THE PEOPLE OF CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH GATHER FOR
THE WORSHIP
OF
GOD
DECEMBER 14, 2014 10:50 A.M. 11:00 A.M.
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DAY OF JOY PRELUDE MUSIC WORSHIP We are an ecumenical, multi-racial, multi-ethnic Christian body that reaches out to the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ. To that end we strive to be welcoming, responsive, trusting and prayerful in everything we do.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
G ATHERING FOR WORSHIP PRELUDE
WELCOME
Silent Night (Franz Gruber, arr. Frank Voltz) O Holy Night (Adolph Adam, arr. Sylvia Woods) The First Nowell (18th Century, arr. Sylvia Woods) Rachel Lea, Harp Jac Whatley
BECOMING CENTERED Joy does not simply happen. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. It’s a choice based on the knowledge that we belong to God and have found in God a sure hope and that nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love. Joy is knowing that we are loved unconditionally and that nothing can take that love away. (Henri Nouwen, 1932-1996) CHORAL CALL TO WORSHIP
E la don don, Verges María 16th-Century Catalan Carol Zain Shariff, Baritone; Festival Choir
Ding-dong, Virgin Mary, ding-dong. How we will dance! Oh, people this night a virgin gave birth to a child so fine, there’s no equal on earth. Tell us who told you that a virgin gave birth, for we never heard such a thing, good sir. The angels sang glory to God in the highest, for in Bethlehem town the child was found. (Translation, San Francisco Bach Choir)
Congregation standing; la congregación se pone de pie. Congregational responses in bold. Page numbers refer to sanctuary Bibles. Audio enhancement devices available for use during worship. Please ask an usher for assistance. Respuestas congregacionales en negrita. Las páginas se refieren a las Biblias en el santuario. Para Biblias en español o traducción del servicio en español, por favor hablar con un ujier.
PROCESSION, HYMN 2
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee/ Canta a Dios con alegría HYMN TO JOY
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; Hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive our fear and doubt away; Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day. Nuestro Dios, te agradecemos tu sin par revelación; Prometemos ser testigos a nuestra generación. Tu evangelio anunciaremos a la inmensa humanidad; Tu palabra llevaremos al hacer tu voluntad. Cristo nos dejó un mandato en su hora de triunfar, Y nos pide todavía ir al mundo y predicar. Que los hombres todos sepan de Jesús y su bondad, Que su amor sincero y puro quiere darles libertad. Mortals, join the happy chorus; stars of morning take your part; Love divine is reigning o’er us, binding those of tender heart. Ever singing, move we onward, victors in the midst of strife, Joyful music leads us sunward in the triumph song of life. LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF JOY Charles Watson: When we look around, we see shadows of sadness—families in homeless shelters, young men in prison, parents unable to provide for those they love, people who have become marginalized, outcast, invisible and forgotten. James Rust: When we look around, we see shadows of grief and loss—friends and neighbors dreading the holidays because they’ve lost a loved one, because they’re recently divorced, because they don’t want to spend another Christmas alone. Britany Riley: In the face of sadness, we light a candle of joy. Eugene Cho: In the face of grief and loss, we light a candle of joy. Lauren Hovis: Joy is something this world desperately needs. Joy is knowing that, in all things, we are always loved, we are never alone, and that we are God’s forever. CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE, HYMN 132 (verse 3)
When God Is a Child MOON BEAMS
Joy is a song that welcomes the dawn, telling the world that the Savior will come. When God is a child there’s joy in our song. The last shall be first and the weak shall be strong, and none shall be afraid. INVOCATION
Reverend Glaze
PASSING THE PEACE OF CHRIST La paz del Señor sea contigo. Y contigo también. The peace of the Lord be with you. And also with you.
Reverend Glaze
CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE
Make Us One MAKE US ONE
Make us one, Lord, make us one; Holy Spirit, make us one. Let your love flow so the world will know we are one in you.
