First Presbyterian Church

Mission Statement: “To Know Jesus Christ personally, to make Him known,

and to reflect His love through worship, education, and service to all.”

A Stephen Ministry Congregation

206 Washington Avenue Inverness, FL 34450-4942 Telephone: (352) 637-0770 Fax: (352) 637-6326

Email: fpcinvoffice@gmail.com Website: www.fpcinverness.org

PREPARATION AND PRAISE Words to Ponder: “Emmanuel, smooth out the rough places that drain us of energy and joy.” WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS PRELUDE THE ADVENT WREATH L: God’s Spirit spoke through the Prophet Malachi, promising, “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare My way before Me. Then the Lord whom you are seeking will suddenly come and enter His temple, the Herald of the covenant, the One whom you desire. Thus says the Lord Almighty.” Let us pray together. P: Almighty God, prepare Your way in us and work Your will through us, so that Your Word may come alive inside of us and so that we may be messengers of Your saving love, proclaiming joy to the world in Jesus’ name. Amen. THE FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD ADVENT CANDLES ARE LIT 8:00 A.M. - Jim & Diane Freund 11:00 A.M. - Kenn Thornton & Maggie Hall *OPENING HYMN #28 “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” *PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison) God of grace, You offer the hope, peace, comfort, and joy of Your presence to all who repent and draw near to You. Forgive us, O God, as we repent now of our sins. When we lose our way, show us Yours. Lead us down the royal road to Your kingdom. And show us Your light and truth, so that we may be able to keep Your Word, revealed to us in Jesus Your Son, in whose name we pray. Amen. (followed by a period of silent confession) *ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS (responsively) L: Friends, the good news of the gospel is that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn us, but rather so that we might be saved through Him. Believe the good news: in Je-sus Christ, we are forgiven! P: Hallelujah! Thanks be to God! *GLORIA PATRI - Page 579 in the Hymnal

IN WITNESS OF THE WORD

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & THE LORD’S PRAYER, Page 16 (“Debts”, “Debtors”) *HYMN #23 “Angels, We Have Heard on High”

Order of Worship Third Sunday of Advent December 15, 2019

Attendance Log Please don’t forget to sign-in on the attendance log located at the end of your pew.

Flowers The flowers on our Chancel this morning are given to the glory of God and in honor of Sandra Koonce’s 80th birthday by Fred and Sandra Koonce.

Stewardship Message “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” Amy Carmichael

Ron Shotwell’s Retirement Ron Shotwell will be recognized and honored for his many years of service at the December 22 service. As many of you know, Ron Shotwell recently retired. We will have cake and a basket for cards in the Fellowship Hall following the Congregational Meeting. Please extend your best wishes to Ron for his many, many happy years of service working at FPC.

December 22 Christmas Pageant

and Congregational Meeting with Lunch On Sunday, December 22, there will be one service at 10:00 a.m. This is the time that the congregation can enjoy the Christmas Pageant, followed by a brief Congregational Meeting to elect new Elders and Deacons. Ron Shotwell will also be recognized at this service. A free light lunch will be provided by Mary Hiers and the CE Committee. Please make your reservation for lunch using a Meal Reservation Card or by calling the church office.

Welcome

Especially to those who may be worshiping with us for the first time. We pray that you experience Christ’s presence in our midst, and that it will sustain you in the week ahead. We hope you will consider making First Presbyterian Church your church home in Inverness. Large Print Bulletins and Hearing Assistance Units are available from an Usher. A Nursery is provided during the 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. The Narthex can be used as a cry room. Please complete the Ritual of Friendship (navy blue attendance folder) with your address and phone number so we may contact you personally following the service.

Silence Your Cell Phone As a courtesy to others, please silence your cell phone during all worship services.

Christmas Eve Service Times The new Christmas Eve service times are 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. with communion at both services, and the choir will present a Cantata. Anyone needing transportation to the Christmas Eve services, as well as to any service, should call the church office for arrangements.

Christmas Joy Offering This year during the four Sundays of Advent, the Session has authorized the collection of the Christmas Joy Offering, which is one of four special offerings received by the Presbyterian Church (USA) throughout the year. The Christmas Joy Offering is used by the denomination to supplement the income of the retired pastors in need, and also to support church-related schools and colleges which educate people of color. If you would like to contribute to the Christmas Joy Offering this year, simply write a check to our church and put “Christmas Joy Offering” on the memo line. Thank you for your generosity.

