to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ – to fill the earth with disciples, subdue it redemptively for God’s glory, and worship Him joyfully. We are being redeemed and equipped by the Spirit to build up one another until the Lord returns.

ORDER FOR THE CELEBRATION OF PUBLIC WORSHIP AND HOLY COMMUNION

DECEMBER 4, 2016

* Congregation Standing

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Lisa Badley

What Child is This?

RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP*

Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy hill. Let all who live in the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming. It is close at hand. Come, let us worship God.

-based on Joel 2:1

INVOCATION AND CAROL OF PRAISE* O Come All Ye Faithful p. 2

O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL

CELEBRATION OF COVENANT BAPTISM

Charles Michael Edwards

ADVENT SCRIPTURE LESSON Mr. & Mrs. William F. Horne, Jr.

In celebration of the season of Advent, the second candle (purple) is lit representing “peace.” Jesus is our Prince of Peace who reconciles God and man.

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH

CAROL OF PEACE

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear p. 4

GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Lisa Badley

Joy to the World

OFFERING PRAYER

SPECIAL MUSIC Handbells

Angels From the Realms of Glory

SCRIPTURE LESSON Matthew 1

IT CAME UPON A MIDNIGHT CLEAR

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AND CHANGE

SERMON Rev. Mike Allen

A Light Has Dawned - The Resume’ of Jesus

CORPORATE CONFESSION OF SIN Merciful God, always with us, always coming: we confess that we do not know how to prepare for Your advent. We have forgotten how to hope in our Savior; we have ignored the promise of Your kingdom; we get distracted by all the busyness of this season. Forgive us, God. Grant us the exuberant worship of the angels, the simple wonder of the shepherds, the intelligent courage of the Magi, and the patient faith of Mary and Joseph, that we may find the good news of a child born for us. Now, in the quiet of our hearts, we ask You to make us ready for His coming. Amen. (Hear now our silent and individual prayers of confession)

ASSURANCE OF PARDON 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.

HOLY COMMUNION Minister: The peace of the Lord be with you! People: And also with you! Breaking of the Bread and Sharing of the Cup

The center of each bread tray contains gluten-free bread. The outer rings of each cup tray contains wine, the inner rings contain juice. Elements will be served by the elders. Please hold the elements as they will be taken together after all are served.

BENEDICTION

CAROL OF REFLECTION*

O Little Town of Bethlehem O little town of Bethlehem,

how still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,

the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth,

the everlasting light; the hopes and fears of all the years,

are met in thee tonight.

A Light Has Dawned The Resume’ Of Jesus

Matthew 1 Westminster Presbyterian Church

12/04/16

Christmas shows us some things about Kingdom living:

I. Your Value Is Not Found In Your C____________

II. God Doesn't Go By “L__________” Time

III. It’s Not How Hard You W_________

Sources Consulted:

Accordance Bible Software - ESV - Greek and Hebrew Analysis; ESV Study Bible; Calvin Commentaries; Henry, Matthew - Concise Commentary; Barbieri, Louis A.. - Bible Knowledge Commentary; Keller, Timothy - Hidden Christmas; Hendrickson,

William - New Testament Commentary; France, R.T. - New Bible Commentary; http://www.jdgreear.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/1c-Matthew-1-1-17-Jesus-Resume.pdf