Reverend Glaze
A TIME WITH CHILDREN
This Child, This King Daniel E. Gawthrop (b. 1949) Festival Choir; Rachel Lea, Harp Let us see this child, this king, softly now He comes, as was foretold. Angels surround Him, Heaven sings His name. Let us see this child, this king, wrapped in swaddling as we wrap our own, Born of a virgin, born in David’s city. Why should the angels of heaven come down unto poor shepherds of Bethlehem town? Why should God love us and send His Son, His only begotten, the radiant One? Let us see this child, this king, wrapped in swaddling as we wrap our own, Born of a virgin, born in David’s city, born this holy night, born to wear a crown. Let us see this king. (Jane Griner)
MUSICAL MEDITATION
L ISTENING FOR THE W ORD OF G OD MAGNIFICAT, HYMN 131 We read responsively and sing together.
Luke 1: 46b – 55 Zain Shariff, Cantor
46Entonces
María dijo: Engrandece mi alma al Señor; 47Y mi espíritu se regocija en Dios mi Salvador. ha mirado la bajeza de su sierva; Pues he aquí, desde ahora me dirán bienaventurada todas las generaciones. 49Porque me ha hecho grandes cosas el Poderoso; Santo es su nombre, 50Y su misericordia es de generación en generación A los que le temen. 51Hizo proezas con su brazo; Esparció a los soberbios en el pensamiento de sus corazones. 52Quitó de los tronos a los poderosos, Y exaltó a los humildes. 53A los hambrientos colmó de bienes, Y a los ricos envió vacíos. 54Socorrió a Israel su siervo, Acordándose de la misericordia 55De la cual habló a nuestros padres, Para con Abraham y su descendencia para siempre. 48Porque
1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 24 Elijah Zehyoue 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise the words of prophets, 21but test everything; hold fast to what is good; 22abstain from every form of evil. 23May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this.
EPISTLE LESSON
16Estad
siempre gozosos. 17Orad sin cesar. 18Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para con vosotros en Cristo Jesús. 19No apaguéis al Espíritu. 20No menospreciéis las profecías. 21Examinadlo todo; retened lo bueno. 22Absteneos de toda especie de mal. 23Y el mismo Dios de paz os santifique por completo; y todo vuestro ser, espíritu, alma y cuerpo, sea guardado irreprensible para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. 24Fiel es el que os llama, el cual también lo hará. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
Alleluia Melchior Vulpius (c. 1560 – 1616) Zain Shariff, Cantor
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Adapted from John 1)
John 1: 6 – 8, 19 - 28 Reverend Palacios 6Hubo un hombre enviado de Dios, el cual se llamaba Juan. 7Este vino por testimonio, para que diese testimonio de la luz, a fin de que todos creyesen por él. 8No era él la luz, sino para que diese testimonio de la luz. 19Este es el testimonio de Juan, cuando los judíos enviaron de Jerusalén sacerdotes y levitas para que le preguntasen: ¿Tú, quién eres? 20Confesó, y no negó, sino confesó: Yo no soy el Cristo. 21Y le preguntaron: ¿Qué pues? ¿Eres tú Elías? Dijo: No soy. ¿Eres tú el profeta? Y respondió: No. 22Le dijeron: ¿Pues quién eres? para que demos respuesta a los que nos enviaron. ¿Qué dices de ti mismo? 23Dijo: Yo soy la voz de uno que clama en el desierto: Enderezad el camino del Señor, como dijo el profeta Isaías. 24Y los que habían sido enviados eran de los fariseos. 25Y le preguntaron, y le dijeron: ¿Por qué, pues, bautizas, si tú no eres el Cristo, ni Elías, ni el profeta? 26Juan les respondió diciendo: Yo bautizo con agua; mas en medio de vosotros está uno a quien vosotros no conocéis. 27Este es el que viene después de mí, el que es antes de mí, del cual yo no soy digno de desatar la correa del calzado. 28Estas cosas sucedieron en Betábara, al otro lado del Jordán, donde Juan estaba bautizando.
GOSPEL LESSON
6There
was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 19This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ 20He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ 21And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ 22Then they said to him, ‘Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ 23He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord” ’, as the prophet Isaiah said. 24Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, ‘Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?’ 26John answered them, ‘I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, 27the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.’ 28This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. This is the Gospel of Christ. Thanks be to God. Laudate Dominum, from Vesperae solennes de confessore, K.339 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791) Teresa Ferrara, Mezzo-Soprano; Festival Choir Praise the Lord, all ye nations, praise him, all ye peoples. For his loving kindness has been bestowed upon us And the truth of the Lord endures forever. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be World without end, Amen. (Translation, Ron Jeffers)
MUSICAL MEDITATION
SERMON
Impossible Joy Erica Lea
O Holy Night Adolphe Adam (1803-1856); arr. Dudley Buck (1839-1909) Amelia Taylor, Soprano; Festival Choir O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, it is the night of the dear Savior’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
MUSICAL MEDITATION
O night divine! (Placide Cappeau, 1808-1887)
G IVING AND S ERVING OFFERING OUR PRAYERS- PASTORAL PRAYER AND THE LORD’S PRAYER
Reverend Glaze
We invite and encourage everyone to pray aloud the Lord’s Prayer in your native language.
