If you are a first-time guest, we invite you to complete a guest card from a pew pocket or the Friendship Register and drop it in the offering plate so that we may get acquainted with you. Also, text “Explore” to 816-355-4736. We would like to communicate with you via text and email with some brief informational messages over the next few weeks. Your information is private and will not be used for any other purpose than to keep you informed about 2BC. Please see an usher if you’d like a listening aid. Each Sunday in the Welcome Center (just inside the Kansas Street entrance on Level 1), Our Hospitality Team is waiting to help you get connected. This may include finding a Bible study class, showing you where children and student ministries meet, or sharing the day’s activities and schedule. You may also enjoy a cup of coffee at the Welcome Center’s coffee bar and get to know others at Second. Children’s worship bags, filled with books and activities, are available at the Sanctuary entrances. If you’d like an alternative for your children, childcare for birth through Pre-K is available on Level 2 at any point in the service. Our Welcome Center is also available for those with restless infants, and you can view the service on a monitor there.
In addition to placing your offering in the offering plate, you can give online at 2bcliberty.org/give or via your smartphone by scanning this QR code.
Take a moment to prepare your heart for worship. The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. What is possible is to not see it, to miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God’s [back] fade in the distance. So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon. —Jan L. Richardson There is a reason Mary is everywhere. I've seen her image all over the world, in cafés in Istanbul, on students' backpacks in Scotland, in a market stall in Jakarta, but I don't think her image is everywhere because she is a reminder to be obedient, and I don't think it has to do with social revolution. Images of Mary remind us of God's favor. Mary is what it looks like to believe that we already are who God says we are. —Nadia Bolz-Weber
WiFi Hot Spot: 2BC-Guest Password: 2bcguest#01 Church Phone: 816-781-2824
We have “online giving” cards in the pew rack that you can place in the offering plate to represent your gift if you choose. Jason Edwards, Senior Pastor | Mike Lassiter, Assoc. Pastor, Community Care and Missions Connie McNeill, Assoc. Pastor, Administration and Discipleship | Charles Smith, Assoc. Pastor, Student Ministry | Gwen Phillips, Children’s Pastor | Ann Posey, Worship and Music Associate David Fulk, Interim Worship Leader | Don Brown, Interim Choral Director
The First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017 THE CANTICLES OF CHRISTMAS Gathering Music
Bill Stilfield (11:00)
Invitation to Worship
David Fulk
Prelude
“Breath of Heaven”” Orchestra
Stan Pethel (11:00)
+Processional Hymn 81 “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” On the last stanza, children may join the pastor in the procession to the Advent tree.
Advent Litany and Candle Lighting
Jason Edwards/Caroline Dilts
Leader:
As we begin our journey toward Bethlehem,
People:
We light the candle of Hope.
Leader:
Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
People:
But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, then we will never turn back from you.
Leader:
With words of “be not afraid,” you chose the virgin Mary to give life to your Son.
People:
Ease our fears and bring us hope in the face of all we do not understand and cannot see. Our hope is in you.
Advent Carol
PICARDY
“Sing the Canticles” Composed by David Fulk for Second Baptist Church
POSEY
Prayers of the People
Sue Wright
+Hymn 545
“In the Bulb”
Gospel Reading
Luke 1:26-42 (Pew Bible, page, 43, New Testament) Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God.
Choral Worship
“Advent Psalm” Sanctuary Choir
Sermon
“Ave Maria”
PROMISE
Connie McNeill
Tom Fettke (11:00)
Jason Edwards
Hail, Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Lily Weaver and Caroline Casel, vocalists Cathy Lawrey, violinist +Hymn of Response 99
“View the Present Through the Promise”
AR HYD Y NOS
The worship of the living God invites our response. Those who wish to profess faith in Christ and/or to unite with the church are invited to come forward and share your decision with the pastor. +Offertory Prayer Offertory
Brandon Greason (8:30) Kristin Wooldridge (11:00)
“The Angel Gabriel” Catherine McMichael (11:00) Orchestra The angel Gabriel from heaven came, his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame; “All hail,” said he, “thou lowly maiden, Mary most highly favored lady,” Gloria.
