“He has sent me to bring good news to the opressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release prisoners” -Isaiah 61:1

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENTAT FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Gastonia, North Carolina

THE WORSHIP OF GODDecember 17, 2017

Th e Th ird Sunday of AdventEleven O’Clock in the Morning

We Gather in God’s Presence

PRELUDES Carolina Brass

CARILLON PEAL Please enter to worship in a spirit of reverence.

WORDS OF WELCOME AND INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP Rev. Lauren Sease Vanacore

PRESENTATION OF THE ROSE Bob Cinq-Mars

PRELUDE AND SILENT MEDITATION “Fanfare for Christmas” Arr. Anna Laura Page

CALL TO WORSHIP AND LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH Polly and Jeff Jasmin Th e Shepherd’s Candle/Candle of Joy

Musical ResponseJesus said, “I am the light of the world. People who follow me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Why do we light three candles?Th e fi rst candle is the Prophecy candle. Th is candle reminds us of the prophets who dared to speak of the hope of a child to come, our promised savior. Th e second candle is the Bethlehem candle. Th e second candle reminds us of the light and warmth Mary and Joseph found in the humble stable in Bethlehem where they bore for us the Prince of Peace. Th e third candle represents joy and the shepherds who received the message of the angels proclaiming good news and great joy! We light these candles as a sign of the coming light of Christ. Advent means coming. Musical Response

We give thanks for surprising new visions of hope, for places of peace amidst the chaos, and for experiences of joy among us. Living Christ, give us hope, peace and joy in these days of waiting. Let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Musical Response

PROCESSIONAL HYMN #88“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” VENI EMMANUEL

We Approach God

INVITATION TO CONFESSION Pastor John H. Stanley

PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Collectively)Lord of All Creation, You have formed us for the purpose of glorifying You and enjoying You forever, but we drive ourselves into deserts of our own making. In the places you would fi ll us with good things, we embrace ways that are harmful. We fail to water our faith through worship and study. We fail to tend the gardens of our gift edness in service to You through mission. We let the weeds of busyness, boredom, and entertainment, choke our lives and burden our spirits. We tinsel our hearts and not our trees. Father, forgive us. In this season of delight, help our souls delight in You. Fill us with Your story and Your Spirit for the doing of Your Will. Help us to faithfully await Your Kingdom in Jesus’ name ...(a pause for silent confession)....Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

†GLORIA PATRI 581 “Glory Be to the Father” GREATOREX

We Listen to God’s Word

CHORAL ANTHEM “O Come All Ye Faithful” Chepponis and Carolina Brass

PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Isaiah 61:1-4 page #691 in pew Bible

NEW TESTAMENT LESSON Luke 1:46b-55 page #56 in pew BibleJohn 1:6-8, 19-28 page #91 in pew Bible

Friends, the grass withers, and the fl ower fades,But the Word of the Lord endures forever.Th is is the Word of the Lord.Thanks be to God.

SERMON Rev. Dr. John L. Frye, Jr.

“Toward the New Beginning”

We Respond to God’s Word

LITANY FOR ADVENT Lord God of new beginnings, In the season of our awaiting Your coming King, Grant our Advent prayer:Where there is unrestrained joy, Give us the hope of friends in Christ with whom to share it; Where there is pressing loneliness,

Give us the hope of a community of Christ’s caring people; Where there is growling hunger of body,

Give us the hope of a great banquet with Christ at table’s head; Where there is a craving hunger of mind,

Give us hope of the truth of Christ; Where there is desperate hunger of spirit,

Give us hope of deep belief in Christ; Where there is smoldering anger,

Give us the hope of Christ’s kindness and forgiveness; Where there is hard fear and gnawing anxiety,

Grant the promise of security in Christ; Where there are children of plenty and want,

Give us the hope of coming to Christ; Where the young know innocence and feel rage,

Give us the hope of Christ’s ideals; Where the leaders are noble and leaders are vile,

Grant us the hope of Christ’s wisdom and promise of His leading; Where there is doubt,

Give us faith to see beyond sense and sight some sure sign of Your Kingdom, And where our vision fails to trust Your love that never fails.Be with us now in our hearing and singing, As we make our prayer in Jesus’ name, Amen.

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE Rev. Lauren Sease Vanacore

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Th y name. Th y kingdom come, Th y 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 temptation but deliver us from evil. For Th ine is the kingdome and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.