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. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. Padre nuestro que estás en los cielos, santificado sea tu nombre. Venga tu reino. Hágase tu voluntad, como en el cielo, así también en la tierra. El pan nuestro de cada día, dánoslo hoy. Y perdónanos nuestras deudas, como también nosotros perdonamos a nuestros deudores. Y no nos metas en tentación, mas líbranos del mal; porque tuyo es el reino, y el poder, y la gloria, por todos los siglos. Amén. Reverend Palacios
INVITATION TO GIVE AND TO SERVE
Angels’ Carol John Rutter (b. 1945) Festival Choir; Rachel Lea, Harp Have you heard the sound of the angel voices ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear? Have you seen the star shining out so brightly as a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here? Have you heard the news that they bring from heaven to the humble shepherds who have waited long? Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels sing their joyful song.
MUSICAL OFFERING
He is come in peace in the winter’s stillness, like a gentle snowfall in the gentle night. He is come in joy like the sun at morning, filling all the world with radiance and with light. He is come in love as the child of Mary; in a simple stable we have seen his birth. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels singing Peace on Earth. He will bring new light to a world in darkness, like a bright star shining in the skies above. He will bring new hope to the waiting nations when he comes to reign in purity and love. Let the earth rejoice at the Saviour’s coming; let the heavens answer with the joyful morn. Gloria in excelsis Deo! Hear the angels singing Christ is born. (John Rutter) Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow
HYMN 50
LASST UNS ERFREUEN
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow Praise God, all creatures here below: Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts Praise Jesus Christ, whose power uplifts Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Reverend Palacios
PRAYER OF DEDICATION
B ECOMING D ISCIPLES INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP Erica Lea During the singing, we invite you to come forward if you wish to make a public commitment to join our community of faith. If you are interested in membership or have questions about Calvary, please contact the Church Office. HYMN 333
Joyful Is the Dark
ORANGETHORPE
Elijah Zehyoue
AFFIRMING GOD’S CALL
We give thanks that you have been guided to this moment by the hand of God. As a community of faith we pledge to love each other and to work together to grow into the fullness of Christ. Erica Lea
BENEDICTION CHORAL BENEDICTION
Ríu, Ríu, Chíu Villancico (Spanish Carol) Dwayne Pinkney, Tenor; Festival Choir 16th-Century
Riu, riu, chiu (nightingale sounds), the river protects her. God kept the wolf (sin) from our lamb (Mary). The rabid wolf wanted to bite her, but Almighty God knew how to defend her. He decided to create her impervious to sin. Even original sin this Virgin did not have. This one who is born is the grand monarch, the patriarch Christ dressed in human flesh. He has redeemed us by making himself small. Although he is infinite, he made himself finite. Now we have what we desired. Let us go together to present him gifts. Let each give his will to him, because he became equal to us. (Translation, Tradition in Action) POSTLUDE
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Richard Storrs Willis, arr. Sylvia Woods Rachel Lea, Harp Following worship, join us in Woodward Hall, left as you exit the Sanctuary, for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Visitors, we look forward to meeting you! Scripture passages for December 21, Fourth Sunday of Advent, are 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38.
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee/Canta a Dios con alegría, Chalice Hymnal, No. 2. Words tr. Jorge Sedaca, ©1978 Casa Bautista de Publicaciones; from Cantos de Alabanza y Adoración/Songs of Praise & Worship, © 1997 Editorial Mundo Hispano. Make Us One. Words and Music: Carol Cymbala, ©1991 Word Music, Inc. and Carol Joy Music c/o Integrated Copyright Group. Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow. Words: Thomas Ken, 1674; adapt. Gilbert H. Vieira, 1978, ©1989 The United Methodist Publishing House. All rights reserved. Words reprinted under CCLI #430459 and OneLicense.net #A-719662.
