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Northminster Presby terian Church 7720 Alaska Avenue, N.W. - Washington, D.C. 20012

(202) 829-5311 Email: northminsterpcu@verizon.net

Web Page: http://www.northminsterdc.org

Reverend Gail Porter Nelson, Teaching Elder

The mission of Northminster Presbyterian Church, PC (U.S.A.) is to give, through God’s grace and power, glory to God and to be a community of inspired Christians nurtured and equipped to become effective witnesses of Jesus Christ by reaching out to others with hands that serve, hearts that welcome, and voices that carry the Good News of God’s redeeming love to all. December 11, 2016 11:00 A.M

WE GATHER IN GOD’S NAME

PRELUDE Elder Henry Jones

INTRODUCTION TO THE CALL TO WORSHIP Reverend Gail Porter Nelson

*CALL TO WORSHIP Sandra Riviears The message of John the Baptist to his own people and to us is this: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near….‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight….’ He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” —Matthew 3:2, 3b, 11b *OPENING HYMN “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” No.5 Congregation OPENING PRAYER Sandra Riviears As we approach the celebration of the birth of Christ, help us to enthusiastically keep the words of John the Baptist. We now submit ourselves to the purification of your judgment and open our lives to the power of your Holy Spirit.

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PRAYER OF CONFESSION (in unison) Sandra Riviears We confess, holy God, that we are not the persons we should be, nor the persons we could be, nor even the persons we seem to be. What’s more, we haven’t been all that concerned. We’ve been content to drift along as best we can, without being very intentional about our inward health. Other things have preoccupied our minds, and we haven’t always given you first place in our lives. Pardon us, we pray, and enliven us with your Holy Spirit to new heights of awareness and spiritual growth. Amen ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS Reverend Gail Porter Nelson Thus says the LORD...Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. —Isaiah 43:1 *DOXOLOGY “Gloria Patri” No. 579 Congregation THE APOSTLES CREED (page 14 in the front of the hymnal) Congregation WELCOME TO VISITORS Sandra Riviears PRAYER REQUEST —If you have a concern or request that you would like included in the Pastoral Prayer, please jot it down on the index card found in the pew rack and hand it to a deacon as they walk the aisle during the singing of the Welcome Song. THE WELCOME SONG Congregation THE LIFE OF NORTHMINSTER Sandra Riviears PASSING THE PEACE (To your North, South, East, and West, pass the peace and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.)

WE PROCLAIM GOD’S WORD PRAYER OF PRAISE AND PETITION Reverend Gail Porter Nelson (As winter approaches) As winter approaches, as the air gets colder, and as the days become shorter, we pause to marvel at the rhythms of life. You have created our earth with painstaking precision. Every movement of the sun, moon, and stars, the forces of gravity, and of the distant cosmic forces somehow blend together as a unified whole. The changing of the seasons nurtures and enhances life on our planet. This defies our ability to comprehend, and we can only stand back and observe with awe and wonder.

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We may sometimes complain about the discomforts of cold and the hardships of driving on ice and snow, but at the same time we are entranced by the beauty of a blanket of snow on the trees and bushes, by the glistening of icicles in the sun. We are energized by the briskness of the air, and our spirits are lifted by the laughter of children playing in the snow. As we anticipate Christmas, we enjoy the decorations and lights that add charm and beauty to the season.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM Just a Little Christmas (Teens’ Version)

Section/Scene 1: Mary, Joseph, and Angel

Narrators: Christopher Riviears/Maya Jones/Henry Jones Mary: Elyse Scott Joseph: Jackson Scott Angel: Lindell Murray

Congregation “Away in a Manger” No.24 (v.1&2) “O Little Town of Bethlehem” No.44 (v.1&2)

Section/Scene 2: Mary Joseph, Emperor, All Actors Narrators: Christopher Riviears/Maya Jones/Henry Jones Emperor: Xavier Scott All Actors

Congregation “Silent Night, Holy Night” No.60 (v.1&2)

Section/Scene 3: Shepherds and Angel Narrators: Morgan Hubbard/Mona Jones Angel: Lindell Murray Shepherds: Chris-Wise Bedtad, Andrew Hubbard, Noah Kumi, Jackson Scott/ Nyles Davis

Congregation “The First Nowell” No.56 (v.1&2) “We Three Kings of Orient Are” No.66 (v.1&2)

Section/Scene4: Herod, 3 Kings, Mary, Joseph, Angel, All Actors

Narrators: Christopher Riviears/Maya Jones/Henry Jones King Herod: Xavier Scott Mary: Elyse Scott Joseph: Jackson Scott Angel: Lindell Murray 3 Kings: Mona Jones, Morgan Hubbard, Edward Hubbard III All Actors

Congregation “We Wish You a Merry Christmas!” Teachers and Children’s Sunday School Helpers: Sandra Riviears, Sherrie Scott, John Murray, Reva Squire, Pauline Moore, Andrew Mickens (on sick leave), and Pat Morse.