PRESENTATION OF OUR GIFTS

OFFERTORY Carolina Brass †DOXOLOGY Old Hundredth

†PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

nt,

l raaggee,,

e ville,, d ppprrroommisssee oofff HHiis lllead

hhhttt sooommme ssuuurree siigggnnn ooofff Ylove that never faills

We Bear God’s Word into the World†HYMN OF DISCIPLESHIP #119

“Hark! the Herald Angels Sing” MENDELSSOHN ( with brass)

†LIGHT OF CHRIST BORNE INTO THE WORLD

†CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

Go in peace to love and serve the LORD!Thanks be to God. Alleluia! Alleluia!

†CHORAL RESPONSETh e congregation is asked to remain standing.

†POSTLUDE Carolina Brass

†If you are able, please stand.

Leading worship today are: Rev. Dr. John L. Frye, Jr., Senior Minister;

Rev. Lauren Sease Vanacore, Associate Minister;Pastor John H. Stanley, Minister of Visitation;

Bethany Jennings, Director of Music Ministries,David Jennings, Organist,

the Members of the Sanctuary Choir, Sanctuary Ringersand the Carolina Brass.

Jill Rowe Abernethy The Abernethy Family Bob Adams Tuga Adams Mr. & Mrs. Minor Revere Adams, Jr. Their Family Mrs. A. Douglas Aldrich (Edna Lou) Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey A. Planer Helen & Joseph Barnett Their Family Dr. & Mrs. Marshall R. Barringer The Barringers and the Witherells Giles D. Beal, Jr. His Family Evelyn & B.W. Beasley Malinda & John Lowery Jean Bryant Beverly Bryant Richard J. Bryant Beverly Bryant W. Scott Bryant His Parents, Mary Lewis & Hugh Bryant Martha & Boyd Burrell The Charlie Burrell Family Lucille & Carl Butler Suzanne & Les McLean James B. Call Marian Call and Family James Camp, Sr. Jim Camp & Vera Livesay-Camp Donald E. Carmichael His Family Joseph L. Choate The Matthews Family Joseph L. Choate, Jr. The Matthews Family Ruth Crowell Choate The Matthews Family Warren L. Clark Cindy Clark Mary Armstrong Coffey Mandy, Leslie, Eva and Wade Coffey

Robert A. Cookson Cathleen, Det, Alison & Jim Max Craig His Parents Max Craig Julie & Frank, Sydney, Mallory and Carly Craig

William L. Craig, Jr. His Family Bette Jo & Buddy Culp Cathleen, Det, Alison & Jim Mary Smith Deibler John Frye, Jr. and Family Ellen & Leslie V. Dix Helen & Leslie V. Dix, II Mr. & Mrs. Arthur W. Dunn Julia, Margaret and Wilson Nell Friday Dunn Mary, Arthur and Wilson Nell Friday Dunn Mary & Ernest Sumner Gregory Brian Edwards Sarabeth M. Edwards Mrs. Lillian Edwards Frances & Bill Henry Coy J. Ferris His Children Pat Grigg Fountain Kay & Jim Brown

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS presented to the glory of the coming Christ

in loving memory of by by Jill Rowe Abernethy

Bill AdamsBill AdamsBill AdamsBill Adams

Karen & Simeon AdamsMr. & Mrs. Minor Revere Adams, Jr.

Helen & Joseph BarnettGiles D. Beal, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. B.W. BeasleyKennie Brewer

Jean BryantRichard J. Bryant

W. Scott BryantLucille & Carl Butler

Marian & Jim CallDonald E. Carmichael

Joseph L. ChoateJoseph L. Choate, Jr.

Ruth Crowell ChoateWarren Clark

Mr. & Mrs. A.M. ColterRobert A. Cookson

Max CraigWilliam L. Craig, Jr.Liz and Bill Current

Susanne CurrentBette Jo & Buddy Culp

Dot & Malloy DavisMary Smith Deibler

Mr. & Mrs. Glenn L. DigbyEllen & Leslie V. DixLeslie Carrie Dixon

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur DunnNell Friday DunnNell Friday Dunn