Rev. Michael T. Allen

SERMON NOTES

Westminster Presbyterian Church Christmas Poinsettias

In Memory Of

James & Gale Alexander by The Alexander Family

Chuck Branson by Peggy Branson

Hilda Denham by Gene Mulloy

Blanton Duke by His Family

J.B. & Ione Edgeman by Mike & Shelly Windham

John Gatlin by Barbara & Mitzi

Johnny Harper by Betty, John, Peter, Mary Katherine & Anne

Johnny Harper by David & Deborah Ratcliff

James Holston by Adam & Kelli Holston

Grace B. Horne by The Horne Family

Wm. F. Horne, Sr. by The Horne Family

Mrs. Karen Jones by Steven & Denise Morgan

Dale Lambert by Virginia Lambert

Mr. & Mrs. Walter S. Love, Jr. by The Love Family

Mr. & Mrs. Walter S. Love, Sr. by The Love Family

Joe Lowery by John, Kelly & Luke Tucker

Mr. Rogers A. McFarland by Mike & Rhonda Ishee

Gene & Libby Mulloy by Robert & Mary Ellen Hayes

Gene & Libby Mulloy by David & Deborah Ratcliff

Helen Mulloy by Gene Mulloy

Libby Mulloy by Gene Mulloy

Sarah Perritt by Hardie & Nan Perritt

Harold & Nancy Peters by Randy & Nan Ramsey

Randolph & Nettie Ramsey by Randy & Nan Ramsey

Kal & Macy Ratcliff by David & Deborah Ratcliff

Dr. & Mrs. F. Lindsay Risher by The Traylor Family

Dewey Sanderson by Virginia Lambert

Mr. & Mrs. F.M. Smith, Sr. by Steven & Denise Morgan

Mr. & Mrs. R.H. Traylor by The Traylor Family

Dorothy Tucker by John, Kelly & Luke Tucker

Bob & Betty Walker by Fred, Ginger, Sam & Charlie Walters

Carol F. Walters by Fred, Ginger, Sam & Charlie Walters

Daisy Windham by Mike & Shelly Windham

In Honor Of

Amy Allen by Mike Allen

Mike Allen by Amy, Bryars, Myrick & Victoria

Ralph Brown, Sr. by David & Deborah Ratcliff

Mr. & Mrs. Alton Ishee by Mike & Rhonda Ishee

Beth Lowery by John, Kelly & Luke Tucker

Mr. & Mrs. Howard Morgan by Steven & Denise Morgan

Dr. & Mrs. Dale Read by Mike & Rhonda Ishee

Officers of WPC by Virginia Lambert

Staff of WPC by Virginia Lambert

Westminster Presbyterian Church Christmas Poinsettias

Officer Candidates Phil Buehler - Elder Dianne and I came to Westminster in June of 1994. God brought us here as part of my career with Sanderson Farms which is now in it’s 33rd year. It has been a great blessing in our lives to watch and be part of the changing “seasons” in the life of our church. Westminster has blessed our children as part of the covenant community and is now blessing our grandchildren just like many of you who have been a part of this church for many years. Dianne and I have both served in different capacities over the years and even through the challenges we have faced as a church, serving the flock of Westminster is always a blessing. I look forward to serving in any way God leads for many years to come. I thank Him for all of you and for the love and support this church is known for.

John Carter - Elder Born and raised in Yazoo City, I attended USM. I met and married Judy thirty-eight years ago. Together we have three sons, and now, two daughters-in-law and two grandchildren. After thirty-nine years with Jones County Junior College, I retired in 2014.

My vision of church officers: As a covenant child of two believing parents, we attended First Presbyterian Church, Yazoo City. Looking back over my early years, I see the effect of godly parents, a nurturing church, and a faithful God in my life – all leading me to where I am today in my faith. I believe that came about, in part, because God used faithful men to shepherd the church – men who willingly and humbly followed God’s call to service, lead godly lives as examples, encouraged and admonished the flock when needed, and stood guard against the influences of the world in the church. They were guided by Paul’s words to “keep watch over yourselves, keep watch over the flock …, feed the Church of the Lord … Savage wolves will come among you, therefore be alert.” (Acts 20:28-31) The same words are true today.

Darron Dodd - Elder Darron Dodd has attended Westminster since 1998.  He is a life-long native of Jones County and is married to Lindsay.  They have two children, Clark age 5, and Blair age 2.  In the past he has served Westminster as a Deacon and also a “fill in” Sunday School teacher.  He is employed as Senior Vice President at First State Bank in Laurel, and he has worked in the banking industry for 27 years.  He is a Life Member of the Sertoma Club of Laurel, Treasurer of Jones County Ducks Unlimited, member of the 100 club, and he has served on various committees through the years with The Boy Scouts of America, United Way, and the Laurel Country Club.  He has also coached youth sports in Jones County since 1992.   “If it be the Lord’s will and I am elected to serve Westminster as Elder, I will do my best to serve Him and His Church with all of my heart, soul, and strength”.                 

Chase Edwards - Deacon Chase grew up in Laurel and graduated from Ole Miss. After graduation, he went on to work in Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and then in Alabama. He purchased a business in Laurel in 2015 and moved back with his wife Rebecca. Chase and Rebecca have one son. Since being a part of Westminster, the servant leadership of the officers here has humbled Chase and he would consider it an honor and privilege to be able to serve.   

Luke Morgan - Deacon Luke Morgan and his wife, Mary Katherine, grew up in Laurel and grew up as members of Westminster Presbyterian Church. They are expecting their first child in April and look forward to raising her surrounded by such a loving church family. Luke desires to be an officer so that he can minister to the church body through service.

Larkin Simpson - Deacon Larkin Simpson and his family have been a part of the Westminster family since 2010. They moved to Jones County from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Larkin and his wife Rebekah transferred their letter of faith from First Presbyterian Church of Gulfport (PCA). Having grown up in the Presbyterian faith, Larkin is accustomed to the Presbyterian form of government and willingly chooses to serve in the capacity of deacon from a joyful desire to heed God’s calling of serving His people. Larkin served WPC on the diaconate from 2013 to 2015. Working as Vice President of the Economic Development Authority of Jones County, Jones County Chamber of Commerce, and Community Development Foundation of Jones County, Larkin is very involved in the progressive growth of our community’s future. His professional leadership, as well as responsibilities on other boards and committees in the community will benefit the development of WPC. Larkin is encouraged in his decision to serve by his wife Rebekah, a teacher at South Jones Elementary, sons Ethan (7) and Noah (3).