+Presentation of Offerings
“We Bring Our Gifts to You”
ST. THOMAS
We bring our gifts to you, entrust them to Your care To build Your kingdom here on earth, Your glory to declare. +A Time of Greeting
Jason Edwards
+Congregational Blessing
Jason Edwards
+The Sending Forth 79
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
VENI EMMANUEL
O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! Postlude
“Wachet Auf!”
Wayne Wold (11:00)
All Songs UBP CCLI #1091036
All Video UBP CCVI #502497070
Organ: Ann Posey Sanctuary Sound: Dave Heston
Piano: Helen Brown (8:30) Carole Tanner (11:00) Audio: John Hilton Video :Davis Miller
Today’s Advent flowers are given to the Glory of God: In Memory Of Walt Kopala by Lisa Kopala Bill and Marilyn Oberkrom by Keith and Mary Margaret Oberkrom Art and Louella Reppert by Keith and Mary Margaret Oberkrom Betty Lou Anderson by Keith and Mary Margaret Oberkrom Arthur and Louella Reppert by Martha Reppert Betty Lou Anderson by Martha Reppert We are grateful to our volunteers, led by Kristi Cates, creating our Advent ambiance with thoughtful décor. As a symbol of our growing anticipation on our journey to Bethlehem, more decorations will be added each week. YEAR END GIVING INFORMATION Any donation you want to be included on your 2017 contribution statement must be postmarked and dated or in the church’s possession, on or before December 31, 2017. Checks dated in 2018 but received in 2017, must be included in your 2018 contributions. Electronic contributions must be made on or before December 31, 2017, to be included in your 2017 contributions. All ACH donations are deductible at the time payment is withdrawn from your bank. Please contact Connie if you need help with transactions or need more information. Thank you for your generous support.
belong | believe | become 300 East Kansas | Liberty, MO | 816-781-2824 | 2BCLiberty.org
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY Christian Sympathy is extended to Nancy Bare and Sara Langford in the death of Paul Mortensen, brother of Nancy and Sara’s uncle, who died this week in Champaign, Illinois. Christian Sympathy to the family of Tim Nixon who died suddenly this week. NORTH KANSAS CITY HOSPITAL Rolland Yoakum’s father, Robert . Irene Couch’s daughter Joyce Haven.
PRAYER CONCERNS Larry Gregory home from the hospital. Terry Jeffries home from the hospital. Karen North, awaiting a biopsy report. Cheryl Campbell is home from the hospital. Suzie Goertz upcoming shoulder surgery. Judy Boring upcoming back surgery. Jeff and Kristi Cates’s nephew, Tucker Brouhard, recent heart surgery at Children’s Mercy. Chip and Marcie Handrich and family who continue to grieve the loss three years ago, of their nephew, Joey Riley, who was killed in Afghanistan. ON-GOING PRAYER CONCERNS Eileen Alverson Pat Hornaday Cassidy Paul Linda Armstrong Jim Edwards Jacob Newman, Kathleen Edward’s grandson Susi Seely Faye Sager, Cindi Moore’s mother-in-law Earl O’Rourke, Erin Lankford’s father John Shank’s brother, Mike Ralph Ward, Martha Ramsey’s father, on Hospice Care. Baylee Buck Paul Speaker George & Nancy Baker, Sabra Boyd’s parents Irene Thomas Carol & John Tucking * Bold entries are new to the list this week.
Bill Stilfield is a Liberty native who returned to town after spending forty years in Los Angeles working in the music industry. He is a member of the choir, and he and Cathy have been members of Second since 2013. Caroline Dilts is a fifth grader at Lewis and Clark Elementary. She is the daughter of Jen and Jason Dilts. Sue Wright and Dick live in Liberty with their cats, Bootsy and Beau. She is a graduate of William Jewell College and the University of Missouri School of Social Work. Sue serves as a Mentor Mom for MOPS, greets at the front doors on Sunday mornings, and serves as a deacon. She also loves helping coordinate writers for and editing the Advent and Holy Week devotional booklets. Brandon Greason has been attending Second since returning to Liberty in 2000 to attend William Jewell College. He is Principal at Lakewood Elementary School in the North Kansas City School District. He and Jessica have two children and enjoy worshipping with his parents, Linda and Greg. Kristin Wooldridge has completed her Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Currently, she works at William Jewell College. She and Amon are the parents of Ian, Kaylee and Rhett. She enjoys serving Second as a volunteer in many ways. Helen Brown has been a member of Second Baptist since the fall of 1967 when she moved to Liberty with Don to join the music faculty of William Jewell College. She is a Deacon, and is involved in the Sanctuary Choir, the Adult Handbell Choir, and Beginning Handbells, as well as many other church activities. Jacque Stouffer has been a member of 2BC since 1992. She is a fundraising consultant who loves to read in her spare time. She and Bert have two grown children.
