Bulletin - December 5th, 2021
NCPC Sunday Morning Worship Service
December 5, 2021
Immanuel
From the squalor of a borrowed stable, by the Spirit and the virgin’s faith, to the anguish and the shame of scandal, came the Savior of the human race. But the skies were filled with the praise of heav’n. Shepherds listen as the angels tell of the gift of God come down to man, at the dawning of Immanuel.
King of heaven now the Friend of sinners, humble Servant in the Father’s hands, filled with power and the Holy Spirit, filled with mercy for the broken man. Yes, He walked my road, and He felt my pain, joys and sorrows that I know so well; yet His righteous steps give me hope again. I will follow my Immanuel.
Through the kisses of a friend’s betrayal, He was lifted on a cruel cross. He was punished for a world’s transgression; He was suffering to save the lost. He fights for breath, He fights for me, loosing sinners from the claims of hell; and, with a shout our souls are free; death defeated by Immanuel.
Now He’s standing in the place of honor, crowned with glory on the highest throne, interceding for His own beloved ’til His Father calls to bring them home. Then the skies will part as the trumpet sounds hope of heaven or the fear of hell. But the Bride will run to her Lover’s arms, giving glory to Immanuel.
Words and music by Stuart Townend; 1999, ThankYou Music; CCLI #387777
Call to Worship/Prayer of Invocation
In the Bleak Midwinter
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan; earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone. Snow had fallen snow on snow, snow on snow; in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Our God heav’n cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; heav’n and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign. in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed, the Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.
Angels and archangels may have gathered there; cherubim and seraphim thronged the air. But His mother only, in her maiden bliss, worshipped the Beloved with a kiss.
What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb. If I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what can I give Him? Give my heart.
Words by Christina Georgina Rossetti and music by Gustav Theodore Holst; public domain; CCLI License # 387777
The First Noel / Above All
The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.
Chorus: Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.
They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night. Chorus
Above all powers, above all kings, above all nature and all created things; above all wisdom and all the ways of man, You were here before the world began.
Above all kingdoms, above all thrones, above all wonders the world has ever known; above all wealth and treasure of the earth, there’s no way to measure what You’re worth. Chorus
(The First Novel) Words and music are from a traditional English Carol; public domain. (Above All) Words by Lenny LeBlanc and music by Paul Baloche 1999, LenSongs Publishing / ASAP and Integrity’s Hosanna! Music / ASAP; CCLI License #387777
Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Pastor Tim Dryden
Corporate Confession of Sin
Kevin Berlin, Ruling Elder
Father, we confess that we often do not live as if we were raised to new life as we have been through the resurrection of Your Son, living in the certain knowledge of Your great mercy and love. Distracted by the world around us we fail to hear Your voice, or hide when faith is challenged as we wander off the path. Forgive us, we pray; restore the love that we first had, a faith that can endure. Keep our eyes fixed on You, Lord, and with You at our right hand we shall not be shaken. We ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Morning Prayer
(Dismissal for Children’s Worship for Age 4 through Kindergarten.)
Christmas Offering (** You Can Give by Text: Text "Give" to 757-500-8680. **)
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star, while angels sang to lowly shepherds; three wise men seeking truth traveled from afar hoping to find the child from heaven; falling on their knees, they bowed before the humble Prince of Peace.
Chorus: I bring an offering of worship to my King; no one on earth deserves the praises that I sing; Jesus, may You receive the honor that You’re due; oh Lord, I bring an offering to You. I bring an offering to You.
The sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love; there is no shadow in Your presence; no mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne, before the Holy One of heaven; it’s only by Your blood, it’s only through Your mercy, Lord, I come. Chorus
We bring an offering to You.
Words and music by Paul Baloche; 2003, Integrity’s Hosanna! Music; CCLI License # 387777
Hymn No. 735
Gloria Patri
Scripture Reading
John 4:27-42 (Pew Bible pg. 889)
Sermon
Revival That Is Finger-Licking Good
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
New Covenant welcomes all baptized Christians who have forsaken their sin and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, and who are members of congregations that proclaim the Gospel, to receive the Lord’s Supper with us. Individuals pick up their elements from the tables in the sanctuary or in the fellowship hall and wait to eat together as a family meal. Gluten free bread is provided.