Frank Summerville - Deacon Frank was born in 1979 and raised on a farm in Aliceville, Al. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church until moving to Laurel and joining Westminster. Frank and his wife Pamela were married in 2006 and have two children, Elizabeth (3 years) and James (4 months). He graduated from MSU in 2007 and is currently an Engineering Manager at Hol-Mac in Bay Springs. If elected, he is looking forward to serving Westminster as a Deacon to help the church and its members worship the Lord.

John Tucker - Deacon John was born and reared in Laurel.  He attended JCJC and Mississippi State before graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi.  While at JCJC, John met his wife, Kelly.  They have been married for 28 years and have one child, Luke, who is a junior at Mississippi State.  John is the State Property Manager for Mississippi Farm Bureau, where he has worked for 27 years.  He has been active at Westminster, serving on the diaconate for 3 terms and also assisting Kelly with teaching children’s Sunday school classes.  He is humbled, yet excited about the possibility of serving as a deacon.

Officer Candidates

Join us tonight at 6pm for our annual choir Christmas presentation.  "Come Let Us Adore" explores the wonders of Christmas and will be enjoyed by the whole family.  Presented by our sanctuary choir and instrumentalists, you won't want to miss it!  It all starts at 6:00 p.m. Come a little bit early for the harp prelude.

Congregational Meeting: We will have a congregational meeting today immediately following the morning service for the purpose of electing officers.

Evening Circle will meet this Tuesday, December 6th at 6pm at the home of Denise Morgan, 50 Morgan Rd. Everyone should bring an appetizer and a Christmas ornament for an “ornament swap.”

Christmas Shopping Day: This Saturday, December 10th we will have a parents’ Christmas shopping day from 9AM to 5PM: all ages welcome! We ask that you send a paper sack lunch with your child, and the church will provide a snack and drinks. We will have games in the gym, Christmas movies, and crafts during the day. Let Jeremy or Kristen know if you plan on attending!

Youth Announcements: -The Youth is for Hire! If you need a yard raked, a garage cleaned out, or any other

miscellaneous activities done, the youth would be glad to do it! We are looking to raise money for our Summer Trips, but please don't feel like you have to donate. We will be glad to help out no matter what! Contact Jeremy at 601-316-6427 if you're interested. 

-The Youth White Elephant Christmas Party will be on December 9th at Robert and Cherie's house.  Details of the party will be online and in parents emails.  We are asking that everyone bring some Christmas-time snacks to the party. 

-On December 10th, we will have a shopping day for any parents with kids up to 6th grade.  We will need some youth to volunteer to help this day. 

-Youth and Parents: Mark your calendars for next year! We will be going back to RYM Colorado. The dates will be June 12-17, 2017.  More info to come shortly.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER

Sunday, December 4 9:00 AM - Sunday School 10:00 AM - Fellowship 10:30 AM - Morning Worship 6:00 PM - Christmas Presentation

Monday, December 5 No Activities Planned

Tuesday, December 6 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM - MMO 6:00 PM - Evening Circle

Wednesday, December 7 7:00 AM - Men’s Bible Study 11:00 AM - Women’s Prayer Group 5:30 PM - Small Group Parties

Thursday, December 8 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM - MMO

Friday, December 9 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Choir Rehearsal

Saturday, December 10 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM - Parent’s Shopping Day

Elder/Deacon of the Week:

Church Staff Rev. Mike Allen, Pastor Lisa Badley, Pianist Jeremy Britt, Youth Director John Carter, Church Facilitator Lisa Corley, Office Manager Rev. Kory Duncan, Associate Pastor Dave Graeser, Music Ministries Director Kristen Graves, Children’s Ministry Director

Instrumentalists

David Bonilla, Violin Shih-Ting Shao, Viola Andrea Restrepo, Cello

Elders

Romney Entrekin Robert Hayes Wm. Horne, Jr Victor Jones, Jr John Lowery Steven Morgan Hardie Perritt Wayne Traylor

Deacons

Chuck Bell Robert Burdette Kline Estess Mike Ishee Josh Jones Danny Martin

Westminster Officers & Staff:

Dec. 4-10 Dec. 11-17

Elder: Steven Morgan Hardie Perritt

Deacon: Danny Martin Chuck Bell

WELCOME! If you are a visitor and would like more information about our church, please fill out the contact information below and place in the offering plate as it passes:

Name_____________________________________

Address____________________________________

__________________________________________

Phone Number_____________________________

Children’s Names & Ages____________________

__________________________________________

Add me to the phone & email list.

Prayer Requests ________________________________________________________________________________________________

No Wednesday Night Church

Dear Church Family,

We want to take this opportunity to thank our Westminster Family for your love, support, and comforting words offered to us during the recent illness and death of our mother Grace.

The cards, phone calls, visits, food, and prayers were deeply appreciated.

The Horne Family