Welcome to those who have worshipped in this place for years. Welcome to our first time guests. Welcome to all generations, families, single people and couples. Welcome to those who have no church home, need strength, have doubt, want to

follow Christ or do not believe.

304 Broad Street (corner of Broad and Stone) Oneida, NY 13421

CHURCH OFFICE

Phone: 315-363-7590 HOURS: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

GENERAL EMAIL oneidafirstpres @oneidafirstpres.org

WEB SITE oneidafirstpres.org

Sing praise to the LORD, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Shout aloud and sing for joy.

Isaiah 12:5-6

Our Mission Statement

The vision of the members of Oneida First Presbyterian Church

is to LIVE God's plan for our family, our community and our

world. TOGETHER with God's grace and guidance, we will

reach out and sow the LOVE of Jesus Christ.

PASTORAL STAFF Pastor - Michael Yeoman 315-761-2721 Oneidafpcpastor@gmail.com

Choir Director - Stephanie Gwilt 315 - 886-6858

CHURCH STAFF Office Secretary - John Merritt 315-527-2939

Sexton-Jennawade Skellham 315-664-3886 Treasurer -Frank Kordziel 315-263-1474 Organist - Melinda Phoenix-Heart 315-247-9201

Financial Secretary - Pat Thorpe 315-363-8948

Clerk of Session -Pat Thorpe 315-363-8948

The Church At Worship

First Presbyterian Church of Oneida Sunday, December 12, 2021 10:00 AM

Third Sunday in Advent

WE GATHER IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

LECTIONARY: Isaiah 12:2-6

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

PRELUDE Pat-a-Pan 17th Century Burgundian Hymn Arr. By Dan Coates

MORNING GREETINGS, JOYS AND CONCERNS

INTROIT Angels From the Realms of Glory #22

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)

Leader: Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

People: For the Lord, our God is coming to us!

Leader: Tell the poor, gather the lowly.

People: For the Lord, our God is coming to us!

Leader: The trees of the fields and all nature are awaiting eagerly the redemption

of the earth.

People: For the Lord, our God is coming to us!

Leader: Let us praise the God of our salvation. Let us hail God's Anointed One

with shouts of joy.

People: Let us worship God!

*FIRST HYMN Watchmen Tell us of the Night #20

LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT CANDLES— The Colvin Family

Heroes, Tyrants, and Jesus I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Je-

sus Christ and him crucified 1 Corinthians 2:2

Beethoven was angry. He’d intended to mane his Third Symphony “The Bonaparte.” In an age of religious and political tyranny, he saw Napoleon as a hero of the people and champion of freedom. But when the French general declared himself emperor, the cele-brated composer changed his mind. Denouncing his former hero as a rascal and tyrant, he rubbed so hard to erase Bonaparte’s name that he left a hole in the original score. Early believers in Jesus must have been disappointed when their hopes of political re-form were dashed. He’d stirred hopes of life without the tyranny of Caesar’s heavy-handed taxes and military presence. Yet, decades later, Rome still ruled the world. Je-sus’ messengers were left with fears and weakness. His disciples were marked by imma-turity and infighting (1 Corinthians 1:11-12; 3:1-3). But there was a difference. Paul saw beyond what remained unchanged. His letters be-gan, ended and overflowed with the name of Christ. Christ resurrected. Christ with a promise to return in power. Christ in judgment of everything and everyone. First and foremost, however, Paul wanted believers in Jesus to be rounded in the meaning and implications of Him crucified (2:2; 13:1-13). The love expressed in Jesus’ sacrifice made Him a different kind of leader. As Lord and Savior of the world, His cross changes everything. The name of Jesus will be forever known and praised above every name. (From “Our Daily Bread” December 12th, 2021)

*PRAYER OF THE DAY (Unison)

Father God, with expectant hearts we your people await Christ’s coming. As

once he came in humility so now may he come in glory, that he may make all

things perfect in your everlasting kingdom. For he is Lord for ever and ever.