Gregory Brian Edwards

Th e Adams ClanEmily & Hu CraigHis FamilyTh e Adams ClanTh e Worship and Music CommitteePolly & Jeff JasminTh eir FamilyTh eir FamilyHis FamilyMalinda & John LoweryCelia & John FryeBeverly BryantBeverly BryantMary Lewis & Hugh BryantSuzanne & Les McLeanTh eir FamilyHis FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyCindy ClarkDr. & Mrs. Ronald Digby and FamilyCathleen, Det, Alison & JimMom & DadHis FamilyYour Children and GrandchildrenJack, Henry, Trip, George, and WillCathleen, Det, Alison & JimDottie & Marshall LaFarCelia & John Frye and FamilyDr. & Mrs. Ronald Digby and FamilyHelen & Les DixHer FamilyMargaret, Julia and WilsonMary, Arthur and WilsonMary & Ernest SumnerSarabeth Edwards

Rev. C. Arthur & Rosalie Francis Mrs. Iva Garrison Friday

Charles A. Froneberger Lou Hardy & John L. Frye

Nisie Frye Rosa Gardin

Ella H. & W.H. Glenn Mr. & Mrs. Alfred F. Grigg

Dr. & Mrs. Walter D. Hastings, Jr. Barbara Nielsen Henderson Mary & Richard Henderson

Mr. & Mrs. George F. Henry, Jr. James Heywood Henry

Bert Hickson J. W. Hileman

Susan York Hinkle Charles Quinn Huffstetler Octavia E.W. Huffstetler

Reid Neisler Hunnicutt Marie & Boyce Hunt

Eugene W. Hunter Kerry Lamm Jarman

Mary Delia Rankin Jarman & William H. Jarman, Sr. Dr. William H. Jarman, Jr.

R. Manfred Johnston Dr. Weldon Jordan W. Duke Kimbrell W. Duke Kimbrell

Frances & Dan LaFar Elizabeth (Betsy) Lawson

Mr. & Mrs. W.D. Lawson, Jr. Gussie Lee

O’Reilly E. Lipscomb Ann Sparrow Little

Kenneth Wade Little, Jr. Glenn Livesay

Betty & Samuel Love Rev. Jim Lowery

Anne & Paul Maiers

Carol Francis Goode Mary, Arthur and Wilson Becky & Bill Adams and Family John Frye, Jr. and Family John Frye, Jr. and Family Martha Beal Pat & Buck Glenn Kay & Jim Brown The Barringers and the Witherells Lisbet Nielsen Their Family Frances & Bill, Brianne, William and Charles Frances & Bill, Brianne, William and Charles Gloria & Hub Hickson His Family Rissie, Tommy, Baity and York Virginia H. Zeigler Virginia H. Zeigler His Mother Kenley and Pressley Howe Eleanor & B.F. Beasley Dick Jarman Dick Jarman Dick Jarman His Family Sarah, Natalie and Dr. Richard Jordan Dot Kimbrell Pam & Andy Warlick and Family Joyce & Dan LaFar William (Bill) Lawson, III William (Bill) Lawson, III The Matthews Family Beverly Stewart Her Family Sarabeth M. Edwards Martha Livesay and Vera Livesay-Camp Louise Love Keir Malinda & John Lowery Pat & Buck Glenn; Carolyn Maiers

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS presented to the glory of the coming Christ

in loving memory of by Mrs. Lillian Edwards

James P. Falls, Sr.Pat Grigg Fountain

Coy J. FerrisEmily Finley (Nana)

Rev. Arthur & Rosalie FrancisMrs. Iva Garrison Friday

Lou Hardy & John L. FryeDenise Deibler Frye

Rosa GardinElla H. & William H. Glenn

Evelyn & Alfred GriggBarbara Nielsen HendersonMary & Richard Henderson

Mr. & Mrs. George F. Henry, Jr.Mr. James Heyward Henry

Bert HicksonMr. & Mrs. Herbert Hickson, Sr.

Susan York HinkleOctavia & Quinn Huff stetler

Marie & Boyce HuntKerry Lamm Jarman

Mary Rankin & William Henry Jarman, Sr.Dr. William H. Jarman, Jr.

