CELEBRATION OF WORSHIP
Peachtree is a community of Jesus followers inviting people to follow God in heart, mind, and strength.
Assemble in God’s Name Prelude
Life of the Congregation**
Choral Introit
Pastoral Prayer & 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.
“Praise Ye the Lord of Hosts” from Christmas Oratorio Camille Saint-Saëns Congregational Introit*
Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation Prayer of Adoration*
Give Praise to God Hymn of Praise
**
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
#147
Lighting of the Candles Placing the Bible Prayer of Confession Gracious and loving God, we gather on this first Advent Sunday anticipating the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Our worship in this season is marked by familiar songs and stories. We confess today these familiarities often dull our worship. Like Zechariah, we go through the motions of worship not expecting that you will meet us here and change our lives. Forgive us for settling for something less than you wish to give us in this season. Make us eager to hear your word, bold to trust and ready to obey. Make us a people prepared for the coming of the Lord. Do so even now as we continue our confession in silence…
Listen to God’s Word
THE EXPECTATION: ZECHARIAH
Luke 1:5–25 (Pew Bible 1587–1588) Chuck Roberts 8:45, 10:00, 11:15
Go in God’s Name Hymn of Response*
What Child Is This? #159
Invitation and Benediction* Postlude*
Offering Our Gifts
There Shall a Star from Jacob Come Forth Felix Mendelssohn There shall a star from Jacob come forth, And a Sceptre from Israel rise up. And dash in pieces Princes and Nations. There shall a star from Jacob come forth. How brightly shines the morning star! With sudden radiance from afar With light and comfort glowing! Thy word, Jesus, inly feeds us, rightly leads us, life bestowing. Praise, oh praise such love o’erflowing! Doxology*
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow #544
Assurance of God’s Forgiveness Congregational Response*
O Little Town of Bethlehem #171 (v. 4)
* Those who are able, please stand. ** Ushers will seat latecomers at this time.
If your young child needs attention during worship, live broadcasts of the service are available in the Williams Center and the Mothers and Infants Room off of the Williams Center.
LEADING THE WORSHIP MILESTONES 8:45
Chuck Roberts Pastor for Congregational Life Jay Madden Pastor for Mission Steve Huntley Pastor for Grand Adults 10:00
Chuck Roberts Pastor for Congregational Life Jay Madden Pastor for Mission Marnie Crumpler Executive Pastor 11:15
Chuck Roberts Pastor for Congregational Life Marnie Crumpler Executive Pastor
Vicki Harrington Franch Pastor for Pastoral Care
Leading the Music
The Chancel Choir Mary Hoffman Director of Music Andy Bayles Assoc. Dir. of Music & Worship Kenneth Axelson Interim Organist Rebecca Collins Oboe Guang Wang Cello Joel Morris Percussion
Lighting the Candles Laura & Ellen Claxton 8:45 Adair & Amelia Smith 10:00 Ella Hart & Ella Shevlin 11:15
Placing the Bible Vic Bell 8:45 Stefan Brecher 10:00 Julianna Cagle 11:15
Lighting of Advent Candles Liz & Armin Brecher 8:45 Margaret & John Long, Abby, Jack & Millie 10:00 Ashley & Joe Chapman Jr., Joe III, and Hugh 11:15
Births
Ann Ballard (Annie) Crane 11/17 Anita & Andrew Crane Abigail Ruth (Abby) Richards, Trox Emmett (Trox) Richards, Charles Gregory (Charlie) Richards 11/10 Parents: Sara Zielske Richards & Russell Montgomery Richards; Grandmother: Ann Richards; Grandparents: Melanie & Russ Richards; Great Grandmother: Linda Brown
Hospitals
Charlie Flowers St. Joseph Ann Norvell St. Joseph
Family Member Death
Mary Luella Erickson 11/18 Mother of Emily Hendrick; Grandmother of Andrew Hendrick Betty Emery 11/19 Mother of Nancy Andersen
What would you give to have seen the expression on Mary’s face when the angel told her she was to conceive and give birth to God’s son? Artists by the thousands have endeavored to capture on canvas the faces and gestures of the characters in the original Christmas story. How do you see young Mary in your mind’s eye? Wide-eyed? Terrified? Confused? How about her cousin Elizabeth? Or Joseph? The shepherds? Through the eyes of great artists we’ll look at key moments in the gospel birth narrative. New series begins today.
POINSETTIAS The Sanctuary and church campus will soon be decorated with beautiful Christmas greenery and poinsettias! If you would like to take part by honoring or remembering your loved ones or special friends, please place your order online. peachtree-church.org/news/poinsettias
CONNECT CARD
Welcome to Peachtree. We’re glad you’re here! ( ( ( (
) I/We are new to Peachtree. ) I would like to learn more about joining Peachtree ) Please update my address/ contact information. ) I would like to learn more about:
GET INVOLVED
peachtree-church.org/news
Mr. / Mrs. / Ms. (please circle one) Your Name: Spouse’s Name: (if applicable) Street:
Children’s Advent Concert December 7 | 4:00 pm | Sanctuary Kingston Trio LIVE! December 11 | 7:00 pm | Sanctuary Strike the Harp: A Christmas Festival Concert December 14 | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary Nicholas Bowden & Friends Christmas Concert December 21 | 6:00 pm | Sanctuary peachtree-church.org/concerts
City, State, Zip: Phone: Email:
( ) Single
( )
Married
( ) I/We have kids aged newborn – 4th grade ( ) I/We have kids 5th –12th grade
Make your estimate of giving today to the mission and ministry of Peachtree in 2015. Return the commitment card located in the pew back in front of you or visit us online. peachtree-church.org/2015giving
Come hear author Rebekah Lyons in the Fellowship Hall as she describes how she found freedom when facing her greatest fear. Tickets for the annual Women’s Christmas Tea can be purchased online for $20. peachtree-church.org/tea
Join us this Wednesday, December 3, and the first Wednesday of every month in The Lodge from 7:05–7:55 pm for a time of prayer. Everyone is welcome.
Learn more about your relationship with God, specific ways to get involved with the church, and about joining Peachtree next week in room 2315 from 10:00 am– 12:15 pm. peachtree-church.org/exppeachtree
I would like to join a volunteer team for: ( ) Usher/Greeter ( ) Children’s Ministry ( ) Student Ministry ( ) Music Ministry ( ) Worship Video Production I would like prayer:
* Please fold and drop in the offering plate.