JANUARY 1, 2017

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

JANUARY 1, 2017

* Congregation Standing

WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP Lisa Badley

RESPONSIVE CALL TO WORSHIP* And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who

was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” And from the throne came a voice saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great.”

-Revelation 19:4-5

INVOCATION AND HYMNS OF PRAISE* Praise to the Lord, the Almighty All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS’ NAME

PROFESSION OF OUR CHURH’S FAITH The Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God the Father Almighty; Maker of Heaven and Earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER Mr. Phil Buehler

HYMN OF THANKSGIVING

Before the Throne of God Above

GIVING OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY Lisa Badley

OFFERING PRAYER

SPECIAL MUSIC Andrea Restrepo, Cello Shih-Ting Shao, Piano

Open the Eyes of My Heart/Be Thou My Vision

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION AND CHANGE

SERMON Rev. Mike Allen

Facing a New Year 1 Samuel 3:1-21

BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD ABOVE

CORPORATE CONFESSION OF SIN

Holy and gracious Father, You are worthy of our full devotion. Yet we are constantly going astray in our hearts. We humbly plead for Your forgiveness for our lack of faith in Your promises, and for grumbling and complaining against You and others. Afflictions and difficulties have caused us to doubt and question Your presence, power, and goodness. Deliver us from a sour, skeptical spirit so that we might live a life of restful dependence, true contentment, and joyful obedience through Jesus Christ our Lord, we pray. 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 & HYMN OF REFLECTION*

Before the Throne of God Above I bow before the cross of Christ, and marvel at this love divine,

God’s perfect Son was sacrificed, to make me righteous in God’s eyes. This river’s depths I cannot know, but I can glory in its flood;

The Lord Most High has bowed down low, and poured on me His glorious love, and poured on me His glorious love.

Facing A New Year I Samuel 3:1-21 January 1, 2017

I. When God Seems S____________ He Is Still At Work vv. 1-4

II. When God S__________ He Is Often Misunderstood vv. 4-10

III. Whatever God S___________ He Always Completes vv. 11-21

Sources Consulted:

Accordance Bible Software - ESV - Greek and Hebrew Analysis; ESV Study Bible; Calvin Commentaries; Henry, Matthew - Concise Commentary; Merrill, Eugene H.. - Bible Knowledge Commentary; Davis, D

Ralph - 1 Samuel - Looking On The Heart; Payne, D.F. - New Bible Commentary

Rev. Mike Allen

SERMON NOTES

There will be no worship service this evening.

We would like to thank the officers that have completed their three year terms and are rolling off of the session and diaconate: Kline Estess, Deacon; Robert Hayes, Elder; Victor Jones, Jr., Elder. Thank you for your dedication and service to our church!

Mother’s Morning Out will be closed this Tuesday, but will re-open on Thursday.

The Christmas Tree Bonfire will be this Friday, January 6th, at 7:00 PM in the field beside the storage house on 12th Street. Everyone is welcome! Bring your Christmas tree or drop it off at the church by that morning. If you need someone to pick up your tree call Jeremy at 601-316-6427.

Evening Circle will meet next Tuesday, January 10th at 6pm in the Fellowship Room. Ginny Traylor will be our speaker! Nursery will be available for children 5 and under, but please let Kristen know by the end of this week if you plan to use it.

Youth 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. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank you for all of the calls, texts, prayers and kind words during this stressful time in our lives. My sister was very special to me and loved by all. I will miss her so much. However, knowing that she is in the loving arms of our Savior comforts me. It is also a great comfort to have a church family to lean on during these times. Mike & Shelly Windham

THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER

Sunday, January 1 9:00 AM - Sunday School 10:00 AM - Fellowship 10:30 AM - Morning Worship

Monday, January 2 No Activities Planned

Tuesday, January 3 No Activities Planned

Wednesday, January 4 No Activities Planned

Thursday, January 5

7:30AM-3:30PM - MMO

Friday, January 6 7:00 PM - Christmas Tree Bonfire

Saturday, January 7 No Activities Planned

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

Luis Alfaro, Violin Shih-Ting Shao, Viola Andrea Restrepo, Cello

Jan. 1-7 Jan. 8-14

Elder: Phil Buehler John Carter

Deacon: John Tucker Chuck Bell

Elders

Phil Buehler John Carter Darron Dodd Romney Entrekin Wm. Horne, Jr John Lowery Steven Morgan Hardie Perritt Wayne Traylor

Deacons

Chuck Bell Robert Burdette Chase Edwards Mike Ishee Josh Jones Danny Martin Luke Morgan Larkin Simpson Frank Summerville John Tucker

Westminster Officers & Staff:

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:

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Phone Number_____________________________

Children’s Names & Ages____________________

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Add me to the phone & email list.

Prayer Requests

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No Fellowship Meal This Week

Wednesday nights will resume next week!