Christmas Present Making - December 22 - 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. After the Christmas pageant, we are having a Praise Kids day to make cards and Christmas presents for the families. We’ll have lunch at 11:00 a.m. and then spend the afternoon making presents and cards. Everything will be wrapped, and children will be ready for pickup at 4:00 p.m. This should give the parents and caregivers plenty of time to do some last-minute Christmas shopping or just take a breath. We will need 4 or 5 volunteers for this event. Look for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex!

Praise Kids Skating Trip - December 29 - 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Praise Kids will make mini pizzas, play a few games, and then leave for the skating rink at 12:45 p.m. We will spend the afternoon skating at the Roller Barn and return to the church by 5:00 p.m. for pick up. Will need a bus driver for this event. Let Mary Hiers know if you can drive 352-220-3175. Will also need volunteers. Please see the signup sheet.

New Years Eve Lock-In December 31 at 6:00 p.m. to January 1 at 10:00 a.m.

We’re having a Praise Kids lock-in. We will have games, movies, crafts, and lots of fun. Because of the planning and commitment involved in this event, we will have to have RSVP’s by no later than December 27. You will need to sign your child up by that date. Will also need to know who plans to volunteer. We, of course, need people to stay the night but are glad to have people come to help with activities on January 1. We are happy to have the youth help with this event as well. Any questions, please call Mary Hiers at 352-220-3175.

Crusade for Kids, Christmas Angels I would like to thank all the congregation and all who assisted in buying gifts and giving donations to this wonderful cause. We were once again able to provide clothes, shoes, and numerous gifts for 43 needy Citrus County children. They will all be truly blessed this Christmas through your very generous giving. Much appreciation for your help. May you all also have a blessed Christmas. Peace, Jill Sumner

Men’s Corner Did you know that your Men’s Fellowship in 2019 have given: · $250 to Smile Train; · $250 for Youth the Youth Mission Trip; · $200 to the Citrus County Shrine Club; · And $500 to the Drawing Winner at Trash and Treasure!

This has been possible from the monies primarily raised at Trash and Treasure and its related programs.

They were Hungry and We Fed Them

A record number of 105 persons came out on Saturday, December 6 to enjoy the end of the year, all-you-can-eat Pancake Breakfast of 2019. Among those numbers were new residents, church members, and homeless individuals. Some interesting statistics: 30 people were served at our March 30 breakfast; 56 in June; 74 in September. We feel so very blessed at the success of this new program and are so appreciative of all of you who came to eat as well as those who helped flip pancakes, serve, and clean up. Please stay tuned for dates in the new year!

The Outreach Committee

A Mission Opportunity Ever wanted to go on an international mission trip? We have an opportunity for an adult/older teen mission trip during spring break (March 21-29, 2020). An informational meeting will be held after Thanksgiving. Watch the bulletin. For more information, phone Frank or Audrey Mattox at 341-2484 and let’s talk about an exciting opportunity to serve.

387!

That’s the total number of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes our church family filled for 2019. Last year our total was 335 - a 15% increase. Next year, let's strive for 400! Thank you, church family, for your inspiring mission spirit. We’ll take an OCC break for December and January, then begin collecting monthly items for our 2020 goal. Any questions? Contact Audrey Mattox, mission committee, at 341-2484 or see her in church. And, Merry Christmas to children all over the world!

2020 Greeter & Ushers Schedule 8:00 a.m.

Please call Tom Zurawski at (352) 250-2931 or email tfz708@yahoo.com with any changes to your 8:00 a.m. Usher Team schedule. We are looking for additional Greeters and Ushers as well as subs. All are welcome. The new schedule will be published around December 16 for the first six months of 2020. You will only have duties once a month on a rotating schedule.

2020 Usher Volunteers Needed - 11:00 am Service

We urgently need more Ushers for the 11:00 a.m. service for 2020. Ushers serve once a month and many of our Usher teams are incomplete. Contact Barbara Rains, Worship Committee Chair, at 352-341-4761 or email jrains3@tampabay.rr.com.

Contemporary Worship Service

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Third Sunday of Advent Welcome and Opening Prayer The Advent Wreath

Leader: God’s Spirit spoke through the Prophet Malachi,

promising, “Behold, I will send My messenger, and he will prepare

My way before Me. Then the Lord whom you are seeking will

suddenly come and enter His temple, the Herald of the covenant, the

One whom you desire. Thus says the Lord Almighty.” Let us pray

together.

