First Presbyterian

Union Church

North Avenue and Temple Street

Owego, New York

3rd Sunday of Advent

December 11, 2016 10:00 AM

Service of Giving Offering Sentences Giving of Tithes and Offerings Offertory: Hope Was Born That Night Ben McDonald and Dave Frey

*Doxology for Advent (tune of Angels, from the Realms of Glory) All creation, join in praising God the Father, Spirit, Son, Evermore your voices raising to the eternal Three in One. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia Lord Most High.

Prayer of Dedication

Joys and Concerns

Call to Prayer O Little Town of Bethlehem #44, v. 4 O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Emmanuel!

Prayers of the People; 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.

Sending

*Hymn Rejoice! Rejoice Believers #15

*Benediction

*Congregational Response: Emmanuel SOP, p. 139 Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel: God with us, revealed in us! His name is called Emmanuel.

*The Session of First Presbyterian Union Church of Owego has called a Congregational Meeting following today’s worship service to elect officers and the PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee). (see insert) Please join us for Coffee Hour in the Fellowship Hall.

*Please stand with your heart or your posture as you are able.

Gathering

Gathering Music In the Bleak Midwinter Mark Hayes

Welcome and Announcements

Choral Introit Prepare Ye Stephen Swartz

Call to Worship (Responsive) One: When our hallelujahs have shattered into pieces: Many: our God comes! Singing new songs to us. One: When hope lies in tatters at our feet: Many: Our God comes! To mend our brokenness with love. One: When we think we need to wait: Many: Our God comes! To reign forever in our hearts.

Advent Candle Lighting: Joy Bruce Williams and Bob Furman Prayer: O God, come, travel with us through Advent. Give us courage to spread joy in the world. Amen.

All Sing: We light the candle of joy, we light the candle of joy! This candle light, burning bright, reminds us that Christ brings joy. We light the candle of joy, we light the candle of joy! He's coming soon, Emmanuel; Jesus will bring us joy.

*Hymn Prepare the Way #13

Call to Confession

Prayer of Confession (Unison) Holy Child, born of a singing mother, you come into the world and call us to sing – of the marvelous works that are to come, of the love in our hearts when we open them to each other, of the life that you have come to pour into us. But so often we do not sing. We don’t’ even hum! Sometimes we can’t even hear the tune. Forgive us our monotone lives – for seeing darkness rather than light, for hearing bad news rather than magnificent music, for living with dread rather than delight. Redeem us, enliven us. Give us hope in our lives and a song on our lips. Help us to sing: help us to find our own tune in you. Amen. [Silent Prayer]

Assurance of Forgiveness

*Passing of the Peace (Responsive) One: The Peace of our coming Savior be with you all. Many: And also with you. (We offer one another a sign of the peace of Christ.)

*Gloria Patri Glory to God in the Highest STF#2276

Glory to God in the highest! Sing glory to God! Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth!

Hearing the Word Youth Message Jo Ann Gray Following the Youth Message, younger children may be escorted to the nursery.

Prayer of Illumination

Scripture Isaiah 35:1-10 (pew Bible page OT-821 or XL, OT-875)

Anthem Come, Light of Christmas Jacob Dove - Cello Cindy Ovokaitys

Responsive Reading Psalm 146:5-10 (pew Bible page OT-732 or XL, OT-773)

Left Side – Odd Numbered verses; Right Side – Even numbered verses

Scripture Matthew 11:2-11 (pew Bible page NT-18 or XL, NT-17)

Sermon “A Topsy-Turvy World” Rev. Lisa Heckman

Responding to the Word

*Hymn Good Christian Friends, Rejoice #28, vv. 2-3

*Affirmation of Faith An Affirmation from South Africa (Responsive)

One: It is not true that this world and its inhabitants are doomed to die and be lost; All: this is true: For God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that everyone who believes in him shall not die, but have everlasting life. One: It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger, and poverty, death and destruction; All: this is true: I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly. One: It is not true that violence and hatred shall have the last word and that war and destruction have come to stay forever; All: this is true: For us a child is born, to us a son is given, in whom authority will rest and whose name will be Prince of Peace. One: It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil that seek to rule the world; All: this is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the world. One: It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the church, before we can do anything; All: this is true: I will pour out my spirit on all people and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young people shall see visions and your old folk shall dream dreams. One: It is not true that our dreams of liberation of humankind, our dreams of justice, of human dignity, of peace, are not meant for this earth and its history; All: this is true: the hour comes, and it is now, that true worshippers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.

The Family on the Corner:

We are a Christian congregation called by God to proclaim the good news of Jesus.

We invite ALL to join us, as together we grow in discipleship and minister to the needs of people.

We welcome everyone to this time of worship. We are delighted to have those of

you who may be visiting with us. Please sign the visitor cards found in the pew racks and

place them in the offering plates.

Assisting with the service this morning is Jo Ann Gray. Ushers are Fay and Millie

Cupp. Nursery is attended by Dawn Coleman. Coffee Hour is hosted by John and Sue

Mahler. Greeters are Clara Berg, Susie Hall, and Abigail Dove.