Charles Jarvis; Linda & Dan JarvisVirginia & Rev. Frank Jones

Manfred JohnstonW. Duke KimbrellW. Duke Kimbrell

Frances & Dan LaFarElizabeth "Betsy" Smith Lawson

Mr. & Mrs. William David Lawson, Jr.Gussie Lee

Dr. W.E. Leeper, Jr.Anne & Robert Little

Frances & Bill HenryTeddie FallsKay & Jim BrownHis ChildrenTanya, Morgan, Nathan and Wayne FinleyCarol Francis GoodeMary, Arthur and WilsonCelia & John Frye and FamilyCelia & John Frye and FamilyMartha BealPat & Buck Glenn Kay & Jim BrownLisbet Nielsen, her motherTh eir FamilyFrances, William, Charles, Brianne and Bill HenryFrances, William, Charles, Brianne and Bill HenryGloria & Hub Hickson and FamilyGloria & Hub Hickson and FamilyHer FamilyVirginia H. ZeiglerKenley and Pressley HoweRichard R. Jarman, Jr.Richard R. Jarman, Jr.Richard R. Jarman, Jr.Margaret JarvisMarsha & Jim Jones and FamilyHis FamilyDorothy KimbrellPam & Andy WarlickDottie & Marshall LaFarWilliam D. Lawson IIIWilliam D. Lawson IIITh e Matthews FamilySylvia and Beth LeeperTh eir Family

Elizabeth Robinson Matthews Eugene R. Matthews

James Houston Matthews James Houston Matthews, Jr.

Sarah Matthews Samuel G. McGregor

James H. McKenzie Thelma & L.L. McLean

James Morris Moss Robert T. Moss Gunnar Nielsen

Our Parents Our Parents

Mrs. Lena Peckman Bennie & John Peden

Harold Planer Dan C. Ragan

Sara & Bill Ratchford Ruth & Mart Reid

Don H. Renfro, Sr. Ruth Rice

John Seawell Kathleen Deese Sell

Linda Hill Sell Peggy Berry Sell

Dr. David Hooten Simpson Dr. & Mrs. Frank C. Smith

Mr. Frank C. Smith, Jr. Clara & Bill Sparrow

Mr. & Mrs. Edward Stewart Joe E. Stowe Baker Stuart

James G. (Jim) Stuart Harry L. Sturgis

Carolyn & Harold Sumner Dr. Robert Ernest Sumner

The Matthews Family The Matthews Family The Matthews Family The Matthews Family The Matthews Family Linda L. McGregor Dorothy McKenzie Suzanne & Les McLean His Family His Family Lisbet Nielsen VA & Tom Avery Gloria & Hub Hickson Sarah, Natalie and Dr. Richard Jordan The Charlie Burrell Family Mr. & Mrs. Geoffrey Alan Planer Lillie Bell Ragan Patty & David Ratchford Lil R. Lanier The Renfro Family Beverly Stewart and Michael Lipscomb Sylvia, Emily and Jay Her Family Her Family Her Family Emily, Emmie and Loren William (Bill) Lawson, III William (Bill) Lawson, III Their Family Beverly Stewart and Michael Lipscomb His Family His Family His Family The Renfro Family Mary & Ernest Sumner Beverly & Bobby Sumner, children/grandchildren

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS presented to the glory of the coming Christ

in loving memory of by by Glenn LivesayGlenn Livesay

Betty & Samuel LoveBetty & Samuel LoveRev. Jim LoweryRev. Jim Lowery

Stephen MachugaStephen MachugaAnne & Paul MaiersAnne & Paul Maiers

Betty Choate MatthewsBetty Choate MatthewsElizabeth Robinson MatthewsElizabeth Robinson Matthews

Eugene R. MatthewsEugene R. MatthewsJames Houston MatthewsJames Houston Matthews

James Houston Matthews, Jr.James Houston Matthews, Jr.Sarah MatthewsSarah Matthews

Mr. & Mrs. Grady McCarterMr. & Mrs. Grady McCarterCatherine & William McGerrigleCatherine & William McGerrigle

Mac & Bop McGerrigleMac & Bop McGerrigleJim McKenzieJim McKenzie

Th elma & L.L. McLeanTh elma & L.L. McLeanClyde E. Moss, Jr.Clyde E. Moss, Jr.