People: Almighty God, prepare Your way in us and work

Your will through us, so that Your Word may come alive inside of

us and so that we may be messengers of Your saving love,

proclaiming joy to the world in Jesus’ name. Amen. The First, Second, and Third Advent Candles Are Lit

- Sonny & Tonya Jaros

Songs of Praise The Gospel for God’s Children

Sharing Our Joys and Concerns, Prayers of the People...

Offering Ourselves to God, Offertory, Prayer of Dedication God’s Word to Us Today

Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:5-20 Message “The Miracle of Joy” Songs of Praise Go in peace, have a blessed week...

JOYS

CONCERNS

FIRST EVER!!! $600 Bucket List Drawing Sponsored by Men’s Fellowship

Drawing at 11am Saturday Jan 18 during Trash & Treasure For $6 you will receive one opportunity or three opportunities for $15 to complete something on your bucket list like a Caribbean Cruise for two! Or two days at Disney World for you and your grandchild! Or a shopping spree at Bass Pro Shop or Bed Bath & Beyond! Two travel compartments on Amtrak! Fly a child or grandchild in college down to visit you at Easter! Or whatever else you can think of for $600! If and when your name is pulled on that last day of Trash & Treasure you will have an opportunity to complete an item on your bucket list!

More importantly your donation will be used to give scholarships to deserving students, support veterans and youth missions, help the smile program as well as a dozen other important programs right here in our own Citrus County!

Your donation is a win-win! It allows you to help others in need while seeking an oppor-tunity to complete an item on your bucket list!

How can you get this opportunity? Simply fill in one or all of the opportunity slips below and return it to a member of the Men’s Fellowship with your donation of $6 for one opportunity or $15 for three opportunities, or put them in an envelope and either drop the envelope in the of-fering plate on Sunday, or mail it to the First Presbyterian Church 206 Washington Ave Inver-ness, Fl 34450 attention Men’s Bucket List!

Take the Opportunity to help others while you try to have an opportunity to complete an item on your own personal bucket list!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Name___________________________________ Telephone number __________________

Name___________________________________ Telephone number __________________

Name___________________________________ Telephone number __________________

Tickets are available on Sunday after each service in the Fellowship Hall.

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Scripture Searchers are discussing Christmas Traditions Around the World. This lively class is led by Jeanie Roberts on Sundays at 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Library.

Cookies Needed for Sunday Coffee Hour The Fellowship Committee is asking for packaged cookies for Sunday Coffee Hour. Please leave your cookie donations in the kitchen. Thank you!

Worship Flowers Next year’s signup booklet for 2020 Worship Flowers is now available at the Ask Me Desk for people interested in reserving a specific date for honoring their loved ones. Worship flow-ers are $35, and please indicate whether you are going to pick them up or whether you want them donated to someone in the hospital or in an assisted living facility.

2019 Men’s Fellowship Trash and Treasure and Bake Sale Once again, it’s time for the annual Trash and Treasure and Bake Sale. We need your donations of furniture, clothing, appliances, household items, etc. to make this a success.

Please keep in mind that we do NOT accept tires, large appliances, or items that are broken or in poor condition. Electronic equipment, including computers, VCRs, CD and DVD play-ers, cameras, etc., must be in good working order.

Schedule for the Sale Week:

Donations: May be brought to the church Monday-Tuesday-Wednesday, January 13-15, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. If you need help transporting large items to the church, please call the church office at 637-0770 to schedule a pickup.

Sale to the Public: Thursday and Friday, January 16 and 17, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 18, from 8:00 a.m. to noon. The Bake Sale will be held during the sale to the public.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to help those in need.

Chairman: Dennis Bennett at 501-207-3118.

Special Thanks To Those Serving Today

Ushers

8:00 a.m. Jock & Martha Coughlan, Barbara Inmon

Robert Ramsey, Gary & Sue Simpkins Jill Sumner

9:30 a.m. Stefan Stuart

11:00 a.m. Ron & Judy Embling, Lori Greene

Russ & Barbara Hackett, Bob Lumley Nancy Royalty

Ask Me Information Desk

9:30 a.m. Dennis Cleerdin & Sandy Boyette

11:00 a.m. Jean Jackson, Linda Tompkins

Sunday Morning Coffee

Miriam Circle - Tanya Jaros

Greeters 9:30 a.m.

Stefan Stuart

11:00 a.m. Carol Kircoaf

First Time Visitors

8:00, 9:30, & 11:00 a.m. Sandra Koonce, Sylvia McKean

Blood Pressure Screening

10:30-11:30 a.m. - Conference Room Laura Zurawski

Thank you everyone.

