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.
Take a moment to prepare your heart for worship.
Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things—the weather, human relationship, the economy, the political situation, and so on— will get better. Hope is trust that God will fulfill God’s promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom.
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.
— Henri Nouwen
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. We have “online giving” cards in the pew rack that you can place in the offering plate to represent your gift if you choose.
WiFi Hot Spot: 2BC-Guest Password: 2bcguest#01 Church Phone: 816-781-2824
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 Third Sunday of Advent December 17, 2017 THE CANTICLES OF CHRISTMAS
Gathering Music “A Festival of Carols” Sanctuary Bells, Helen Brown, piano Invitation to Worship
Amy Duncan (11:00) Douglas Wagner (11:00) Carrie Bartlow (8:30) Christy Edwards (11:00)
Call to Worship
“Advent Processional” Anna Laura Page (11:00) Student Choir and Handbell Ensemble Leslie Bunch and Christie White, Directors
+Processional Hymn 102
“Joy to the World” Children may join Pastor Jason in the processional.
ANTIOCH
Advent Litany and Candle Lighting Jason Edwards/Paul Benavidez Leader: With anticipation for Him who comes in the name of the Lord People: We light the candle of Joy. Leader: O comfort my people and cry out, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. People: Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain made low, the crooked straight, and the rough places plain.” Leader: Restore our fortunes, O Lord. May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. People: The Lord has done great things for us, and we rejoice. Advent Carol
“Sing the Canticles” Composed by David Fulk for Second Baptist Church
POSEY
Prayers of the People
Nick Bartlow (8:30) Sara Langford (11:00)
+Hymn 89
“Comfort, Comfort Ye My People”
Gospel Reading
Luke 1:5-20; 57-79
(Pew Bible, page, 44, New Testament)
PSALM
42
Charles Smith & Mike Lassiter
Leader: This is the Word of the Lord. People: Thanks be to God. Sermon
“Benedictus”
Jason Edwards
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. Choral Worship
“Come to Us, O Promised One” Sanctuary Choir
+Hymn of Response
McGuire/Larson
“Blest Be the God of Israel”
FOREST GREEN
Blest be the God of Israel, who comes to set us free; Who visits and redeems us and grants us liberty. The prophets spoke of mercy, of rescue and release; God shall fulfill the promise to bring the people peace.
Now from the house of David a child of grace is given; A Savior comes among us to raise us up to heaven. Before Him goes the herald, forerunner in the way, The prophet of salvation, the messenger of day. Where once were fear and darkness the sun begins to rise, The dawning of forgiveness upon the sinner’s eyes, To guide the feet of pilgrims along the paths of peace, O bless our God and Savior with songs that never cease 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
Roger Driskill (8:30) Blane Baker (11:00)
Offertory
“We Three Kings” Sanctuary Bells
+Presentation of Offerings
Cynthia Dobrinski (11:00)
“We Bring Our Gifts to You”
We bring our gifts to you, entrust them to Your care To build Your kingdom here on earth, Your glory to declare.
ST. THOMAS
Music for Worship
Student Choir
(8:30)
+A Time of Greeting
Jason Edwards
+Congregational Blessing
Jason Edwards
+The Sending Forth 79
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”
VENI EMMANUEL
O come, thou Wisdom from on high, and order all things, far and nigh; To us the path of knowledge show, and cause us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel! Postlude
“Oh Lord How Shall I Greet Thee”
All Songs UBP CCLI #1091036 Organ: Ann Posey Sanctuary Sound: Dave Heston, Gary Pennington
Sadowski/Lovelace (11:00)
All Video UBP CCVI #502497070 Piano: Leslie Bunch (8:30) Angie Fuller (11:00) Media: John Hilton, Ben Zahnd
Today’s Advent flowers are given to the Glory of God: In Memory Of Howard Burright, father of Phil Burright, who passed away on November 29, 2016 by Philip and Beth Burright David Nelson Duke by Marcia Duke David O. Moore by Marcia Duke Keith Elmore by Mary Anne Elmore Keith Elmore by Dave, Dana, Grace, Conner and Jackson Clark Virgil and Mildred Mason by Max and Jeanne Mason Gene and Betty Graff by Max and Jeanne Mason Mr. & Mrs. H. A. Pettyjohn by Susan and Andy Pettyjohn Mr. W.O. Bennett, Jr. by Susan and Andy Pettyjohn Irvin Williams by Alice, Kenny and Cheryl Williams In Honor Of Carolyn, David and Davis Fulk by Marcia Duke Bill Riggs by Marcia Duke The Faith Family of Second Baptist Church by Marcia Duke Twila Bennett by Susan and Andy Pettyjohn
We are grateful to our volunteers, led by Kristi Cates, for creating our Advent ambiance with thoughtful décor. As a symbol of our growing anticipation on our journey to Bethlehem, items are added each week. This week the window wreaths, the front and back wall wreaths, the joy banner and the floral arrangements have been added.
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY Christian Sympathy is extended to Tyler and Michael Anderson and family in the death of their father, Denny Anderson. Also to sister-in-laws Mary Margaret Oberkrom and Martha Reppert. Christian Sympathy is extended to Rolland & Barb Yoakum and family in the death of Rolland’s father, Robert Yoakum , on December 11. Services were held December 16, at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church. PRAYER CONCERNS Judy Boring recovering from back surgery Susie Goertz recovering from shoulder 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. Janet and Jerry Hill’s nephew, Matt Morrow has been diagnosed with nodular melanoma on his neck. Surgery in Springfield, Missouri.