A NOTE FROM PASTOR JASON "City sidewalks, busy sidewalks dressed in holiday style..." "JASON!" My cousin exclaimed, red-faced from embarrassment, "STOP BEING OBNOXIOUS!" She was right. We were in the middle of the mall in Texarkana, TX, I was singing Christmas carols at the top of my range with intent to embarrass, and I'm not sure it was even Christmas. I was being obnoxious. My wife might argue that I'm still a bit obnoxious when it comes to Christmas carols. I don't sing with intent to embarrass anymore, but I do sing them around the house, often out of season. The Christmas season has always held special joy for me, and somehow, whether I recall them in December or June, carols kindle that. I’m not alone in this. Certain seasonal songs have long possessed an ability to capture the Advent and Christmas essence. We experience this each Sunday in December as we join our voices to offer hymns to God. And we will experience this each Sunday in December this year as we reflect together on the first songs of the season, the Canticles of Christmas, which are embedded in the Gospel story. Wikipedia defines a Canticle as “a hymn, psalm or other songs of praise taken from biblical or holy texts other than the Psalms.” This year we will look at five Christmas canticles, beginning with the more modern Ave Maria, inspired by two verses in Luke’s gospel; followed by four Christmas Canticles whose total text can be found in the stories of Luke 1 and 2, namely: The Magnificat, The Benedictus, Gloria in Excelsis Deo, and Nunc Dimitis. We’ll study, hear and sing these songs as a way of once again entering into this story ourselves, hopefully kindling the real spirit of the season in us and others as we do. I hope you and your family will plan to join us for every single singing opportunity during this sacred season. With Advent expectation,
Jason Edwards Senior Pastor
2017-18 SEND Initiative Opportunities THAILAND | SUMMER AND/OR OCTOBER: These trips will promote the partnership between 2BC and Upland Holistic Development Project and October will include a prayer bicycle ride. Trip leader is Bill Gossett. GRAND GOAVE, HAITI | EARLY JUNE: we will spend time getting to know Jenny Jenkins, CBF Field personnel and helping in medical clinics and with light building projects. Trip leader is Mike Lassiter. BRIDGER, SOUTH DAKOTA: Middle School Students, June, 4-8. High School Students, June. 10-15. All Church, July 28-August 2 All three trips will explore the Lakota culture and the issues of reservation life and do small projects in the small communities of Bridger and Takini. REBUILDING TOGETHER KANSAS CITY | OCTOBER 6: help repair or make safe a house chosen by Second Baptist Church representatives. Light carpentry and clean up skills needed. CHRISTMAS STORE 2018 | DECEMBER 13,14,15: volunteer during the three shopping times to help parents wanting to provide Christmas for their children but have limited means. It is a great experience for them and for the volunteers. SECOND BAPTIST TEAM WORLD VISION GLOBAL 6K GROUP | MAY 19, Join the team to walk/run the Global 6K at English Landing Park to raise money for clean water in Africa. The $50 entry fee provides clean water for one person for life. TABLE OF FAITHS | MAY 8: Table of Faiths is an annual event sponsored by the Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council. In these ever changing times, understanding people of different faith traditions and other backgrounds is necessity to create and maintain harmony in our community. The Greater Kansas City Interfaith Council is committed to building the most welcoming community for all people. HARVEST HILL COMMUNITY GARDEN | MARCH— AUGUST: The garden is an outgrowth of some 2BC people with a passion for community gardening and William Jewell College collaboration. Help is needed to keep the garden clean and in top shape. STRENGTHENING OUR SERVE | SEPTEMBER 9: This year’s theme is “The Church has Left the Building” as an extension of our worship is serving our community together in a variety of ways. OTHER POSSIBILITIES INCLUDE: India, Youth Mentor for Schumacher Elementary School, Hillcrest Hope Thrift Store volunteer Opportunities will come up during the year, or you may have an opportunity you want to explore.
