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WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Inviting All, Exploring Faith, Experiencing God

2155 University Ave, Dubuque, IA 52001 | (563) 583-1729 | http://wpcdbq.org

JANUARY 8, 2017 9:30 A.M.

“Take a hard look at Jesus. He’s the centerpiece of everything we believe.”

(Hebrews 3:1 The Message)

"And what about you? Who do you say that I am?" (Mark 8:29)

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TO OUR GUESTS: WELCOME! Thanks for joining us for worship. More information about Westminster Presbyterian Church is available on the Welcome Table in the back of the Sanctuary. We encourage you to fill out the Friendship Binder found in your pew and please join us for coffee and conversation in the Narthex after the service. In the Spring and Fall, Pastor Murry hosts "Welcome to Westminster" orientation meetings for anyone who would like to know more about Westminster or is considering the possibility of church membership. Watch the bulletin for announcements.

• Large print bulletins are available from the ushers. • Childcare for children 5 and under is provided in the Nursery down the hall from the Sanctuary. • Children’s activities, books and crayons are on the small table in the back of the Sanctuary. * All who wish may stand.

Prelude "There Is a Balm in Gilead" Luke Tyler arr. Hal Hopson Organist Words of Greeting Ruth 2:4 Hal Murry

Leader: The Lord be with you. People: And also with you. Welcome and Announcements *Greeting Our Neighbors *Introit " Gather Us In" Here in this place the new light is streaming, now is the darkness vanished away; see in this space our fears and our dreamings, brought here to you in the light of this day. Gather us in the lost and forsaken; gather us in, the blind and the lame; call to us now, and we shall awaken; we shall arise at the sound of our name.

*Call to Worship Samuel Wu

Leader: The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; The Lord sits enthroned as king for ever. People: May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!

*Hymn #477 “Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim"

*Invitation to Confession Samuel Wu

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*Unison Prayer of Confession

God of all flesh, in Jesus Christ you have immersed divine splendor and wisdom into human life. He is not repelled by the shabbiness and shamefulness of our lives, but seeks to redeem us. We confess our repulsion from those whose actions bewilder us, whose sorrow burdens us, or whose good fortune somehow detracts from our lives. Our compassion is limited to those like ourselves. Our kindness is reserved for those kind to us. Our passionate concern remains silent until we are the ones threatened. O God, forgive us. Cleanse us of self-centeredness, and open us to the whole breadth and length, height and depth of your love, manifest in all creation. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Moment of silence for personal reflection.)

*Assurance of God's Forgiveness Hal Murry

*Response "O Lamb of God" O Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us, Lamb of God, and grant us your peace.

Children’s Message Marsha Wilfong

Anthem "The Colors of Winter" Chancel Choir by Joseph Martin

Prayer for Illumination Marsha Wilfong

Scripture: Marsha Wilfong

Isaiah 42:1-9 ( NRSV)

42Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not grow faint or be crushed until he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

5 Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations, 7to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. 8 I am the Lord, that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor

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my praise to idols. 9 See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them.

Matthew 3:13-17 ( NRSV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ 15But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. 16And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’

Leader: The Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.

Sermon: "Fulfilling All Righteousness" Marsha Wilfong

*Hymn #404 "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"

*Affirmation of Faith (Philippians 2:5-11, CEB) Hal Murry

Let us adopt the attitude that was in Christ Jesus: Though he was in the form of God, he did not consider being equal with God something to exploit. But he emptied himself by taking the form of a slave and by becoming like human beings. When he found himself in the form of a human, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Therefore, God highly honored him and gave him a name above all names, so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Service of Installation of Ruling Elders (see yellow insert)

Giving of Our Offerings Please use this time to pass the Friendship Binder found at the inside end of your pew.

Offertory "We Three Kings" Adult Handbells arr by Dobrinski

*Song of Thanksgiving “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures high and

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low. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise God, in Jesus fully known: Creator, Word, and Spirit one. Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

*Prayer of Thanksgiving Hal Murry

*Hymn #2212 “My Life Flows On"

*Blessing Hal Murry

*Response "God Be with You Till We Meet Again" God be with you till we meet again; loving counsels guide, uphold you, with a shepherd's care enfold you: God be with you till we meet again.