Attendance Last Sunday: 306

Operating Revenues & Expenses for 2019

November YTD Revenues $39,235.24 $435,403.89 Expenses $48,136.01 $385,158.01 Difference -$ 8,900.77 +$ 50,245.88

This Week at FPC

Sunday, December 15, 2019 3rd Sunday of Advent CUB Sunday No Worship Committee No Youth Group 8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:00-10:45 am Coffee Fellowship Time 9:30 am Contemporary Worship 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Rehearsal for Christmas Play 11:00 am Traditional Worship Monday, December 16 *6:00 pm Cub Scouts - Youth House Tuesday, December 17 10:00 am Prayer Gathering - Parlor 5:30 pm Dress Rehearsal for Children in the Christmas Pageant Wednesday, December 18 9:00 am Staff Meeting 1:00 pm Mission Sewing - CE #1 Thursday, December 19 8:00 am Men’s Fellowship 6:30-8:00 pm Worship Choir Friday, December 20 10:00 am Simple Yoga Saturday, December 21 First Day of Winter Sunday, December 22 4th Sunday of Advent No Youth Group 10:00 am One Service with Christmas Pageant Followed by Brief Congregational Meeting & Recognition of Ron Shotwell’s Retirement Followed by Light Lunch for Congregation 11:00 am - 4:00 pm Praise Kids Are Making Christmas Presents and Cards *Outside Groups

13.5

OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE Isaiah 35:1-10 NEW TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE Luke 1:5-20 SERMON “The Miracles of Joy” Pastor Ron Pfeifer

IN RESPONSE TO THE WORD

*BEARING WITNESS TO OUR FAITH from The Westminster Larger Catechism (1641) L: How did Christ, being the Son of God, become man? P: Christ the Son of God became man, by taking to Himself a true body, and a reasonable soul, being conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost in the womb of the virgin Mary, of her substance, and born of her, yet without sin.

PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS

OFFERTORY “Come, Messiah!”

*DOXOLOGY “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow”

*PRAYER OF DEDICATION

*HYMN #40 “Joy to the World!“

*BENEDICTION POSTLUDE (Rick Dahlinger)

Prayer Partners are available in the Parlor each week after the 8:00 and 11:00 a.m. services. *Indicates to please stand if you are able.

THE END OF OUR SERVICE OF WORSHIP - THE BEGINNING OF OUR WORSHIP AS SERVICE.

Next Sunday, December 22, 2019

4th Sunday of Advent 10:00 a.m. Christmas Pageant, Followed by Congregational Meeting with Light Lunch

Session

Board of Deacons

Corporate Officers

Jill Sumner, President Bob Morris, Vice President Bob Purcell, Secretary Betty Jones, Treasurer

Church Staff

Ron Pfeifer, Pastor Karen Medrano, Director of Music Ministries Steve Gardner, 9:30 A.M. Music Leader Rick Dahlinger, Organist Danny Birstler, Sound Booth Coordinator Karen Dallas, Office Administrator Cathy Canfield, Receptionist/Secretary Vicki Oorbeck, Child Care Attendant Keitha Stoney, Wedding Coordinator

Danny Sullivan, Facility Manager Gary Oorbeck, Grounds/Maintenance/Security Pastor Emeritus - Craig S. Davies

Church Office Hours

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Friday

Worship - Study Schedule

Traditional Sunday Morning Worship (Nursery Provided at the 11:00 a.m. Service) ·· 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship (Nursery Provided) ························································ 9:30 a.m. Sundays Sunday Coffee Fellowship Time ········································································ 9:00-10:45 a.m. Adult & Children’s Sunday School ············································································· 9:30 a.m. Youth Ministry ···················································································· 3:30-5:30 p.m. Sundays Presbyterian Women’s Circles (September - May) ························································ 1st Tuesday Bible Study ····································································································· as Scheduled

Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Class of 2021

Paul Alford Jim Freund Murray Bennett

Cheryl DeVore Sandra Koonce Gail Fiske

Russ Hackett Bob Morris Pedro Fuentes

David Meyers Barbara Rains Frank Robertson

Ella Nardone Jill Sumner Debbie Viers

Adele Wardrop Bob Suplee Linda Waldron

Class of 2019 Class of 2020 Class of 2021

Ron Embling Bruce Cook Bonnie Buesching

Diane Freund Ron Hatton Barbara Inmon

John Keyte Judy Morris Phyllis LaFontaine

Jeanie Roberts Sandra Olson Georgia Lovelace

Tom Zurawski Keitha Stoney Connie Reynolds