REMEMBER IN PRAYER Carmen Angdisen; Nardita (Edith) Angdisen; Teddi Angelov, Liubov Russell’s friend; Maria Bensussen, Ryan Harvey’s grandmother; Sara Bermúdez, Lorena Pereira’s mother; Cristina Chacón; Roberta Clyburn, Janice Glover’s sister; Carolyn Crumpler, Amy Shaw’s grandmother; Kimberly Durham-Bates; the people of Ferguson; Radost Fortunova, Liubov Russell’s sister; Gail Ousley Gipson, Ben and Natalie Barrens Rogers’ friend; family of José Gonzalez in El Salvador; Jenny Goon; Janet Grove; Stephanie Gabriela Hernandez; Rena Jirack; Lucy Johnson, Jackie Wright’s grandmother; Sam Kanakry and Helen Lewis, Cheryl Branham’s friends; Michael Keller, Phil and Nancy Renfrow’s friend; Lynne Mayfield, Jay Mayfield’s mother; Robin Myers and her family; Al Nielsen; Armando Pacheco, Amy Dale’s friend; Amelia Powell, Andrea Powell’s mother; Rochelle Powell, Eva Powell’s grandmother; Paul Rice; Joe Stout, Holly Miller’s brother-in-law; Victoria Sulerzyski, Ellen Sulerzyski’s sister-in-law; Carol Sunde; Doris Vermilya; Earl and Jenna Wright, Isaac Wright’s parents. A SPECIAL GIFT has been made to the General Fund by Charlena Cunningham, honoring Claudia Moore.
WORSHIP
ADVENT: THE WAITING OF AN OPEN HEART. Before we can kneel at the manger, there are before us four long weeks of waiting, of hoping, of reminding ourselves “not yet.” Advent calls us to experience what those who lived before the child felt—the longing of a people who felt as if they were abandoned, yet dreaming of and preparing for the day when another comes and all is made right. MUSIC NOTES. Calvary is blessed with musicians! Many thanks to everyone in Festival Choir for your commitment to our weeks of rehearsal and for your beautiful leadership in worship today. Thanks to Ashley Dalton for providing flute accompaniment and to John Dautzenberg for organ accompaniment. Special thanks to harpist Rachel Lea! Rachel is from Salado, Texas and is a sophomore music therapy student at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She has been playing harp for 8 years.
TODAY WORLD MISSION OFFERING is a special Christmas Offering that supports international ministries of our denominational partners including ABC-USA’s work against human trafficking, in health projects, economic development, education, conflict transformation training, and care for refugees, The Alliance of Baptists’ work supporting new progressive Baptists associations in Cuba, Brazil and Zimbabwe, as well as ecumenical work, health clinics, education, food, clothing and housing to people living with limited resources, and CBF’s work focused on ending hunger around the world, sharing the gospel with the least evangelized people in the world, and medical missionary support in places such as with Syrian refugees and in Kenya. Please note “Christmas Offering” on your check or online donation. You may designate your gift to one or more of our denominational partners. Undesignated gifts will be given ½ to ABC World Mission Offering, ¼ to the Alliance of Baptists Bridges of Hope Offering and ¼ to CBF Global Missions Offering. SHALOM SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER, SUPPORTING STUDENTS IN EL SALVADOR. Did you know that you can support the Shalom Scholarship and finish some of your Christmas shopping all at once? Raffle tickets are on sale today for three gift baskets. Tickets are $2 each, or six for $10, and all proceeds benefit the scholarship fund. The drawing will be held at the Latino Christmas Gala tonight. Questions? Contact hollydotmiller@gmail.com or courtney.rice@gmail.com. LATINO CHRISTMAS GALA TONIGHT, 6:00 p.m. in Shallenberger Hall, concluding our Global Christmas benefit weekend. Calvary’s Latino Community offers a traditional Christmas dinner with special music and another opportunity to serve children in need in El Salvador; donation of $15 is recommended. Contact Pastor Edgar. OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2015 If you requested a set of envelopes for 2015, they are available in the Narthex today. If there is not a set with your name and you would like a set of weekly or monthly envelopes, please contact Paul Rosstead. POINSETTIAS. Purchase a poinsettia to honor or remember a friend or loved one this season. Forms are available in Narthex or church office, and order deadline is tomorrow, December 15. We’ll place poinsettias in the Sanctuary for worship next Sunday, December 21.