Bob NelsonBob NelsonGunnar NielsenGunnar Nielsen

My Parents and GrandparentsMy Parents and GrandparentsOur ParentsOur ParentsOur ParentsOur Parents

Bennie & John PedenBennie & John PedenMr. & Mrs. Daniel Carlise RaganMr. & Mrs. Daniel Carlise Ragan

Ruth & Mart ReidRuth & Mart ReidHelyn B. RobinsonHelyn B. Robinson

Kathleen D. & Charles W. SellKathleen D. & Charles W. SellKathryn E. SellKathryn E. Sell

Linda H. SellLinda H. SellPeggy B. SellPeggy B. Sell

Dr. David Hooten SimpsonDr. David Hooten SimpsonDr. & Mrs. Frank C. SmithDr. & Mrs. Frank C. Smith

Clara & Bill SparrowClara & Bill SparrowBaker StuartBaker Stuart

Glenn LivesayBetty & Samuel Love

Rev. Jim LoweryStephen Machuga

Anne & Paul MaiersBetty Choate Matthews

Elizabeth Robinson MatthewsEugene R. Matthews

James Houston MatthewsJames Houston Matthews, Jr.

Sarah MatthewsMr. & Mrs. Grady McCarter

Catherine & William McGerrigleMac & Bop McGerrigle

Jim McKenzieTh elma & L.L. McLean

Clyde E. Moss, Jr.James Morris Moss

Robert T. MossBob Nelson

Gunnar NielsenMy Parents and Grandparents

Our ParentsOur Parents

Bennie & John PedenMr. & Mrs. Daniel Carlise Ragan

Ruth & Mart ReidHelyn B. Robinson

Kathleen D. & Charles W. SellKathryn E. Sell

Linda H. SellPeggy B. Sell

Dr. David Hooten SimpsonDr. & Mrs. Frank C. Smith

Clara & Bill SparrowBaker Stuart

Dr. Jim Stuart

Vera Livesay-Camp & James Camp, IIILouise Love KeirMalinda & John LoweryMegan, Matt, Alice and Ella ChristenburyPat & Buck Glenn; Carolyn MaiersTh e Matthews FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyTh e Matthews FamilyGloria & Hub Hickson and FamilySharon & John McGerrigleSharon & John McGerrigleDorothy McKenzieSuzanne & Les McLeanSarabeth Moss EdwardsHis FamilyHis FamilyTh e Nelson FamilyLisbet Nielsen, his wifeJudith Th ieleGretchen & Dick AkersVA & Tom AveryLinda & Roger Dixon and FamilyAlice R. WoodLil LanierHolt Robinson and FamilyTh eir FamilyHer FamilyHer FamilyHer FamilyEmily, Emmie and LorenWilliam D. Lawson IIITh eir FamilyHis FamilyHis Family

Boyd W. Tatham Jim L. Taylor

June & G.D. Taylor Marion Ragan Taylor

Maxene & R. Theodore Thiele Maxene Thiele

R. Theodore Thiele Nell & Charles Thompson

Roger Triplett Fred E. Upchurch

Peggy Tate Wallace Roy Warren

Jennie Craig Watson Kitty & Craig Watson

James Rodgers Weichman Elizabeth Matthews Welton Mr. Thomas Eugene Wilson

David L. Wood, Sr. Ann R. Wyatt

Mr. & Mrs. W. J. Yarborough Charles E. Zeigler, Sr.

Nova & Tom Watson Alice T. Arkin Joyce & Dan LaFar Alice T. Arkin Helen & Leslie V. Dix, II Judith M. Thiele Judith M. Thiele Louise Love Keir Cookie & Lance Brenner Margaret Upchurch and Family Erika & Tom, Jessica and Meredith Wallace Edith Warren Nova & Tom Watson; Ann Watson Lineberger Nova & Tom Watson; Ann Watson Lineberger Erika & Tom, Jessica and Meredith Wallace The Matthews Family Beverly & Bobby Sumner, children/grandchildren Alice R. Wood Lil R. Lanier The Renfro Family Virginia H. Zeigler

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS presented to the glory of the coming Christ

in loving memory of by by

Jean StoweCarolyn & Harold SumnerDr. Robert Ernest Sumner

Boyd W. TathamMarion Ragan Taylor

Maxene & R. Th eodore Th ieleNell & Charles Th ompson

Phyllis & Tommy Tucker Roy Warren

Jennie Craig WatsonKitty & Craig Watson

Elizabeth Matthews WeltonMrs. Th omas Eugene WilsonMr. Th omas Eugene Wilson

Jenny & Knox WingetCatherie Voorhees Wood

David L. WoodAnn R. Wyatt

Charles E. Zeigler, Sr.