Peter and Nancy Ellis give the variegated poinsettias in loving memory

of Nancy’s parents, Lewis B. and Ruth M. Parmerton.

Prayer is sharing with God our desires, our concerns, our requests, and our

need for guidance. To pray with and in the company of others strengthens our

communication with God. Each Sunday after worship, several elders of the church

offer to anyone who seeks it, the power of a community in prayer. You can be a part of

this time by filling in a “Prayer Request” card found in the pews and placing it in the

offering plate, or by joining the Prayer Team in the Prayer Room, at the front of the sanc-

tuary. December Prayer Team Members are Cheryll Berg, Jo Ann Gray, and Ginny Hills.

Calendar Sunday, December 11, 2016

*Special Congregational Mtg. to Elect Officers and the PNC (following worship)

3rd Sunday of Advent Activity/Meal (following Congregational Mtg.) 10:00 a.m. Worship

11:00 a.m. Coffee and Fellowship

Monday, December 12, 2016

11:30 a.m. Campfire Group - Scout Room

06:00 p.m. Scout Troop Meeting - Scout Room

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

09:30 a.m. PW Circle - Westminster House

11:30 a.m. Campfire Group - Scout Room

01:30 p.m. Advent Study - "Names for the Messiah" - WH Lounge

07:00 p.m. Worship Committee Mtg. - WH Lounge

Wednesday, December 14, 2016 11:30 a.m. Campfire Group - Scout Room

06:00 p.m. Finance Committee Mtg. - C.E. Bldg.

07:00 p.m. FPUC Bicentennial Committee Mtg. - WH Lounge

Thursday, December 15, 2016

09:00 a.m. Small Group Bible Study - (home of the Sargeants)

11:30 a.m. Campfire Group - Scout Room

06:00 p.m. Advent Study - "Names for the Messiah" - WH Lounge

07:00 p.m. Choir Rehearsal

Friday, December 16, 2016 11:30 a.m. Campfire Group - Scout Room

Saturday, December 17, 2016

09:00 a.m. - Deacons Breakfast Meeting - Westminster House 07:00 p.m. Plug-in-the-Jug Group Meeting - Scout Room

Hearing Assistance is available

Headsets are available at the front of the sanctuary by the door to Westminster House for anyone who would like a boost to their hearing during worship. Each headset is connected wirelessly to the sound system, so anything that comes through the microphones will be heard directly. There are replacement foam covers for the ear piece, so you don’t have to worry about who used the headset last.

If you’ve been having difficulty hearing, please give the headsets a try.

Sunday Worship - 10:00 a.m.

Adult Education - 11:30 a.m.

Youth Sunday School - (begins 10 minutes after the Benediction)

Church Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

An infant and toddler nursery is available in the Westminster House for Church School and Worship.

Interim Pastor……...Rev. Lisa Heckman

Music Director……..B.J. Heinle

Church Secretary…..Ruth Wilcox

Church Office …….687-1682 Church Kitchen …..687-1306

*Bulletin submissions or changes are due by Wednesday morning.

Advent 2016

Prepare your hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birthday! -------------------------------------------------------

After Worship:

Each Sunday during Advent, beginning with the second week of Advent (12/4), we will fellowship together over a meal directly after worship and then enjoy a short activity.

All are encouraged to participate!

December 11: The PW will prepare the meal. All are invited to go to the nursing home for Christmas Caroling

December 18: Meal and Our Annual Instant Pageant

Celebrate Jesus' Birthday by attending the Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion Service on December 24.

7:30 P.M. Coffee Hour

8:30 P.M. Candlelight Communion Service

Continue the celebration by attending Christmas Morning Worship at 10:00 a.m. with coffee hour to follow.

Please join us as often as you are able. We trust these events will

deepen your understanding and appreciation of Christmas.

All are invited to a special Advent Study!

Acclaimed scholar Walter Brueggemann has a new book called “Names for the Messiah” which will be the focus for an Advent Study this December. The book considers how Jesus lives into each of the royal titles given in Isaiah 9:2 -- Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Copies of the book are available in paperback and Kindle formats through Amazon.com ($10.85 and $7.40 respectively) as well as other bookstores.

The study will be offered twice each week, on Tuesday afternoons at 1:30 beginning 11/29 and on Thursday evenings at 6:00 beginning 12/1. Each session will have the same content, though of course the discussions could be very different! They should last only an hour, giving choir members to time get to practice Thursday nights. We will meet in the WH Lounge.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa at the office (687-1682) or through email (revlisaheckman@gmail.com). I hope you can take time out of the busy pre-Christmas season for reflections on the One whose birth we celebrate.

Grace and Peace.

Lisa

Join us for a Christmas Cantata, “Invitation to a Miracle”, by Joseph Martin on

Sunday, Dec. 11th at 7:00 p.m. at the Newark Valley Methodist Church. It is directed

by Jewel Griffith, accompanied by Brenda Yeier, and sung by a combined choir of many

churches of the area, including FPUC with Ann Lowdermilk and Diane Campbell. Through

poetic narration, scripture passages and creatively arranged carols, the story of the birth of

Christ is presented. Gathered around the wonders that accompanied Jesus’ birth, this cantata

journeys from the miracle of prophecy to the glorious proclamation of this most significant

moment. Come early to get a good seat! ~ Diane Campbell

Notes from Finance Secretary:

Pick up your 2017 Offering Envelopes in the Westminster House.