COMING UP CALVARY’S CALENDAR OF EVENTS. Visit www.calvarydc.org/events/ for a current listing, or stop by the church office to pick up a complete listing of Sunday School classes and Small Group programs. CALVARY IS ON MEETUP.COM! Check out our group page and invite your friends to see Calvary events, http://www.meetup.com/Calvary-Baptist-Church-Downtown-DC-Small-Groups/ THEOLOGY ON DRAFT, Tuesday nights in Butler Hall, a time to reflect on events of the week, in our lives, the church, and the world. Bring your own dinner at 6:30 p.m. and catch up with others before our discussion at 7:00 p.m. Drinks are provided. Contact Pastor Elijah. LECTIONARY LUNCH gathers each Wednesday in the Calvary library, 12:15-12:45 p.m. for open discussion about the week’s Lectionary texts. Bring a brown bag lunch. Contact Pastor Erica.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORDS, ADVENT EDITION. Join the discussion each Wednesday during Advent in Butler Hall, 6:30-7:30 p.m. for discussion on the Advent theme of the week—hope, peace, joy, love. All adults are welcome, so jump in any week! Contact Pastor Erica. NEIGHBORHOOD OFFICE HOURS. Join Pastor Erica this Thursday, December 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m. [come & go] at Starbucks [1200 New Jersey Avenue SE] in Navy Yard for Neighborhood Office Hours! Each Thursday Pastor Erica will be at different locations around the city and available for conversation, pastoral care, or whatever! Come for coffee and say hi! ZUMBA ON THURSDAYS. Come for Zumba each Thursday at 6:00 p.m. in Butler Hall. All fitness levels welcome as we dance our way through the holiday season. $5 per person; scholarships available. Contact Katie Harvey, katherine.s.harvey@gmail.com.
HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14: THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DAY OF JOY. Festival Choir leads in worship, with guest harpist Rachel Lea and Ashley Dalton, flute. Prelude music begins 10:50 a.m. TONIGHT, join Calvary for the conclusion of A Global Christmas with the Latino Christmas Gala, 6:00 p.m. in Shallenberger Hall. Calvary’s Latino Community offers a traditional Christmas dinner with special music and another opportunity to serve children in need in El Salvador; donation of $15 is recommended. Contact Pastor Edgar. POINSETTIAS. Purchase a poinsettia to honor or remember a friend or loved one this season. Forms are available in Narthex or church office, and order deadline is tomorrow, December 15. We’ll place poinsettias in the Sanctuary for worship next Sunday, December 21. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21: FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DAY OF LOVE. Chamber Singers lead in worship on this final Sunday before Christmas Day. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24: CHRISTMAS EVE. Worship at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Come early for cookies and cider in Woodward Hall at 6:00 p.m. Children of all ages are invited to participate in our annual Nativity scene; meet at 6:00 p.m. to rehearse. Contact Corina Lopez or Eugenia Reyes. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28: FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMASTIDE. No Sunday school this day, but invite friends and family to join us in worship at 11:00 a.m. for congregational Lessons and Carols. CLOSED Calvary’s church office will be closed, December 25-27, and December 29-January 3.
Cheryl Branham Joseph Glaze Saw Ler Htoo Al Jeter Erica Lea Edgar Palacios Paul Rosstead Elijah Zehyoue
C HURCH S TAFF Director of Music (cbranham@calvarydc.org, ext. 136) Pastor during the Interim (jglaze@calvarydc.org, ext. 121) Pastor, Calvary Burmese Church (lerhtoo@hotmail.com) Supervisor of Maintenance (ajeter@calvarydc.org, ext. 128) Pastoral Resident (elea@calvarydc.org, ext. 142) Associate Pastor (epalacios@calvarydc.org, ext. 103) Church Administrator (prosstead@calvarydc.org, ext. 127) Pastoral Resident (ezehyoue@calvarydc.org, ext. 133)
Jac Whatley
Deacon of the Week (jkwhatley@gmail.com)
C ALVARY 755 Eighth Street NW Washington DC 20001
B APTIST C HURCH www.calvarydc.org 202.347.8355