Emily & Hu CraigMary & Ernest SumnerBeverly & Bobby Sumner and FamilyNova & Tom WatsonAnonymouslyHelen & Les DixLouise Love KeirMarsha & Jim Jones and FamilyEdith WarrenNova & Tom Watson; Ann Watson LinebergerNova & Tom Watson; Ann Watson LinebergerTh e Matthews FamilyBeverly & Bobby Sumner and FamilyBeverly & Bobby Sumner and FamilyBeth, Knox, Caroline, Shelton and SarahBarbara & Dick VoorheesAlice R. WoodLil LanierVirginia Zeigler

Nana & Poppy Barringer Martha Beal

Beebo & Pop Elizabeth McLean Brown & Matthew Brown

Ruby & Harry Bryant Our Children

Betty Cookson Frank Craig

Dr. E.C. Deibler Shirley & Don Eifert

Coleman Efird Elizabeth, David and Mary Stewart

Emily & Hu, Meredith & Austin First Presbyterian Church Ministers

First Presbyterian Ministers, Staff/Congregation First Presbyterian Church Singers and Ringers

First Presbyterian Church Singers and Ringers Jennifer Lowery Gibson and AnnaGrace Gibson

Grandchildren: Clete and Saylor Grandchildren: Rebecca, Cullen and Greyson

Grandchildren: Wynton, Cecelia and Walker Bethany Jennings Bethany Jennings

Bethany Jennings and David Jennings David Jennings

Wyatt Clements Keeny

Meredith and Marshall Witherell Cathleen, Det, Alison & Jim Elizabeth, David, Mary Stewart, Larkin, Thomas Suzanne & Les McLean Rissie & Tommy and Family Betty & Charlie Burrell Cathleen, Det, Alison & Jim Julie, Sydney, Mallory and Carly John Frye and Family Malinda & John Lowery Elizabeth, David, Mary Stewart and Tim Mom and Dad Julie & Frank, Sydney, Mallory & Carly Suzanne & Les McLean The Barringers and the Witherells Anonymous Suzanne & Les McLean Malinda & John Lowery Dick Jarman “Pop Pop” Eleanor & B.F. Beasley Louise Love Keir “Mimi” The Sanctuary Ringers Barbara Yarbrough Suzanne & Les McLean Barbara Yarbrough GiGi & Numpsie

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS presented to the glory of the coming Christ

in loving honor of by Martha Beal

Beebo & PopEmmie, John, Caroline & Katie Bowyer

Cookie BrennerRuby & Harry Bryant

James Camp, Jr.Sandy & Harold Clemmer

Myrtle Brewer ComerDr. E.C. Deibler

Helen Dix, AccompanistHelen Dix, AccompanistHelen Dix, AccompanistHelen Dix, Accompanist

Coleman Efi rdDavid Efi rd

Th e Lewis Efi rd FamilyTh e Tim Efi rd FamilyShirley & Don Eifert

Elizabeth, David and Mary StewartFirst Presbyterian Church Pastors and Staff

Grandchildren: Clete, Saylor and WadeGrandchildren: Wynton, Cecelia and Walker

Jennifer Lowery Gibson and AnnagraceMontez Harris

Allison & Kenny HoweRebecca & Ken Howe

Margaret W. Jarvis

Cathleen, Det, Alison & JimElizabeth, David, Larkin, Mary Stewart and Th omasTootieWorship and Music CommitteeTh eir FamilyVera Livesay-Camp & James Camp, IIIAllison & Kenny Howe and FamilyCelia & John FryeCelia & John Frye and FamilyAnonymouslyChildren's ChoirPresbyterian WomenPWS KidsElizabeth, David and Mary StewartTh e Adams FamilyAnne & Tom Efi rdAnne & Tom Efi rdMalinda & John LoweryMom & DadEsther NelsonRichard R. Jarman, Sr.Louise Love Keir "Mimi"Malinda & John LoweryCathy & Donald ParrottKenley and Pressley HoweAllison & Kenny Howe and FamilySharon Jarvis Moss

Kenley, Pressley, Megan and Kyle Allison & Kenny Howe Martha Livesay Jim and Vera Livesay-Camp Erika, Jacob, Jayne and Johnathan Lowery Malinda & John Lowery