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence (During Communion)
Come, thou Long-Expected Jesus (Hymn No. 196)
Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; from our fears and sins release us; let us find our rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art, dear Desire of ev’ry nation, joy of ev’ry longing heart.
Joy to those who long to see Thee, Day-spring from on high, appear; come, Thou promised Rod of Jesse, of Thy birth we long to hear! O’er the hills the angels singing news, glad tiding of a birth: “Go to Him, your praises bringing; Christ the Lord has come to earth.”
Come to earth to taste our sadness, He whose glories knew no end; by His life He brings us gladness, our Redeemer, Shepherd, Friend. Leaving riches without number, born within a cattle stall; this the everlasting wonder, Christ was born the Lord of all.
Born Thy people to deliver, born a Child and yet a King, born to reign in us forever, now Thy gracious kingdom bring. By Thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone; by Thine all sufficient merit, raise us to Thy glorious throne.
Words and music by Ken Bible, Rowland Hugh Prichard, and Charles Wesley; 1998, Pilot Point Music, CCLI License # 387777
Postlude
He Shall Reign Forevermore
Announcements
** Please contact Josh at josh.escamilla@newcovenantpca.org if you are interested in being a part of the praise band or sharing a Christmas musical piece on your own in our Christmas Music Program on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.
** Choir rehearsal TONIGHT at 5 p.m. in the sanctuary for teens and adults who would like to sing for the Christmas program on December 19. Contact Bob Essmann for details 757-560-4912.
** Join us for a Night of Worship! We will gather & sing together in the Fellowship Hall from 7-8 p.m. this Wednesday, Dec. 8. Any worship song suggestions can be emailed to josh.escamilla@newcovenantpca.org.
** Singtime Immediately After Worship, Preschool Through 5th grade, Learning Center in Children’s Ministry Wing.
** Sunday School Classes TODAY. Preschool through 5th grade in the Children’s Ministry Wing; Middle & High School Class in the Green Room; College & Career Class (Let Us Biblically Worship) in Classroom A; Heaven Class in Classroom B; and I & II Thessalonians Class in the Fellowship Hall.
** Ladies, you are invited to the Annual Ladies’ Christmas Ornament Exchange at Margaret Elliott’s home (333 Preservation Reach, Chesapeake 23320) next Saturday, Dec. 11, 2-4 p.m. Please bring a new wrapped ornament and a plate of something savory or sweet to share. We look forward to a great time of fun and fellowship together! Contact Margaret with any questions at 757-897-7374. We hope you can join us for this festive event!
** A Weekly Prayer Group meets Fridays from 1-2 p.m. at the church! Contact Sharon Nadlicki at 757-965-9178 for further information.
** Our ESL ministry needs volunteers to help in various ways. NO previous experience or knowledge of a foreign language is needed! Please contact Mark Leech (703-338-3951, mjleech@hotmail.com) for more info. Classes are Tuesday nights from 7-9 p.m.
** Community Groups & Women’s Bible Studies. Check out the info table in the narthex for details.
** Visit Our Website at www.newcovenantpca.org for information about our church – if you want to plug in at the church, you can do so through New Covenant Connect on the site.
** Are You Getting Texts & Emails Through Flocknote? If not, text please to 84576.
Pick up the Advent Devotional Unwrapping the Names of Jesus in the narthex for your family’s use during this season… .
What’s Happening at New Covenant During December?
Wednesday, December 8, 7 pm Night of Worship in the fellowship hall - a time of singing to the Lord
Saturday, December 11, 2-4 pm Ladies Ornament Exchange at Margaret Elliott’s home
Sunday, December 12 Singtime Children help lead singing in worship
Sunday, December 19 Congregational Meeting to present 2022 budget, following worship
Sunday, December 19, 6 pm Christmas Music Program
Friday, December 24, 5 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Friday, December 31, 7 pm New Year’s Eve Prayer and Praise