Per Capita for 2017 is $36.50 per member.

THE CHRISTMAS JOY OFFERING WILL BE RECEIVED ON DECEMBER 24TH. Reflecting on God's great gift in the birth of Jesus given to all of us, we celebrate and grow that gift by faithfully supporting church workers in times of need and the devel-opment of the future racial ethnic leadership of the church around the world. Add your gift to this special offering that goes to the assistance program of the Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and goes to the racial ethnic education and leadership development efforts of the church. You may write 'Christmas Joy' in the memo line of a check made out to 'FPUC'. Thank you.

~ Stuart Rogers, Chair Mission and Outreach Committee

PW CIRCLE MEETS - The PW Circle will gather on Tuesday, December 13, at 9:30 a.m. in the Westminster House for the monthly time of fellowship, prayer and Bible study. ALL WOMEN are welcome!

We will focus on Lesson 4 “Who is Jesus According to John ” The key idea of the study is “Jesus and God are one.” In preparation it would be helpful to read the entire Gospel of John before the Circle gathering. In particular read chapters 1, 9, and 10.

~ Joan Wise-Hostetter

The Muffins & Coffee Small Group Bible Study which meets at the home of Harry and Frannie Sargeant will be meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Thursdays during these dark months instead of 6:30 a.m. All are welcome. For information contact Leslie Anne King.

Please Mark Your Calendar…

January 29, 2017 - Annual Meeting (following worship service)

Special Congregational Meeting The Session of First Presbyterian Union Church calls a congregational meeting for TODAY- Sunday, December 11, 2016, for the purpose of hearing the Nominating Committee Report, electing officers of the church, and electing the members of the Pastor Nominating Committee (PNC). 2016 Nominating Committee Members: Joan Wise-Hostetter (Session Chairperson), Bonnie Ballard (Session); Frannie Sargeant (Deacon) At large members: Christine Crossgrove, Vicki Denniston, Bob Furman, William Hall, Lisa Heckman (ex officio). The slate of nominees for officers is (3 year terms each unless noted otherwise): Elders Deacons Leslie Anne King Vicki Denniston Joan Wise-Hostetter Nancy Matthei __________________ Bill Shuler (1 year term) Co-Youth Deacons: Abigail Dove, Susannah Hall (1 year term) Our deepest gratitude and appreciation to outgoing officers:

Elders: Cheryll Berg, Freedom Morehart, Leslie Anne King, Joan Wise-Hostetter Deacons: Clara Berg, Nancy Babcock, Greg Morehart, Amy Rogers The slate of nominees for the Pastor Nominating Committee is: Marlena Amalfitano Kathy Ballester Bob Berg Diane Campbell Ginny Hills Freedom Morehart Richard Parkinson

PULPIT ASSISTANT: Please announce during “Welcoming” Time:

“We welcome all visitors to our Service of Worship. If you are new to our congregation, please fill out

one of the visitor cards which are in the pew racks, and place it in the offering plate during that part of the

Service.

For anyone here today, there are also Prayer Request cards for our Prayer Team after church. That card

may also be placed in the offering plate, or you may join the Prayer Team after church, in the Prayer Room

at the front of the sanctuary.”

Notes for the Pulpit Assistant:

Lisa does the Welcome, Pulpit Assistant does the Announcements.

Call to Worship and Opening Prayer may or may not be done by a youth. Otherwise done by Pulpit Assistant.

Pulpit Assistant handles everything from the Call to Confession, down through and including the first Scripture Lesson. The only exception being that Lisa sometimes will do the Youth Message.

Pieces of the liturgy for the Pulpit Assistant only (not included in the bulletin) are at the end of this document.

FOR THE PULPIT ASSISTANT ONLY

[Please be seated.]

Call to Confession We do not need to wait. God is ready and willing to hear our voices, and listen to our hearts, as we confess how we have not lived as we could, we have not treated others as we should. Join me, as we pray together, saying, [begin the Prayer of Confession] [Please allow 15-30 seconds for silent prayer between the Prayer of Confession and the Assurance of Forgiveness.]

Assurance of Forgiveness Friends, God is hopelessly in love with each of us. Even in our brokenness and imperfection God never leaves us. May we sing praise steeped in the assurance of this truth: We are forgiven and cherished through and through.

Prayer of Illumination As we sing songs of the season, O God - songs of hope, peace, and love – we hear you echoing the joy that is part of it all. We sing in your choir, and we hear your voice singing back to us. All of creation rings with the joy of your presence, your love, your promise, your hope. May we hear your joy, joy to the world! Amen.

Send bulletin copy to: Rev. Lisa Heckman, B.J. Heinle, Vicki Denniston, William Hall, Joan Oliver, Sue Mahler

Pulpit Assistant: Jo Ann Gray

Youth Message: Jo Ann Gray

*Post bulletin to website

For the Responsive Reading, please define who is the left side and who is the right side -- THEIR left and right, please, not ours up in the chancel.