*Postlude "Morning Chorale" Luke Tyler arr. Ellen Lorenz Pianist

POINSETTIAS may be taken and delivered to homebound members, friends or relatives.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

TODAY'S "GUEST" PREACHER, Rev. Dr. Marsha Wilfong, is a minister member of John Knox Presbytery. She formerly served as pastor of churches in Texas, Louisiana, and Bellevue, IA, and taught homiletics and worship at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary from 1996-2003. In retirement, Marsha worships here at Westminster, leads occasional Bible studies, plays Adult Handbells and assists with emergency pastoral care when Hal Murry is on vacation.

YOU ARE INVITED to celebrate Helen Watt's 100TH Birthday Sun., January 15th in Fellowship Hall immediately following the 9:30 a.m. service. PLEASE NO GIFTS Please make donations to Camp Courageous of Iowa, Westminster Presbyterian Church, your local food bank or to your favorite charity of your choice in Helen's name. Cards may be sent to Bethany Home, 1005 Lincoln #217, Dubuque, IA 52001

WESTMINSTER FOUNDATION GRANTS The Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation

was established for the purpose of generating financial resources in order to support, in part, specific projects within Westminster Presbyterian Church. The Board of Managers of the

COME JOIN US TODAY AFTER WORSHIP TO TAKE DOWN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

We will start immediately after worship. Please help if you can. Many hands make light work. A couple of strong men would be greatly

appreciated! Thank you!

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Foundation is pleased to announce that in May 2017 it will be awarding a grant or grants totaling approximately $4,100 for projects only within Westminster Presbyterian Church and is now inviting applications from interested organizations, groups, or individuals from the Church. Applications are available in the church office and must be submitted to the office on or before April 15, 2017 in order to be considered. Questions related to the application process may be directed to members of the Board of Managers who are: Betsy Badger, Edwin Blinks, Paul DeLong, George Hellert, Howard McLean, Doug Pearce, Norma Smith and Hal Murry.

Applications must include a description of the proposed project or activity, a budget for it, and the dollars being requested to fund it.

2017 WESTMINSTER PHOTO DIRECTORY: Send your best family photo for the directory to

the church office by Feb. 22nd.. A digital file is fine. Candid or posed, formal or informal photos are

all OK. Susan Sherman, who sings in our choir, operates "Snowflake Photography" and can provide professional pictures. Contact information for Susan is posted in the narthex and fellowship hall.

ANNUAL REPORT - The deadline for Mary Kay to receive 2016 Annual "Reports" from all Committees/Teams is Monday, 1/23rd. The Annual Meeting to the Congregation is scheduled for Sun., February 26th.

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Rev. Hal Murry, Teaching Elder Missional Community Dev: Rev. Lindsay James Church Administrator: Mary Kay Pancratz Financial Secretary: Becky Jenkins Custodian: Tim Till Faith Formation Leader for Youth: Lisa Fast Nursery: Amy Ehlers/Emily Meeker Care Ministry Coordinator: Glinda Manternach Adult Choir/Adult Handbells: Pam Crawford Youth Choir: Lizz Tyler Band/Youth Handbells: Sally Stulken Timbrel & Lyre: Dr. Luke Tyler Organist/Pianist: Dr. Luke Tyler Refreshments & Bldg Care: Porters/Laurie Anderson Head Usher: Glinda Manternach Greeters: Dennis & Susie Williams Ushers: Hong Yang, Hao Xu Jim & Sue Huff Laura Ting, Ricardo Huang Tom & Vernett Jirsa and Zach Spurgeon & Cody Kramschuster

WESTMINSTER LIFE AND MINISTRY: JANUARY 1, 2017

Church Office Number: 583-1729 | Rev. Hal Murry: 580-4196

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Cindy Kuter's mother, Donna Louison, in her ongoing struggle with cancer.

If you would like to have your name on our Prayer Request list, please advise the church office (583-1729) or the Pastor.

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Westminster Green Team Forming

The Mission Team is currently trying to gauge interest in forming a "Green Team" at Westminster. The Green Team would address the issues of climate change from a faith perspective and offer practical solutions to address those issues in everyday life. Those persons interested are invited to get our Green Team started by attending an informative Green Team Training Event which will be conducted by the newly-formed Dubuque Chapter of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light. The event will take place on Sunday afternoon, February 19th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Sisters of the Presentation on Carter Road. It promises to be an exciting day to learn best practices, hear from successful Green Teams from other Dubuque congregations and plan the work of our own Green Team through hands-on activities.