CHURCHWIDE Celebrating the Season December 3 | 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. We begin this year’s Advent season with a hymn sing of Advent and Christmas songs. You’ll also enjoy the music of our children’s choirs and a story-telling time just for the children. A reception follows in the Social Room with music from the Student Choir, more fun singing, and cookies! ADVENT FLOWERS OPPORTUNITY On each Sunday of Advent, large flower arrangements will be provided to honor or remember our loved ones. To honor a loved one with flowers and have his/her name in the worship guide, please make a donation of at least $15. Fill out the form found later in this newsletter and make your donation in the offering plate today. Mark your check “Advent Flower Donation.” You can place orders in the Welcome Center on Sundays, or Wednesdays. You can also make donations and complete the form online on The Hub. Questions, contact Kristi Cates at kristicates@live.com
SECOND SERVINGS FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Wednesday, December 6 | 5:45-6:30 Leftover Night No Cost! A donation basket will be available. Fried Chicken, Turkey, Hashbrown Casserole, Tossed Salad, Rolls, Cookies, Etc. Please make reservations by Tuesday at noon on The Hub/ Forms/Second Servings Reservations: Aug/Dec 2017. or call the church office 781-2824. SECOND SESSIONS December 6 Class details are available online at http://2bcliberty.org/ wednesdays
OUR STEPHEN MINISTERS ARE READY TO CARE FOR YOU! We all go through times in our life when we could benefit DO YOU LOVE TO CHRISTMAS CAROL? from a little extra care and attention, and the holiday season December 10 | 4:15 p.m. | Our Lady of Mercy Country could be an especially difficult time. That’s what Stephen Home Ministers are for. Stephen Ministers are members of our Help the Deacons spread some Christmas cheer at Our Lady congregation who have been trained to provide confidential, of Mercy Country Home. We’ll informally sing some carols one-to-one, Christian care to people who are going through a while the residents eat their evening meal. Singers of all ages and difficult time. They will listen, care, encourage, pray with and levels of experience are welcome! Song sheets will be provided. for you, and provide weekly support for you as long as your Come by yourself, grab a friend, or bring the whole family! need exists. If you would like to learn more about Stephen We’ll have some jingle bells for the children to ring. The entire Ministry, talk with one of our Stephen Leaders. Please contact church family is invited to join us! Several of our members are Mike Lassiter at (816) 781-2824 or Carol Kingery at (816)916 residents there, and this will be a special treat. -8407. Our Stephen Ministers are ready to bring God’s love and care into your life during this holiday season. Plan to meet at 4:15 in the cafeteria at Our Lady of Mercy Country Home, 2115 Maturana Dr., Liberty. We will begin SENIOR ADULTS caroling at 4:30. Any questions? Contact Amy Duncan at 816868-1156 or amyduncan@marykay.com COFFEE & CONVERSATION December 4 | 10:00 a.m. | Social Room ALL CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY No reservations needed; just bring a friend and your coffee December 17 | Edwards’ Family Home mug! Donuts will be served, we ask a $1 donation. There will Jason and Christy Edwards and our Deacons will host this not be a Coffee & Conversation on December 18. churchwide Christmas Party, and you all are invited! The Edwards’ address is 431 Arthur, Liberty. Please park on the opposite side of the street from their house.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HANDBELL CHOIR CONCERT December 10 | 9:40 a.m. | Social Room Before Bible Study the Middle School Handbell Choir will play a short concert for all interested.