Malinda B. Lowery John Lowery; Children and Grandchildren Elizabeth W. & Tripp McLean Suzanne & Les McLean William Davidson McLean Suzanne & Les McLean Charles and Wallace McMillan Becky & Bill Adams Presbyterian Weekday School Kindergarten Students of PWS Richard Rankin Patty & David Ratchford Amy & Marsh, Davis, Ben and Reilly Spencer Barbara & Ottie Spencer Sara Carter & Matt, McCarthy and Porter Spencer Barbara & Ottie Spencer Betsy Summer Sylvia Seawell Mrs. Robert Ernest Sumner Beverly & Bobby Sumner, children/grandchildren Nell C. Tatham Nova & Tom Watson Alice & Jim Thompson Page & Lee Carver Margaret D. Upchurch Virginia H. Zeigler

Mary P. Weichman Erika & Tom, Jessica and Meredith Wallace Mrs. Thomas Eugene Wilson Beverly & Bobby Sumner, children/grandchildren Tobin Page Zeigler Great-Grandmother “Ma”

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS presented to the glory of the coming Christ

in loving honor of by

The Sanctuary, Chapel, Fellowship Hall and Memorial Gallery are beautifully adorned throughout the Advent, Christmastide and Epiphany Seasons.

Poinsettias may be collected following worship on Sunday, January 8, 2017.

Bethany Jennings, Director of MusicBethany Jennings, Director of MusicBethany Jennings, Director of Music

David Jennings, OrganistDavid Jennings, Organist

Kenley, Pressley, Megan and KyleDonna Kerns, Receptionist

Martha LivesayErika, Jacob, Jayne, Josie Kate and Johnathan Lowery

Lisa MarisiddaiahJosie Miller

Rodney Owens, Facilities ManagerPresbyterian Weekday School

James RuaneNancy & Jim Ruane

Our many friends at First Presbyterian ChurchTrip Stewart, Information Specialist

Mrs. Robert Ernest SumnerNell C. Tatham

Margaret Dunn UpchurchMargaret Dunn UpchurchIsabelle & Stephen White

Kimberly, Meredith, Marshall and Tim WitherellAnita & Charlie Zeigler

Tobin, Elizabeth & Austin ZeiglerVA

Virginia Jeanne ZeiglerWallace and Charles

AnonymouslyHelen & Les DixSanctuary RingersAnonymouslyHelen & Les DixAllison & Kenny HoweAnonymouslyVera Livesay-Camp & James Camp, IIIMalinda & John LoweryEdith WarrenTh e Newcombe FamilyAnonymouslyKindergarten ClassVirginia H. ZeiglerVirginia H. ZeiglerTh e Adams FamilyAnonymouslyBeverly & Bobby Sumner and FamilyNova & Tom WatsonArthur, Mary and WilsonVirginia H. ZeiglerVirginia H. ZeiglerTina & Don BarringerVirginia H. ZeiglerVirginia H. ZeiglerTom AveryVirginia H. ZeiglerMimi

Th e Sanctuary, Chapel, Fellowship Hall and Memorial Gallery are beautifullyadorned throughout the Advent, Christmastide, and Epiphany Seasons.

Poinsettias may be collected following worship on Sunday, January 7, 2018.

Worship for Christmas and New Year’sJoin us to celebrate the birth of Christ!

Christmas Pageant December 17 at 5 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

4th Sunday Advent Worship December 24 at 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Childcare will be provided for infants through Kindergarten.

Christmas Eve Festival of Light December 24 at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary

Childcare will be provided for infants through Kindergarten.

Candlelight CommunionDecember 24 at 11 p.m. in the Chapel

New Year’s EveDecember 31 at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall

Childcare will be provided for infants through Kindergarten.No Sunday School for children and youth. Some adult classes may meet.

Christmas Joy Off ering: Th is morning we collect the Christmas Joy Off ering, a national off ering of the PC(USA). By giving to the Christmas Joy Off ering you provide assistance to current and retired church workers in their time of need and help the development of our future leaders at Presbyterian-related racial ethnic schools and colleges.

In January we will collect non-perishable food items for Crisis Assistance Ministry (CAM). Look for baskets near the entrances where you can bring these items to help our neighbors.

For a full list of church activities and announcements, please visit our website: www.fpgastonia.org.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH1621 E. GARRISON BOULEVARDGASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA

704.864.2651 • www.fpcgastonia.org