Amen

*CALL TO CONFESSION

*PRAYER OF CONFESSION

Almighty God, gracious provider and giver of life, we anxiously await the

celebration of your birth. Like the people of long ago, our ancestors in faith,

we, too, are in need of light, in need of direction, in need of your Word, to

show us the way. Forgive us Lord when we let our busy lives and the

consumerism that surrounds us difficult to recognize your kingdom and to

hear your voice. Help us Lord, to focus on you. Amen.

*ASSURANCE OF PARDON

* GLORIA PATRI Glory Be to the Father #579

* PASSING OF THE PEACE (Socially Distanced Greetings)

CHILDREN’S TIME

WE LISTEN FOR THE WORD OF GOD

ANTHEM O Come to Set Us Free arr. by Mary McDonald PRAYER OF ILLUMINATION

SCRIPTURE READINGS

OLD TESTAMENT READING Isaiah 12:2-6 OT Page 603

EPISTLE READING Philippians 4:4-7 NT Page 187

GOSPEL READING Luke 3:7-18 NT Page 56

Potluck Dessert Christmas Party

The Fellowship committee will be hosting a Potluck

Desert Christmas Party on December 19th after the

church service. The Fellowship Committee will be

providing Tea Sandwiches and drinks. What we are

asking you to provide are your favorite Christmas de-

serts and goodies. There will be a sign-up sheet in the

auditorium for the next three weeks. This is a time of

year for families, and what could be better than shar-

ing a meal with your church family. Not to mention

we have the best cooks in town.

Christmas is coming and the goose is get-ting fat. Will you please put a penny in an old man’s hat? Or will you put several pennies toward a Christmas collection your elders are taking for our hardworking and always appreciated staff ? If you would like to contribute, there are envelopes in the pews. Hand the envelope to any active el-der with your donation and be assured it will make its way by Christmas Day. Thank you.

SERMON - “Unwrapping the Gift of Joy” Pastor Mike

*SECOND HYMN Hark! The Herald Angels Sing #31

*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH - The Apostles’ Creed (Ecumenical) Page 14

WE RESPOND TO THE WORD OF GOD

DIRECTIONS OF OUR GIFTS AND OFFERINGS

*OFFERTORY PRAYER

*DOXOLOGY #592

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE LORD’S PRAYER (unison)

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 tempta

tion but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the

glory forever. Amen

*CLOSING HYMN It Came Upon a Midnight Clear #38

WE GO FORTH TO SERVE GOD

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION BENEDICTION RESPONSE Shalom Cheverim! (Farewell Good Friends) #537 POSTLUDE Gentle Mary Laid Her Child Old English Carol, arr Betty Colley

LONG TERM PRAYER CONCERNS

Barb Arnold Bryce Bechtel (friend of Zach Thompson) Steve Blair (friend of Ginny Pendleton) Anthony Bonacci Eleanor Breckenridge (Sue Borchardt’s mom) Bob Butler Pam Carrigan Scott Colvin Glade Cook Jr. (nephew of Warrens) Maria Erdo John Ferguson Jillian Felt Pat Grabow (Chrissy Thompson’s Mom) Becky Grasso Sherry Harrison Joyce Helms Jamie Hubbard Wendy Holtz Susan Johnson (Nancy James’ niece) Millie Johnson Horace Keller Jean Kowalik Ester Ladd (Friend of the Church) Maribeth Matthews Jason Maycock (Sandy Glynn’s brother) Joe Ostrander (Friend of Kristin Tooker)

Tom Panasci Mary Patricia Dan & Claudia Rayome David Rice Doug Rosekrans Rich Snyder (Jennifer Colvin’s neighbor) Eugene Sweet (Jim’s brother) Judy Sweet Harold Thompson Matthew Thornton (Sue Borchardt’s Nephew) Betty Thorpe (Jim’s aunt) Jim Thorpe Grace Warren Jan Whiting

Bill VanValkenberg (Friend of the Church)

Milicent Vidal Christopher Wuest Jerry Karen Michelle Angelia Anthony Heather Patrick Vicky

SHORT TERM PRAYER CONCERNS

Sarah Wimmet Victor Sirchia

If you have a prayer need, there are cards in the pews. Fill it out and hand it to an usher. If you know of anyone who is sick, in the hospital, or in need of our prayers, PLEASE call the Church Office, 363-7590. Please let us know also when they are healed and can be taken off the prayer list.