MISSIONS
AND
COMMUNITY
WOMEN ON MISSION December 5, 2017 9:30 a.m. Make Christmas Ornaments for Baptist Home and Shut-Ins 11:00 a.m. Missionary Stephanie, Island of Sumatra Followed by: Pot Luck Salad Luncheon
SPECIAL RECEPTION RECOGNIZING DAVID FULK, DON BROWN AND ANN POSEY Save the Date! January 7 | 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Social Room Come and share your personal thanks and appreciation fpr Ann Posey, David Fulk, and Don Brown for their leadership as the Interim Worship and Music leadership team. Note: Refreshments, in the form of brunch snacks, will be served.
STUDENTS SCHOOL CONNECTIONS Ho, ho, ho! Christmas is coming and the School Connections Team needs your help! You’re invited to join our team on Wednesday, December 6, at 10:30 in the Social Room to make 600+ ornaments for the children at Schumacher Elementary. All supplies will be furnished. We just need your helping hands. Come join us if you’re able. We’ll enjoy crafting and a bit of fellowship while making little surprises for our Schumacher friends. Questions? Contact Debbie Lane (781-9281)
December Fun Night: Progressive Dinner Saturday, December 9 | 6:00 p.m.
CHILDREN RESERVATIONS DUE DECEMBER 5!
MUSIC MINISTRY ADVENT/CHRISTMAS EVE MUSIC Children who are taking music lessons are invited to begin preparing music appropriate for worship to play during the gathering on Christmas Eve at 4:00 p.m. If you would like to participate, please call or text Ann Posey at 816-507-2744, for more information. ADVENT ORCHESTRA Advent orchestra begins Sunday Dec 3. All instrumentalists are invited to join us at 8:42 for rehearsal for worship each Sunday: Dec. 3,10 and 17. Contact Ann Posey 816-507-2744 for more information.
Make your reservations on The Hub or by calling the church office.
belong | believe | become 300 East Kansas | Liberty, MO 816-781-2824 | 2BCLiberty.org
THE CITY COME AGAIN December 11 | 11:30 a.m. | Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral | Broadway at 13th Street, Kansas City Jewell’s Christmas gift to the city in words and music, featuring the College Handbell and Concert Choirs, along with Dr. Ann Marie Rigler, organist. Dr. Elizabeth MacLeod Walls, president of Jewell, will participate in the program. Depart 2BC at 10:30 a.m. Please let us know if you want to join us to ride and have lunch. Pay-on-your-own Lunch 1:00 Anthony’s 701 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106
Return to the church 2:30
December 14, 15, 7-9 p.m. December 16, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Thursday, Friday & Saturday Do you want to help with the Christmas Store but don’t have time to shop for toys? You can donate money and we’ll do the shopping for you! You can give to the store in the offering plate (just mark your donation “Christmas Store) or online at 2bcliberty.org on the “Give” page. Contact Karri George at 2bcchristmasstore@gmail.com with questions or visit the Christmas Store page under the Serve tab on our website, http://2bcliberty.org/christmasstore.
THIS WEEK AT 2BC Sunday, December 3
5:00 p.m.
Celebrating The Season Student Choir
6:00 p.m.
Student Innermission
Monday, December 4
10:00 a.m.
Coffee & Conversation
Tuesday, December 5
9:30 a.m.
Women on Mission
Wednesday, December 6
10:30 a.m.
School Connections Team
5:45 p.m.
Second Servings
6:00 p.m.
Children’s Handbells Grades 4 and 5
6:15 p.m.
Sanctuary Bells Youth Small Groups
6:30 p.m.
Justice Community Group Second Sessions
7:15 p.m.
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m.
MOPs
6:30 p.m.
Parents’ Night Out
Saturday, December 9
9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Many Hands Fair Trade Shop
Sunday, December 10
8:30 a.m.
Worship
8:55 a.m.
Middle School Handbell Choir
9:00 a.m.
Children’s Choirs
9:40 a.m.
Middle School Handbell Choir for Senior Adults in Assembly Room Bible Study
Friday, December 8
9:45 a.m.
Stephen Ministry Training 11:00 a.m.
Worship
4:30 p.m.
Family Caroling at Our Lady of Mercy
5:00 p.m.
Student Choir
6:00 p.m.
Student Innermission
Church office hours are M-F, 8:30 - 4:30. If you need assistance outside of those hours, please call the church and follow the prompts for the Minister on Call. 816-781-2824. More calendar information is available on The Hub.