ON-GOING PRAYER CONCERNS Eileen Alverson Pat Hornaday Cassidy Paul Linda Armstrong Jim Edwards Kathleen Edward’s grandson, Jacob Newman Susi Seely Cindi Moore’s mother-in-law, Faye Sager Erin Lankford’s father, Earl O’Rourke John Shank’s brother, Mike Baylee Buck Paul Speaker Sabra Boyd’s parents, George & Nancy Baker Irene Thomas Carol & John Tucking Harmony Afrisio , home from the hospital * Bold entries are new to the list this week.
Blane Baker is an active deacon, serves on the Stewardship Committee, and teaches the Tanner Class Bible study group. He holds the Wallace A. Hilton chair in Physics at William Jewell College. Carrie Bartlow has been attending Second since 2006. She is a senior Account Manager at Kemper & Company in Kansas City. Carrie and Nick have three children, Wakefield, Ramsey, and Deacon. Nick Bartlow has been a member of Second since 2000. He has served as chair of the Search Committee for the Associate Pastor of Worship and Music. He currently works for Barkley Integrated Marketing & Ad Agency. Paul Benavidez is a fifth grader at Franklin Elementary. He is the son of Kathy and Frank Benavidez. 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, is involved in the Sanctuary Choir and the Adult Handbell Choir, and directs the Beginning Handbells, as well as many other church activities. Leslie Bunch is a retired vocal music teacher. Presently, she works as a free-lance accompanist throughout the Kansas City area. She and Alan have two grown, married children and one grandson. Leslie is active in the music ministry as well as serving on Church Council. Amy Duncan has been a member of Second Baptist Church since 1975. She is currently involved in Bible study, the sanctuary and handbell choirs, and the deacon ministry. Amy is also a Senior Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She and Greg have two children, Stewart and Emily. Christy Edwards is married to Pastor Jason Edwards. They have three children: Jackson, Luke, and Norah. Christy is a Chaplain Resident at St Luke's Hospital. She is Chair of the CBF Missions Council. Angie Fuller has been a member of 2BC since 1997. She serves in the Music and Children’s Ministries and on the Arts and Environment Team. Angie and David are parents to Naomi and Adam. Sara Langford lives, works, and worships in Liberty with family. She is Co-Coordinator of the Stephen Ministry and loves playing the piano for the preschool choir. Professionally, Sara is a teacher for the Liberty Public School district. Christie White learned and began teaching handbells after joining Second Baptist. She works with her husband, Jerry, at their business, Beneficial Lighting, Inc., and is Director of Handbell Choirs at William Jewell College. They have two grown children, Kenneth, married to Hannah, and Marcie.. They have three fun grandchildren.
CHURCHWIDE ALL CHURCH CHRISTMAS PARTY Today | Edwards’ Family Home | 5:00-7:00 p.m. Jason and Christy Edwards and our Deacons will host this 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. CHRISTMAS EVE No Bible Study Classes 11:00 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion 9:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
January 7 9:15 a.m. Brunch Reception for Don Brown, David Fulk and Ann Posey 9:45 Bible Study All Ages 11:00 Epiphany Service which includes "Wize Guys and Starry Skies" a musical presented by the combined Student & Children’s Choirs January 14 8:30 Worship | 9:45 Bible Study 11:00 Disciple Now Speaker Anna Holladay
SECOND SERVINGS AND SECOND SESSIONS Resumes January 10 . SPECIAL RECEPTION RECOGNIZING DON BROWN, DAVID FULK AND ANN POSEY January 7 | 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Social Room Brunch refreshments will be served. In advance of that day, please write a note of appreciation on the notecards that are available in The Welcome Center. COMING SUNDAY MORNINGS JANUARY 21-FEBRUARY 18 GOING SOMEWHERE A Sunday Morning Bible Study of mission engagement locally, nationally, and internationally. If you have had the desire to engage in missions personally, as a family, with a group of others, or if you are involved in an area of missions for which you are passionate, this five-week study will help you understand missions as part of whole life. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY Sundays January 7 - March 18 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Coordinted by Brandon and Jessica Greason Find hope in your finances, learn to control your money, and prepare for your future. JANUARY SUNDAY SCHEDULE December 31 9:30 a.m. New Year Breakfast | 11:00 a.m. Worship
STUDENTS CHRISTMAS PARTY Today | 6:00 p.m. | 2BC Student Room
FULLY ALIVE! January 12-14, 2018 | Sign-up Now Open on The Hub Service projects, spiritual growth, hanging out together, worship, meals, discussions, ice cream, games, and Snow Tubing! Our theme this year is "Fully Alive." It's based on a phrase attributed to St Irenaeus, "The Glory of God is a human being fully alive." We will spend the weekend talking about what it means to live an authentic and full life, how we can glorify God with our lives, and how we can help others to also experience the fullness and vitality of life. Anna Holladay will be our speaker for the weekend. Anna is the Pastor of Missions and Communications at Holmeswood Baptist Church, right here in KC! She is originally from Louisville, KY.
THIS WEEK AT 2BC Sunday, December 17
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
All Church Christmas Party at The Edwards
6:00 p.m.
Student Christmas Party at Second Baptist
Wednesday, December 20
7:00 p.m.
Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, December 24
11:00 a.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
4:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
9:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion
Monday, December 25
OFFICES CLOSED CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Tuesday, December 26
OFFICES CLOSED CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY
Wednesday, December 27
Office Hours 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 28
Office Hours 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Friday, December 29
Office Hours 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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.
belong | believe | become 300 East Kansas | Liberty, MO 816-781-2824 | 2BCLiberty.org
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