Thank you for worshipping with us today!

Please join us for coffee and fellowship

in the auditorium

ELDERS

DEACONS

CLASS OF 2022

Rose Lockwood Doug Lockwood Kathy Nichols

CLASS OF 2023 Paul Mancarella Nancy Rinehard Jan Whiting

CLASS OF 2022 CLASS OF 2021 Becky Williams Randy Bonville Doug Lippert Carol Wells Lucille Merriman Mike Merriman

CLASS OF 2021

John Merritt Jennawade Skellham Cindy Bonville Chrissy Thompson

FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO ARE GRIEVING FOR:

Jonathon Eastman Janice Lisbon (Friend of the Sweets) Janet Turbee (Friend of Pat Thorpe) Marjorie Fuller (Stephanie’s Grandmother) Ken Brown (Friend of Jennawade’s) Adelbert Roman (Cousin of Phyllis Lighthall) SPECIAL CONCERNS: All first responders, nurses, doctors and healthcare professionals dealing first hand dur-ing this global pandemic.

Pray for those who are serving overseas: the U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan; and our Po-lice/Fire Safety personnel. PRAY FOR OUR TROOPS: Pray for those who are stationed in non-combat zones: Sebas-tian Powers, Stephen Cafalone, Kiernan Mas-ner, Jack Sharkey, Mark Sia, Howard Bantle, Nicholas Young, Philip Messina, Ryan Geer, John Goodwill, Errol Crossman, Corey Reed, Michael McMahon, Andrew Fargo, Jim Jen-nings, Colin Whitcome, Michelle Ludwig, Peter Thompson

MISSION EMPHASIS: First Presbyterian Church, Whitesboro

.

We would appreciate the loan of your poinsettias again. If you plan to

have a memorial poinsettia in church for the Christmas Eve services,

please let the church office know the dedication you would like in the

bulletin by Wednesday, December 22. Please have your plant here by

the morning of Friday, December 24 so that we have time to arrange

them for the services. Thank you.

The Toys for Tots boxes are back this year! They can be found in

the Auditorium. We will be collecting toys for the next few weeks .

We do not have a pick up date yet, but it would be appreciated if

you could get your toys in by Friday Dec. 17th.

Join us for a family night of fun on Sunday Dec. 19th

as we go caroling to our

shut-ins. We will start at 6:00. After the caroling there will be cookies and hot

chocolate for all in the auditorium!

These Days for October, November and December are

in and can be found in the Narthex, Sanctuary and

Hall way outside the Boardroom.

Coffee Servers;

This week’s servers are:

Kristin & Perry Tooker

Next week’s servers are:

Marilyn & Don Kingsley

Join us for coffee, tea, cookies and chat!

CHILDREN’S CHURCH immediately

follows the Children’s Sermon on

most Sundays.

Scripture Readers:

This week: Becky Williams

Next week: Frank Kordziel

PRAYER MISSION DECEMBER – The Salvation Army Red Kettles have been an

American tradition since 1891, helping raise finan-

cial support for critical Salvation Army programs

and services year round. This campaign allows you

to host your own Red Kettle - online. Over the

years, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and im-

portant charitable campaigns in the United States – providing toys

for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless so-

cial service programs year-round. You become a vital part of our

Christmas efforts when you help those in need by hosting an Online

Red Kettle and filling it with donations from family, friends and col-

leagues.

The 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Service will be available for

viewing on Facebook live.