If you are interested in the Green Team and attending the Training Event, please contact Tom Stovall of the Mission Team (581-7220 or tomstov@aol.com). A signup sheet is also located at the information desk in the narthex.

Volunteers Needed For DACU Hosting on January 24

Westminster will be hosting the annual meeting and dinner of Dubuque Area Congregations United (DACU) on Tuesday evening, January 24th. DACU is the official organization that brings together Dubuque's faith community and Westminster has been a member since the organization's creation. While the meal will be catered, we will need several volunteers to assist with setup, serving and cleanup. Setup begins at 4:00 p.m. and we will serve the meal at 6:15 p.m. followed by cleanup. Please come to help anytime during that period and be sure to wear your purple Westminster t-shirt. Westminster will also provide desserts for the meal. If you can provide a dessert please deliver it to church by 5:00 p.m. Sign-up sheets for volunteers and desserts are located at the counter in the narthex. If questions, please contact Tom or Linda Stovall, Westminster's delegates to DACU.

Thanks for your help!

FROM YOUR WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION:

Be a WILLing Christian. Remember Westminster Presbyterian Church in your will.

Books and Bowls will be meeting January 15, 10:45 in Fellowship Hall to discuss Clementine by Sonia Purnell. Winston Churchill referred to his wife as "She-whose-commands-must-be-obeyed." This is a factual, fascinating and well-written account of the woman who saved Churchill's career and perhaps saved Brittan from Nazi rule. Everyone is invited and there will be snacks.

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Sunday, January 8 8:00 a.m. Adult Handbells, LOFT 8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, LOFT 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:30 a.m. Worship -Rev Wilfong Preaching

10:40 a.m. Christmas Takedown 10:40 a.m. Youth Sunday School-Classrooms 11:45 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, Choir Rm. 4:00 p.m. 6th Grade Youth Group, FH 5:30 p.m. M.E.S.S. Youth Group, Media Rm.

Monday, January 9 3:00 p.m. Property Meeting, BR 5:00 p.m. Youth Chorale, SA 6:00 p.m. Pack 20, FH 6:00 p.m. Scout Master Mtg., BR 7:00 p.m. Scouts, Brd. of Rev., CR 7:00 p.m. Troop 11 Boy Scouts, FH

Tuesday, January 10 5:15 p.m. PIN Board, WR 5:40 p.m. Youth Handbells, SA 7:00 p.m. Grief Support Group, MS

Wednesday, January 11 11:00 a.m. Regional Prayer Group, CR 5:00 p.m. Adult Handbells Rehearsal, LOFT 5:45 p.m. Youth Choir, Media Room 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, LOFT

Buy in the office or before or after

worship at the Hospitality Counter.

Thursday, January 12 7:00 p.m. Table Tennis, FH

Saturday, January 14

10:00 a.m. LeGrand Party, FH, K 5:00 p.m. WPC Youth Grp Overnight, FH

Sunday, January 15

8:30 a.m. Chancel Choir Rehearsal, LOFT 8:40 a.m. Coffee Fellowship, FH 9:00 a.m. WPC Band Rehearsal, SA 9:30 a.m. Worship - Rev. Murry Preaching 10:40 a.m. Youth Sunday School-Classrooms 10:45 a.m. Books & Bowls, BR 10:45 a.m. Helen Watts 100th B.D. Party, FH 1:30 p.m. Worship at Bethany Home 4:00 p.m. 6th Grade Youth Group, FH 5:30 p.m. M.E.S.S. Youth Group, Media Rm.

THIS WEEK AT WESTMINSTER: JANUARY 8TH THRU JANUARY 15TH

INCLEMENT WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

To learn of any cancellations of worship services or events you can check the following:

1. The church website www.wpcdbq.org

2. You can listen to any one of these radio stations below:

KDTH 1370 AM

KATF 92.9 FM

"The Rock" 97.3 FM

"The River" 101.1 3. Watch KCRG -TV, channel 9,

or KWWL-TV, channel 7

Note: This will be followed through ALL winter months and inclement weather times.