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WE RESPOND TO GOD’S WORD PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE Reverend Gail Porter Nelson THE LORD’S PRAYER Congregation in unison THE OFFERTORY SENTENCE Sandra Riviears All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the LORD your God. — Deuteronomy 16:17 OFFERTORY MUSIC Elder Henry Jones *DOXOLOGY “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow” No. 592 Congregation OFFERTORY PRAYER Sandra Riviears As we give, we are very much aware of how richly we have been blessed, and that with those blessings comes our responsibility to share your goodness.

WE GO IN GOD’S NAME *CLOSING HYMN “Let there be Peace on Earth” Congregation BENEDICTION Reverend Gail Porter Nelson As we approach the celebration of the birth of Christ, remember the words of John the Baptist, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” — Matthew 3:3 *CHORAL BENEDICTION “Three Fold Amen” No.587 Congregation POSTLUDE Elder Henry Jones

Please keep these members of our community in your prayers: Debra Bennett • Norris Capers • Nadine Connor • Jackye Lee Andrew Mickens • Martha Parker • Wardley Patterson • Aggie Trantham

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MEETINGS Session Meeting: Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00 pm in the Library. Christmas Midnight Service Choir Rehearsals: will be on Thursdays, December 8th, 15th and 22nd, and Friday, December 23rd, beginning at 7:00 pm. The Culver Ladd presentation will be on Sunday December 11th immediately following worship, in room 206. THE ANGEL TREE PARTY will be on Saturday, December 17th at noon in the Social Hall. Hope you have time to attend the party to meet the children whose lives you will touch in a special way during the holiday season. Donations are appreciated and will be used to help finance the party. If you are available to volunteer your time in assisting with the day's activities, please let Stacy or one of the other Deacon's know. PLANT SALE: The Board of Deacons Annual Christmas Poinsettia Sale is underway. Order forms have been placed in your church bulletin. If you are interested in purchasing poinsettia(s) at $20 a plant, please complete the order form by 12/11/16 and place in the collection plate or give to any member of the Board. In keeping with tradition, the flowers will be used to decorate the church. Feel free to pick up your flower(s) on December 24th after the Christmas Eve service. CHRISTMAS SERVICES: The Wassail Party this year will begin at 10:30 pm on December 24th, followed by the Christmas Eve Service at 11:00 pm, and Christmas Service at midnight. Anyone in need of transportation to the Christmas Eve services should please call and leave a message on the office answering machine. Funds2Org organization: For those of you who are cleaning out your closets between now and the first of the year, DKG NuState is collecting slightly worn, used, or new shoes for the Funds2Org organization. The shoes will be distributed to Africa, Haiti and third world countries. Please bring your shoes to the church and they will be picked up by Rochelle Mickens in January to be donated to the Funds2Org organization. Sharing Our Blessings: Living on the streets in the District of Columbia there remain thousands of homeless people. During this season of the year we should especially remember people in need. Following the success of last year’s drive, Northminster Board of Deacons and the “feed the homeless” volunteers are collecting hats, scarfs, gloves and socks for male and female adults. Our volunteers will deliver the items on Tuesday, December 20th. A collection box will be available in the Narthex. We would appreciate your support in our efforts.

I have shown you that by so toiling one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, and “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Acts 20:35 The Community Biblical Dialogue holds explorations of spiritual disciplines every second Saturday of the month from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. in the Library. This year discussions will be on the Letters of Paul. We hope to see you there. Bring a friend. The children’s Church Teachers meet every first Sunday in the Church Library immediately following Sunday service. Bible study class for adults meets Sunday mornings, 9:30–10:55 am, in the church library (Room 203). Sunday school for students ages 3-15, meets on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays from 11:15am to 12:45pm. New students are welcomed. Northminster Sewing Circle meets on Wednesday mornings. For more information please contact Bettie Coles at (202) 882-7951. Boy Scouts meet on Fridays. Please contact Franklin Austin at (202) 829-6577 for more information. Cub Scouts meet on Saturdays. Please contact Keith Dean at (202) 841-4094 for more information. GOD’S MEN meet for rehearsals on Friday at 6:30 p.m. in the church music room, under the direction of Joya Follette. New members are welcome. For more information please contact Reginald L. Holt at 202-882-4446. CHANCEL CHOIR meets for rehearsals on Thursdays at 8:00 pm in the choir room. New members are welcomed. For more information contact Elder Herb Scott at 202-327-4902. Fitness for Life Program (physical fitness for mature adults) has sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please contact Debra Floyd at (202) 607-8118 for more information.

NORTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — MINISTRY DIVISIONS The Session of Northminster Presbyterian Church is organized into four ministry divisions: The Administrative Division oversees the Budget, Finance and Fund Raising activities of the Church. In addition, this Division is responsible for nominating new officers (Elders and Deacons) and coordinating Trustee and Deacon Activities. The Administrative Division meets on the first Sunday of the month after church. The Communication Division coordinates Northminster’s Worship & Music, Christian Education, Mission, and Social Witness activities. The Communication Division meets on the second Sunday of the month after church. The Stewardship Division directs the Stewardship activities of the Church and is responsible for Personnel matters. The Division meets after church on the third Sunday of each month. The New and Current Membership Division oversees Northminster’s Fellowship and Evangelism activities and coordinates the continuing nurture of our members. The Membership Division meets on the fourth Sunday of each month after church. All ministry Division meetings are open (unless otherwise stated) and we want to hear from you. We invite you to participate in the life of Northminster Presbyterian Church!

NORTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OFFICERS

Board of Elders (Session) Rev. Gail Porter Nelson, Teaching Elder, Stated Supply Pastor – Acting Moderator

Class of 2017: Michael Kauffman, Kosi Kumi, Nathaniel Sims Class of 2018: Lorethea Davis, Jackie Holt Class of 2019: Dan Acker, Sandra Riviears, Mimi Stevenson

Board of Deacons

Class of 2017: Renee Butler, Theresa Wilson, Marie Richardson Class of 2018: Stacey Jones, Henry Jones, Maya Jones, Gloria McClure, Barbara Mecaley,

Zayani Sims Class of 2019: Andrea Rander, Willie Williams, Adolph Tengen, Evelyn Ngeloh, Renee Hutchins

Board of Trustees

Class of 2017: Serah Kauffman, Mark Sturdivant Class of 2018: Andrew Mickens, Nathaniel Sims Jr. Class of 2019: Celestine Brown, Juliane Tengen, Carole Woolfork

Leading us in Worship: Reverend Gail Porter Nelson Liturgist: Sandra Riviears Music Director: Elder Herb Scott Pianist: Elder Henry Jones Music Worship Leader: Elder Mimi Stevenson Administrator: Anne Pillay Custodian: Neil Clarke

DECEMBER 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

2 Cub Scouts

3 Boy Scouts

4 COMMUNION

SUNDAY 2ND SUNDAY OF

ADVENT

Adult Bible Study

5

6 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults Girls Scouts

7 Sewing Circle

8 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

9 God’s Men Rehearsal Cub Scouts

10 The Community Biblical Dialogue Boy Scouts

11

3RD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Adult Bible Study

12

13 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

SESSION MEETING

14 Sewing Circle

15 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

16 God’s Men Rehearsal Cub Scouts

17 Boy Scouts

ANGEL TREE PARTY

18

4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Adult Bible Study

19

20 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults Girl Scouts

21 Sewing Circle

22 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

23 Cub Scouts

24 10:30 PM WASSAIL PARTY 11:00 PM CHRISTMAS EVE

SERVICE MIDNIGHT

CHRISTMAS SERVICE

25 CHRISTMAS

DAY

26

27 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults Girl Scouts

28 Sewing Circle

29 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

30 Cub Scouts

31

January 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 COMMUNION SUNDAY NEW YEAR’S DAY

2

3 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

4 Sewing Circle

5 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

6 EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

Cub Scouts

7 Boy Scouts

8 BAPTISM OF THE LORD

Adult Bible Study

9

10 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults Girls Scouts

SESSION MEETING

11 Sewing Circle

12 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

13 God’s Men Rehearsal Cub Scouts

14 The Community Biblical Dialogue Boy Scouts

15 2ND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Adult Bible Study

16 BIRTHDAY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

17 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

18 Sewing Circle

19 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

20 God’s Men Rehearsal

Cub Scouts

21 Boy Scouts

22 3RD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Adult Bible Study

23

24 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

Girl Scouts

25 Sewing Circle

26 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults

27 Cub Scouts

28 Boy Scouts

29 4TH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY

Adult Bible Study

30

31 Physical Fitness for Mature Adults