From Music and Worship

The Presbyterian Women thank those who made jellies and pickles, served,

quilted, sold quilt tickets, knitted, crocheted, painted, colored, baked, made

candy, collected antiques and other collectibles, advertised, helped in the

kitchen, trimmed the church and trees, and cleaned up.

Festival total: $7118.50

Haiti Mission: $500.00

Winners: Quilt: Carol Musgrove

Painting: Pat Thorpe

Santa: Mary Ann Bates Basket: Carol Pestell

Congratulations!!!!!

Congratulations to Dylan Bartell, who has been named a

Commended Student in the 2022 National Merit Scholarship

Program

The Presbyterian Women’s Christmas Luncheon will be held Tuesday, De-cember 14th @ Noon. Where? Ebeneezer’s in Sherrill. This event is open to all women of the church. $20 per person. Chicken and Biscuits will be served. Please RSVP to Carol Miller or Donna Ausman by December 7th. Please make out all checks to the Presbyterian Women.

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

Wed - Ashley Todd Reisman Thu - Joshua Bonville Zachary Thompson Fri - Jacob DeRuby Rachel DeRuby

Upcoming Blood Drives for December

Thursday, December 16th; St. Joseph’s Church

Oneida, NY.

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Canastota Veterans of Foreign Wars

Canastota, NY.

1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Some people have asked to receive 12 (1 /month) offering enve-

lopes be mailed instead of the complete box. Toward the end of Decem-

ber, I will be mailing them to people that aren’t able to attend worship

service on a regular basis. If you would like to receive monthly envelopes,

please call me and leave a message. (315-363-8948)

Per capita for 2022 will be $41.14. Thank you. Pat

Christmas Joy Offering

December is upon us and this month is designated for our Christmas Joy Offering. The

Presbyterian Church (USA) rejoices in the birth of Jesus Christ in many ways. One way

for the church to celebrate this great joy to the world is by supporting the causes fund-

ed by the Christmas Joy Offering. Our gifts to the offering help those who have served

the church and now need financial assistance through the programs of the Board of

Pensions. Our gifts also support through the National Ministries, the eight Presbyterian

related racial, ethnic schools and colleges, where students are developing their own

unique skills and talents.

Offering Envelopes will be located in

the Sanctuary on the table near the

Christmas Tree. You can pick them up

at any time.

LIFE at ONEIDA

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN

Calendar for Dec 12th - Dec 19th Sunday, December 12th 10 a.m. Worship Congregational Meeting Monday, December 13th 6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts Tuesday, December 14th

Wednesday, December 15th 6:30 p.m. Boy Scouts Thursday, December 16th 3:30 p.m. Connection Friday, December 17th Saturday, December 18th

Sunday, December 19th 10 a.m. Worship 11:30 a.m. Dessert Potluck

Session Notes A Congregational meeting to approve selection of officers will be held on December 12th, instal-lation and ordination of officers on January 16th and the congregational meeting January 23, 2022.

Elders for Class of 2022 are Donna Ausman, Kim DeRuby, Carol Miller and Becky Williams. For Class of 2023 are Paul Mancarella, Nancy Rinehard, Dave Shellhase and Jan Whiting. For Class of 2024 Randy Bonville, Frank Kordziel, Lucille Merriman and Mike Merriman.

Deacons for Class of 2022 are Sue Kordziel, Doug Lockwood, Rose Lockwood, Kathy Nichols

and Chrissy Thompson. For Class of 2024 John Merritt, Jenna Wade Skellham

18 SHOEBOXES WHERE SENT OUT THIS YEAR.

THANK YOU TO EVERY-ONE WHO CONTRIBUTED.

To All Committee Chairpersons

Treasurers and to

Whomever Else It Applies

All Annual Reports are due in the Church Office by Wednesday, De-

cember 22nd. If you would like to get them in earlier, that would be a

big help to John. If you are a Treasurer and waiting for a bank state-

ment, the deadline does not apply to you.

But please get them in as soon as possible.